Online Learning Student Perspectives

In March 2020, Teachers College, like many other institutions, made the switch to an online learning environment in the middle of the Spring semester as the coronavirus pandemic took hold in the US. TC was able to make an immediate yet successful pivot to a digital classroom in just a matter of days. As Zoom lectures became a staple in day-to-day learning and virtual “happy hours” became the new way to socialize after class, Teachers College implemented digital teaching in an innovative, accommodative format.

Following the virtual transition, we asked some of our students about their experiences with online learning. We spoke with students from different fields, including Psychology, Health, Education, and Policy, as online learning was implemented across the board at Teachers College. These students highlighted different aspects of digital learning, ranging from how they managed to stay connected in a virtual space, to tips and tricks that simplified their studies.

Many of the students expressed that digital learning has only strengthened their relationships with professors as office hours were extended and class lectures were made available to access at any time through Zoom recordings. “I feel as though [my professors] have truly stepped up and offered as much assistance as needed,” said Taylor Garlow, a Nutrition Education student.   

Students also voiced that the digital format allowed them to feel more vocal in a classroom setting. “One additional benefit of online classes that I never anticipated is that they forced me to be even more intentional and confident when communicating my responses and ideas,” noted Brooke Hayman, who is working toward completing her master's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Math Education student (and May 2020 graduate), Lissy Hodge, shared her poignant story about convocation in a virtual setting and the ways TC was able to provide a seamless experience during her last semester — regardless of the environment! Joey Eisman, a recent Cognitive Science in Education graduate, provided helpful tips and guidelines that acted as the foundation for his final semester as a TC student.

Read more from our students and recent graduates first-hand in the testimonials below:

The TC Digital File is an ongoing series spotlighting the efforts of TC faculty members to adapt and enhance their teaching in a new era of remote learning. Explore the latest in this series below:

Read these additional stories on TC's efforts focused on online teaching during the COVID crisis:

• Mission Virtually Accomplished: TC moved at warp-speed to take its courses online. Now the focus is on redefining the medium.
• Ready for Prime Time: How five TC faculty members are taking online teaching to the next level
• Zoom Times at TC: How Academic Technology Services and other TCIT offices helped put the College in position to work online
• Nine Days in March: How TC moved all its courses online