The past school year has been a learning curve for both students and teachers. Never did anyone think that school would be taught entirely online. It is not quite the same, and Bradley is hoping to change that in the Fall of 2022. One teacher shares what it has been like this past year and his hope for the upcoming semester.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Professor Christopher Marsh. Marsh is an instructor in residence at the Department of Communication at Bradley. He teaches numerous classes, including COM 322, COM theory, COM 101, and is the Hollywood semester director.
Like many teachers, they all enjoy their job for some particular reason. “I enjoy the students. They are just a blast. I love teaching COM 103 and COM theory. The challenge of making that fun is what gets me out of bed in the morning,” said Marsh. Even during a pandemic, that joy never fades.
I am sure that many of us miss certain things that we may have lost due to the pandemic. Since the pandemic and all the remote learning that has taken place, the Bradley halls are not quite the same. “I’ve missed seeing everybody’s faces and the energy in the halls. I understand people zooming and the classes having to be online but I miss having students in the hallway,” says Marsh.
We have all faced many hardships and struggles this school year. One thing that has been difficult for Marsh is recruiting students for the 2022 London COM 300 J-term. “Not having students in the hallways makes it hard to recruit,” says Marsh. “I’m doing it all via email, so it’s not like I get to ask students how they are doing or what they are studying, so that has been a challenge.”
We have all learned and grown during these unprecedented times. We have learned to adapt and face new challenges. We have all had to step up to the plate in one way or another.
“I’ve seen the resiliency of students, and I think that has been cool. Everyone is adapting,” says Marsh.
The lack of seeing faces and social interaction certainly does take a toll on people. We have lost that in-person communication that is so important. “It is hard sitting in front of the screen and trying to get the same thing out of it. I miss seeing facial expressions, and zooming makes it harder if the cameras are off,” Marsh said.
Bradley is hoping to resume classes entirely in person this coming fall semester. While some may be anxious, Marsh is hopeful.
“I am thrilled,” says Marsh. “If wearing a mask means that everybody can be in class, then I am thrilled. I’m not anxious at all; I can’t wait.”