We all know that there’s no replacing the vibrancy of a classroom course. But, in a season where in-class instruction is impossible, UW Professional & Continuing Education can ensure that you get the education and interaction you need to keep learning.
For the safety of our community, in-person classroom programs and courses have pivoted to remote instruction for the 2020-21 academic year. These remote classes will use online synchronous format, which was already a robust and innovative option for many of our existing certificate programs.
In this format, you can participate in online, real-time class meetings each week via Zoom and access course materials anytime and anywhere to stay on track with your weekly assignments. Online Synchronous combines the structure and interaction of a traditional course with the freedom and autonomy of online learning.
A New Way to Learn
Nick O’Connell, a writer and former UW writing instructor, was in the middle of his in-class Certificate in Digital Marketing program when the pandemic hit, forcing his class to quickly turn to the Online Synchronous format.
“I’ve always liked in-person instruction because I appreciated the interaction in the classroom,” he said. “But I have to say, the UW is very well-organized in terms of online learning, which made a huge difference when we went to Zoom because the material was excellent. I still had a rich experience, even though we’d shifted from in-person learning.”
David Kendall, an instructor in the Certificate in UX & Visual Interface Design, taught the UX Design Thinking course in spring 2020. He found the Zoom learning experience strengthened his curriculum.
“Oddly enough, I find the online courses to be more focused and dynamic,” Kendall said. “As a teacher, you need to engage the students to make sure they comprehend while also carefully preparing course materials to ensure they’re conveyed remotely.”
An In-Class Atmosphere From Your Home Office
Part of what made O’Connell hesitant about Zoom instruction was the lack of a dynamic classroom experience, but the Online Synchronous format surprised him with its robust learning environment — especially the opportunity to learn with students in other countries.
“One thing I really liked about the program is that it was very diverse, with lots of people from other parts of the world,” O’Connell said. “It had that interactive dimension and was still a rich experience despite being online.”
Kendall was heartened to see active learning discussions happening between students — inside and outside of class — despite their shared distance.
“Students really quickly connected and formed tight bonds,” he said. “In a classroom environment, this tends to happen more slowly based on personality and even physical location in the class because students tend to sit in the same place every class. Online virtual classes flattened that dynamic.”
Scott Driscoll, an instructor in the UW Certificate in Writing, felt that in his class distance learning actually promoted higher student participation.
“People who might otherwise feel cautious or intimidated seem to feel less inhibited in this format,” he said. “They’re more likely to share their valued opinions in the discussions as well as more willing to share their own creative work. It’s a bonus for learners who tend to be shy or withdrawn ordinarily.”
Despite his initial misgivings about the Online Synchronous format, O’Connell is grateful that he embraced the new opportunity.
“I got a ton out of the course,” he said. “I just really appreciate what the instructors put into it. It was an awesome experience.”
FURTHERING YOUR EDUCATION ONLINE
Interested in remote programs? Check out our tips and related resouces for online learning:
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