LIBERAL, Kan. – It would be fair to say that there was more than a little bit of trepidation from students and faculty on how things were going to work out when Seward County Community College went to a complete online format to finish the spring semester due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

It would also be fair to say that after the first week of classes, things are going well considering the circumstances.

“It’s going way better than I thought it would be,” said Darin Workman, SCCC humanities division chair and music instructor. “It has forced me to learn more about technology and use more technology in the classroom. I’ve been using (video conference) for my classes and it’s been cool because I’ve been to four different countries with my lectures. I haven’t had that many problems with my students and, for me, it’s been a fairly easy transition.”

Joe McCann, SCCC vice president of academic affairs, agreed with Workman.

“It’s gone surprising well,” McCann said. “The faculty members have stepped up to the plate. They are learning a lot. We (as a whole) are learning a lot. We have feedback that students are responding and completing work.”

While it has pretty much been business as usual for “Blendflex” classes, which can be taught in a virtual environment, there were questions of how students in the traditional “in-person” classes would fare.

“Almost 80 percent of those classes have completed their work so I was very impressed with that,” said Hiran Gunasekara, SCCC economics instructor. “The students seem to be accessing the class and doing the work.”

For other classes, students were even ahead of the game.

“I had posted some assignments before we restarted the semester and I already had students completing them,” said Ty Hughbanks, SCCC biology instructor.

This bodes well as the college decided to close access to the campus to the students and the public after Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly issued her “Stay Home” Executive Order.

As instructors decide to work from home, technology is the equalizer as classes continue into the second week. Depending on the situation things are fluid and can change, but students and faculty are adapting.

Students are encouraged to check their SCCC email frequently and stay in contact with their instructors. If they are struggling with course material, ask questions and get in touch with their instructors.

For more updates and information, go to scccnews.com or at scccliberalks on our social media outlets (instagram, twitter or facebook).

Categories: Campus, News & Events, Student experience, Student Success, Uncategorized