Hands-on Learning in a Hands-off World

FACULTY, STUDENTS DEMONSTRATE THEIR BORN TO DO SPIRIT

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. The results were nothing short of inspiring. “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.”

PREPARING FOR CHANGE

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. Dunwoody then extended its Spring Break by one week, giving faculty and staff time to prepare for the switch to online learning. “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 College leveraged existing technology, including its Learning Management System, to deliver lectures, demonstrations, and one-on-one support, including tutoring, in online formats. Faculty also prepared take-home kits with hands-on labs and activities, allowing students to continue learning by doing even while learning from home. “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.

All of these things allowed Dunwoody students to complete the spring semester on time. “Our students are incredible,” Wagner said. “We realize the challenges they are experiencing. And in this disruptive environment, and with all the challenges confronting them, they committed to stay the course and pursue an education that holds the promise of a job and a great career.”

LOOKING AHEAD

At the same time, Dunwoody began preparing for the start of the fall semester and the return to hands-on activities in our labs, shops, and studios in safe and physically-distanced ways. The College is using guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control along with best practices from other colleges and Minnesota companies that are currently at work or preparing to bring their employees back to work. Dunwoody’s small class sizes, low student-to-teacher ratios, and large lab spaces gives the College the unique ability to restructure its physical environment in ways that will safely allow for handson activities in small group settings. “We are committed to providing a campus experience that will exceed all safety requirements to ensure we keep our students and employees safe, while still delivering the high-quality Dunwoody education we are known for in the midst of this new normal,” Wagner said. Dunwoody has already implemented new cleaning and sanitization procedures, new in-person protocols, and reimagined its learning and working environments. Enhanced cleaning and safety measures include:

Sealing the floors in areas of the buildings to make them impermeable and easy to disinfect, to prevent the spread of viruses. Using a new backpack unit to spray a commercial grade disinfectant in all areas of the buildings, including classrooms, offices, labs, common areas, and restrooms. This disinfects the air, which helps kill any airborne virus. Sanitizing surfaces by wiping down all areas of the building including computers, keyboards, desks, equipment, and elevator buttons on a daily basis. Frequently touched items in common areas are sanitized several times a day. Installing Plexiglas shields in areas of the building as needed. Installing touch-free handles at the doors of the West Entrance of the main building. Determining traffic flow to maintain social distancing in hallways and common spaces.

All of these things means Dunwoody will be operational and ready on August 17 for the start of the fall semester, with an education experience that will include: • Access to hands-on, in-person instruction in shops, labs, and studios • Distance learning experiences in lectures, supplemented with in-person classes to support students whose learning style fits better with classroom learning • In-person and virtual support for students struggling with topics and concepts to supplement their other courses

The campus experience will be different as academic schedules are adjusted to limit the number of people in a class.

“The Dunwoody community is certainly living up to its ‘Born to Do’ motto,” Wagner said. “They’ve all taken action, decided to do, to prepare and to be ready for what’s on the other side of this crisis. We’ve been in contact with industry leaders from all of our programs. We continue to hear, jobs will be there. Manufacturing, construction, printing, automotive, computers, healthcare, engineering — all of the programs taught at Dunwoody will be in demand on the other side of this crisis. We remain committed to safely meeting the demand for skilled workers.”