By: Melinda Hutson

Melinda Hutson — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 19:18:37 +0000

This was an interesting post. One of the things that struck me while reading the students comments is how those comments echo what I’m hearing from the instructors in our SAC. Our SAC has had weekly “coffee hours” available to the instructor in our SAC each term since Spring. I’ve heard numerous comments from our instructors about how stressed they are feeling; I was particularly concerned after hearing from a PT instructor in our SAC that remote learning had “ramped up” their depression to the point that they’d briefly considered suicide. From conversations with our faculty, it appears that everyone in our SAC is trying (and struggling) to be lenient and accommodating. One instructor told me that they were stressed out about grading, as they had to choose between giving students prompt feedback and risking overlooking late submissions or delaying grading until they were sure all assignments had been turned (which adds stress to many students who need/expect prompt feedback); that instructor felt they were in a “no win” situation. I co-taught a class with another instructor last term, and we had regular Zoom meetings to discuss aspects of the class. During the term, this instructor Zoomed from various rooms in his house (including the kitchen) and from inside his car. He was interrupted many times by his dog (loud barking) and during one meeting by one of his children (who needed the computer he was using for class). As I thought about the post, particularly the “offer Zoom office hours”, I realized that some of our instructors are facing the same challenges as our students regarding finding a quiet, private location in which to speak with students (synchronous instruction and office hours). I know that my Zoom office hours have occasionally had a “drop-in” by my spouse or one of my children asking a question, which disrupts any conversation I’m having with a student, and causes me concerns about privacy issues. The best way to teach an online or remote class is from a computer in one’s office on campus. Hopefully we’ll be doing this next Fall.

Comments on: Quickpoll Results: Overall, how is remote learning going for you?

By: Melinda Hutson