Innovation leads the way for the Winter 2021 Semester
Like most of the nation’s colleges and universities, Macomb had to quickly pivot to online instruction when the COVID-19 pandemic struck last March. Since then, college faculty and staff have developed multiple delivery methods for coursework and expanded online resources. They have also provided ongoing communication to students on the status of their classes and assisted them in obtaining the technology they need to learn in an online classroom.
“I start the term with a virtual discussion board where I introduce myself, and have each student introduce themselves to the class,” related Terri Lawrence, who teaches biology at Macomb and at the University of Windsor (U of W). “When I have (online) office hours, I get to know each student and I think this makes them realize I care; and I send out an email every few weeks just asking how everyone is doing, reminding them that I am here for them anytime, not just during office hours.”
For the Winter 2021 Semester, only those courses that require an onground component to provide handson instruction will be offered on campus. These are primarily classes and labs offered by Macomb’s Health and Human Services area, Public Service Institute and Engineering and Advanced Technology. When a class or lab must be offered on campus, significant precautions are being taken to ensure the safety of the learning environment, including extensive cleaning and
disinfecting, reconfiguration of classrooms to maintain social distancing, installation of Plexiglas shields in hightraffic areas and the required wearing of face coverings.
“It was a very steep learning curve,” said Lawrence of earning her online teaching certificate, required to teach online, hybrid or remote classes at Macomb. “But (the training) gave me some
great ideas for trying to be as interactive with my students as possible. I’ve learned a lot, both about how to be a better teacher and about myself. It’s been an excellent learning experience.”
Registration began Nov. 11 for Macomb’s Winter 2021 Semester and will be ongoing until classes start on Jan. 11. For more information, visit macomb.edu.