Amanda Smith
Editor-in-Chief
With the college being closed because of Covid-19, all Butler classes transitioned into an online format. This has not only been challenging for students to adjust to, but for instructors as well. Spring Break was extended one week in order for instructors to organize their material onto the new platform.
For Professor of Early Childhood Education Sue Barrientos, moving the materials onto Canvas, the online platform that Butler uses, was not the most difficult part of the transition, but the lack of physical interaction is her bigger concern.
“The most difficult part of going online with classes is not seeing my students every day,” Barrientos said. ”I don’t teach online because I like to get to know students personally, and I like to see them.”
Instead of in-person discussions, many instructors have resorted to Canvas discussion boards, and in some cases, Zoom meetings. With Zoom, instructors are able to host a class meeting with all of their students in a video call. Using the app or website, users are then able to share materials and use a whiteboard or other features.
Professor of Biology Melissa Elliott expressed through a Facebook comment that though Zoom has some disadvantages, she remains positive through the change, noting that “in most cases, it’s been pretty seamless.”
“Getting information to students through Zoom has been relatively effective,” Elliott said. “There have been a few hiccups with internet issues, but all in all, we got this. I can’t wait to see my students face to face.”
With campus being closed, the EduCare also closed, its last day of operation being Friday, March 20. Since then, staff members have been keeping touch with their students virtually. They do this by sharing videos of themselves leading circle time and engaging in various activities.
Although students may feel stressed during this time, most instructors will be understanding through the process and will help their students work through it.
“Do whatever you need to do to get motivated to ‘get ‘er done,’” Barrientos said. “We don’t have much of the semester left so make the best of your investment. We are willing to work with you.”