Masters Kicks Off Remote Learning

On Tuesday, March 31, students and faculty participated in their first remote learning classes over Google Meet, and classes will continue to take place virtually through Friday, May 1. 

“The can-do spirit of our faculty and their genuine expressions of care for our students have been truly remarkable,” Dean of Faculty Sam Savage said. “We have launched with optimism and with our might, and we are all relieved to be back in touch with each other as we learn the routines of a new kind of schooling.” 

Masters’ Remote Learning Plan relies on digital platforms like Google Meet and the Learning Management System (LMS). Teachers and students are meeting daily in virtual classrooms and assignments are being digitally posted and returned. Teachers are making themselves available via video-conferences and providing feedback via email or through comments on Google Documents. 

Students received a set of expectations “to ensure productive, respectful, and constructive sessions,” as stated on the Remote Plan documents shared prior to the beginning of remote classes. Punctuality, timely delivery of school assignments, and an appropriate dress code are all part of the plan. 

For students, nothing matches the Harkness experience and bumping into friends in the hallways or the dining hall. But re-engaging with one another in these unsettling times helps provide a sense of normality and community. “I miss seeing all of my classmates' faces around the Harkness table, but Google Meet sessions are definitely better than nothing. I think everyone is eager to finally be able to do something productive with their time,” said Kira Ratan ’22 after completing her first week of remote learning.

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Thank you to the many students who submitted pictures of their at-home classroom spaces. We look forward to sharing more of them in upcoming editions of The Messenger and on social media. If you would like to share a picture of you in your remote learning space, please email it communications@mastersny.org.