Learning Online

A Virtually Seamless Transition

TEACHING ONLINE, FACULTY MAINTAIN PERSONAL TOUCH

Rebecca DeVasher When reports of the coronavirus started emanating from China, chemistry and biochemistry professor Rebecca DeVasher started developing do-it-yourself virtual and simulated laboratory projects for her classes. She worked with the Labster online lab repository to provide free virtual labs that engage her students with interesting and educational organic chemistry and research activities. DeVasher has been pleasantly surprised by how her students have enjoyed aspects of the new online learning environment. “There is a lot of work involved and I’ve found it’s really important to stick to the fundamentals of what I’ve learned over the years at RoseHulman: Put student engagement first and DO NOT overthink the small stuff,” DeVasher says. One of her Organic Chemistry III students passed along a note stating: “You have made this transition more normal than I thought possible … I love your humor and your love for your students. Thanks for all you do.”

Several faculty have shared their stories, as they’ve adjusted to online teaching.

D iane Evans’ skills as an engaging educator have continued as she helps students learn to appreciate analyzing statistical methods. Students in her Six Sigma in Practice course were starting to collect data about hand sanitizer usage on campus when the coronavirus pandemic halted the project. Undaunted, the class’s statistical pursuits turned to tracking Evans’ daily exercise habits. “This is providing extra motivation for my daily exercise habits. I’m inspired to get data for my students. It’s very helpful and engaging for me as well,” says the engineering management professor. In other online sessions, Evans can be viewed online donning a medical coat, gloves and safety glasses and grabbing toy surgical tools while using the popular Operation game to consider the improved surgery times of multiple health care procedures for a “patient.” She collected data for student teams— depicted by two stuffed elephant figures.

Learn more about Rose-Hulman’s outstanding faculty at www.rose-hulman.edu.

Diane Evans

Teaching any new course can be a quite a challenge, but adjusting to teaching in the online environment needed even more teamwork for mathematics professor John Rickert and music professor David Chapman while teaching a Math and Music course for the first time. The class explored how understanding the basics of concepts within each area could foster a better appreciation for both. “We benefitted from leaving a great deal of flexibility in our timeline and lesson plans. We easily adapted the course to the new schedule and online environment,” says Chapman.

In another new course, students used 3D technology to create beautiful prints while studying the century-old art of printmaking by hand from art professor Soully Abas. Originally, the students were going to use professional-grade and specially designed presses to create their prints from linoleum or wood blocks. However, through remote learning, they created their designs by hand or digitally, made 3D models and sent them to campus for production by 3D printers in the Kremer Innovation Center. Each student received a package with their block and all the tools necessary to make their prints. Abas posted a video demonstrating the technique to complete the process.

Faculty and students used a variety of new online tools and techniques in their spring quarter classes.

New Oakley Observatory Director Dominic Ludovici, professor of physics and optical engineering, opened the skies this spring, with Facebook Live events providing opportunities for people to learn about solar and dark sky astronomical objects. Meanwhile, his students made 10-minute presentations about astronomy, machine learning and magnetic nanoparticles to a global audience—also through the observatory’s Facebook page. The sessions have been popular, with some attracting more than 1,000 views. Dominic Ludovici

English professor Julia Williams set up a Google map “Where in the World are Dr. J’s Students?” to track the location of each of her students—as far away as South Korea. She made the class as asynchronous as possible, allowing students to gather technical and professional communication course materials at their convenience. Then, “Tea and Chat” sessions gave Williams the opportunity to keep track of students’ progress and discuss a variety of topics. During one chat, a student’s younger brother joined on the call and Williams learned that their father is a Rose-Hulman alum. “I have learned things about my students that a conventional classroom may not have afforded,” the professor said. n