Business
This page consists of work from “Design Thinking and Innovative Solutions” with Dr. Bill Romani. Last spring students from this class completed a Wiki on a challenge, choice and outcome they experienced abruptly leaving school and starting online instruction. Each student provided an image from “where they were” and told their stories from the perspective of giving Loyola students advice who may face similar circumstances 10 years into the future.”
Dr. Bill Romani
Challenge: When we went to online instruction in early March I was confident in my ability to deliver the content and use the technology. After all, I've taught in this format before and I also get into "flow" when I’m trying to fit all of the parts together for a curriculum, course, or lesson. So my initial thought in both of my classes was to find a way to deliver everything we set out to do in January tailored to online instruction. At best, that mindset was a touch bit arrogant and at least a little selfish because it neglected an acceptance that there were not otherwise normal or usual circumstances for the students and, unlike me, the students were likely in an environment with instructors and classes that did not have the same experience teaching online or insight to their learning experience or the fact that taking and keeping track of 5 online courses was a tough ask.
Choices: Reformat all of the content online or offer it in a more traditional assignment/turn in mechanism to accomplish all of our course objectives, Add instruction on "how" to use the online format and concepts like "social presence", Force engagement online to insure the students got a real online experience.
Outcome: In my 400 level course the students were initially working on a parallel track of DYL career exploration and building out the business model for a new venture. In short, they were overwhelmed by the volume of content combined with the challenges of trying to learn new online formats for their business plan. Synchronous sessions were quiet and unproductive because there was so much uncertainty with the software and detailed instructions in two tracks
My biggest insights for my 400 level course actually came from my one on one meetings with my Messina students. Their insights on what instruction was like in other courses, how the increase in asynchronous material to "make up for time" or the loss of in-person engagement was important. They liked the detail in directions and instruction but the students could very clearly see what was involved in a well thought our course experience versus assignments to make up time. As a result, I worked with my 400 level students and decided to remove the business track of the course and concentrate on what they were really engaged in, anyway, the career and life exploration and how that would impact their ventures.
Learning: I (re)learned that recognizing the user experience should direct your intervention or venture or, in this case, the course. The quality of instruction is often more valuable than the volume.
Savoy Adams
Challenge:
The challenge that I faced was the transition from being on campus to at home. And from actually physically being inside the classroom to online classes. The challenge for me was adapting to not being in class and getting to fully focus on online classes. Also having enough time to complete assignments. But really giving myself enough time to complete them. Another problem that I had was communicating with my teachers online more so instead of in class.
Choices:
I had to reevaluate my situation. Which then is defined by the choices that I made. My choices were creating a schedule and really utilizing my calendar to plan out due dates for the class. Another choice was finding a workspace that really works for me at my home. Other choices that I had were setting up meetings with my professor once a week just to check in.
Outcome:
The outcome of my choices as I had to create a more in-depth schedule of work I needed to do. I just overall needed to have a checklist for all of my classes and things to do. The outcome of my decision was that I got more focus and zoned in with my schoolwork. I had to really enforce my work schedule to stay on track. Last but not least I had to zone in and create a system that works for me.
Learning:
While at home I learned a few things to really embrace during this Covid-19. First I learned to humble myself and be grateful. But I also learned I must make sure that I keep up with classes in a not-so-stressful way. I also learned that communication is key during this time.
Owen Dowd
Challenge: My challenge that has not been immediately successful takes place in my History class. This class was challenging as it was, before Loyola made the switch over to online instruction, so it only got even harder. In class, we had detailed in-depth discussions over all the historical reading that was due before class on that day. Now, since we do not meet for our class, and instead zoom, once a week, not twice, most of the class time is spent doing logistical things related to assignments, and assignment submission. This takes away from those detailed and in-depth discussions that helped cement the textbook reading information into my head.
Choices: To re-evaluate the way I read, and make it closer and slower, with more of a note-taking focus, so I can understand fully what I read without the class discussion helping me. To phone my friends in the class and discuss what we read, to simulate what we did in class. Realize how eager my professor is to help us, and use that help! For me to solve this problem, I used all three of these choices.
Outcome: All three of my choices above, resulted in me continuing to get great grades in my class, but I still felt I was lacking the true cementing of the knowledge! The re-evaluation of the reading helped me to earn 100%s on all my HW papers since we went to online instruction! I find that when calling my classmates we don't really talk about the reading, rather we catch up and socialize, which might not help with history class, but it is important to do especially in these times. And, my professor has helped me and answered tons of my questions, but at the end of the day he already learned all this material, he's not the one being tested on it!
Learning: I learned that in this case, the best way to truly understand, and commit to memory what I was reading, was not through the choices I had made, but came from something rather unexpected. In me discussing with my brother what my homework was, I was able to talk to him about the reading, recalling what I read, and committing it to memory!! So, with this unexpected, yet positive outcome, I learned that it is very important to remember that oftentimes in life things do not go according to plan, but that is okay because, in the end, everything will work out if you stay adaptive!
Kevin Duffy
Challenge:
One personal challenge that I have faced since transitioning to online learning is sticking to a schedule. My sleep schedule has been all over the place, going to bed very late and then getting up very late and even sleeping during the day sometimes. This lack of schedule has had me wondering what day of the week it is and even what time of the day it is sometimes. As you can imagine, it is very difficult to know when assignments are due when you do not have a set schedule. I have much more flexibility now that I am at home because I can do my work any time of the day. I needed a structure as I had at school.
Choices:
I had to make decisions about what time I would get up, do my work, do some type of exercise, talk to my friends, and just chill. I decided to wake up at around 10:15 every day because my earliest class is at 11. This allows me time to eat a good breakfast to help me focus and power through my 3 straight zoom classes on MWF, which can be very challenging to pay attention to. After my classes, I make lunch and then chill for a little bit. Then I go for a run and get some exercise. After I get back from running, I take a shower and then do my schoolwork. I then eat dinner and either go back to my schoolwork or play video games with my friends online.
Outcome:
My new schedule has helped make me much more productive. It allows me to get done what I need to get done. I also started writing down all the homework that I need to get done so that I am more organized. I feel much better mentally and physically after I am able to get out of the house and run. However, I use to run at the park and in the woods by my house but unfortunately, they closed both. Cops are riding around on bikes making sure that people follow these rules. I had to change my plans and now I run around town.
Learning:
I learned the importance of creating a structure in my day, even if there is nothing forcing me to. I would advise another student to make sure that they not only set time for themselves to get work done, but also for them to relax and do things that help them to relieve stress, like workout and talk to friends. This can be equally as important.
Ava Dunn
Challenge:
A challenge I faced in the transition to online learning was finding a schedule at home. At school, I had times when I would do my work for certain classes and it was easier to stay on top of work. However, being home I have found that I lose track of time on Netflix or on my phone and do not focus on assignments that are due. Without having it laid out I would often forget when assignments were due and found myself doing them last minute and not up to my standards. The
challenge to find a schedule and stay on top of school work was the hardest part of transitioning to online learning for me.
Choices:
In order to confront this challenge, it took a couple of weeks to see what schedule I could make. I learned when and what classes were using zoom and how each teacher was structuring their class. Based on this I was able to create a schedule for myself that allowed time for school work during the day. Also, I created a to-do list for myself in order to remember when assignments were due and what assignments needed to be prioritized.
Outcome:
Those choices have allowed me to stay on top of my school work. I have not been scrambling to do assignments last minute and my work has been better. Creating a schedule has been good to help my days flow and to stay busy and active which is important during this time. Also, being able to check things off my to-do list is a very satisfying feeling and helps encourage me to get more work done.
Learning:
Throughout this experience, I have learned to be flexible. Although, I do not have the structure at home that I had at school I think it was important to learn how to make that by myself and work with the little schedule I did have. Also, I learned that structure is very important to me. I haven't had a time in my life when there wasn't structure like this and I did not realize how much I relayed on it. I think this is important for me to learn to make sure it is incorporated into my future career or schooling to bring a sense of comfort to me.
Kathryn Flynn
Challenge: After finding out we'd be switching to online classes, I knew my desk in my room would be the perfect space for me to do my work with no problem. However, once returning home my desk has become an everything space. I do all of my work and free time at my desk. I play video games, go online shopping, or I'm mentally planning trips in my head at my desk. I also eat a handful of meals at my desk, because it is a habit I formed in my dorm to not lose time between classes, meals, and work. It's been a challenge making my desk my space for my school work again as I had before college.
Choices: I could work outside of my room. I could separate my work and fun by using my bed for fun and my desk for work. I can make new habits in order to solve or begin to solve my challenge.
Outcome: I decided to separate my work and my fun by using my bed for my fun and my desk for my work. It began to help, and I realized that keeping my habit of eating some meals at my desk has let me keep some routine from campus to home. Some days I do resort to my bed for being my everything space, but those are my lazy lazy days. Most days I've been able to create my desk as my workspace and I've been making sure I have room for all the papers, especially lab papers, I need for a class. I'm able to get some work done in a good amount of time and I'm able to keep up with my work.
Learning: I'm still separating the space I need to have fun and complete work. I noticed sometimes I have an impulse to do something fun for myself instead of doing work. I also noticed that not having a separate place for classes, so all the halls, has blurred the lines more than I thought. On-campus, when returning from classes, I knew I could set aside some time for myself to just watch videos or half a movie. While at home, everything occurs in one room. I've formed a habit that my room is my relaxing space. So I have to be able to find my way around my habits that have been built in for a long time in order to be a better student, because who truly knows how long we'll be doing online classes.
Erica Grazio
Challenge: The biggest challenges I faced in the transition to online learning were staying focused and managing my time effectively. In high school, I was never great at staying focused on my work, but at Loyola, I worked hard to form habits that helped me focus and get my work done. When I got home, I felt like that progress was reset and I was back in high school again.
Choices: I figured my first choice was to just wing it and try to finish the year as best I could like I was actually in high school again. My other option was to organize and schedule my tasks so that I could manage my time, then remove as many distractions as possible from my workspace so that it would be easier to focus.
Outcome: I decided it was in my best interest to choose the second option. I began this change by making a weekly planner have a better view of what assignments I have and when they are due. This helped me manage my time on a long-term basis, but day to day I was/am still struggling to stick to the schedules I make as I often lose focus. To help myself stay focused I've tried to leave my phone in a different room before I sit down to do work. My phone is one of my biggest distractors, so this has been a very important change. I also use my watch as a timer to try to keep track of time in increments while working. More recently, as summer is fast approaching, I’ve found it hard to focus as I simply just want the semester to be over. The best solution I found to deal with this feeling is making my daily homework goals smaller so that it is less daunting and easier to “just do it.” Overall, these strategies have been effective for staying focused and managing my time but it's still another day, another struggle.
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Learning: I learned that the most important thing to do when a challenge disrupts your daily life is to be willing and able to change. I also realized that starts with reflecting on myself and recognizing what I’m doing wrong and how I need to change for improvement. Finally, when we’re this close to the end of the year, it's worth it to do whatever it takes to finish strong rather than dropping the ball at the very end.
“When life is hard, you have to change” - Blind Melon
Maia Johnson
Challenge: Since the sudden transition from being on Loyola's campus to being back in Philly, I've had to juggle a lot of personal responsibilities alongside academics that were not necessarily as affecting, or pressing, while being on campus. Many of these have been demanding of my time alongside assignments, so it has been difficult prioritizing, and juggling, each thing alongside the other.
Choices: I had, and continue to have, the choice(s) of communicating my needs to my professors (when I need extensions, when I'll be unable to make class, if I need a mental health day, etc.), as well as finding a way to make my daily schedule more structured so that I can balance academics and my young adult responsibilities. This has included optimizing free-time/less busy hours of the day (early mornings, weekends, etc.), while also keeping personal time for me
throughout the week.
Outcome: Implementing a daily schedule has helped significantly in keeping me on track of each thing I've had to do, especially utilizing certain times of the day/week to do things, so that they do lag as the week goes on. Also, for the most part, it has been effective communicating things to my professors, especially when I'll be unable to make class, or if I've to need extensions for small assignments due to conflicting responsibilities around the due days. Professors have mostly been receptive.
Learning: Advice for any student who such as myself is juggling being a student on top of self-sufficiency, I would recommend creating a schedule where you add things you have to complete throughout the week (errands, paperwork, phone meetings, appointments, etc.), while also adding academic assignments with upcoming due dates, working your way down the list as proactively as possible. Also, if there is a time where you simply cannot get something done by a due date, or you're dealing with overlapping things that must come before academics (as many things do), just let your professors know in a simple email.
Abbey Maddaluna
Challenge: I think my biggest "moral" challenge is the way in which we take tests since transitioning to online courses. The differentiation between professors is whether they lead with the honor rule, or opt to monitor students taking tests through Zoom. While I want a good, guaranteed grade, would using my notes fully grasp my understanding of the content, and would my grades accurately reflect my skills? I want my grades to be well deserved, but I also want a good grade. Would I be upset if other people used their notes and got perfect scores?
Choices: When it came to taking my Economics test, my professor trusted us to put forth our best efforts. Should I look at my notes while I took my test? Should I phone a friend? Should I try it on my own without uses outside resources?
Outcome: After debating with myself, I choose to study a lot prior to the test and when it came to taking my test, I completed it on my own without notes. I decided to do this because when given an A, I feel accomplished and like I truly can understand the content. My mantra is "hard work pays off" would not apply if I used my notes, that would not apply. The outcome of my test was a 94, which made me very happy, and felt deserving of this grade. On the contrary, if I were to get an A while using my notes, I would not receive this feeling.
Learning: I think through this all I need to take away the online aspect and picture how my school life would be going as if I were sitting in a classroom at Loyola taking a test. It is important to keep my academics honorable and to have my online activity play a little role in my work because, at the end of the day, I must focus on the content rather than the online role. I think we should be putting forth our full efforts that contribute to our diploma at the end of this.
Lia O’Riordan
Challenge: I think my biggest challenge is trying to stay focused now that classes have been moved online. It's hard to keep up while I'm still in the "on break" mindset. Not having that transition back to campus makes it easy to forget that the semester hasn't ended yet. It's a big challenge for me to keep up the work and not fall back into a procrastinating mindset.
Choices: I needed to force myself to attend zoom classes even if they aren't required so that I can keep the sense of being at college. Would I get dressed like I would on any normal day on campus? Would I make an effort to pay attention and listen?
Outcome: By getting up early every day and getting dressed, instead of attending class in PJs, I am able to keep some sense of being on campus. Although it is still difficult to still feel the motivation I would normally. My current plan is to push through these last two weeks of online school to keep up my grades and not procrastinate too much. By acting as I would in my dorm, I am able to keep up the effort for the most part.
Learning: What I've learned from this experience is that full-time online school would not work for my style of learning. I tend to learn kinesthetically which means even if the class tends to just be a lecture, it helps to physically sit in that class. Watching over zoom makes it that much easier to zone out and then do my best to do the work on my own.
Conor Rebele
Challenge: A challenge I've faced while going from the transition to full-on online learning is finding a way to stay connected with my friends, my team, and the family that I haven't been able to see while in quarantine. Obviously, when I was on campus, I was able to see my friends nearly every second of every day when I wasn't in class. I would also be able to run with my teammates every day; which I can no longer do for the time being. Also while I've been in quarantine, I haven't been able to visit my family like I would have otherwise been able to do.
Choices: The choices I've made are finding ways to stay connected. These range from texting, facetime, social media, and even the occasional zoom meeting my team has!
Outcome: The outcome of this is that I've grown to appreciate the people that I don't see every day even more than I did before. This is especially true for my grandparents. Our plans were to visit them in Delaware for a few days for Easter Break, but that didn't end up the way we wanted. But we've been able to facetime with them a few times a week. Even though I physically can't be with them right now, my family and I have been able to check up and stay connected with them during these tough times, which means the world to me. Furthermore, I've been able to stay connected with my teammates through Strava (I'd compare it to being Facebook but for runners). My captain started our own running club on Strava so that we can keep up with our training, as well as add a little bit of competition as we train for the May 11th virtual track meet!
Learning: While in quarantine, I've learned how important it is to stay connected with friends and family. It's so easy to let this sheltered life of the present make us feel like we're trapped in a bubble, but we can't allow ourselves to lose those relationships we've made. We have online classes, yes, but we can't spend the rest of our days keeping to ourselves, that's boring. I wish I was able to sit out here for online classes, especially since the weather's getting warmer. I sat out there once for one Messina class, but the reflection from the sun made it so that I couldn't see anything on my laptop...pretty disappointing.
Mary Ryan
Challenge: One challenge that I have come across as we continue to complete our online classes is keeping the motivation I had at the beginning of the semester to do well. Sometimes I think that because classes are online and that we are no longer at Loyola, I do not have to try as hard, but I have found it to be the complete opposite.
Choices: To make sure that I am still motivated to do well in my classes and not forget about assignments that are due, I have made a schedule. This schedule is similar to the one I followed while at school to help remind me that online classes are just as important as the classes that we had on campus. My schedule consists of me waking up around 10, having a class or doing some work, then working out and eating lunch. After eating I would normally do some more school work before my other classes for the day. After all my classes are done, I make sure that I have submitted everything that was due for that day and have dinner. After dinner, I finish work that is due the next day then relax for the rest of the night.
Outcome: So far my schedule has been pretty successful in keeping me motivated and on track with my classes. Some days I do have trouble staying on top of my classes but I always remind myself that the semester is almost over so I have to finish all my classes strong.
Learning: I have learned how important it is for me to have a schedule for the day in order to get everything done. Having that schedule also helps me to not worry as much because I know that I have put time aside to do school work and also time to relax.
Ben Samuelson
Challenge: The challenge that I have faced during the online instruction was the transition from synchronous in-class discussions with a chemistry class to an asynchronous chemistry class. I found this rather difficult because it was already hard enough in the class itself along with extra help during office hours. You basically have to teach yourself how to do difficult problems based on the notes that the chemistry department has placed on Moodle. It is difficult learning this way because there are only a few examples that they give us before they throw us in the mix with more difficult problems.
Choices: The first initiative I have made to help me improve my success in this class was to reach out to my teacher for a zoom meeting and help. After meeting with her, I still felt like I needed help so I had reached out to the tutor that I had at the beginning of the second semester to help me with learning the new and difficult material. I also did practice problems after meeting with these individuals so I can better my understanding of the material.
Outcome: Recently I have been doing a lot better compared to how I had started off on the first online quiz and online exam. After reaching out to two good recourses for help I had seen improvements and I am really happy with what I have accomplished. I plan to keep in touch with my teacher and tutor throughout the rest of the online semester so I can be ready for what is next in my science path.
Learning: Finally, I have learned that there is no shame in reaching out to somebody to get help. Doing this only makes this better for you and it helps boost your knowledge for when you have to put your mind to the test. Even after communicating with these people, I feel less nervous and more prepared as I go into assessments that are important in the grade book.
AJ Tolentino
Challenge: Paying attention while online instruction is in session. While attending online instruction it has been a struggle for me to take notes, engage in-class discussion, and overall, pay attention. During class I find myself daydreaming often and developing boredom due to staring at the screen looking at my classmates and teacher's face for however long my classes are. Another challenge I have is keeping up with my school work. Since I am home I can find numerous amount of things that will keep me occupied. My parents calling my name hundreds of times, watching Netflix series, exercising, and learning new skills. These things keep me busy and I have fun doing them however, I find it challenging for me to be able to find time for my school work.
Choices: One major choice I had to make during online instruction was the choice of slacking on my school work, or getting it done and finishing strong in this last month. The choice I made was to get my work done and finish strong. Though it was a challenge for the students and faculty, we have found a solution. Zoom classroom meetings, office hours, and Moodle online submissions have helped not just me but all of us during this pandemic. As much as I wanted to play video games, watch tv, and just procrastinate I had to tell myself to stay strong and get through this last month. "You came this far not to finish weak, but to finish strong" is what I continue to tell myself. I am still pushing myself and my friends to continue to keep up with their school work. Also, I am gradually improving on staying engaged during online classes and staying focused.
Outcome: I am glad I chose to keep up with my school work and start paying attention more during class because during times like this it is very hard to. It is easy to become lazy and procrastinate and it is challenging to be able to keep up with your work, keep the habits you had during school, and not become discouraged. Keeping up with my work and paying attention during class has allowed me to start getting ready for finals. I have notes and all the necessary materials for all of my classes and I am starting to get prepared for exams. While keeping up with school I am still able to do the things I want to such as exercise, spend time with family, and watch tv.
Learning: I've learned to always keep up. Never fall behind. This can be with your education, health, and faith... If you need help with anything there is always someone out there who can help you. In times like this, it is important to stay in contact with friends and family but also to keep away from them, and by that I mean talk to them on the phone or over texting, and DO NOT come in physical contact with them, or anyone. Do not become discouraged or overwhelmed because you can't be around the ones you love, or because you cannot work to produce income. There have been many pandemics and economic crises, each time we go through one, we know how to prepare for the next. My advice is to keep toilet paper, have plenty of food and water, save money, and be safe!