Learning in Uncertain Times
William P. Meehan, III, M.D., is the director of the world-class Micheli Center for Sports Injury Prevention at Boston Children’s Hospital. As the center has grown both in number of athletes treated and in national prominence, Bill—an alumnus of Harvard Medical School—turned to our Program for Leadership Development (PLD) to deepen his business acumen. After completing PLD Modules 1-3, Bill learned that the formats of PLD Modules 4 and 5 would switch to virtual as a result of the global coronavirus pandemic. After completing both virtual modules, he shares his perspectives on the in-person and virtual program delivery methods.
How did the virtual experience differ from being in person?
The program material was identical, you really would not notice any difference at all. Even the quality of the conversations in class I would say is the same. The one difference is if you are really bursting to say something, you can get a professor’s attention more easily in person, whereas if you are just hitting the “raise hand” button in the virtual classroom, it’s harder for faculty to differentiate between people who are bursting to say something and someone who is just looking to add a minor comment.
How was it enhanced?
It was a seamless transition between in person and online. The HBS Live Online Classroom looked identical to the in-person classroom, so much so that professors were running up to the chalkboard and out toward the students and back, just like they do in class.
How did the networking differ?
Most of the strong connections you make when you are on campus are from your leadership development groups and living groups. During the virtual sessions, HBS hosted regularly scheduled breakout groups and social sessions, such as Coffee & Connect, where you actually did get to know everybody.
What did you like the most about the virtual experience?
It is definitely more convenient as far as family life goes. I saw my family every night, which when you are on campus, you just don’t do. If it is hard for you to get away from your family for two weeks, there is definitely a big benefit to be able to do the program virtually.
What would you say to a colleague who may be considering a virtual program with hbs?
I would say take it. As far as getting the material and learning goes, it is just as good online as it is in person. I really did not notice any difference at all. I came away from the virtual modules with just as much as I did from the in-person modules.