Remote Learning Success

Remote learning proved a less challenging transition for the College of Fine Arts and Communication (COFAC) thanks to the generous Dr. Harold J. Kaplan Fund for COFAC. In a typical year, the Kaplan Fund supports the infrastructure and visibility of COFAC and students’ experiential learning opportunities, like attending international music intensives, conferences and clinics. Today’s virtual learning environment requires flexibility in spending for experiential learning, and the Kaplan funds are supporting students in their at-home learning experiences. 

Last spring, each COFAC department received $3,000 to purchase resources for students, ranging from keyboards, brass instruments, 5-by-5 dance floors, web cameras and more. Mathew Price, a senior music major, received a loaner keyboard for his functional techniques piano class.

“Receiving this equipment meant so much to me, as I had no other way of practicing for my piano class,” Price says. “Having the equipment at my home relieves a huge stress off my shoulders.”

This fall COFAC also purchased over 300 Adobe Creative Cloud licenses, a collection of desktop and mobile apps and services for photography, design, video, web and more. These licenses are free of charge to students for home use. 

“Receiving an Adobe CC license for this semester meant that I could follow along in learning After Effects and Photoshop in my visual effects class without needing to spend money on a Creative Cloud subscription,” says Marcus Clark, a junior majoring in electronic media and film.

More than 500 COFAC students have benefited from the Dr. Harold J. Kaplan Fund for COFAC’s philanthropy during distance learning. The Kaplan Fund truly has equipped COFAC with the resources to ensure student success, no matter the circumstances. 

To support the Dr. Harold J. Kaplan Fund for COFAC, visit towson.edu/giving.