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Distance learning ignites creative projects

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Unique projects and opportunities enhanced distance learning experience for students

by Lisa Kochanowski, Assistant Director of Communications

Holy Cross College students were introduced to distance learning as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020. This required professors to get creative with planned projects, assignments, and class trips. The cancellation of a trip to Detroit for the Christian Muslim Encounter class introduced students to a unique learning experience. The Arts 110: Intro to Photography class had the opportunity to get creative with life in quarantine through a special shelter in place project.

Distance learning creates a momentous experience

Distance learning turned a cancelled trip to Detroit for the Christian Muslim Encounter class into a unique education experience.

Professor Justin McDevitt organized an opportunity for the class to watch a recently released documentary called “Hamtramck, USA” about a neighborhood in Detroit known for its vibrant immigrant background. Along with watching the fi lm, students had the chance to speak with fi lmmakers Razi Jafri and Justin Feltman via video conference. Students also had the chance to meet with the American Muslim Society in Dearborn, Michigan before speaking with the fi lmmakers.

“One of the goals of courses in global perspectives is to help students understand the need for global solidarity and the importance of understanding our own particular context in the world in relation to

others. Only then can we truly treat all people with human dignity, like God calls us.”

– Professor Justin McDevitt

Creativity continued for art students

Lekabel Abul ‘20

by Lisa Kochanowski, Assistant Director of Communications

Distance learning didn’t alter the creativity of students in Professor Melonie Mulkey’s Arts 110: Intro to Photography class. Students were given a portrait project and asked to create a series of six photographs that were a combination of self-portraits, portraits of someone they knew well, and a partner in class. With the arrival of COVID-19, the project presented some challenges requiring revisions. Students had to fi nd a way to still create a series during their time of quarantine, photographing themselves or whomever was willing to have their portrait taken.

Excellent work by the students!

Chandler Seaman ‘22 Billy Skoch ‘21

Micha Finley ‘20 Thomas Cunningham ‘23

“In this selection of images, the students were given a new set of parameters working under the conditions of ‘shelter in place’ orders from all over the United States. Art is a combination of thinking and making, refl ecting and problem-solving. From poetic to documentary, they used photography to share an intimate

part of themselves during a time of isolation.” – Professor Melonie Mulkey

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