“Zoom University”: Adapting to Virtual Education
As Cal State LA fully transitioned to remote learning in 2020, students encountered changes in grading expectations, communication with professors, and ability to complete assignments. Students expressed both advantages and challenges with online instruction, from the inaccessibility of usual resources to finding new study habits and routines. Freshmen and transfer students wondered if they were missing out on the full college experience, while seniors grappled with increased postgrad uncertainty.
The shifting priorities produced by the pandemic created unique academic circumstances for Cal State LA students, many of whom struggled to stay productive and motivated in their coursework on top of the stressors of keeping themselves and their loved ones safe.
Remarks on Remote Learning
School became more challenging for a student
whose professors increased both homework amount
and exam difficulty, possibly to prevent cheating.
This graduate student planned to highlight the
skills they gained as a TA during the pandemic
to further their career in education, and hoped to
return to on-campus instruction by Fall 2020.
“My new workspace is, I have a little desk in my kitchen. And it's kind of in the corner, and I miss my desk in the English department in the TA office. I miss going to Café '47 and sitting in that corner spot, because those are the places that I would like to go and work.”
- Michelle Fanara, Pandemic Diaries Project, 2020
Online instruction proved less effective for
communication but beneficial for attendance,
according to a student who no longer struggled
to be punctual without the need to commute.
Despite a preference for in-person instruction,
this student made the most of virtual education
by improving their time management skills and
becoming flexible in their approach to learning.
Consequences of Campus Closure
The closure of campus facilities and resources
like the library forced this graduate student to
create a new workspace and conduct research
without the oral histories they had planned.
This student athlete raised concerns about how
long-term isolation from their team would affect
their track season and ability to remain in shape.
Lack of access to campus equipment meant this
engineering student’s team was unable to build the
prototype for their senior design course project.
Met and Missed Milestones
A freshman described a lack of closure with
high school due to transitioning from one remote
learning environment to another, and felt ready for
for more “typical” aspects of college like dorm life.
The disappointment of graduating without
a commencement ceremony to honor family
and community supporters weighed heavily
on this first-generation student.
This Class of 2020 graduate had canceled their
long-anticipated grad trip and cross-country move
as well as commencement, and faced an uncertain
job market following widespread unemployment.
This student expressed appreciation for professors
who understood and accommodated student struggles,
and for the platform for students from historically
marginalized communities to share their stories.
Cal State LA Decorated Graduation Cap Showcase, University Times, May 9, 2020
The Class of 2020 celebrated the completion of their degree programs in the midst of a pandemic by decorating their graduation caps with expressions of gratitude, resilience, and a well-deserved sense of accomplishment.