Team Group Picture

Hartnell College’s Panther Learning Lab went online March 25, the same day students began all-online classes as a safety precaution during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While getting ready was a race against time, the delivery of online-only tutoring will continue to be refined in coming weeks, said Jay Singh, director of academic and student support services.

“It is important for all students to know that we are changing the approaches to tutoring, but keeping access the same in all campuses, from King City, to the Alisal Campus, to Main Campus,” Singh said.

A commitment to student success remains a constant

“I miss seeing the students and can only imagine how they are doing through all these challenges,” said Academic Support Specialist Valerie Provencio, who made it a point to reach out to regular Panther Learning Lab (PLL) students the day before the transition to make sure they knew about the change.

On a typical day before students were asked to stay home, between 40 and 80 students would visit the lab for English and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) tutoring, said Academic Support Specialist Joanna Ledesma, and the tutoring team is hoping to build back to assisting that many students online. 

“One of the biggest challenges will be for students to find us online,” Ledesma said. “Here is where faculty need to help us by promoting us to their students.”

Added Singh, “It is really important to make sure we are operating well to provide students with the academic support to help them succeed in class. The partnership with faculty will be key in letting them know we are here for them.”

A slow start immediately after the switch has enabled the team to practice their ability to guide students via webcam. 

The Online Panther Learning Lab team say they’re trying to be creative in their use of technology. They are connecting with students via phone, but they are also using video cam and a whiteboard behind them to explain complex concepts. For English, for example, the student sends a shared Word Doc and the tutor is able to help edit it in real time. 

When students reach out to the lab, their query will be answered by the next available tutor. 

“Most of our regular students that visit the lab are used to working with certain tutors,” said Academic Support Specialist Samuel Kirkland. “We are in the process of moving towards reaching that point so all feel comfortable.”

Singh said student workers who serve as supplemental instructors and tutors will be back on a regular schedule in early April. They are as instrumental to the success of the PLL as the regular instructors, he said.

“We will continue to be flexible and adapt to where students are,” Singh said. “Everyone wants to make sure students know that we are here to help. We want to make sure no student is left behind.”

Carla Gonzalez, also an academic support specialist, had a clear message to share with all students: “We’ve got you, and you’ve got this.”

The Online Panther Learning Lab is accessed through the Canvas online learning management system. Students can also schedule an appointment or get academic support by emailing PLL@hartnell.edu