Sixth International Conference on Communication & Media Studies

Abstract

On March 16, 2020, quarantine, as a result of COVID-19, was mandatory in South Florida, United States. Students from United International College had to immediately shift to the Online Campus of the college and faculty had to be ready to deliver their courses online. Communication and Mass Media students enrolled in the Speaking on Radio course faced the challenge to learn radio announcing skills online despite any other personal obstacles. This paper explores Hermeneutic Phenomenology, Storytelling and Resiliency as a theoretical framework. Participants of this study include six students enrolled in the Speaking on Radio course. Study consists of data collection of streamed radio episodes and in-depth Interviews. Findings of the study are organized in five categories such as learning, self-esteem, empathy, and Interconnectedness. The researcher concludes that online courses during the pandemic that require content production can serve as healing while learning in an era of awe.