The adjustment to online classes amid COVID-19 social distancing measures has been difficult for some, but one Carleton University teaching assistant is making the transition in style.
Rachel McNally, a teaching assistant for a first-year world politics course, has been wearing funny hats throughout each of her tutorial sessions since classes moved online.
“World politics is intense on a normal day oftentimes because there’s just so much going on,” McNally said of the need for her fashion statement.
“But, especially in this kind of time when there’s so much to talk about in terms of world politics, it’s nice to have a little way to make things more lighthearted.” — Rachel McNally, Carleton University teaching assistant
The idea came from one of her world politics students, McNally said, who originally suggested wearing silly costumes as a joke at the end of her first online lecture.
“I asked the students how I could improve my discussion group for next week because this is my first time leading it and I didn’t know exactly how the students would find the new format,” McNally said.
“One of the students, kind of as a joke, said we should wear silly costumes next week,” she added. “And I actually thought this was a great idea.”
McNally said she has received positive feedback from her students who “quite liked the look,” and is planning to keep the momentum going with new hats every week.
“I used to be a summer camp counsellor,” McNally said of her hat supply. “So, I have a collection of silly hats in my closet that are waiting to be used.”
Although McNally is trying to be positive during the online adjustment, she said the change has also presented some difficulties.
“It was a little bit intimidating at first because I had never led an online discussion group before and I wasn’t sure exactly how it would go,” she said.
“It was relatively short notice… Friday to Wednesday—be ready for online.” — Rachel McNally, Carleton University teaching assistant
McNally said she is also aware of challenges beyond the classroom.
“Students are definitely stressed [because] there’s a lot of uncertainty and change all at once and a lot of people have had to travel back home on very short notice,” she said. “I flew from Ottawa to Halifax … other people went home pretty quickly as well.”
In an effort to combat penalizing students due to external factors, McNally said she allows students who can’t video call to submit a reflection for their participation mark.
“As much as I can do to make our students’ lives a bit more fun, a bit easier in this difficult time is what I want to do,” McNally said of her flexible teaching approach.
“I haven’t heard of any students, at least in my groups, that don’t have access to [a] computer or internet at home,” McNally said. “But, I think that’s certainly a possibility and a cause for concern.”
While none of McNally’s students face internet accessibility issues, Carleton University has put measures in place for those in need.
As of March 18, the university’s information technology services website offers a computer request form where students can borrow electronic devices for their studies.
“Carleton is doing all it can to make sure all students have the tools they need to complete their academic year.” — Carleton University computer request form
To fill out the online form, students need to put their phone number, whether they will have internet access, and the computer and software requirements they are seeking, before clicking submit.
Although the form states the university is trying as best as it can to accommodate students, requests are not guaranteed.
“At this time, Carleton cannot guarantee a computer or device can be made available to loan you, but we will do our very best to try and help,” the form states.
Given the switch to online is not seamless, some Carleton community members called for a complete cancellation of classes.
To those people, Dr. Sherry Benton—a former counselling director and professor emeritus at the University of Florida—said to be mindful of the fact that the university is stuck between a rock and a hard place.
“It’s a much better option than just calling off classes,” Dr. Benton said.
“They’re making the best decision they can under the circumstances, and I kind of think that’s how you’ve got to look at it, because it’s not that any of them would have chosen this.”— Dr. Sherry Benton, former counselling director and professor emeritus at University of Florida
“It’s really hard, but it also gives those students some sense of structure and normalcy, rather than cutting off their school altogether,” she added.
Dr. Benton also urged students to be mindful of the fact that professors are still adjusting to working online.
“All of your professors and instructors are just as overwhelmed as students, having to completely switch gears in the middle of the semester with their class,” Dr. Benton said.
Although it can be easy for both professors and students to become overwhelmed when adapting to working online, McNally said it’s important to find light during the dark times.
“It’s very important to understand the seriousness of the situation in terms of taking precautions,” she said. “But at the same time, take advantage of ways to make it positive, take advantage of time to connect with family and friends.”
“Feel free to wear a funny hat.” — Rachel McNally, Carleton University teaching assistant
