When the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic reached Central Texas in mid March 2020, Austin Community College District transitioned to remote teaching and learning. In this President's Podcast, Dr. Richard Rhodes sits down with three ACC students and an ACC faculty member who share their experience and advice for online learning.
- Hi, welcome to the President's Podcast at Austin Community College District. I'm Jessica Vess here with our President/CEO, Dr. Richard Rhodes. Hi, Dr. Rhodes.
- Good day, Jessica, how are you today?
- I am doing well, I'm excited because we have several of our students with us today and one of our professors as well.
- I'm excited about that because I got to read the bios on 'em and see what the challenges and what the opportunities have been, and this is an exciting conversation.
- We're talking today to get a feel from those who are firsthand in the experience of what it was like having to transition so suddenly in March to learning and teaching online. It's something that nobody really expected or could have prepared for but it happened. With us today is Ashly Mattke, one of ACC's students in Manufacturing. We have Alijah Wilson, one of our ACC Nursing students, and Professor Dusty Mills from Automotive Technology. Thank you all for joining us.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
- You know, Jessica, you were talking about the fact that when we started the Spring semester, almost nobody signed up for all-virtual classes and all of a sudden, mid semester, right about the middle of March, we had two weeks to convert. And that includes the faculty, staff, but it also includes the students. And so, some of the things that we wanna talk about today are the successes and the challenges and the opportunities that arrived out of that, and what can we learn from this that's gonna help us into the future as we move forward? But really, this is just a great conversation to have about what were your experiences, and what happened? And if I could start and just ask Dusty one thing, because I was reading, teaching Automotive Technology, you almost think about that and you think, how in the world could you take that to a virtual platform? And yet, you did and it's amazing. The faculty and staff at ACC during this conversion just have been amazing to me in their ability to transform the delivery of education. And so, Dusty, can you just tell us a little bit about that experience and what it felt like to go through that?
- Well, sure. So we...I actually work with a program that teaches some military students. One of my classes, a couple of my classes do that, and we were teaching through spring break. Kinda when everybody was scrambling, we went hybrid at that point. So we kinda jumped the gun on everybody, and we had to shake it down pretty quick. It's not an ideal situation, but the students have an immediate need. It's a workforce program. They're literally trying to get jobs with these skills, and it's my job... ACC has directed us to give them the best possible opportunity to learn that we can, and that kinda means adapting to whatever challenges we're gonna face. And again, Automotive, it's a hands-on skill. It's not the best way to learn, but I wanna give the best that I can, no matter the challenges are. So I was reading that you even recruited your wife to assist you in producing. She became your producer, is that right? That's exactly right. So we decided, doing hybrid, the best way was gonna be to put the live portion that I can no longer have my students participate in, we wanted to put that in a virtual mode and we did it through video, so we created some videos. I didn't wanna have... One way we do in Automotive, we do a three-hour-long video and it's just like class, and I think we all know that that's really difficult to sit through. So we shortened these down to 15, 20-minute videos that were following the lab assignment that they would have been doing in the shop. They've got some materials that they're following along with and filling in the blanks and such. But, I'm a mechanic first, I'm a teacher after that, I'm not a video producer. Luckily, my wife was a Mass Communications major in a past life, and she still has some skills and I leverage that for sure. We got her down here, she set up the shots. Basically, everything that's very time-consuming and tedious and takes some skill and knowledge, she helped me out with.
- Oh, that's amazing. Well, congratulations.
- Thank you, thank you.
- That was awesome. Now, Ashly, so you're in manufacturing, Automation and Robotics.
- Right.
- And working with Samsung.
- Correct.
- And so, tell us a little bit about your experience.
- Well, it was kind of difficult at first because, like you said, it was mid semester and we have labs, and so we had to figure out how to make these labs, or we could do them at home. And luckily, my teacher, she's amazing, love her to death. She found some simulators that we could actually simulate the labs online, so it was almost as if we were in class. And she would go through it during the class and show us how to do it, and then afterwards we could go and kind of mess around with it. And then, yeah, so it turned out pretty good.
- Oh, that's great, and that is a common theme. What you said earlier is, "This professor was amazing." And we just hear that over and over about this transformation that had to happen. And yeah, being able to adapt and find the grace necessary to move and meet the needs of students almost over night. And so, Alijah, you're a nursing student. Is that right?
- Yes, I am.
- And that's another area that you think, how in the world would you be able to convert nursing to virtual?
- Oh, yeah.
- So, tell us a little bit about your experience.
- Well, during spring break we got the notice that we were gonna have to leave out on campus and that we wouldn't be able to come back. And we were all really nervous, the nurses, we were freaking out and we were like, but, all we do is, like, everything we do is in school, how can we learn? And kinda like what Ashly said, our instructors came up with some simulations online that we could do and they were actually very helpful. It was just like, kind of, doing it yourself, but it was on more, like, an electronic, virtual platform. And that helped a lot, and also our instructors. We still did our lectures kinda normal, like we would when we were in class. But this way, we were able to kind of interact. All of us were able to, so we could, like, type in a message or type in a answer if we had a question. That was really helpful. And then also, we still had our clinicals, and that was virtual as well, but it was more in-depth. We couldn't get the hands-on training, but we're more learning the, kind of like, the book part of it. Kind of learning different symptoms and how to help treat people, and what steps would you take before actually doing it? So it was really helpful and it was actually, it was really fun. So yeah, it went really well.
- Good, good, good. And now both of you, Ashly and Alijah, both of you have kids at home.
- Yes.
- And so, tell us a little bit about those challenges too.
- It was kind of difficult in that aspect just because, so because my kids are in, they're in upper grades, so they're doing STAR tests now. And even though those were canceled this year, I still had to homeschool both of them, and they're in different grades. So I was homeschooling two children, working from home, and schooling from home, and it was difficult. I also run a rescue from my home too, so it got pretty crazy there for a while. But I do have to say my teacher was very, very accommodating, she was very understanding, and I feel like in general... Also my boyfriend, he is also taking ACC classes. And so we felt very accommodated through this, and yeah, it worked out.
- It's amazing. During this COVID time, so many parents have become teachers, principals, assistant principals, superintendents, board members of your children, and so--
- The lunch lady.
- And recess duty, all of that. So, Alijah, same thing. How did it go?
- So for me, I just have my three-year-old son and he is very energetic and he gets bored very easily. And so I'm constantly looking up, Googling "How to occupy a toddler," different crafts for him, and kind of different places we can go, there weren't too many people running around, 'cause he gets bored with just walking. And so I've got him a new bike, a new scooter, new toys. So all this stuff, and we can just go outside and play and help him burn off some energy. And learning, I mean, me and him, we're learning a lot together. We have our learning days and we go over different academics and stuff, but I'm learning a little bit more about him and myself also. I'm learning he likes to eat all day, and so, I'm like, "What'd you do when you went to daycare?" So it's nice. I'm getting to know him a little bit more, because usually he would be at daycare and I would be at school. And so, we get to kinda use this time to bond a little bit more.
- Yeah, yeah.
- And my husband is also working from home, also, and so it's like... It was a little crazy at first, but now we've kinda got a routine, and we're actually, we're making it work pretty well.
- That's amazing, that's amazing. That's probably one of the lessons we're learning, is during this crisis period, it's bringing families closer. You learn more about each other. Now tell me a little bit about technology. Were you ready for this conversion, both from the hardware standpoint and through connectivity, the broadband that you had to have necessary to connect? How was that?
- Yes, it was... The equipment that I had worked very well and still does. I actually just use a Macbook to do everything, and so it works pretty well. I would just say, now that we're doing more online work, I get more documents, more files, and all that. And so I just have to keep up with the storage. But other than that, everything works pretty good. I don't have any issues ever connecting or getting something turned in, so it's working well.
- Okay, so you were digitally prepared--
- Oh, yes, yeah.
- For the conversion. How 'bout you, Ashly?
- I was prepared. I did have internet service, but my only issue was that because it was four of us at home, schooling and working, that I didn't have enough computer time. So it was like, I tried to find another computer and I... Literally, everywhere was sold out. So I live outside of Austin, I actually live in Elgin. So I was trying to order a computer just so that my kids could have one to share so we could do work at the same time. And it took me, like, three weeks just to find a computer, just a basic computer. But it worked out, and like I said, the teachers were very accommodating and they did understand, and then also, I know ACC offered for, tablets. So I did take advantage of that, I did get a tablet. It was just a little hard for the kids to kind of understand how to use the technology. So that was a learning experience in itself, 'cause they're used to paper in school. But other than that it worked out well, and I think it was cool, because it was like, like we've been saying, it was a learning experience for all of us: something new for them, something new for me. Yeah, it worked out.
- As we talk about the type of support that you got, I'd like to introduce another student has joined us now. Stevani, thank you so much for joining us today for the conversation, how are you?
- Hi, I'm doing fine, how are you?
- I am well, thank you for... We are having the conversation, and you just heard Ashly and Alijah talking about getting the support they needed to get through this transition when COVID hit and everything had to change. And I know that was a huge thing for you, too.
- It was, yes, yeah. I struggled a little bit at first, but it ended up just going through very well. All my teachers were accommodating. Every one of them reached right back out as soon as I reached out to them, 'cause I am the "Email Queen." I'll email as soon as I have a question. But I definitely...I got the feedback I needed and everyone has been so accommodating.
- And so, Stevani, you're taking Entrepreneurism?
- Yes, sir.
- And Culinary?
- Yes, so it's a new degree. It's the Entrepreneurship degree with a culinary focus. I was originally a Culinary student, tried to venture off on the pastry side, realized I should leave that to the professionals, came back to what I wanted to do, and then when the Entrepreneurship degree was offered, I jumped on it. I thought, what a good opportunity.
- Oh, that's great, that's great. So the transition... Because when you started the Spring semester, you were not taking online courses, right?
- No, I actually tried not to as much as I could.
- (all chuckle}
- But, uh...
- I wasn't, but it definitely, it was an experience, one where I do appreciate it, almost. I learned how to communicate online a way that I never have before. Emailing is such a huge part of my day now, and in the morning I never was the person that got up and checked my email, or was on Blackboard as much as I should have been. So I've kind of took more time into that. And also my writing skills. I can probably say developed a little bit better now.
- Well, good, good. And so...Probably, when you're thinking about entrepreneurism, probably the technology and being able to utilize it appropriately, it's probably one of the more important aspects. And so this was a good...I mean, it forced you right into it, right in the middle of it, right?
- Yes, yeah, it did, it did, and it gave me a lot more time to actually put into it, too, 'cause everyone was kind of put off from jobs. I am in the hospitality industry, so all my jobs...Couple of them were all put on hold so I was able to dive into my schooling. And like I said before, I'd still find appreciation in that, even though there is all these bad things happening, I found time to find the good in it.
- Yes, so, and Dusty, I'm gonna go back to you for a minute. What did you hear from your students? Because you gave them an opportunity to give you feedback about what you could do differently and what might help in this type of an environment. What'd you hear from the students?
- Well, you know, I've had two classes. We did a hybrid class and went back and did full online. I did one class full online. So I got a little bit of feedback from that first group, and probably the biggest thing was, we needed more interaction. Just simply going online and lecturing to students online is not what we're after. And so that second group, that was the big one, it was just bringing them in. Somebody kinda mentioned...A student brought this up with me and brought this point and illustrated it for me really well. When we go to class, I've got a student for maybe four or five hours at a time in my classes, my long classes. I'm a very important part of their day and that class is very important to 'em. But once we went to distance learning, we are just another screen competing for their attention. So it was really kinda thinking it from that perspective. What's really gonna grab and engage this student, and adapting to that? And I've gotta say, I'm a newer instructor, and I rely really heavily on the support from our staff, our program coordinator, and really, the more experienced instructors. I'm teaching the content but these ladies and gentlemen have been doing this for and showed me a lot. Even though this is a new skill for them, they know how to connect with students. That was a big, big deal for me.
- That's good, and you bring up a very important point, and that is, in addition to the faculty, there's a lot of people behind the scenes, and Student Services, and the different supports. And that's a critical component, and we can't ever forget that. And so Ashly, and Alijah, and Stevani, did you feel like people were concerned about you from ACC and were reaching out to you to make sure you were staying on track, whether it was the faculty or support staff?
- I know I did. I got a lot of emails. I also...So I was Riverbat Master for the last two years for ACC, so I had a little bit of extra support on that aspect. But yeah, I mean, I feel like we could get the help that we needed, we just had to... I don't wanna say look for it, but I mean, 'cause we were sent emails that said, "You need this, this, and this, "and this is where you can contact." It did take a little bit longer in response. It could take two days instead of either just walking to the campus to get your answer, but it was there. So, it was better than not having it at all.
- Great.
- Yes, I have to agree with Ashly. That is true, and I felt like I had a lot of support, especially from my faculty advisor, Yolanda Hall. She was sending us millions of emails all day. But she even took the time out to call us and have a conversation over the phone, one-on-one, to make sure we were okay. "How's studying going? "What can we do to make it more easier, "or make it more interesting, or to help you focus?" So that support was needed a lot 'cause during that time it was, like, just sitting at a screen all day, and it was, like, fighting for attention. And sometimes you get distracted, and so I got a lot of help from our instructors, just trying to figure out how to keep the distractions minimal or keep you interested. So that really helped me get through it, and it still is helping me get through it, through this whole semester. This time also.
- Yeah, it's all about creating relationships. That is a great story to hear. And Stevani, how 'bout you?
- Yeah, I would have to say the same thing. I agree with both of them. I was lucky enough to be enrolled into the EDUC 1300, so it kind of was a prep for what we're doing: procrastination, time management, all the things that you would need to kind of have under your belt in order to be able to submit these assignments, not only on time, but before. Giving yourself the allotted time for extra days to turn them in. So I was able to go through these projects with my teacher and she was really good at explaining them and helping us just, put things...priorities first, and school being that priority. I was able to just get it all done and, yeah, it worked out having that class, at this time. I've kind of thought that the entire way through my journey through school. All my classes kinda hit at the right time and that did as well.
- Great, great. And now, when are you gonna graduate, Stevani?
- My expected date would be, I think, October 2021. But I'm finishing earlier because I'm doing full-time, plus I'm taking at least five classes this semester. So I'm trying to get it done a lot sooner.
- Great, great. How 'bout Alijah?
- I am expected to graduate this December.
- Awesome, and I hope that we can have a, in-person graduation. You just never know. You may have heard for the end of the spring semester, we had to have a virtual graduation, which turned out very, very, very nice.
- [Alijah] Oh, awesome.
- But there's nothing...For me, there's nothing like seeing the faces and actually getting to shake the hands of people when they, our students, when they graduate or walk across that stage, and so--
- Of course.
- I have faith--
- I'm gonna look forward to that.
- I have to agree--
- Yes, me too.
- I actually...So last, a year... Not this past December but the December before, I graduated and I shook your hand walking across the stage.
- I remember that.
- Yes, and you just said, "You have such a beautiful smile." And it was so nice that my kids were there and they got to see me walk across this big stage, and it's just something you can't get in a virtual graduation. I really hope that for everybody, they get to do this from now on, they get to have that, because it was so cool. It was the best feeling ever.
- [Dr. Rhodes] Well, great, great. You do have a great smile!
- Thank you.
- And for those who actually did graduate this spring, we are, have invited them to come back, assuming we can have a walk-through graduation in December. They're all welcome to come back for that.
- I really, I hope they do. It'll be long, but I hope they do, because like I said, it's just a feeling that you can't explain. It's really cool.
- There's a lot of awesome things happening, but a lot of learning how to do things differently, and I really appreciate all of you for joining us and explaining, and sharing your experience through this. I think we also learned from everything you can share with us. It helps us realize, I think, as a college things we can do to support our students better through all of this. Recognizing the things that are really important that sometimes may not be top-of-mind. But commencement most definitely is because just like you all mentioned, it's an exhilarating environment and atmosphere that you just don't know what you're getting into until you're there and you hear everybody, and you hear all the things going on and it just hits home. You earned this moment. But beyond that, I mean, my gosh, even making it through Spring semester and making it through these Summer semesters, you've earned that, too. And I think it's just incredible Dr. Rhodes.
- It is, and let me just tell you three students, you are an inspiration to all of us. Because these are not easy times and yet you are persisting, and you're persisting with a smile on your face. Even though you're on the screen, I can see it in your eyes that you're gonna be successful, that you have that dream and you're gonna make it. And I just wanna say to Dusty, too: amazing what you did. You're an example of the faculty that we have at ACC that do whatever is necessary to make sure that our students are wrapped in student success and embraced to make sure that they can be successful, and actually achieve their dreams. And so, thank you, Dusty for that.
- Thank you, thank you.
- And thank you, Jessica. Once again, outstanding. I mean, these are our students and we love 'em, and we're gonna help 'em make it to the finish line.
- Absolutely Dr. Rhodes. Thank you for hosting another one of your President's Podcasts. At this time, a virtual environment and we'll continue doing everything we've always done, just in a virtual atmosphere until we can all be back together again. Thank you for joining us for the President's Podcast. If you are listening to us, be sure to check out the podcast on ACCTV, and if you're watching us on ACCTV, check out the podcast. It's on SoundCloud. You can also find it on our website at austincc.edu/podcast. Thanks everyone again so much for joining us today. We appreciate your time and we appreciate your insights and perspectives.
- Thank you.
- Thank you so much.
- Have a good one and we will see everyone again next time.