Abstract:

In the past decade, embracing technology with state of the art infrastructure and training has been a main focus at Middlesex Community College. This presentation gives an overview of the technology training that helps the transition of online learning during the pandemic. The challenges involved in coping with technology deficiency are also highlighted.

Technology empowers people to be more productive and better adaptive to the challenges they encounter. This presentation discusses three aspects in terms of how faculty, staff, and students are trained in using various technologies in order to provide high quality online teaching and virtual services as well as result in better learning.

(1) The review of technology training during pre-pandemic years
Start with an introduction of Middlesex Community College and what we have done to bring technology into the infrastructure and provide training for staff, faculty, and students.
(2) The Transition to online learning during the pandemic time
In March of 2020, when our campuses were closed and all courses and college services were moved to the virtual environment, what we did to make the transition quickly and smoothly. Then discuss after 16 months of going on virtual, what we have learned from our training and support practices.
(3) The challenges ahead
In the past year, as we are opening the college and gradually shifting back to more face-to-face classes and services, what challenges we are facing and what strategies lead us to provide high quality technology support.

Keywords:

Power of learning.