I Don’t Hate “Zoom University”

I will just come right out and say it.

I don’t hate “Zoom University” (what I call the online style of learning).

I don’t. I have felt that the educational aspect of being online has not affected my ability to learn and the virtual world has opened all sorts of different doors and opportunities. There is more flexibility and accountability for attendance. I remember over the summer I was able to go on a family vacation because summer bootcamp was completely virtual. Not only was I able to attend every class and not miss any material, the fact I was on vacation actually gave me better opportunities to complete some of the assignments we had during the week.

I enjoy being able to take class from anywhere at any time. I recently had the opportunity to pick my sister up from the Syracuse airport and bring her home to my parents who have not seen her in four months. Instead of having to rush back to class the following day, I was able to take class right at home and enjoy some quality family time before eventually heading back to campus.

The number of notable alumni that have had the opportunity to Zoom in and speak to students is remarkable. The virtual world has brought us all closer together through cameras and screens, and the Newhouse network is just as active. Every week, The Newhouse Sports Media Center puts on a Speaker Series where they bring notable alumni such as Mike Tirico, Andrew Catalon and others as well as multiple industry professionals. The fact that it is virtual allows these alumni to dedicate an hour or so of their time to connect with Newhouse students and share their stories in a convenient manner opposed to traveling all the way to Syracuse during these busy and crazy times.

The online style of learning provides benefits to students in different geographical areas as well. The students who are not on campus for a variety of reasons have access to different support structures that they did not have before thanks to the online format.

There is a feel that no student is left behind. Sitting in class looking at the projector screen of Zoom peers, they are getting a very similar educational experience as the in-person “lecturees” without having to wear a mask.

There has not been a lack of opportunities for students either. It feels as though every day there is a wave of emails that come in explaining different opportunities for students to either network or get involved in some organization virtually. I recently attended a virtual career-fair and made some great connections with Newhouse alumni.

The fact that people can connect with each other in the comfort of their own homes not only makes them more able to schedule meetings with students, I believe it enhances the chances that they would want to take part in these activities.

I mean, who wouldn’t want to have a meeting in their pajamas rather than having to get all dressed up in formal attire anyway?