Kean University Enters One-year Anniversary of Remote Learning

By Christian Grullon|Published by March 31, 2021

One year after Kean University moved to online, hybrid and remote learning due to the COVID 19 pandemic, students had mixed reactions about learning.

Remote learning had been recently extended to March 1st because of the outbreak. The university has been operating remotely since the Spring 2020 semester. 

"Cougar Restart Guide" Via Kean University Website

“Cougar Restart Guide”
Via Kean University Website

Students and staff have been going about their classes online and hybrid since the outbreak. Assignments and tasks have been given online as well along with discussion questions. Blackboard Collaborate and even the Zoom app have been used for staff and students to go about their classes and also some classes were offered for the hybrid phase as well.

“I think discussion boards got better but I am honestly missing the normalcy of just using the library and seeing people in class,” Chevon Williams, a junior majoring in Political Science and History Pre-Law, said.

Jasmine Taylor, a sophomore, said she is tired of remote learning, but she is ‘trying to play it safe’.

Cecilia Torres, a sociology sophomore, said that although she is not the ‘biggest fan’ of remote learning, and that she’d rather be ‘safe at home than be back on campus too soon’.

Kesi Alejandro, a Senior majoring in Political Science, said remote education will benefit students ‘in terms of prioritizing health concerns.’

Senior Criminal Justice Major John Paul said that he’s ‘loving the remote classes.’

The University was originally going to start the hybrid phase in mid-February but the University had extended the remote phase because of the COVID-19 outbreak. The semester is scheduled to end on May 5.

"Return to Campus" Via Kean University website

“Return to Campus”
Via Kean University website

Professor Oleh George Kolodiy said “For the courses I teach do not require a whole lot of discussion so remote learning is really good”.

Kolodiy however said that as far as labs remote is not so good and that he ‘would rather have live labs.’

Gabriella Lapointe, President of the Graduate & Part Time Student Council said that she thinks remote learning has become second nature at this point and that ‘everyone has made the necessary adjustments to continue working and upholding our typical responsibilities’. 

The transition to remote was announced through e-mail on March 16, 2020 in order to follow social distancing guidelines, lines and keep students and staff safe from COVID-19 risk. No plans have yet been announced on whether the Fall semester will be remote or in-person.


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