FinnU to offer multiple learning modalities with focus on in-person and livestream learning
August 24, 2020Finlandia University is known for doing small well and this year will be no different. Finlandia’s faculty and staff have been preparing all summer for safer and even smaller classes.
With that in mind, students can expect their classes to be delivered in a number of different ways this year. The first week of classes will be completely online to ensure all baseline testing results have been processed. Safety continues to be FinnU’s number one priority for our students, faculty and staff. As a result, Finlandia is offering a number of different learning delivery models professors will choose from. Selecting how to deliver courses during this unprecedented time will be based on a number of factors, including but not limited to, size of the class, desired outcomes, pedagogical goals, regulatory guidance, the learning needs of the students, and mitigating health concerns for the faculty and students. Instruction that allows students to engage with professors in real-time, such as in-person or livestream learning, is Finlandia’s preferred delivery method when feasible.
Learning Delivery models
| Delivery Style | Is there face-to-face instruction? | Is there a virtual component? | Can students interact with the professor in real-time? | Other considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-person Instruction + Livestream Learning (Blended-Synchronous) | Yes, up to half of students are participating face-to-face in the classroom | Yes, remaining students simultaneously participate through livestream learning | Yes | Students would be divided into groups that would rotate between attending class in-person and livestream learning. |
| In-person + Remote Learning (Blended-Asynchronous) | Yes, up to half of students are participating face-to-face in the classroom | Yes, remaining students would work remotely outside of scheduled class time through recorded sessions via Canvas or Zoom | Students doing face-to-face could interact with professors in real time. Students doing remote learning cannot. | |
| Remote Learning Prior to In-person Instruction (Blended-Flipped, Asynchronous) | Yes | Yes, all students would complete pre-recorded videos and readings prior to class | Students doing face-to-face could interact with professors in real time. While doing remote learning, students cannot. | |
| Blended-Special Circumstance | Dependent upon professor | Dependent upon professor | Dependent upon professor | Students and faculty arrange meetings through Zoom or Canvas groups |
| Fully Online (Livestream or Remote Learning) | Dependent upon professor, but livestream learning is preferred | Yes | Dependent upon professor | |
| Fully In-Person Instruction | Yes | Yes, Canvas content used as appropriate with a minimum of syllabus, calendar, and handouts available online | Yes |
Focus on Safety
In addition to smaller class sizes, Finlandia is implementing a number of new protocols to keep classrooms safe. The following safety precautions have been implemented to keep all parties as safe as possible.
- Masks will be worn by all persons inside campus buildings, including classrooms and hallways.
- Face shields are also available for faculty or students who prefer to wear the shield with or without the mask.
- All employees and students will be tested for Covid-19 for free prior to classes beginning. In order to make sure all test results have been processed, the first week of classes will be entirely online.
- Classrooms will be cleaned by the university once daily. Bathrooms will be cleaned twice daily.
- Disinfecting wipes will be readily available across campus.
- Hand sanitizing stations will be strategically placed across campus.
- Students, faculty and staff will complete a daily symptom tracking form and should not attend class if exhibiting symptoms.
To learn more about Finlandia’s Fall 2020 plan, please visit finlandia.edu/fall2020.
interested in starting classes this fall? it’s still not too late!
