SMC Kinesiology Classes Adapt to Online Learning

The Corsair Field has remained closed since classes on the campus went online in March. (Carolyn Burt/ The Corsair)

Some classes can be harder to virtually learn than others. Santa Monica College (SMC) kinesiology classes, which study the mechanics of body movement, are an example of this.

Johanna Bennet, an associate professor in Kinesiology at SMC, has explained her experience with teaching online to be more challenging, but not impossible. Bennet feels yoga classes transfer pretty well into the internet world, and despite difficulties, she has a lot of success with the class. 

Bennet believes that professors have to be more outgoing for these upcoming semesters. She’s been taught “to be more jubilant than normal, and to [smile] a lot and be really charming,” she said. Having students interact with each other is much more difficult, and keeping them interested is another challenge in itself.

With classes on campus limited, Bennet now works from the privacy of her home and has a specific area where she teachers her virtual yoga classes. Through Zoom meetings, she includes discussions and frequent breakout sessions in her classes trying to do her best to help students get to know one another. "You go to college to meet people, to date, to make friends, to connect, and this is not plausible now in this environment,” said Bennet. “This is something I feel very bad for."

Katelyn Qualey is another SMC Kinesiology instructor who teaches yoga. Despite decreased enrollment, fewer classes, and a feeling of disconnect between students and the class, Qualey said she “would encourage anyone to try a kinesiology class during quarantine," as she believes it’s still worthwhile.

SMC is offering a limited amount of Kinesiology classes during the winter session, including yoga, boxing, and pilates. For the spring semester they are offering more, including exercise and sport psychology, self defense, cross country and fitness walking courses.

SMC offers an associate degree and associate degree for transfer in Kinesiology, as well as a certificate in Athletic Coaching. For more information about the Kinesiology and Physical Education department at SMC you can visit https://www.smc.edu/academics/academic-departments/kinesiology-physical-education/index.php