Today: Mar 28, 2024

Studio art classes during COVID-19 go hyflex or online

Bernadotte Sufka Features Editor

As students move back into dorms for the spring semester, many classes have switched onto an online platform. It is still necessary to quarantine for the first week and students cannot go to their designated classrooms. 

 The buildings are closed, and classes must be carried on at home or at the residential dorms strictly for the first week. This transition applies to studio art classes as well.  

“Everyone is doing something different. Instructors have chosen different modalities,” said sculpture professor Jeff Slomba.  

“I’ve chosen to meet students on the ground. They will be given individual tools and kits they can take home to work outside of class. We won’t be sharing tools or handing things back and forth,” said Slomba.  

The COVID-19 protocols apply to all classes on campus. Students are not entirely limited to their preferred classroom settings.  

The HyFlex option for class remains open if a student is not comfortable attending class in-person or must be excused for quarantining.  

“I have not had my ceramics class in person yet because of the first week to quarantine. I feel comfortable attending class in person,” said studio art major Dalena Tran, a sophomore.  

“I didn’t get my supplies yet, but next week I will. I look forward to going into class in person for a more hands-on setting to be in,” said Tran.  

Classes under the Art Department are mainly taught in-person due to the supplies and tools classrooms have to offer. They have been successfully operating amid the strict and safety guidelines so far as professors do have back up plans for teaching remotely.  

If the case ever occurs, Jeff Slomba has a backup plan for his sculpture class that includes alternative projects. Students would have to create a 3D Computer-Assisted Design and 3D printing when away from the classroom. This may be good outreach if COVID-19 becomes worse and further limits on-ground classrooms.  

The many classes offered within the Art Department have managed to change their classroom types from the traditional in-person class structure to online from the past semester.  

“I rather have it in-person, because I can get easier access for help from the professor when I need it.” 

“The classrooms are more open and bigger than my dorm, so I have a lot of space to do my projects in. I find it to be better and it does feel more motivating in-person,” said Tran.  

Classrooms also do have a limited number capacity in which students are allowed to be in. For this, some professors have split their class in certain days where students can come and continue their projects in the classroom itself. 

At the start of the class, students are given the option to either participate in person or online. This is in some areas within the art department classes, sculpture and painting, being some of them.  

The safety guidelines may seem strict and cause more work for both ends of the spectrum, but everyone is willing to put forth a motivated attitude and create enhanced learning experience, whether it is in-person or online.  

So far, students and professors have adapted to this new learning environment in and out of the classroom. Even amid the pandemic, classes will resume.  

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