To minimize the impact of the epidemic on students’ learning, Tsinghua SIGS has started its spring semester online using innovative tools and platforms.

The transition from offline to online classrooms may pose some challenges and obstacles at the beginning, but our faculty and students are quickly familiarizing themselves with this new mode of learning.

Assistant Professor Li Sunwei preparing for class

Below, professors and students from the courses "Computational Fluid Dynamics" and "Mathematics for Engineering" share how they are adapting to some of the challenges in the virtual classroom. 

"Teaching online is slightly different than what I am used to, as I often interact with my students. I prepared 7 questions to discuss with the class, but since I couldn’t see students' response in person, the explanation process took much longer than expected. I am still thinking about how to improve classroom interaction and increase discussion among students. There are definitely some challenges in transitioning from offline to online classrooms that are waiting for us to overcome together." 

— Li Sunwei, Assistant Professor, Course Instructor of "Computational Fluid Dynamics"

"This class has a unique advantage because of its small class size. Prof. Li could interact with individual students, and the process of submitting answers online was very smooth. Computer-based experimental components are pushed back until we return to school, but we will still keep a keen learning attitude when learning online."

 — He Qinxuan, Student, "Computational Fluid Dynamics"

"I prepared problem sets for students to complete in class, but as it takes more time to type out mathematical formulas on the computer, I asked them to write the solution process by hand and upload a picture of their answer on the Rain Classroom platform. This gave me a better understanding of students’ mastery of the class, and I gained insight on areas that needed more explanation."

— Xiao Xi, Associate Professor, Course Instructor of "Mathematics for Engineering"

"Prof. Xiao gave real-time feedback on our answers for his problem sets, so there was much interaction although it was an online class. There are some challenges as a few students could not submit answers in time due to internet problems, but a teaching assistant was online to help solve problems in a timely manner, and to ensure that the class would run smoothly."

— Li Xiang, Student, "Mathematics for Engineering"

Edited by Karen Lee 

Photos by Ding Chao