Tulane SoPA Moves to an All-Online Format for Our Spring and Summer Classes

In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Tulane University suspended in-person classes on March 13, 2020; and all classes resumed in an online format on March 23. Already offering more than 125 regularly scheduled online courses during the Spring 2020 semester, the School of Professional Advancement extended resources to support the university's comprehensive move to online learning. SoPA faculty and instructional designers offered workshops and expert guidance to facilitate the transition.

Supporting the Transition to Online Learning

Ilianna Kwaske, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, acknowledged SoPA's role in pioneering online education at Tulane. "Under Suri [Duitch]'s leadership as Dean and Vice President of Academic Innovation, we at SoPA are innovators and early adopters, so we test instructional technologies and develop processes that can benefit other parts of the university," said Kwaske.

Moving in-person classes into the online realm was facilitated in part by an existing faculty training workshop that was intended as a hurricane-preparedness measure. SoPA's hurricane response plan included an online instruction contingency to minimize disruptions caused by threatening tropical weather.

"Dean Duitch's and Associate Dean Kwaske's longstanding support for expanding the instructional design capabilities of SoPA facilitated the rapid pivot to online," said Kay McLennan, senior professor of practice in Business and Leadership Studies.

Canvas, the university's online learning software platform, incorporates a full suite of digital learning tools. Students and faculty can interact via video conferencing and discussion boards. Video, audio, and text content combine to offer a rich, multimedia virtual classroom experience.

The Outlook for the Future

Online-only instruction will continue for the Summer 2020 session, both in the School of Professional Advancement and throughout the rest of Tulane University. SoPA will offer nearly 150 courses online this summer, allowing students to continue their timely progress toward degrees and certificates. If you're considering online learning to further your career, get more information about our academic programs.