Kean faculty adjusts to the remote classroom

By Chelsey Jaipersaud | Published by October 7, 2020

The impact of the coronavirus has led to students and faculty adjusting to a new learning environment at home. Kean has developed their own restart plan where the use of Blackboard Collaborate, a learning management system, has been embedded into lesson plans and the overall structure of each course offered.

Kean faculty spent the summer designing their course and planning what will work best for their students. Faculty did receive one week training to provide instruction through Blackboard, but there was no former training.

Under specific directives Faculty is required to use Blackboard for live lectures, discussions and assignments.

According to Kean’s Restart Plan “all courses have been converted to ensure effective instruction for remote learning and to meet quality standards established by Kean University’s School of Online Education, using the Blackboard Learning Management System”.

The courses offered at Kean are each very diverse and some may not follow a typical structure.

“Initially the faculty were not at all consulted about what a remote class should look like, we were basically all told this is exactly how you’re all going to do it,” Craig Donovan, President of the University Senate said.

Different classes require different methods and styles of teaching. Courses such as World Literature and World History offer an opening for discussion while an Organic Chemistry class may not leave much room for discussion.

“A one size fits all is not a good solution,” Donovan said.

Kean’s Vice President of Academic Affairs, Suzanne Bousquet, eventually put out a directive that stated how it should be up to the individual faculty to determine the best way for them to design their classes remotely. Unfortunately, this was after faculty completed their course conversions with material that was required for the Fall semester.

Professors who have more knowledge working with Blackboard and this online lifestyle have offered to assist others. Professor Marguerite Mayhall is leading a teaching and learning group for faculty interested in improving their teaching online.

“What I envision is focused workshops on practical solutions and tips to teaching effectively online,” Mayhall said.

This shift created a more draining environment for the faculty. Throughout the week professors are sitting at their computers for several hours teaching, answering emails, offering office hours and grading.

“Zoom fatigue does exist,” Mayhall said.

According to Mayhall, Faculty members are feeling exhausted mentally and physically. Remote instruction comes with distractions and learning how to work with your surroundings. Keeping yourself motivated enough to organize yourself is a priority under the circumstances many are in.

Building connections between a student and professor is part of the in class experience. Professors are able to better understand and work with students who need the extra help. There is a loss of creating a community because of limitations and what works best for a remote class.

“I miss seeing my students in person,” Mayhall said.

The pandemic that struck this year left many having to learn and adjust to everything thrown at a rapid pace. Should remote learning continue, many are hoping for Kean University and the administration to find better ways to involve the faculty and listen to their suggestions.

“The problem with what we’re doing this semester is a short-term issue, hopefully we can make some tweaks for the next semester,” Donovan said.

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