Teaching Remotely

Teaching Remotely
Be Prepared

We have the opportunity to work and educate in a beautiful city and campus environment, but at the same time have to sometimes deal with unexpected events. From hurricanes, ice storms, earthquakes, to other potential disasters, we never know when we might have to teach remotely. 

 Faculty should work closely with their department chair to formulate backup plans for academic continuity. For certain disciplines and courses, it may be necessary to have backup plans for course objectives and student learning outcomes.

A number of academic technology applications that allow for communication with students and the dissemination of course materials while teaching remotely are readily available. Whether you teach a face-to-face, fully online, or hybrid course it is recommended that you use aspects of the OAKS Learning Management System to post syllabus and other course materials, allow for online class discussions, keep grades, and collect assignments. If you integrate these tools into your everyday teaching, you’ll be fairly prepared for teaching remotely. If you are new to OAKS, this Getting Started Quick Guide would be a great place to start.   

Establish An Online Approach

Generally, there are two approaches to remote/online teaching & learning – synchronous and asynchronous. You may find elements of both approaches beneficial and necessary to meet your course learning objectives.  

Synchronous - where students can interact with you and each other at the same time. This approach could be accomplished by the use of a web conferencing tool such as Zoom. 

Asynchronous - where learning does not take place at the same time.  This approach requires instructors creating and/or distributing content, usually through a Learning Management System (OAKS) ahead of time and supplementing it with additional elements (e.g. email, discussion boards, texts, assignments, polls etc.).

Communications 

Review and Communicate Expectations

In the event there is a need to teach remotely, begin to communicate expectations and priorities with your students as soon as possible. You can't be sure how much advance notice you'll receive, so talk to them about it now. This is exceptionally important if you plan to conduct a synchronous class. It needs to be made clear that your expectation is for them to continue to attend classes at the set day/time as usual, just online.

Consider the impact of teaching/learning remotely on the ability for students’ to meet expectations, including, but not limited to, access to computer, internet connection, and software. Be ready to handle requests for extensions and accommodations.   

Questions to Ask Students

Do you have internet connectivity at your Charleston residence?

Do you have internet connectivity at your parent's residence?
Do you have your own computer or tablet?

Do you have a microphone on your computer?

Do you have a webcam on your computer?

OAKS Announcements/News

Course announcements can be created using the Announcements/News tool on the course homepage. This is the first thing a student sees when they log on to your course and they can also sign up to receive email and text messages when a new announcement is posted. Recommend to your students that they sign up for OAKS Notifications so they don’t miss an important announcement.

OAKS Classlist Email

Through the Classlist (Communication > Classlist) you can email your entire class quickly and easily.

Creating and Delivering Content

OAKS Content

The OAKS Content tool is where you can post any course materials that you wish your students to access. This is where you should add your syllabus. You can also add handouts, lecture notes, links to web resources, videos from the web, audio files, images, maps, spreadsheets, and just about anything you can think of.  

VoiceThread

VoiceThread is a web-based content delivery application that allows users to assemble and narrate media-rich presentations that can be shared with others. What sets VoiceThread apart from other online content delivery tools is it permits viewers to comment (via text, audio, or video) on the content being shared – perfect for confirming understanding and encouraging discussion.  

Virtual Class Meetings and Office Hours

If you prefer a synchronous approach to facilitating your course(s) and/or office hours remotely, the use of a web conferencing tool, such as Zoom, can accommodate. Zoom allows for participants to see and hear each other, share their screens and even use a whiteboard. In addition, the session can be recorded and sent to group members who couldn't attend. The College has an institutional site license for Zoom, which covers all employees and students. It has been integrated into our CofC login, but you must activate your own account through https://cofc.zoom.us. If you already have your own Zoom account using your CofC address, you will be prompted to switch to the College of Charleston account. It is recommended that you install the Zoom App for your mobile devices (iOS or Android) for the best experience.

Microphones

In place of a microphone, you can use an old set of iPhone or Android phone earbuds that have a 3.5mm (1/4") plug. Plug it into the audio jack. Also, any bluetooth solution for iPhone or Android phone will work on most computers. Make sure you're using the one for the phone that has both microphone and ear piece.

Activities and Collaboration

OAKS Discussions

Setting up OAKS Discussion forums is an easy way to facilitate online discussion. Use it in your course to encourage users to share thoughts on course materials with their peers. You can set up forums and topics for users to ask questions, discuss course content and assignments, and work together in assigned groups and sections. 

Google Apps for Education and Office365 

All faculty and students are licensed for the Google Apps for Education Suite and Office365 which allow for real-time collaboration of online productivity tools.  These platforms work well for cloud hosted file storage as well as collaborative group work.  

Zoom

Zoom is an online conferencing tool that can allow students to meet virtually to discuss projects, do team activities, or practice or deliver online presentations. The sessions can be recorded and sent to group members who couldn't attend. The College has an institutional site license for Zoom, which covers all employees and students. It has been integrated into our CofC login, but you must activate your own account through https://cofc.zoom.us. If you already have your own Zoom account using your CofC address, you will be prompted to switch to the College of Charleston account. It is recommended that you install the Zoom App for your mobile devices (iOS or Android) for the best experience.

Assessments

OAKS Assignments/Dropbox

Use the OAKS Assignment/Dropbox tool to have students’ submit assignments directly in OAKS, eliminating the need to email their work. Instructors use the Assignments tool to see users’ submission times, view submissions on the Evaluate Submission page, and return submissions with grades and feedback.  

OAKS Quizzes

The OAKS Quizzes tool enables you to create and manage assessments with your students to help evaluate users’ learning progress and learning outcomes. 

OAKS Gradebook

The OAKS Gradebook tool will allow you to store, manage, and communicate grades to students’ throughout the semester. The Gradebook is customizable to meet most grading schemes.  

Zoom

Zoom is an online conferencing tool that can allow students to deliver real-time (synchronous) class presentations.  It gives a more “real-world” experience giving the presentation and allowing the class to ask questions. This is a synchronous tool. The College has an institutional site license for Zoom, which covers all employees and students. It has been integrated into our CofC login, but you must activate your own account through https://cofc.zoom.us. If you already have your own Zoom account using your CofC address, you will be prompted to switch to the College of Charleston account. It is recommended that you install the Zoom App for your mobile devices (iOS or Android) for the best experience.

VoiceThread

VoiceThread is a good tool to allow students and student groups to create and record their own presentations.  Once created, the VoiceThreads can be posted in an OAKS Discussion to allow the class to view and discuss the presentation. This is an asynchronous tool.

Additional Resources