UNLV professor finds a new way to teach everyone
The pandemic has made things difficult for both students and professors, however, one professor at UNLV has changed things up with his class.
The pandemic has impacted students all around the world. Students are forced to either go to class in person, where they could catch a deadly virus, or go online, where some students don’t have the resources to do so. However, one professor has used his creativity to give students a choice.
Ryan Thorp, a JMS professor at UNLV, has taken the initiative to teach his class online and in person simultaneously. Thorp, better known as RT, has taken this semester to test his idea out because he wanted to make his class convenient for his students.
“With a TV production-based class doing everything online and never doing anything in person would just be beyond impossible,” said Ryan Thorp, JMS instructor. “I have students who just weren’t here in town. So, if I were to require this class to be all in person, well you have a classmate in London, there’s no way she would be able to do that.”
Everyone was hesitant about Thorp’s idea. However, because he has a news background, as a TV director, he felt that he could manage this style of teaching. With his in-person portion of the class, he makes sure that all safety protocols, such as wearing a mask and being six feet apart, are in place. With his online portion of the class, he uses Google Meets, instead of Zoom or WebEx, to call his students in. He explains that to his knowledge, he is the only professor teaching this way, making this semester more unique than it already is. There are some pros and cons to what he is doing this semester. Some small and some big, but overall, he has received a lot of positive feedback for how has done this semester.
The biggest con that Thorp has faced this semester is that everyone is using different softwares and hardwares this semester. The in-class students are using a software called Avid, while the online students are using different softwares, like Premier and iMovie. When it comes to hardware, some students are using the professional cameras, while others are using their phones. He understands that the circumstances are unique and understands that not everyone is going to have access to the same resources. However, Thorp explains that it can be difficult to grade at times because every student is using something different.
Another con is the fear of catching the virus. Thorp is married and has two kids. Their safety is constantly on his mind, but he knows he has responsibilities too. The biggest pro is that he has given his students the privilege to choose how they want to learn this semester. Most students were forced to go all online, where it can be difficult to learn and focus. Some students were forced to attend an in-person class, where there is a fear of catching a deadly virus. Thorp went above and beyond and allowed his students to choose what they were comfortable with. In a way, Thorp has created a blueprint and he feels professors will adapt to his style.
“You see how RT has done it and he’s done a remarkable job. I think other professors can try to take what he’s done and try to utilize it because it benefits the students,” said Isaac Paglialunga, one of Thorp’s students. “If I am running late for class or don’t feel good, I can just go online for the day. Then next time I can go into class.”
Paglialunga explained that this was his first time ever experiencing a class like this. However, he feels that it has helped him tremendously, given the circumstances. He explains how Thorp explained to him how the class would work and made it clear that if he had any questions, he could answer them for him. Paglialunga believes that this style of learning can benefit students and allow them to feel more engaged with what is going on. Paglialunga feels sad about there not being a full campus, but because of Thorp’s class he feels a little bit of normalcy.
Paglialunga gives a lot of credit to Thorp. He explains that Thorp told the class he had no idea how to use softwares like iMovie. However, he was able to learn it “quickly” and teach the class the software. Paglialunga also feels that Thorp has been extremely understanding. He talks about how he has to record off his phone at times and Thorp gives him tips on how to successfully do this. He also feels that Thorp has been fair with the grading system during these unique times. While Paglialunga misses what college was before the pandemic, he explains Thorp has been successful at giving him a great semester.
“I think that this class in the future will be offered this way,” Thorp said. “I think I’ve given the mouse the cookie and now the mouse wants a glass of milk.”
#Class #Online #Professor #Semester #Students
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