Devyn Stansky had a bit of a head start with remote learning.
The SJC Brooklyn junior was already learning in two online classes this semester when the College, in response to the ongoing threat of the coronavirus pandemic that moved all in-person classes to remote formats for the remainder of the semester.
So she anticipates a smooth transition to remote learning for her four land-based classes.
“Two of my professors have already communicated about classwork and have been very responsive and on top of it,” said Stansky, a junior double majoring in marketing and communication studies.
“I receive messages almost daily, sometimes even a few a day and have already submitted assignments. I have my first video class today [March 24].”
Roshely Roy ’20
Roshely Roy, a senior nursing major at SJC Brooklyn, began remote learning on March 24. She is optimistic about the transition to remote learning, explaining that she had good experiences during online classes she has already taken during her time at St. Joseph’s.
“The communication with the school has been very great, in my opinion,” Roy said of the College’s transition to remote learning. “We received many emails from [College President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D.], along with our professors, discussing important dates for the transition and what the process will look like.”
Adjusting to Remote Learning
Kevin Anderson, a sophomore biology major, enrolled in his first online class this semester — unknowingly preparing himself for the full transition to remote learning.
Kevin Anderson ’23
“What I like about online classes is that you can go at your own pace,” Anderson said. “You do not have to sit for 1-2 hours taking in information. The pre-recorded lectures do not seem to be as long either; they appear to be an hour or less.”
He added that online discussion boards in virtual classrooms provide a sense of community and are helpful if a student has a question for their professor or peers.
Michael Whitney, a junior majoring in history and minoring in studio art, said the College is working to make the transition to remote learning smooth.
Michael Whitney ’21
“”I was very pleased to hear from my professors so quickly,” Whitney said.
Whitney — a resident assistant at the St. George/Clark Residence, a cabinet member of the Off-Campus Housing Association (OCHA), and president of the resident hall council — will finish the semester from his home in Antrim, New Hampshire. He said he left for New Hampshire out of an abundance of caution, as soon as he heard St. Joseph’s was extending spring break.
Creating a Sense of Community
Devyn Stansky ’21
On top of a full course load, Stansky is working with her peers on the Campus Activities Board (CAB) to keep the sense of community outside of the classroom alive.
“We are exploring different options of virtual versions of our normal common hour events that we can offer to students, such as spoken word artists or magicians,” said Stansky, who lives in off-campus housing and is a member of the OCHA. “I think it will be nice for the students to have something fun to do, as from my own experience, quarantine can get a little boring. Especially if you were very active on campus.”
