Tip: Low-Tech, Time-Saving Ways to Teach Online

This isn't a sprint back to "normal" status but likely a longer-term shift.

Dear colleagues, 

I hope that you are all doing well as we finish week 5 - yes, FIVE - of remote teaching. I have one article (summary below) to share with you.

As always, thank you for allowing me to share some resources with you, and please let me know if there's a particular topic you would like for me to find resources on or facilitate a discussion about.

Best wishes to you all,

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ARTICLE: 5 Low-Tech, Time-Saving Ways to Teach Online During Covid-19,

I am hearing from folks that they are starting to get more exhausted; on top of the regular rhythm of increasing work as we approach the end of the semester, we have the added stress of planning and executing our classes remotely. So, when this article popped up this week, I thought it was a timely one to share. 

As we try to finish spring semester strong - or at least unbroken - and for many of us almost immediately turn to how we want to structure our "remote" classes for summer (and potentially beyond...), I think it's important to consider that this isn't a sprint back to "normal" status but likely a longer-term shift. In addition to our concerns for our students, we need to consider our own well-being and ability to use our strengths as teachers in this new context, without burning out.

Here are the highlights - summarized from the article, with some of my own thoughts interjected...

• No. 1: Post static content for students to read and watch.

  • Rather than all live classes, create short (less than 15 minute) chunks of content - students can consume at their own pace

  • "Highlight" key info just as if in class: guiding questions, outlines, explain WHY they are reading/watching something 

• No. 2: Use the quiz and assignment functions in your campus LMS to make sure they’re "doing the reading."

  • Use autograded, multiple-choice quiz with a restricted time setting - doesn't have to be long; just a few questions will help you know what they've understood & emphasize the importance of being prepared.

• No. 3: Wake up to the learning potential of asynchronous text discussions.

  • Post questions that encourage students to relate new concepts to their own lived experience. 

  • Provide clear instructions, checklists, or rubrics.

  • Be present in the discussion - facilitate their co-construction of knowledge with additional questions, clarifications, and nudges. 

• No. 4: Create a routine, reliable weekly schedule.

  • Students are used to having a set schedule to guide their weekly work - keep this consistent online.

  • BUT - you may have to be flexible with deadlines.

• No. 5: Make frequent, strategic, and highly visible appearances online. 

  • Spend less time on low-return-on-investment efforts with individual students (individual conferences/emails). 

  • Aim for lots of publicly posted classwide messages - video updates/text announcements.