Zoom University is in full swing

by Magnolia McComish

Teachers and students alike have taken advantage of Zoom to host everything from online classes to virtual birthday parties, in the hope to maintain some level of normalcy.

Dr. Jess Landis, a professor of composition at FPU, said, “I think it is important for all classes to continue to have a sense of community because that is what FPU is at its heart; Zoom gives us a way to continue that.”

Similar to teachers’ students see the need for Zoom, “If we had no zoom then there would be no way to have school,” said FPU freshman, Jacob Roussel. “Without that help and guidance from class meetings on zoom, there would be no way to keep the classroom running.”

(Photo: J1’s first Zoom)

Some classes require an online meeting. Sarah Perrino, a junior architecture major at Syracuse University, said, “My major is critique based so having conversations through zoom is vital, it’s also a good distraction from what’s happening at home. It forces me to return to a student mindset instead of a quarantine mindset.”

Many teachers say that they miss seeing their students every day. Dr. Donna Decker, professor of English at FPU, said, “I have loved teaching in person for more than 25 years, and [switching to online] is a BIG change, a cultural shift, a paradigm shift.”

Decker said, “I LOVE seeing my students on Zoom, it is as close as I can get to seeing them in person.”

Students have also been able to come together virtually through the use of zoom. FPU sophomore, Stephine Phoenix, explained how she had a Zoom birthday party for her friend from school. “It was really nice to catch up with everyone.” She said, “it definitely wasn’t the same as hanging out in person, but it was definitely the closest we could get.”

Zoom has managed to bring people closer than ever while staying miles apart.

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Magnolia McComish
“I’ve painted my bathroom to hide from the boredom, still not as good as being able to leave the house.”