Photo courtesy Illinois State University Facebook Page
NORMAL, Ill – It is no secret that universities across Illinois have decided to go virtual for the first two weeks following the return of students from winter break. Among these universities is Illinois State, going virtual until Monday, January 24.
Professor of Spanish Linguistics at Illinois State University, Dr. Benjamin Schmeiser, shared his thoughts on virtual classes.
“I shared the opinion of a lot of the students, which is of course I would rather be in the classroom,” Schmeiser continued. “We all hope and want to do the right thing and do what’s best for everybody and if staying home means keeping everyone home and safe and that’s the optimal situation, then that’s what we should do.”
Professor Schmeiser also shared his admiration for his hard-working students during this difficult time.
“I would like to brag up the students a little bit because they really have been outstanding in the last year and a half,” Schmeiser continued. “They really have stepped up.”
The professor also spoke on some of the challenges that he has faced while teaching virtually.
“It has been slightly different. Working in groups [over zoom] sometimes you have to get a little inventive. I taught one class where I really really needed the chalkboard a lot. I was able to get through what I needed to do, but there was a learning curve involved.”
ISU will resume classes in-person on Monday.