Teaching Continuity - Planning

Get current information about expectations 

It is important to make decisions based on accurate information. The university provides current information about our response to the COVID situation. Talk with your department head or dean about expectations within your department and faculty. 

Check your technology 

You will need a computer and reliable internet access. Make sure your home computer is able to access campus online resources. You may need a headset with a microphone for high quality audio, and a webcam will be helpful if you plan to share video of yourself during online meetings. For more information, visit Working and Learning from Home website.

Communicate with your students 

Your students will be concerned about how this will affect their courses and grades. Communicate with them early to let them know that you are working on adapting your course to continue instruction, and that you will keep them updated as your plans are defined. 

Think about how to continue instruction in your course 

A rapid shift to teach a course online will require compromises. If you traditionally teach a course by lecturing for three hours per week you may need to make some adjustments for an online class environment. Which portions of your course can be best served by sharing content with your students? Which portions can be pre-recorded as video presentations to share? Which portions need to be conducted in live online classes? How will you need to shift your assessment strategies in an online context? 

Review your course syllabus for things that will have to change 

Will a shift to an online format require adjustments to the timing of topics or assessment activities? If some assessment activities are difficult to translate effectively into online assessments, will you need to adjust your assessment strategy? Will you need to drop some items from the syllabus? How will you ensure students are learning the core parts of the course? 

Move your course online 

A multi-staged approach may be helpful. You can start by uploading your content into your D2L course site. Once students have access to the content, think about which parts of the course need new resources developed. For example, you might develop short videos to explain key concepts that you would normally present during class. 

Discuss expectations with your students 

You will be communicating with students exclusively online via email, D2L announcements and discussions, or online video sessions. What are your expectations of students in communicating with you? What expectations do they have of you? You may want to set office hours where you will be available through Adobe Connect or by telephone.  

Connect with your subject librarian

 Your subject librarian can help you ensure that support materials such as Library Research Guides and D2L content support your revised teaching plan.