The Fine Line: Maximizing the Effectiveness of Different Teaching Modalities
Presenter:
Christopher Phillippe
Presentation Title:
The Fine Line: Maximizing the Effectiveness of Different Teaching Modalities
Abstract:
The transition from in-person learning to online learning in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on the student body of UTRGV. The connection between the student and professor was physically severed, giving way to all sorts of new issues students had to deal with. In my experience, the online teaching modality is usually ineffective, especially in STEM-related fields. Classes that involved a physical aspect or labs suddenly lost their effectiveness upon students. Biology labs, physics labs, and especially chemistry labs were reduced to virtual interactions within a simulation or external program. This did not generate engagement among students involved in these types of classes. Having the hands-on aspect present in STEM-related fields is essential for creating minds that are open to research and activities in the field. Without this practical experience, students might not be as disposed to doing field work or engaging with institutions that promote hands-on research. On the other hand, online learning might be a valuable tool when considering flexibility. Online learning might allow students to have a much more flexible schedule and to encourage them to expand their reach in other areas of interest. Some students might also find certain online classes fun and engaging, which also depends on the personality of the professor and their own teaching style. Nonetheless, the fine line between physical and online learning must be explored further, and work must be done in order to determine how to maximize teaching effectiveness with regards to these modalities in different subjects.
Learning Outcomes:
- To get an insight into how others approach the problem of different teaching modalities
- To explore further the benefits or deficits in continuing online learning in a STEM environment
- To relate to others' experience with my own experience, and to find common ground with other students and professors regarding online learning