As expected, a student’s normal way of life has changed a lot due to COVID-19. This includes but is not limited to how students take part in academic curriculum. There have been multiple mechanisms set up to allow students to still take part in a live class experience no matter what their circumstance is as long as they have access to wifi. This is a really amazing benefit that allows for students and staff to still take part in a quality academic experience. But this great tool has had some effects that may have not been forecasted when implemented. Due to the nature and the severity of the virus, all precautions are being met in order to allow the University to continue offering courses, but are those precautions being exploited?
“I think most students are pretty responsible and do their best to prioritize both academic dedication and safety.” said Junior Megan van Greunen. “That being said of course, there will always be those who try to take advantage of loop holes.” One of those loopholes is the policy that allows students to attend class online if they prefer. This means that if students desire they can attend class without being in person. This has resulted in a lack of involvement from those who are attending online, either because of technological difficulties or because of a lack of focused attention. Students are now able to walk away or do other things while still being “in class”, and this has especially been difficult for professors.
“It definitely makes things more difficult sometimes,” said Milligan Digital Media Professor Karahan Kiser, “When students are online it is much more difficult to problem solve and troubleshoot. That’s a big part of what my courses are centered around!”
It is important that the school offer ways that students can continue to pursue their education, and similar to normal academic practices there will be some students who take it more seriously than others. That being said though there has been significantly in person smaller class sizes and throughout the semester more students have begun attending class online more frequently. Having access to online education in the midst of a global pandemic is such an amazing resource, and like anything people will use it differently, but tools like Zoom and Canvas have allowed Milligan to continue to provide an excellent education during a global crisis.