By Shannon Leddy

Here we are three weeks into our new normal for teaching and learning at NYSID. It felt like ages since we had all seen each other, so I think finally getting back into the classroom, albeit the virtual classroom, was a very welcome event on March 24!

I was chomping at the bit to reengage with my students and test to see how the new format of the course would be received and understood. My colleagues and I all worked so hard in such a short time to build everything out online—our architecture and design prowess was put to quite a different use the past few weeks!

For my first MFA1 Studio II class online, I structured it like the first day of class—a reintroduction to the course, the current project, and each other. We were all likely anxious to see our studio mates and wanted to feel reassured that each person was well and okay, so we took time at the start and went around student-to-student individually to chat. Each shared where they were Zooming in from and how they, and their families and loved ones, were doing. The students were pretty candid and honest.

One could not help but be reminded that while we've known each other on this one level as teacher-student, as classmates or as fairly new friends, there are so many other layers to each of our lives we were less familiar with. What we are going through right now is a factor that affects every layer of our beings and more was shared. There are some with loved ones on the front lines of the medical field, students who are also caregivers for older parents, some of us carrying worry or uncertainty about finances or employment, those far away from family. Luckily no one was on her own. I would say that though we are far apart geography-wise, we are now closer than ever. And now, at least, we could get back to working together.

I think many welcomed the familiar routine. I tried to encourage students to consider that school could be a welcome respite from the fear, anxiety or certainty. Interior Design is what they have chosen as a career path because they have a love of design that drew them here. This love is what will sustain them, and the deadlines are what will push them forward. With those two things, they can avoid distractions, and excel.

As far as the new course structure itself, and having experience with Distance Leaning for my Residential Design II class in the Associate in Applied Science program, I think one has to acknowledge that this is a different format and that the on-site classroom experience cannot be duplicated, but, as Freya Van Saun, Coordinator of Online and Blended Learning, said to the instructors, the LEARNING will still happen. Some things will be different, but the learning outcomes will be achieved. I asked and will continue to ask the students to trust in me and the tools we have at our disposal.

The key part of a studio is interaction and that is great medicine for all of us right now in general, so between discussion forums on Canvas where informal pin-ups of work will happen, and group crits each live synchronous class session where we will breakout into groups of 3 instead of individually to share process, the students will have the opportunity to connect. I have set up Q&As for students to post their questions and concerns about the course, about remote learning and the projects at hand. They are invited to answer each others questions, as will I, and post things they have found to be helpful in their processes that others may benefit from. Connection and participation will enrich this experience and make it successful. I am trying to keep the vibe a little light and also flexible where I can be so, the students feel supported and heard. Humor helps! So do students’ dogs joining the meetings! I also have a few tricks up my sleeve to keep things fresh as we go deeper into the semester.

Can we completely replicate the on-site dynamic of being in our classroom at the Graduate Center? No. But we can replicate the learning! Design improves lives and there is comfort in the familiar.

Wishing people well in week four. One week at a time, one day at time, and things will get better and better.

Interior Designer Shannon Leddy, an Allied member of ASID, has been teaching at NYSID since 2015.