Professors and students adapt to online learning
Students and professors continue to adjust to virtual learning for the remainder of the semester. Photo by TeroVesalainen on BigStock
By Faith Foushee
Digital Media Editor
On March 6, many High Point University students left campus for spring break, not knowing how much could change in a week. Students traveled to their home states and with friends on vacations. On March 12, students and their families received an email from Campus Concierge that announced a week-long extension of spring break. This email indicated classes would resume online on March 23.
HPU President Nido Qubein emailed students on March 20 to inform students and their families of HPU’s plans.
“Because of these unprecedented circumstances surrounding public health and the coronavirus, we will continue to hold all classes online for undergraduate students and most graduate students for the remainder of the spring semester,” said Qubein.
Every professor teaches slightly differently, and students have a variety of learning styles. Professors and students alike are having to adapt to a new way of learning in their homes. There are many obstacles in the switch to online learning. Being in the comfort of their homes is a challenge for both students and professors.
“Since I’ve been home, I’ve tried to stay on top of my work and have some kind of schedule,” said HPU freshman Maddie Whitaker. “Otherwise, I would procrastinate, and nothing would get done. Staying on top of my work also allows me to ask teachers questions early, which I know they appreciate.”
Professor of Communication Brian Heagney explained how he is juggling work and being home with his young children.
“My days now consist of helping my own children through their online classrooms, figuring out what their assignments are, how to access content, how to complete their homework and how to submit,” said Heagney. “I also have a four-year-old that I’m keeping occupied.”
In addition to spending time with family, Heagney has adapted his work time frame.
“I do work for my classes from about 10 p.m. until 4-5 a.m., seven days a week.”
There are many online tools available for professors to use, including video conferencing applications like Blackboard Collaborate, Webex and Zoom.
Larry Quinn, HPU Department Chair of Marketing and Sales, Director of the Professional Selling Program, Sales Professional in Residence and Assistant Professor of Marketing, tries to keep his classes interactive by using Blackboard Collaborate.
“I added an opening warm-up session for silly laughs, asking students to turn on the camera to show everyone what they’re eating,” said Quinn.
Blackboard Collaborate can also be used for students to break into small groups for discussions.
Professors and students are learning new skills and have found other ways to stay entertained while at home.
HPU junior Keith Hammond said, “I have learned to do several magic tricks, as I found an old magic kit in my boredom, and I can say it’s all about misdirection.”
The university continues to provide helpful programs and tools for students and employees to utilize while working from home.
Whitaker has made use of the HPU REC videos.
“I have been trying to exercise every day,” said Whitaker. “I run, walk or do a Zoom class that HPU REC films.”
Quinn also tries to exercise daily.
“After classes, I go for a four-mile power walk alone and send screenshots of my steps to other professor friends who are doing the same,” Quinn said. “Always alone, yet always connected to smiling friends.”
Staying positive may be a difficult task sometimes, but there is an abundance of encouragement from peers or faculty.
“Look for the positive,” said Quinn. “It is all around us. Stay happy, relax and let the helping hands flow both directions. Look for God’s hand in all of this. The signs are right in front of us.”
Stay up to date with resources for online books and textbooks, campus activities, campus operations and other resources from the Campus Concierge emails and by following @highpointu and @hpucat on Instagram.