2
DUNWOODY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY — A LU M N I & F R I E N D S M AGA Z I N E — S U M M E R 2 020
HANDS-ON LEARNING IN A HANDS-OFF WORLD FACULTY, STUDENTS DEMONSTRATE THEIR BORN TO DO SPIRIT
The results were nothing short of inspiring.
“Faculty and staff mobilized quickly to implement hands-on education in a hands-off world,” Wagner said. “Their commitment to our students and their willingness to find new and innovative ways to deliver a high-quality education in an online world is testament to the Dunwoody difference.”
“The spring of 2020 has been a time in our history unlike anything we have ever experienced before,” President Rich Wagner said. “We have seen incredible tragedy and incredible strength.”
The College leveraged existing technology, including its Learning Management System, to deliver lectures, demonstrations, and one-on-one support, including tutoring, in online formats.
PREPARING FOR CHANGE
Faculty also prepared take-home kits with hands-on labs and activities, allowing students to continue learning by doing even while learning from home.
This spring, the faculty, staff, and students of Dunwoody College of Technology responded to the COVID-19 global pandemic the only way they knew how — by rolling up their sleeves, getting to work, and adapting to hands-on learning in a hands-off world.
In mid-March, in accordance with guidance from the Governor’s Office and the Minnesota Department of Health, Dunwoody made the decision to transition its on-campus instruction to a virtual format.
MARCH
TIMELINE OF EVENTS
COVID-19
Dunwoody then extended its Spring Break by one week, giving faculty and staff time to prepare for the switch to online learning.
“I am so grateful to have a world class group of faculty and staff who are committed to student success and who have worked tireless hours to provide the best possible education experience in these circumstances,” Wagner said.
3/4 Dunwoody activates a COVID-19 response team and begins implementing enhanced cleaning and sanitization protocols. 3/12 Dunwoody makes the decision to extend Spring Break through Friday, March 20, and transition to virtual instruction beginning March 23. Travel study is suspended.
3/16–20 Faculty and staff spend the week preparing virtual lectures, building take-home labs and job boards and mobilizing online student support, including tutoring sessions. 3/19 Dunwoody transitions most staff to working remotely and begins conducting all meetings in an online format. 3/20 A project pick-up and drop-off area is installed at the West Entrance allowing students and faculty to complete hands-on projects remotely.
