The INSIDER - Fall 2020

Virtual Success

Texas College professor Bonnie Gale (top center) holds a virtual class with her students using Zoom. Texas College chose to use only virtual classes for the fall semester. Classes began on August 12.

Dr. Lisa Taylor, vice president for academic affairs at Texas College, came to Texas College last summer with a background in online education technology and a vision for the future. She wanted to increase the college’s digital learning capabilities. So before the COVID-19 pandemic reached East Texas in March, the staff was already in training. “My research shows with the proper support online is possible,” Taylor said. “We started being ready for this before the virus.” On July 2, Texas College announced that classes would be held online only and fall sports were canceled in light of the coronavirus concerns. Students returned to classes on Aug. 12 online, and Taylor said she hasn’t heard any complaints so far. The fall semester will conclude on Nov. 20, according to the college. In the beginning, Taylor said a handful of professors were concerned. But the worry was soon taken out of the equation. “It’s (online education) what I love,” Taylor said. “I want to replicate that passion in the faculty.” At Texas College, students attend classes they normally would in person at a scheduled time using Zoom instead. Taylor said students learning how to take courses online helps them have the skills they need for the job market. She gets excited when talking about virtual learning. She said there’s a spirit of positivity at Texas College.

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The INSIDER │ Volume 15 │ Fall 2020