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Entry #35 - Teaching Online: Retooling, Flexibility, Resilience, and Silver Linings

11/30/2020

Maya, my sweet companion while I teach online, is all set for a rainy day.

*When I planned for my retirement to begin at the end of spring semester 2020, I expected to continue to teach my International Business Law and Sustainability class “as usual.” I had no idea that our academic world would shift drastically with the Covid-19 pandemic, compelling me to learn significant new skills. I have learned to use many tools on Zoom and our Michigan State University (MSU) learning platform called “D2L” (Desire to Learn). That learning took dozens of hours.
I also retooled my teaching methods. This has caused me to devote nearly twice as much time as normal to teach one course. I have done my best to be resilient, and my students have joined me. Fortunately, we have found unexpected silver linings within online teaching and learning. This essay describes some of them.

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Paulette L. Stenzel

I am Professor Emerita of International Business Law and Sustainability at Michigan State University (MSU). I continue to teach part time at MSU and coordinate the Broad College Ethical Leadership program Additionally, I advise Spartan Global Development Fund, a student-driven microfinance organization, and serve on its non-profit 501(c)(3) Board of Directors. .

I am also a mom, learner, writer, violinist, environmentalist -in -process, traveler, and avid reader.

Through research, service, and public speaking, I share information and perspectives on teaching, ethical leadership, and the pursuit of more sustainable ways of living and doing business.

Photo above: Francisco Vinega, Jade Artist, Guatemala, with Paulette Stenzel.
Contact me at stenzel@msu.edu.