During the beginning and at the peak of the pandemic, Bellarmine classes moved online. For many students, this was difficult and created more stress. However, some students didn’t mind being online.
“I didn't mind taking online classes during the pandemic, but some of the classes were harder than others,” senior Katey Herndon said.
Said Jared Muncaster: “I didn't feel as if I learned as much online, but the schedule was easier.”
Others said it was difficult to focus.
“Online classes for me during COVID were harder just because it was difficult to focus, but the classes were easier I’d say,” sophomore Ty Johnson said.
Said sophomore Nicola Peck: “I did not learn as effectively because I could not focus well over the screen.”
Although some students may not like online classes, they said they still think Bellarmine should offer them.
“Bellarmine probably should offer some online classes because there is easier access to them and when being a commuter, it may be more convenient at times to have one online,” Johnson said.
Dr. Paul Gore, vice president for academic affairs and provost, said there has been a push for more online classes this summer.
“This year, there was a study conducted by folks in the MARCOMM admissions—the marketing and communications group—to find out what courses students wanted. By and large, students wanted courses that could fill core curriculum requirements. They preferred them to be very quick and in May so that they’d have the rest of their summer.
“So, we developed this year for summer 2022 courses that we hope can address those issues. There are some courses that will remain in person,” he said.
Gore says some students could benefit from online classes in the summer.
“It has the advantages of allowing students who go home that are not from Louisville, maybe Bardstown or wherever they may go like Lexington or Chicago, to be able to take classes and not have to encumber the expense of living on campus or they’ve got summer jobs. So, it’s a good thing,” he said.
Gore said that although having online classes in the summer is beneficial, he also said he worries that creating more online classes for fall or spring may lead to Bellarmine becoming an online university.
“What we absolutely don’t want is for them to get their entire degree online. If that was a priority or an agenda for Bellarmine, we’d be pursuing it. But we think that Bellarmine differentiates itself because of the smaller classroom sizes and intense contact with faculty,” he said.
Bay Atlantic University in Washington D.C. provided statistics on https://bau.edu/blog/online-learning-statistics/ about how online classes have affected students. Thirty-four percent of online students preferred way of learning is through online studying. Sixty-three percent of online students say online classes fit better with their social and work life. When it comes to improving soft skills, 60% of online students say that online education helped. Eighty-five percent say that it helped improve their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
More online classes are coming, but there won’t be many because online classes are not part of Bellarmine’s focus.
“They’re building the spring schedule now, so there’s a slight possibility of some online classes in the spring. Very likely, probably, starting in summer 2023 and fall 2023. Trying to figure which ones will be dependent on students’ and faculty’s preferences,” Gore said.
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