Meeting the Demands of the Moment
E-learning began today across Principia—from Preschool through College—and will continue through the end of the academic year. Teachers are finding creative ways to help students progress through the topics and assignments on their syllabi and lesson plans. Some are conducting synchronous classes, with students and teacher online at the same time, engaging in “live” discussion that simulates the classroom experience. Others are using an asynchronous model, posting assignments that students may access at any time and connecting with them one-on-one during virtual office hours. In some cases, a combination of these models is in place. (Learn more about preparation for e-learning at the College.)
Efforts to maintain a sense of community are being implemented as well. For example, School students received a recorded chapel talk as a way of maintaining the usual rhythm of gathering together on Monday mornings for an inspirational message. And at the College, the student scheduled to conduct last week’s Christian Science Organization meeting shared her readings with the community electronically.
Without a doubt, e-learning is different than in-person instruction. It demands a new level of adaptability of students and their families as well as of teachers, and it takes more effort to maintain a sense of community. But with these new demands will come unexpected rewards, and Principia is poised to reap them.
As this pandemic emerged globally, 100 students, faculty, Principia Lifelong Learning travelers, and staff were scattered all over the globe from rural South Africa to Nepal. They are now all safely back home.
In obedience to state and local orders, both campuses have restricted access for essential employees only. The School continues to house about a dozen visa-holding international students on campus. At the College, about 50 students who need housing remain. (Thanks to a generous donor, several international students who needed financial help were able to return to their homes to start online classes this week.)
Adjustments have been made to several programs for alumni and friends:
- Summer Session 2020 has been cancelled.
- The Southern Grandeur: Civil War Saga cruise has been rescheduled for March 14–21, 2021.
- College Reunion 2020 has been postponed. It will now take place June 24–27, 2021, with 50th Reunioners arriving on June 23.
The following principles, outlined in a recent communication from Chief Executive Marshall Ingwerson, are guiding Principia’s leadership in determining next steps:
- Everything we do should be directed at lessening fear, not feeding fear.
- That means neutralizing any fear that we are not taking physical steps to contain contagion. We’re safe neighbors and good community citizens.
- That means visibly, openly adopting the best practices of our peer institutions concerning public health.
- It means not underreacting and not overreacting, but actively responding to the perceived need and hewing to mainstream guidance from authorities and experts.
New contributions to our Metaphysical Sharing Community Board are received daily. Check it out regularly, and share often. And you can stay in touch with the latest information about Principia-wide operations through our online Update Center.
Thanks to alumni and friends for your offers of support and financial assistance. To help meet the extraordinary challenges of this time, you may donate to the Principia Response Fund. Donations are helping cover costs for students still living on campus, digital infrastructure, and faculty needs, along with the many other needs of the moment.