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May 7, 2024 5 mins

Remember the Time Summary:

In this captivating episode of the "Dear Professor" series, Ms. Teni Ogunsan candidly recounts one of her most nerve-wracking online course experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. This intimate dialogue with Dr. Kellie Alston uncovers the emotional rollercoaster that comes with navigating technology-driven education—inviting listeners to empathize with the challenges of modern learning environments.

Ms. Ogunsan details the daunting expectations set by a strictly proctored biochemistry final, its requisite surveillance adding an extra layer of stress to the exam. Amid an already heightened state of anxiety, a technical issue compounds the tension, when crucial visual material fails to display during the test. Despite fears of academic doom, she discovers camaraderie in collective frustration through the shared experience with her peers. This segment of the series is rich with themes surrounding the pressures of academic integrity measures and the unpredictable nature of online exams, making it a must-listen for students and educators alike.

Key Takeaways:

  • The heightened anxiety caused by strict proctoring measures during online examinations.
  • Technical difficulties experienced during an online final exam can lead to immense stress for students.
  • Ms. Teni Ogunsan experienced mixed emotions from test anxiety to relief upon realizing others shared her predicament.
  • The "Dear Professor" series provides a platform for students to share their online learning experiences.
  • The episode sheds light on the psychological impact of surveillance software used in online course assessment.

Notable Quotes:

  • "So already coming into this exam, I was freaking out, and I was like… What if the system flags me and then I'm going to be, you know, called in for cheating…"
  • "And I was like, am I the only one who doesn't have this image? I was so tempted to, like, grab a phone and call, but I was like, I can't do anything."
  • "I'd also heard that with the system… that if we, like, looked away… I didn't want it to appear like I was cheating."
  • "Thank God it was actually a system error. So everybody lost that image as well, and they were all freaking out as well."
  • "It really wasn't that bad, but my brain was looking at the worst situation."

Resources:

Thank you for listening, rating, sharing, commenting, and subscribing!

Website: kelliealston.com

Email: hello@kelliealston.com

Resource: https://bit.ly/drkelliealston

Are you interested in enhancing your mindfulness this semester? Incorporate journaling specifically about your work experience in higher ed. Grab your copy of The Professor's Week in Review: A Journal for Weekly Reflections on the Higher Ed Experience and make it a mindful semester!

Get a free copy of The WIRe Journal until May 31st by emailing Dr. Alston at hello@kelliealston.com. Include your full name and address in your email.

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