[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.4.3″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.3″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.3″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”4.4.3″ src=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/campus-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2018\/04\/Kelsa-Katzfey-21-2.jpg” hover_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro Text” _builder_version=”4.4.3″ hover_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
To say that we\u2019ve experienced a lot of change as students in the past few months would be an understatement.<\/p>\n
We\u2019ve watched the most unconventional graduation to date. We\u2019ve social distanced and attended classes virtually.<\/p>\n
For some of you, it may have caused some disappointment or even some uncertainty about your collegiate future.<\/p>\n
You probably have a lot of questions\u2014 I do too.<\/p>\n
When I heard that some of my classes at Winona State would be hybrid or completely online, I couldn\u2019t help but anticipate an entirely new college learning experience.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve always had in-person classes during my two years at WSU, plus my share of labs, lecture-style classes, and seminars. In fact, I took my first online class this past semester \u2013 not the best circumstances to try out a new learning style. Yes, it was challenging and not something I signed up for but nonetheless I\u2019m more prepared for this semester.<\/p>\n
Here are 4 reasons why I am embracing this distinctive upcoming semester at WSU.<\/p>\n
It is almost as if WSU is getting a complete transformation. Faculty and staff have all been working their hardest these last few months to plan and revise instructional techniques from last semester to make Fall 2020 so much better.<\/p>\n
They have been working with WSU\u2019s TLT department to more training to be well-prepared for distance and hybrid learning in a variety of ways.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.4.3″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.4.3″][et_pb_blurb title=”Designing Online Classes Differently” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”%%176%%” admin_label=”Class Design Blurb” _builder_version=”4.4.3″ hover_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Changing the design of the class can make a huge difference.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re a front-row kind of student, you may appreciate your professor\u2019s class zoom meetings where you can be walked through a problem in real time.<\/p>\n
Or if you\u2019re a do-it-on-your-own-time kind of student, you may appreciate the fact that your professor can self-publish a video using Kaltura Kapture<\/a> to send out an assignments ahead of time so you can do it your own pace.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Making Documents Accessible” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”%%97%%” admin_label=”Accessible Documents Blurb” _builder_version=”4.4.3″ hover_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n The goal is to use D2L Brightspace and other online programs to collect assignments in an easy and organized way.<\/p>\n You can even use your phone with the Microsoft Office Lens<\/a> app to upload written work and that way, your professors can quickly return your test scores without weeks of agony.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.4.3″][et_pb_blurb title=”Making Online Classes More Personal” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”%%259%%” admin_label=”Personal Classes Blurb” _builder_version=”4.4.3″ hover_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n As students, I think we can agree that we\u2019d hate it if we were being lectured through Zoom for the entire semester. However, many WSU professors are trying to make it more engaging.<\/p>\n For example, Dr. Penny Warner is planning to have students in early childhood and elementary education classes use Microsoft Flipgrid<\/a> to publish their own classroom song video clips and then share the content with each other.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Meeting Students Where They Are” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”%%101%%” admin_label=”Meeting Students Blurb” _builder_version=”4.4.3″]<\/p>\n Some professors are exploring ways to teach with the technology we are used to in our daily lives. Yes, that could mean making a TikTok for an assignment. For example, nursing students are asked to find medical TikToks and share what they learned with the class.<\/p>\n Professors are also being trained to be more culturally relevant so expect the unexpected!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.3″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Class Delivery Choices Text” _builder_version=”4.4.3″]<\/p>\n So how does this affect us? How will these improvements change the semester we\u2019ll have? In simple terms, we\u2019ll get all the new changes and more considering you may have several classes with different formats.<\/p>\n Students who prefer in-person learning have the option to search for a method that works the best for them. There are plenty of gen-ed and lower level courses that are offering face-to-face sections.<\/p>\n For other students, the online\/hybrid format may offer more independence. This design allows students to work ahead as they want to a certain point all while keeping up with the professor\u2019s assignments. For the in-person portion, your class time might be focused on applying what you\u2019ve learned online to say\u2014a group or final project.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.4.3″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.4.3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Professor Support Text” _builder_version=”4.4.3″ hover_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n If you need a little extra support\u2014like we all do at some point\u2014 at almost any time, a professor can meet 1:1 with students via Zoom.<\/p>\n It\u2019s understandable to feel confused in\u00a0a research-intensive let alone it being online, yikes!<\/p>\n Lots of professors understand that the 1:1 help might be the difference between a passing or failing grade. Professors are prepared to help us through those tough times, with their full support.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.4.3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Campus Support Text” _builder_version=”4.4.3″ hover_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Also, if you need help beyond that, there are plenty of resources.<\/p>\n If you find yourself at a loss for what to do with your classes, students have complete access to the Warrior Success Center<\/a> for advising and tutoring help.<\/p>\n2. We have More Choices for Class Delivery Methods<\/h2>\n
3. We have so Many Resources & Support Services<\/h2>\n