Vincennes University Precision Machining Technology Assistant Professor Jonathan Vennard completely transformed his garage into an incredible learning environment complete with green screens, LED lighting and multiple monitors.  

Cookie-cutter videos are not this self-described YouTube junkie’s style. With VU’s switch to remote learning, Vennard is jazzing up the instructional videos he films for precision machining majors. He lectures with a newsroom style set behind him. He also adds graphics such as waving American flags and logos.

“I wanted to make what I do with my classroom a little more creative rather than just seeing my screen and listening to me talk monotone about the program I’m writing, we could make it more interesting and fun, and try to keep them engaged and laughing a little if we can,” Vennard said.

Noah Hoskins, VU Student

Vennard’s videos make students like Noah Hoskins feel like they are sitting in a classroom. “It is not as difficult with the videos Professor Vennard is sharing,” Hoskins said. “With him sharing the videos, I can watch him do a little bit on the part then I can switch over to mine and do exactly what he did and if I do something wrong, I can watch it again and maybe catch something I did not in the first time over.”

The majority of Vennard’s students are balancing remote learning, while also working in essential businesses. Many work in machine shops and manufacturing facilities. Some are even helping create products that are helping in the fight against COVID-19.

“A lot of them work for companies that make medical instruments and devices,” Vennard said. “Some of them have picked up production rather than slowing down. Our students not only are they still making sure they get their coursework done, they’re also helping keep the gears rolling.”

Hoskins, a sophomore from Crothersville, Ind., and Devyn Brown, a sophomore from Paris, Ill., are both working in machine shops. “The support from Professor Vennard and all my other professors is just incredible,” Hoskins said.

Devyn Brown, VU Student

The machine shop where Brown is employed is working on manufacturing air filters for masks to protect workers. “He is very in depth and does a good job of covering our material,” Brown said. “Our industry is always changing and forcing us to adapt, so I feel like this is just another challenge we have to adapt to. Our CNC (Computer Numerical Control) program at VU is one of the best, and I think that we are doing the best that we can with what we have. We are receiving a lot of support from our machining instructors. They are in constant contact with us to help or answer any questions we have. In one class, we even have an open discussion board just to talk about how we are doing at home.”

Vennard in his virtual classroom

By creating a student-centered learning environment that engages students, Vennard is keeping the wheels of learning turning.  “Even at times of normalcy, you have that same pride in your students because you know what they’re out there doing and the stuff they are working on because it’s basically what keeps the gears of the economy going,” Vennard said. 

VU professors are being creative and keeping the lines of communications open with dynamic videos, virtual office hours, email, texts, chat rooms, phone calls, and more.

VINCENNES UNIVERSITY - Indiana’s First College

VU is state-supported with campuses in Vincennes and Jasper, the Aviation Technology Center and American Sign Language program in Indianapolis, Early College Career and Technical Education Centers, and additional sites such as the Gene Haas Training and Education Center in Lebanon, the Logistics Training and Education Center in Plainfield, and the Gibson County Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics in Fort Branch. VU offers online degrees and classes to students who need access to college courses and flexibility through its Distance Education.

A leader in dual credit and career and technical education statewide, VU also offers instruction at military sites throughout the nation.

In addition to offering a wide range of associate degree and certificate programs, VU also offers bachelor’s degree programs in technology, homeland security, nursing, secondary education programs in mathematics and science, and special education/elementary education.

VU enrolls students from throughout Indiana, 36 other states, and 21 other countries. Tuition and fees are the lowest among Indiana campuses with residence halls. VU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Founded in 1801, VU is Indiana’s first college and is the only college in the nation founded by an individual who would later become President of the United States. William Henry Harrison, the ninth U.S. President, founded VU while serving as governor of the Indiana Territory. More information is available at www.vinu.edu.

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Vincennes University Newsroom

MARCIA MARTINEZ, University Life Reporter & Sports Information Director

   812-888-4164 office, 314-599-1519 cell, VUNews@vinu.edu, mmartinez@vinu.edu

VINCENNES UNIVERSITY, Department of University Relations, www.vinu.edu/newsroom