This case study presents a hypothetical situation based on very real circumstances that many undergraduate students are likely experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We encourage you to take a look at this case study and think carefully about what you would do if you were in Kyle’s shoes. Better yet, have a conversation with your friends about the discussion questions! We would love to hear your thoughts and your answers to those questions in the comments below.
Background:
Kyle is beginning his third year at UBC and had lived on campus during his first two years. He has now moved back home due to the COVID-19 pandemic and is starting the school year from home. He was able to make it to classes on time easily while living on campus, and with the shift from in-person to online classes, he assumed there would be no problem continuing to do so.
Scenario:
During the first few weeks of school, Kyle had trouble adjusting to the new school system while dealing with new changes that come from living at home, such as having all of his family working and studying in the same household. On one particular occasion, he had stayed up the night before preparing for class, doing assigned readings and making notes for the discussion. He went to bed late and slept past his alarm.
The next morning, he woke up late for class and could not find a suitable room to work in as other members of the family were already set up for their daily activities. He ended up joining the online session late, missing the attendance check and the professor’s earlier announcements, which included the expectations for active participation. Because he was attending from his bedroom and not properly set up for class, he had his video off in addition to being muted.
In an attempt to catch up, he sent a private message to a classmate asking what he had missed but accidentally sent it to the entire class. The professor then asked him to turn on his video and join in the class. In his frazzled state, he responded via the chat function to say that he couldn’t, hoping to explain later, and ended up leaving the class. The professor took his actions as being rude, non-participatory and disruptive.
Discuss:
- What issues does this scenario raise for you?
- What might Kyle consider in deciding how to manage this situation?
- What would be the impact if he does nothing?
- Should Kyle argue for the right to participate in any way that is best for him?
- What would you advise Kyle to do in this situation and how should he approach the professor?
Resources
- Managing Your Time | Chapman Learning Commons | https://learningcommons.ubc.ca/student-toolkits/managing-your-time/
- Keep Learning https://keeplearning.ubc.ca/
Written by Eseohe Ojo
Edited by Rachael Bradshaw
Featured image Laptop Screen Desk, from HaticeEROL used under Pixaby License
People said…