Changwon National University has decided to hold remote classes for the entirety of 2020’s 1st semester. Most class lectures are held remotely, with some of the lectures being conducted in-person on a limited basis. After May 7th, when face-to-face classes first started at CWNU, 140 subjects applied to hold face-to-face classes, accounting for 5.3 percent of all classes. Currently, all colleges, except for the College of Economics & Business and the College of Humanities, have at least one face-to-face class. With some face-to-face classes in session, how are these face-to-face lectures doing according to students and professors?

The Campus Journal interviewed two students who are currently taking face-to-face classes to learn how these classes are progressing.

Q: Which face-to-face classes are you taking?

Choi: I am Choi Yuri, a junior at CWNU majoring in the Department of Culture Technology. I am planning on participating in a graduation exhibition in the second semester, so I am taking a face-to-face class related to the exhibition. I also took 'Cultural Planning Seminar' and 'VR/AR Studio' classes in person.

Seo: I am Seo Min Kyung, a sophomore majoring in the Department of Clothing & Textiles. The face-to-face classes that I'm taking are ‘Fashion Illustration’ on Mondays, and ‘Pattern Production and Practice 1’ on Wednesdays.

Q: How have face-to-face classes changed compared to classes before the outbreak of COVID-19?

Choi: Before the classes could start, students had to fill out a face-to-face class consent form, and students only have classes twice a week, but the classes go on for multiple hours. All students taking face-to-face classes are required to wear masks and to sit at separate desks as per the school’s health guidelines.

Seo: In-person classes have been divided into multiple smaller classes to reduce the number of students in the classroom. All students must have their body temperature taken before lecture starts.

Q: How do you feel about the face-to-face classes?

Choi: I took many face-to-face classes all at once, so it was a bit overwhelming and which made it difficult to concentrate in class. I didn't think it was necessary to have face-to-face classes because the classes were mainly for the presentations before the graduation exhibition in the second semester.

Seo: In the remote classes, I had difficulty preparing for the final exam’s replacement project because I wasn’t able to get in-depth guidance and feedback. But in face-to-face classes I’m getting much more direct guidance and feedback. Since the classes were divided, the professors can check each student’s project so I feel that the quality of the classes have improved.

What are the professors’ perspectives on face-to-face classes? The Campus Journal interviewed Bae Gwi-young, a professor in the Department of Dance who has been teaching face-to-face classes since the first week of June.

Q: Which face-to-face classes are you teaching?

Professor Bae: Only students who want to have face-to-face classes are taking in-person classes. 5 out of 19 dance students are taking in-person ballet classes now. I’m continuously uploading lectures for students who are still taking remote classes.

Q: What are some of the difficulties of teaching remote lectures?

Professor Bae: Practical classes require detailed feedback, but there is a limit to how much feedback can be given in remote lectures. In the case of freshmen, it was difficult to explain in detail how to fix awkward movement or incorrect dance form. I think it's a bit disappointing that I can’t see how accurately students are following the video lectures and whether or not they complete each lesson.

Q: Do you have any final thoughts on how face-to-face classes have gone so far?

Professor Bae: There are pros and cons to teaching remote classes, but I think it would be hard to expect students to learn practical skills as easily as in face-to-face classes. Since we don't know what's going to happen next in terms of class health regulations, professors need to use many different methods of teaching. I hope things get better so that professors and students can all feel safe in the classroom.

The progress of face-to-face classes where students can go to campus and meet in-person is welcome news, but there are still conflicting opinions on face-to-face classes among students. CWNU needs a detailed plan on how grades will be handled and how to proceed with classes if COVID-19 health regulations last until the second semester to avoid the confusion of the first semester.

By Kim Seong Ju, cub-reporter  nicole0215@naver.com

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