When the University made the switch to remote instruction last March, nobody imagined it would last a year.
Yet as the anniversary of the shift to online learning approaches, many students and faculty feel more adjusted to it — and some changes brought about by the pandemic could permanently change UNC's approach to learning.
Provost Bob Blouin said the blending of synchronous and asynchronous teaching strategies has enriched the educational experience.
“One of the by-products of the pandemic will be that faculty can carefully design courses combining asynchronous technologies with face-to-face, residential learning,” he said. “This allows us to develop superior pedagogical strategies for a better student experience.”
Viji Sathy, professor of the practice in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, said flexibility and creativity have been the most positive changes to come out of the pandemic.
“I hope we don’t lose that creativity,” she said. “I hope we keep experimenting and trying new things, while giving students leeway around assignment deadlines and exam formats.”
Sathy also said ConnectCarolina’s new Class Features tool — which allows instructors to post drafts of syllabi, reading materials and additional information prior to course registration — was a positive addition that reflected the ingenuity of the staff.
On an individual level, Blouin said that after the pandemic, the way he works may also permanently change.
“I don’t imagine having as many meetings face-to-face in my office,” he said. “There is some efficiency and time-saving associated with remote interactions.”