This summer, Luciana was Franklin's Online & Hybrid Learning  Environments intern. Here, she gives her report, reviewing the  technologies and efforts made this year to ensure success for the fall  semester and beyond.

The uncertainty that Covid-19 brought affects all aspects in our lives,  from how to interact with people to our jobs and educational systems. As  a university student in 2020, my future was at stake. Would I learn all  my course materials effectively? Would I graduate? What measures would  my university take to handle the situation? These questions haunted me  and my parents only for a short period of time, as FUS was able to  address them promptly. Amidst the unknown, FUS faculty and staff quickly  transitioned to online platforms that continued our learning experience  smoothly.

Switching to an online spring semester presented various challenges  for faculty and students alike. Together, we learned how to use Zoom,  Microsoft Teams, and Moodle. FUS implemented a variety of online  platforms, giving faculty and student the opportunity to gain experience  in each of them. Learning how to mute our microphones, screen sharing,  presenting online, and test taking were processes that took patience and  an open mind. However, the experience has been very rewarding!

As the Online & Hybrid Learning Environments Intern during summer  2020, I assessed student and faculty experiences with online learning  and teaching by conducting surveys. Not surprisingly, both students and  faculty reported their satisfaction with the job done. I also mastered  the usage of these online platforms to assist professors and students  with any issues they may come across. Later on during the summer, I  developed handy manuals on tips and steps to further explore these  platforms. 

These manuals will soon be published on the Information Technology Services (IT) page. 

Lastly, I worked with IT on preparing the classroom experience to support our hybrid learning program for fall 2020.  

Classrooms are now fully equipped with speakers, soundproof panels,  cameras, and tablets to assure the best learning experience for students  on campus or remotely connected.

As a student who took a hybrid course during the summer, I can attest  to the fact that all students were accommodated. Peers from different  time zones were able to participate and provide input for class  discussions and no one was left behind! There is always room for  improvement: FUS faculty and IT staff know this, we all understand that  we are learning as we move forward. Franklin is ready to teach the next  semesters successfully!

by Luciana Vázquez ‘21

For all COVID-19 updates, including the Fall 2020 hybrid learning program, go to our Coronavirus Information and Updates page.