| … I think that communication was definitely a greater challenge during the shift to online learning and the lack of being on campus and having the necessary available resources all in one spot was a big change. Whether it was being able to walk to a professor's office to ask questions or meet up and collaborate with other students … |
Despite having an instant message platform that [my group] used to discuss deadlines and progress updates, ultimately sitting down and discussing each project via a video chat became the most effective way to problem solve each week. |
… being in front of a computer screen all day and during late-night hours, without in-person communication about my degree makes learning quite dull and unproductive. Likewise, office hours online are not the same and asking questions has been difficult and most of the time instructors are unresponsive. |
… being stuck home took away any support groups that students had formed throughout the semester. Many times I felt alone and confused on an assignment I couldn't figure out. |
| The biggest challenge for me was receiving timely feedback on my work. For example, I was working on the Virtual Lathe Report recently, and felt alone in the process. … I recommend a system that allows TA's to become more interactive with the students, such as an occasional help session outside of the scheduled practice session time. |
Learning to work with people through nonface-to- face contact was a challenge my group had to overcome. We got into the routine of doing a zoom call whenever we were finishing an assignment, because while we were not allowed to meet in person, verbal communication was still the fastest way to get work done. |
While virtual methods of communication allow for team assignments to be carried out, I have come to more fully appreciate the potential efficiency of face-to-face team interactions. Additionally, I found it much more challenging to receive answers to questions I had regarding the use of software for completing tasks assigned for the course. |
… it was harder to communicate my issues to the teaching team, as well as it being harder for them to help. While on campus, it was easier to show up to my GTA's office and directly show where I was at and what problems I was having. Once everything was online, it was much harder to quickly figure out and fix problems to continue moving forward. |
| … I feel l did miss out on some useful experiences. The biggest online learning challenge was learning Hyperworks without being able to consult with my group or instructors. |
The biggest challenge with online learning is maintaining class participation. So keeping up with class got harder, it was also harder to communicate with professors because there isn't direct contact communication so there would be time wasted between question and answer. And sometimes they interpret the question wrong so even more time is wasted |
… the importance of in-person communication. It is much more powerful and helpful for a team dynamic. … Having to communicate over the Internet has made me make sure that I am reading through emails and other online communication more closely … since there is no nonverbal communication it is difficult to fully understand someone. |
I do wish there was more contact [with faculty] … via zoom or phone calls. Personally, I prefer verbal communication and discussion to learn new topics compared to writing. I also wish there was a way for me to point to things in front of me during these online communications. |
