2021 Education magazine

Page 14 2021 Education Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS February 18, 2021 Lincoln College Interim Dean of Instruction and Faculty Karin Wright also shared some positives she has seen throughout the pandemic: “While facing organizational and technological challenges, the pandemic has given us an opportunity to look at education with fresh eyes. It allows us to approach every aspect of college with innovation. We have had to retrain ourselves with technology and course design, reminding us of what it is like to be a student.” Former LC Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs Michelle Baldwin, who has recently transitioned back to teaching, feels the college handled the shifts well. Baldwin observed, “In higher education, we are so accustomed to strategic planning with best practices in mind; however, our current situation left us planning for a less than ideal situation filled with uncertainty and unknowns. However, we were able to carry-on, doing our best to keep the college’s students, faculty and staff safe while still serving our mission.” She said, “I am very proud of the faculty, staff and students who have persevered. I am also proud of our leadership who has kept the safety of the Lincoln College community as its top priority as we serve our students.” When many colleges began the 2020-2021 school year, hybrid learning became the norm. Some believe this model will bring continued benefits and become fundamental to education. Students must become more independent, but instructors can use in class sessions to remind students of expectations and answer questions in person. For the online element of the course, most research shows professors use chat groups, video meetings and document sharing through various online platforms. These meetings can enhance in class learning and student engagement as some students being more likely to ask questions online. Lincoln College student Cherokee Pendergrass said instructors having virtual meetings and office hours provided a good way to communicate and ask questions. She often found it better than just emailing them. The online tools used by instructors also enhance student learning and participation. For instance, students may feel more comfortable asking questions online than in a face-to-face meeting. Online discussion boards allow for extended dialogue about classroom topics, helping students better understand the topic. When Lincoln College had to go remote last fall, student Carla Gutierrez-Anaya said she found the online meetings helpful when she had questions or doubts, though sometimes a bad connection caused problems. She has found most teachers to be very dedicated and understanding and appreciates all the readily accessible sources the school provides. An article by Brandman University on “Five benefits of hybrid learning for adults going Continued p