Quick Tips - Keep Teaching During Disruption

Eight best practices to keep teaching during disruption.

 

  1. Online in Mind

    • Consider strategies that work best in the online environment, such as discussion forums, virtual meetings and putting course materials online.

  2. Meet Virtually

    • Plan to meet online with your class regularly. Teach in real-time and hold virtual office hours using synchronous tools like Zoom. 

  3. Communication

    • Post regular announcements to the class in Canvas, and interact often in discussions. Respond to student questions within 24-48 hours.

  4. Less is More

    • Be realistic about what can be accomplished. Online coursework will take longer to complete, so prioritize what is most important.

  5. Schedule

    • Provide students with a clear task list and due dates. Canvas will generate a schedule based on Assignment and Discussion due dates. 

  6. Feedback

    • Aim to provide timely, actionable feedback for all student work. Check in with students early and often. Seek student feedback.

  7. Expectations

    • Specify requirements and expectations clearly. Include as much detailed information in assignment descriptions as possible.

  8. Be Empathetic

    • Encourage students to balance their online and offline workloads, interact with peers, and be flexible if possible when issues arise.