While the Los Rios Community College District remains closed and coursework has transitioned to fully remote, Cosumnes River College faculty continue to institute a curriculum that enriches their students. 

From YouTube clips made from home to innovative lectures created via the Canvas Website, CRC professors are providing students with material to ensure classes are fully equipped with the transition to online coursework. 

“I think that establishing a solid routine for learning online is a challenge for everyone,” said math professor Brandon Muranaka. “There’s a lot going on for all of our students switching to online, staying at home, working or not working, etc.” 

Muranaka said he understands the potential challenges students may encounter while attending online-based classes such as managing a consistent daily routine. 

As a way to keep up with the pace of online learning, Muranaka advises everyone to finish their schoolwork as soon as they can during the week. By doing this Muranaka said students will be able to connect with professors earlier in case they need assistance. 

“I’ve been trying to encourage everyone to watch the videos early in the week so they can ask questions throughout the week,” Muranaka said. 

Twenty-year-old social science major Vanida Vorasane said she can appreciate how her professors are using different platforms to communicate lessons to her and her classmates. 

She described her professors as “enthusiastic” when interacting with her digitally and said that their zeal motivates her to remain devoted to her courses.  

“I can imagine for so many of us that it’s really hard to stay on track especially because we’re spending so much time at home,” Vorasane said. “It’s really encouraging when you see that your professors are fully engaged and showing a lot of energy too. It keeps me motivated for sure.” 

Muranaka said he tries not to deviate away from certain components of his lecture but also incorporates YouTube videos because of his class’s familiarity with the platform. 

“I create and post a couple of weekly videos of lecture content,” Muranaka said. “I use a webcam to capture my notes in a way similar to normal class time and I post the videos on YouTube and the scans of my notes on Canvas.” 

Twenty-seven-year-old English major Dominick Robinson said he loves how his professors are still giving their classes an authentic experience despite not physically being present in a classroom. 

Muranaka said he tries not to make it too complicated as he understands that not everyone is comfortable with the transition yet. 

“As we made the transition online I did my best to consider what I would be comfortable doing and what I thought the students would be comfortable with,” Muranka said.