Back to campus
I’d like to offer, if I may, what my welcome back to campus speech would be if the allowed the AV team to make them. Apologies in advance.
Welcome to our second, unprecedented year at the college. I know that this year is not shaping up to be what you expected, and to be honest it’s not what we expected either. We’re all sitting here, together, but strangely apart. Some of you aren’t here with us physically because you’re still unable to return to campus due to the virus. But to all of you, here and virtually, welcome.
Our school, like all of our peers, is in a state of flux right now. Despite our best efforts, a “normal” fall isn’t going to happen. But should it ever happen again? I’m not talking about that we should maintain all the strict protocols forever, nor am I saying we’re never going to eat in the dining halls together again. What I am saying is that our teaching and learning has forever changed and we can’t let ourselves go backward.
But what has really changed? Well thats the funny thing, not as much as we think. Prior to the pandemic, we often recorded classes either with lecture capture or live camera feeds, we had hybrid learning, even if we didn’t call it that, in the form of those recorded lectures and we were already working towards the goal of “any time, anywhere, learning.” But it’s more than that. The pandemic has shown us the promise that technology holds for us to improve inclusivity and access on our campus. Instead of the traditional model where everyone gathers together, does their work the same way, and interacts with content in a strictly controlled way, we can now leverage technology to enhance every aspect of the classroom experience, even if we’re not in the classroom, but we’re still learning together.
The last 18-plus months have proven one thing, that technology is the key to access, not just for those with particular needs but for all of us. We’re now able to offer events and talks to a wider audience than ever before. Our students can participate more fully by utilizing tools to allow them to ask questions anonymously, even in person; to attend class regardless of their comfort level around large crowds (let’s face it, even if you didn’t have social anxiety in March 2020, you probably do now!) Let’s not forget that by embracing virtual events, we can bring in far more speakers and viewpoints than we can if we stick to local events only! Student groups can now bring viewpoints from around the world using the same technology that has maintained us through the pandemic. We kept our school community vibrant through the pandemic by connecting virtually, lets continue to do it now.
Finally let me say, none of us know what is coming. We don’t know if there is going to be a new strain or if there will finally be some letup. But until then, get vaccinated, wear a mask, and embrace the newly technologically enabled world of higher education.