Adaptations to Online Learning Impact More than Just Students

Many individuals are frustrated with the switch to online school. A large portion of university students have become unmotivated to complete work but, what hasn’t been realized is that professors are also struggling with this change. 

Even though their job is to educate you, it doesn’t make the switch to online learning easier for them. One engineering professor from the University of Prince Edward Island, Dr. Sheldon White says, “instead of teaching material and planning courses how you normally do, this year professors are creating the material in an online format of what they should teach based off what’s available to teach remotely.” 

When asked if he thought students were being negatively impacted by online learning, he believed so. “In some cases, yes. Different professors use alternative methods of deliveries for course material that some students struggle with or have a living situation that isn’t compatible with that.” He says. 

These factors are hard for both student and professor. One way Dr. White has helped his students is by being flexible with due dates and being fast at answering emails. “I think it’s best if we can all be flexible and patient at this time and support each other as much as possible.” he says. 

With everyone adapting to online school professors now have their everyday lives mixed in with their work life. Working around completely new obstacles such as, working from alternative locations, sharing workspaces with family, and even bad internet. Meanwhile, up to a few hundred students are depending on your Zoom class or a fast response to their questions. 

As an example, Dr. White currently has construction happening on the outside of his house making his workspace at home extremely noisy and much more difficult to focus.  

“I was in a faculty meeting yesterday and kept having to switch to less noisy rooms depending on where the workers were at.” Dr. White says.

One of Dr. White’s most substantial transitions to online teaching was creating labs for students without the hands-on aspect. “I describe an experiment in as much detail as I could so that the students could follow through it and prepare a lab report.” he says. The students unfortunately don’t get the hands-on part but, “At least we’re linking theories to experiments.” He says.  

Engineering involves multiple labs and hands-on activities, but professors have been forced to find replacements for their regular classes. Which also hinders the experience to all students but, it is the best option available right now. 

Now that one full semester has almost gone by, hopefully the professors and students gained positive experiences and have adapted to the learning curve as it appears it could continue for a long period of time.

Since online learning is the reality moving forward, it’s safe to say good communication, patience, and flexibility will be essential between professors and students to make the most out of the situation until in-person classes can be held once again.