The Defense Information School was tasked with continuing training throughout the pandemic; the pipeline could not be stopped for quarantines or building closures. The school had to adapt quickly, or “adjust fire” as the military would say, and leverage multiple tools, including Blackboard, to continue training. Our adaptation allowed us to meet the mission and implement new procedures that are still in place. Let us challenge your thinking about technology as you “adjust fire” post-pandemic.
During this presentation, using slides, videos and handouts, we will provide participants with alternative methods of continuing training through the use of different tools, both free and purchased. Prior to the start of the pandemic, the Defense Information School had access to both Blackboard and Google for Government, as well as Google Classroom. Instructors at the school would use both tools interchangeably, with Blackboard being used for assignment submission and written tests. Instructors would also use Blackboard to submit performance exam grades. This allowed the Course Development Office (CDO) to evaluate the different courses through different reporting tools in Blackboard. Google Classroom was used by many instructors to engage students during class.
When the pandemic hit, the school had to “adjust fire.” The school briefly closed its doors and staff and faculty evaluated the tools we had and began to implement a plan to continue training. Directives from the Secretary of Defense mandated that all initial entry training had to continue. Fortunately, students were issued laptops when they arrived at the school and the building had recently configured wifi access. When students were cleared to return to the building, the school used a single instructor per classroom to assist students with any issues while instructors used Blackboard Collaborate and Google Meet to conduct classes from their homes, keeping students as safe as possible.
Staff and faculty, with the aid of our Faculty Training and Development Office (FTDO), began to look for tools to enhance the online classroom experience. CDO and FTDO staff collaborated to quickly implement new tools. The FTDO staff began daily, then weekly Coffee Talk sessions via Google Meet on a variety of topics to keep the faculty engaged and connected. These topics focused on how to use Blackboard Collaborate and other tools identified by faculty to help instructors enrich the learning experience.
Now, post-pandemic, classes are back to normal, but thanks to the lessons learned and the tools identified and implemented during the pandemic, classes can continue, even while students can’t make it into the building. Prior to the pandemic, during snow storms or other bad weather, missed classes would be made up by having students stay later or come to class on the weekend. This meant the instructors and building support staff had to do the same. Applying the knowledge and lessons learned during the pandemic, we can now continue training during inclement weather, while minimizing risk to faculty and students. Some of the lessons learned include:
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Training doesn’t have to be perfect, it just need to be engaging
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Online tools are not just for online classes
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Combinations of tools is the key
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You don’t have to go back to “normal”