Hood College Graduate School Education Programs Shift to Virtual Modality

The Hood College Graduate School has transitioned its education program to a fully virtual model following positive feedback from students during an initial modality shift in early 2020. This includes degrees in Multidisciplinary Studies in Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership, Mathematics Education, Mathematics Instructional Leadership and Reading Specialization.

Hood transitioned to remote learning at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic during the spring 2020 semester. The Graduate School at Hood College, which includes a variety of educational degree and certificate programs, transformed these constraints into advantages.

All current graduate students enrolled in education programs were surveyed about their preferences for course modalities in the long-term, even beyond the pandemic. Results from the survey indicated a clear desire for courses to shift permanently online. Likewise, professors found that the emergence of rapidly developing technologies such as Zoom provided opportunities for lively discussions without being in a physical classroom. These innovative tools, coupled with the enthusiasm of Hood students, prompted the College to consider new possibilities for moving ahead during unprecedented times.

Program directors were granted permission to shift to a virtual model by the Maryland State Department of Education and the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Since then, professors have been trained in best practices for synchronous and asynchronous online instruction.

The shift to online learning has also enabled the College to welcome students from outside Frederick County. The program has recently accepted students from Maryland’s eastern shore and is currently admitting students from as far as California.

Hood will be hosting a virtual admission cafe for their new online education programs on May 5 at noon and 5:30. Visit hood.edu/gradevents to register for this free event.

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