A lot has changed at the university in the past month, but one thing has remained constant: a commitment to providing high-quality educational experiences for students.
As the spring/summer term approaches, the university is preparing to offer students a full slate of educational programming delivered in new, innovative ways, and offering courses that tap into the moment, whether it’s Coping with COVID or Understanding the COVID-19 crisis through Digital Mapping.
Students from all faculties can choose from an extensive selection of spring/summer and intersession courses (also known as INSPIRE courses), that will be taught using a range of virtual and online learning tools.
“Although our campus remains physically closed to students, that doesn’t mean the quality of our students’ learning will be diminished in any way,” says Kim Dej, acting vice-provost, Faculty.
“Faculty and instructors have the ability and enthusiasm to teach our students in diverse and creative ways and are exploring new approaches for bringing in-person courses to our students using remote teaching tools.”
Virtual experiential learning: Exploring COVID-19 and beyond
In addition to the spring /summer course list, students can take part in the Intersession Learning initiative – experiential learning courses open to students from all faculties and levels, with topics including Engaging Digital Spaces through Storytelling, Electronics for the Rest of Us, as well as modules delving into different aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Virtual and online classrooms
Shemar Hackett, vice-president, Education, McMaster Students Union, says these courses provide valuable options for students whose summer plans may have changed as a result of COVID-19.
“It has been an incredibly difficult few weeks for students here at McMaster and across the world,” says Hackett. “With social distancing continuing into May, and many businesses opting not to conduct hiring, students will likely struggle to find summer employment.”
“Taking spring/summer courses virtually in the summer can be a great way to redo a course from this term or get a head start on courses in the fall.”
Some courses may be offered as virtual classrooms, in which instructors deliver a live lecture using video or audio, and lead discussions with students in real-time. Some of these courses could also include new online tools for hands-on learning, labs or studios to enhance the virtual classroom experience.
As well, many courses will be taught in an online classroom format, which allows students to learn at their own pace, with instructors guiding them through their learning. McMaster has many fully online courses which have been scripted, pre-recorded, and include different interactive elements such as videos and embedded quizzing.
Hackett also encourages students to supplement their learning by exploring online tutorials offered through LinkedIn Learning with content from Lynda.com, available to all McMaster students at no cost.