April Fools: College Faculty Dread Return to In-Person Learning
(Photo Allyson Frantz/The Gettysburgian)
By Phoebe Doscher, Magazine Editor
At a recent faculty meeting, Gettysburg College professors reflected on the past year of remote learning and came to a clear consensus: They prefer remote learning over an in person environment.
One faculty member made a succinct case for teaching online, noting a sense of comfort that cannot be replicated in the classroom: “There’s just something about teaching in pajama pants.”
Others have taken advantage of this unprecedented time at home with their families.
“I actually love hearing my kid screaming while I’m trying to lead a discussion. I’ve never felt closer to my family!”
Another facet of in-person learning that faculty will miss? Once they return to school, the pets stay at home.
“My poor cat isn’t gonna know what hit her. She’s been a regular fixture of my Zoom classes every day. I think she believes my students are new family members. She meows at them.”
One professor will miss the environment of the at-home office space: “How am I going to show off my impressive bookcase when I’m teaching in a classroom?”
All in all, professors are ready to return to in person classes as normal, although they might require an adjustment period.
