1. Voices of Hybrid & Online Teaching and Learning
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Anonymous Student

Student, Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program

This anonymous submission was prepared by CTL’s Student Consultant Yarin Reindrop who invited her peer to have a conversation about their ongoing remote learning experiences. Below is a personal reflection of the postbaccalaureate premedical student at Columbia on the challenges they faced, their appreciation for small group collaboration, and their unexpected self-discovery as a learner.

A Student’s Story of Isolation and Finding Togetherness

The Isolating Effects of Online Learning: The experience of sitting alone in front of a computer screens for hours on end, without any physical or even verbal interaction with instructors and classmates, made the learning experience more challenging and isolating.

Small Group Collaborations: Starting this fall again, working in small breakout rooms, group projects, study lounges, and facilitated study groups has made all the difference as it has allowed me to stay connected to my peers and enhanced my focus and success.

What I Learned About Myself: Prior to online learning I used to be a solo-learner. Then isolation was inevitable with the transition to the online environment, and now with the forced small group collaboration, I have learned that I thrive most in small group settings. That has changed my learning strategies for the better and has allowed me to feel more connected overall.

Voices of Hybrid and Online Teaching and Learning

Learn about the perspectives and experiences of teaching and learning during the pandemic.