Faculty Blog

When a cat becomes your only classmate

It's been a week that Liz Weis, student from the Bachelor en Cultures Européennes, follows her courses online. Today she shares with us her first impressions as a student about this new teaching methods far away from campus.

It is from her bedroom, with her cat for only classmate, that Liz Weis follows the courses of the Bachelor en Cultures Européennes . For the past week, all her classes are now taking place online. A method that seems to work well, despite the hazards of technology. "The connection is sometimes bad, especially when we are many to connect. We are gradually learning how to use the videoconferencing platform so that everyone can follow. For example, we realised that it is best to ask our questions on the online chat, "explains the student.

If Liz appreciates being able to take her courses online, some formats appeal to her more than others. “Interactive online courses, via Webex for instance, are more motivating. Some teachers also use recordings of their voice, but it is less stimulating and harder to stay focus with these. I find group work to be the hardest online. We’re wasting a lot of time chatting. It’ not so easy to divide the work and get it done online ”, says Liz.

Online courses provide a temporary solution, but there are still many uncertainties for students. Liz explains: “not all courses can be transposed online. We were supposed to complete an internship to learn from experiences, " before adding:" the same is true for our semester abroad. I was very happy to be accepted for a global exchange in the United States. Now I don't know if I’ll be able to go. ”

Liz, like many students, is adjusting to this new student life away from campus and her friends. "When we were informed of the university's decision, we were still in class. Our lecturer explained the situation to us well and took the time to answer all of our questions. It was reassuring to be able to share our anxieties and fears ”, remembers Liz.

Today, between her online courses and the readings suggested by her lecturers, Liz video chats with her friends. "It's just not the same. I really hope we can get back on campus soon", hopes Liz Weis.

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