SU Student Makes Most of Technology in Education Course to Help Current Educators

SALISBURY, MD---Occasionally, even in the worst of situations, timing can be everything.

When Lindsay Wigutow, of Damascus, MD, enrolled in Salisbury University’s Technology in Education class in the Samuel W. and Marilyn C. Seidel School of Education in late January 2020 it was just part of her normal curriculum in the education track.

She knew the course would offer her information and knowledge of how technology could help her in her planned teaching career, but she had no idea how quickly the information from Dr. Diallo Sessoms’ class would be beneficial.

Just weeks after the start of the semester, the U.S. saw the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic take hold. Wigutow and her SU classmates were sent home to finish the semester virtually, providing Wigutow with an opportunity to put what she was learning into immediate practice.

Wigutow comes from a line of educators. Her mother and stepmother teach in Montgomery and Howard counties, respectively. Having her home provided to be a huge asset as their classrooms also moved online.

“It was very difficult for them. It was such a quick transition to virtual learning, and no one really knew how long it would last,” said Wigutow. “When they transitioned, they didn’t know how to use much technology at all – even setting up a Zoom meeting was something we went over a number of times.” 

She assisted her family members, their coworkers and one of Wigutow’s mentor teachers with the use of Zoom – what would become the primary product for class communication – Quizizz, GeoGebra, Screencast-o-Matic and other platforms. 
    
Along with assisting those around her, the experience also has helped Lindsay to learn more about the programs she may use once she has a classroom of her own.

Sessoms and other SU faculty used Canvas for virtual learning. In helping her family, Lindsay used the same program from the teacher’s point of view, giving her a better understanding of the product than she had when using it as a student.
    
“I wanted to do all that I could for the teachers in my life. Not only has helping the teachers I know benefitted them, but I have learned a lot myself,” she said.

Her history of educating is benefitting her this fall, as well, as she was unable to secure an internship placement due to many school sites being closed due to the coronavirus. She has been able to virtually sit in with her sister Ally’s third-grade classroom at Oakdale Elementary School in Ijamsville, MD.

A spring 2020 graduate, Ally is the latest in the long line of Wigutow teachers. Currently a junior, Lindsay intends to join the family business and will have a unique perspective on virtual learning when she steps in front of her first class.

For many, that would be enough. For Lindsay, learning from home gave her an opportunity to do even more for the community. With her Cricut cutting machine – generally used for crafting – Lindsay began creating “ear savers,” Z-shaped plastic fasteners that allow individuals who need to wear face masks for extended periods to secure them without irritating their ears.

“While the Cricut is not part of curriculum, design thinking is a part of what students learn,” said Sessoms. “Design thinking is applied to generating 3-D objects to solve problems. Lindsay transferred her knowledge of this concept to use the Cricut to design masks to help health care professionals.”

Since March, she has created some 300 “ear savers” and distributed them to friends, family and community members, doing her part in the battle against COVID-19.

For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU website.