The national shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic caused education systems to close on an unprecedented scale. Many educators were not prepared to continue instructing online then, and students continue to grapple with the new reality of navigating online modalities now. This session presents findings of Sara’s successfully defended dissertation and illuminates the overlooked sonic student experience before, during, and after that dramatic educational shift in 2020. Data analysis revealed student needs for clearer course design, increased accessibility, more engaging videos, careful use of silence, dynamic speaking, and overall improved connectivity. Listening to the pandemic has amplified issues already present in face-to-face classroom settings and sets the stage for future improvements.   

Sara Gregory, Adjunct Faculty, Humanities and Music