In its effort to build a sustainable model of distance teaching and learning, Dickinson State University (DSU) contracted with Learning Corps, LLC in the fall of 2020. Learning Corps works with institutions of higher education to help faculty build the best learning environment that they can using all the tools they have available.

“Dickinson State strives to provide the best professional development possible to our faculty to build their capacity to serve students in uncertain and changing times,” said Dr. Debora Dragseth, DSU’s provost and vice president for academic affairs. “When COVID-19 required our campus to pivot into a Hybrid-Flex modality, the Learning Corps team was there to provide our faculty with the tools they needed to succeed in helping their students learn effectively, no matter how our social, economic and educational landscapes changed.”

“Learning Corps’ expert distance teaching and learning mentors helped guide and support our faculty as they transitioned their teaching in response to disruptions of our traditional learning environments,” added DSU President Steve Easton.

The team from Learning Corps provided DSU faculty with an opportunity to take an online course in Resilient Teaching and Learning, which helps faculty build the capacity to use the tools that they have available to them to deliver high quality courses.

“The first thing we do is build an online class that covers best practices for teaching online and in a blended environment, and it covers all sorts of things such as how to do an instructional video and how to build relationships with students, the ones that aren’t right in front of them,” explained Liz Simpson, a managing partner of Learning Corps.

Dr. Brittany Hirth, assistant professor of English at DSU, was enthusiastic about the program. “I wanted my fall and spring courses to incorporate learning strategies that students could easily access in the face-to-face or remote options, as DSU made the shift to Hybrid-Flex. Participation in the Learning Corps program not only ensured that I had effective course design but also provided some supportive encouragement for me to try different active learning strategies. Plus, the ‘cool tools’ module was, indeed, cool.”

Dr. Holly Gruhlke, associate professor of business and dean of the College of Business, Education, and Applied Sciences at DSU, added, “I wanted to enhance the student experience in my all of my courses, especially my graduate level. I am hearing positive responses from students. It was worth the time and effort to enhance my teaching skills and I am excited to apply the tips and tools in future semesters.”

The following Dickinson State University faculty have completed the requirements for the Learning Corps program in Resilient Teaching and Learning and will be receiving a Master Teacher in Resilient Teaching and Learning certificate from Learning Corps:

• Dr. Andrea Cuervo Prados – adjunct faculty member in the Departments of Arts & Letters and Social Sciences
• Dr. Steven Doherty – professor of political science and chair of the Department of Social Sciences
• Shawna Egli – instructor of mathematics and computer science
• Staci Green – head of library operations
• Dr. Holly Gruhlke – associate professor of business and dean of the College of Business, Education, and Applied Sciences
• Dr. Brittany Hirth – assistant professor of English
• Dr. Karen Lewis – associate professor of sociology
• Monica Struck – university librarian
• Dr. Dana Whippo – associate professor of political science and economics

“A university is only as good as its faculty,” said Maggi Murdock, Ph.D., of Learning Corps, LLC. “It is faculty who guide students in the learning necessary to become both productive workers and effective citizens, and it is faculty who serve as role models as students of all ages and backgrounds seek to make their aspirations reality.”