I pour my heart and soul into my studies, ensuring all my work is completed on time and to the best of my ability. I dedicate hours to preparing for my classes, striving for academic excellence. Yet, my grades take a hit—not because of a lack of understanding or effort, but because I apparently don't "interact" enough in my online courses. Like many, I chose online education hoping to minimize unnecessary social interaction, intending only to engage when help is needed. However, this system penalizes those like me, who excel in understanding and commitment, but prefer to focus on the academic content rather than social quotas.

In today's digital era, online learning has become an indispensable part of education, especially for college students in Michigan. However, the integration of engagement as a grading criterion is causing unnecessary distress among students who prefer or, due to various reasons, need an online mode of education. For introverted students or those balancing multiple responsibilities, the pressure to constantly interact in online forums can be overwhelming. Education should be inclusive and understanding of diverse student needs, not forcing interactions that detract from what truly matters—academic learning.

Multiple studies have highlighted that learning outcomes are more dependent on the content quality and teaching methodology rather than the level of student interaction in forums. Notably, a survey by the American Journal of Distance Education reports that 65% of students feel engagement grading adds unnecessary stress without enhancing understanding of the course material.

This petition calls upon Michigan's educational administrators and policymakers to reconsider this grading practice. We urge the removal of engagement as a grading component in online courses, allowing students to be evaluated solely on their intellectual merit and mastery of course contents. Instead of forcing interaction, educational institutions could offer optional engagement opportunities for those who desire them, without making it a compulsory grading criterion.

Sign this petition to support a more equitable and less stressful online educational environment for all Michigan students. Advocate for academic evaluation that genuinely reflects students' understanding and effort without the undue burden of enforced social interaction. Your support can bring about necessary change in Michigan's educational policies.