Westfield State faculty needed to swiftly respond to how to continue teaching courses during the COVID-19 pandemic. To assist in the shift to remote learning, the University’s Academic Information Services (AIS) staff have provided training sessions to faculty, staff, and students.
Along with other areas of the University, AIS began actively working in February on proactive contingency plans to respond to the coronavirus situation, in case classes needed to move online.
By late February, all AIS units—including the Center for Instructional Technology (CIT), Technology Support, Ely Library, and Media Services—were firming their strategy to support the prospective move to online operations.
Over the following weeks, AIS held online and in-person training sessions, added hundreds of Zoom licenses, identified and loaned out over 100 devices to students, faculty, and staff; digitized library course reserve materials, and transitioned staff to provide remote technical support and information services.
AIS staff have closely worked with faculty and students to ensure they have the technology they need to teach and take classes.
“This has all been made possible by the staff and librarians of the library, Media Services, CIT, and Technology Support,” said AIS Dean Tom Raffensperger. “They continue to go the extra mile for Westfield State’s academic community.”