I am currently pursuing an Ed.M. in Mental Health Counseling at Teachers College, where I also work for the Office of Admission as a Student Ambassador. I'm originally from Miami, Florida, but resided and studied at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, where I earned a dual degree in Human Communication and Sociology, with a minor in Leadership Studies. After graduating, I worked for a year as a Support Counselor in Palmdale, California, where I provided home-based and school-based behavioral support to local youth and their families. Since moving to New York City and beginning my program, I've enjoyed the city life, grown close to my peers as well as the Office of Admission staff, and learned tremendously about the counseling profession and myself, throughout the process.
The Digital File
This article is part of the TC Digital File, an ongoing series spotlighting the efforts of TC faculty members to adapt and enhance their teaching in a new era of remote learning.
Q: What have your classes been like online? Has the transition been easy to navigate?
My course instructors have done an incredible job of transitioning to an online format, given how quickly things needed to happen. Assignments have been modified, and due dates have been extended to accommodate students’ needs and to ensure learning objectives are still being met. My professors have been highly responsive throughout this time via email, and they’ve also been available to meet through Zoom during office hours.
Q: Are there any notable benefits or interesting experiences?
I think the transition online has demonstrated the capabilities of learning in an online format, which is useful to gain experience as a student. For example, a benefit I’ve gained from the asynchronous courses, in which the recorded powerpoints and lectures are posted to Canvas, has been the ability to pause the lecture and to take more detailed notes. In another course, I’ve had to complete a group project, in which my group-mates and I have gained experience coordinating a project entirely remotely, and even presenting our project virtually!
[Read a story about how TC moved at warp speed to take its courses online. Now the College is redefining virtual instruction.]
Q: What should prospective students know about how to be successful in online learning, both generally and in the TC context specifically?
The best advice I could give is to establish a routine, be active in asking and responding to questions in synchronous class lectures, and if asynchronous, take notes as you usually would. Be sure to jot down any questions that come up and email to your course instructors! I think it’s important to remember that we’re all in this together - the students, faculty, and the administration.