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Remote Learning Diaries: E-Learning in Business School

The transition to an e-learning experience didn't bother me too much; taking online classes is something I have done before.

Remote Learning Diaries: E-Learning in Business School

Gari Zipenco is a third-year Bachelorof Commerce student at the Ted Rogers School of Management, Ryerson University,studying Business Technology Management.

Thetransition to an e-learning experience didn't bother me too much; taking onlineclasses is something I have done before. This allowed me to adapt faster asRyerson made the unprecedented shift towards a complete virtual learningexperience.

However, Iwould say that my Winter 2020 courses displayed varying degrees of preparednessfor the online transition. Two of my classes prepared documentation, one hosteda virtual weekly meeting, and two classes required students to learn on theirown.

As of the Spring/Summersemesters, most classes have transitioned to a virtual learning platform,including updated learning for courses and virtual meetings. Many courses havebeen restructured to support the e-learning environment by grouping assignmentsand projects with other students while reducing evaluations such as quizzes,tests and exams.

Remaining productive while learning athome

Afterin-person classes were cancelled, some classes shifted to a weekly Zoommeeting. Most classes were self-taught with minimal supervision from theprofessor. Ryerson also provided virtual apps that allowed access to schoolcomputers for us to complete labs.

In thebeginning, when I first transitioned to an e-learning environment, I believed Iwas more productive at home due to reduced commute time and the overall comfortof my workspace. However, as time passed, I realized the comfort became adisadvantage, as it often led to procrastination.

Switching toe-learning has its pro and cons, but it's up to us individually to adapt tothese changes and prepare our workspace and mindset to function more productively.

Gari's e-learning setup

All mylearning is done on my laptop. I prefer to take notes with Google Docs whilemost of the class files and discussions are on the D2L e-learning platform. AsI am currently taking an Enterprise Architecture course over the summer, CitrixVirtual Apps allows me to access EA Sparx software, which is preinstalled onRyerson computers, at home.

The biggestchallenge for me was organizing all the technological resources provided. Asclasses are now online for spring/summer courses, there is a lot of contentonline that may lead to extra stress if not managed correctly. I learned thisearly on, which led me organizing my studying routine by noting down classtasks and resources on a weekly basis.

I enjoylearning individually, however I believe it is still important to learn oncampus, as it provides interactions with peers and professors that can supportstudent questions more efficiently. As time continues, I do believe the e-learningplatform at Ryerson will be further developed as an alternative to campuslearning.

CDW Campus Interns are responsible forcultivating the connection between IT departments, University Administrationand CDW to maximize the student technology experience on campus. This unique programdeveloped by CDW provides opportunities for students to graduate with hands-onexperience and explore career opportunities in technology.