On August 12 of this year, I embarked on an intentional path to explore what I can learn to become a better teacher in a remote synchronous online learning environment. I am participating in a Faculty Learning Community (FLC) sponsored by the Division of Online and Strategic Learning of Ball State University. I will periodically post my reflections in this blog to document my progress, and to serve as a resource for a future me, as I come back to review these posts. Perhaps there will be something of use for other readers that aren't me.
This FLC is a semester-long professional development opportunity that consists of a series of modules containing readings, worksheets, and reflections to help us understand and focus on the best practices to remotely teach online in a synchronous fashion. Every three weeks, we meet (synchronously online--how appropriate!) as a cohort of thirteen learners, mentored by three facilitators. In between meetings, we are to complete the readings and activities in a module.
Module 1: Why synchronous learning?
The first module focused our attention on why we'd want to consider synchronous learning, and things to consider when starting a semester. The following notes summarize what I gleaned from the module.
Key things I need to consider
- Send a message to learners before each class (or maybe each week) setting expectations and letting them know what they'll be doing
- Building community is critical
Affirmation of what I already do
- Having used Flipped Learning for many years, I was encouraged to see it suggested, which opens the door for active learning during the synchronous learning classes
I feel good about
- Creating/sharing meeting info w/ learners
- Reminding learners and myself about the upcoming class
- Basic to moderate features of Zoom/WebEx
- Tech needs: camera, etc.
- Technical use of breakout rooms
- My flexibility
I'm not sure/worried about
- Not worried, per se, but need to constantly remind myself about accessibility challenges
- Advanced features of Zoom/WebEx
- Effective use of breakout rooms
- Tech issues the students will have
Welcome letter
I prepared a welcome letter for each class explaining my remote synchronous modality, and how I envision synchronous learning in the course. I also drafted a student survey to go along with your letter. The letter was substantially the same as what I've been using for many semesters, with the addition of the following.
This semester, the course will be conducted synchronously online. This means we’ll meet as a class online, using the Zoom platform, at specific times and days. You are expected to attend each of these class sessions, just the same as if class were being held in a campus classroom.
The survey sought to uncover challenges the learner might have with remote synchronous learning, in particular, focusing on technology-related issues. Due to my poor time-management, I did not implement the survey this semester.
Summary
Overall, nothing monstrous appears to be looming on the horizon. I do need to pay attention to technology and access issues for students, and continue to explore how best to utilize the time I will have with the learners in each course, but the latter is no different than normal.
I'm finding that, with my courses being asynchronous online, I have no idea if the students have a sense of community or not. I try to foster interesting conversations on discussion boards, but it does feel a bit like wandering around in the dark. Here's hoping I can join you in synchronous teaching for the Spring!
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine how hard it is to know how much of a community has formed in an asynchronous online setting. I suppose you could get some sense, based on the conversations that occur on discussion boards, but that is not quite the same as in-person conversations. This can be both god and bad. It often takes more effort to convey your thoughts in writing, but it does give the learner who doesn't feel comfortable speaking up in class--or needs more time to consider their response--an increased opportunity to have their voice heard.
DeleteI do hope many more courses will be able to be offered synchronously in the spring.