Fall Online, Spring F2F; ILCC Business Department

Morgan Larson, Writer

With the development of online classes/courses, the world of education has drastically changed from the times of face to face and brick and mortar schooling. The advancements of technology and the increase of schools adapting to new ways to provide education. Online learning is becoming the new norm, especially for this generation of students.

COVID-19 has put a damper on learning facilities and has even altered how current online classes are being taught. Iowa Lakes Community College (ILCC) falls under this new criteria for both facility members and students. One department within ILCC decided to play it safe and continue their teachings through online learning for the Fall 2020 semester.

Professor Ann Wimmer, one of the Business Professors at ILCC, touches on how working from home differs from her regular face-to-face (F2F) classes, the effectiveness of either learning method, and her take on returning to the Business Department for F2F classes this spring.

Ann Wimmer has been teaching business classes for the last 35 years. Her area of focus within the department is teaching Principles of Macroeconomics and Principles of Microeconomics. For many students, Ann is also responsible for instructing “Introduction to Business” and “Human Relations” classes at ILCC.

With Ann’s 35-year teaching experience, she has instructed F2F, hybrid and online classes. Now with this global pandemic, a new teaching outlet, COVID-19 Virtual. Between all these different learning methods available for students, is there one method that ILCC professors think trumps the rest in student effectiveness towards classroom instruction? From her perspective, Wimmer had this to say, “I do not have a preference but believe that each student’s learning style will determine which model is best for them.” Interestingly enough, it does seem to depend on the student and whether or not F2F, hybrid, basic online classes, or even the new virtual courses are right for them and their learning style.

It is clear to determine that Ann Wimmer has taught in several different classroom formats over the years. With this semester being all online for the Business Department, was there a potential spike in student enrollments for any of Wimmer’s online business classes? “There has been some increase, but the virtual (TEAMS) classes have been popular,” said Wimmer. It seems this new learning outlet at ILCC has seen a bump in recognition within this department. It’s very encouraging to see an upside of positivity, especially during this time towards the department.

It is strange for students to pass the Business Department and see no activity. It conjures up the idea of how convenient or inconvenient it must be for all those involved in any business courses this fall. For Wimmer, it took a little time to adapt. “Teaching from home took some adjustment, but Iowa Lakes Community College provided us with the tools to make the transaction easy…I am a teacher and miss being on campus with my students. “says Wimmer.

With COVID still being considered all across the world, one thing is for sure. ILCC is doing everything in their power to ensure and encourage students and staff to keep moving forward and stay positive. It’s very uplifting to know that the Business Department will soon be filled with students and staff for F2F classes and bring a little bit more activity to its currently quiet hallways. Wimmer seems optimistic about returning to the campus and seeing her students. When it comes down to this spring, Wimmer encourages, “Safety first, before we return!” By doing our part at ILCC, let’s hope and be mindful of the ever-changing situations to ensure the Business Department facility to return to campus this spring.

With all the educational options ILCC has, F2F, hybrid learning, online courses, and the new virtual classes, it all comes down to how you categorize yourself within your learning style, and the rest will follow suit. For professors like Wimmer, it all comes together when they see how each student is thriving in their course format and seeing just how successful their teaching is.