The rapid move to remote and online learning this semester is a Black Swan: a rare disruptive event with massive impacts.
To supplement my quick-start guide to launching an online class consider this the bare bones version to help you develop a functional online learning environment quickly and as painlessly as possible. As noted in our last department meeting you aren’t aiming for the perfect online class design. But you still can offer a substantive learning experience without frills.
1: Consider what puts the odds in your favor.
A) You have options other than online. If your class or seminar is small enough you can stay offline and do de-facto independent studies via email and phone.
B) If your class is able to do synchronous learning consider conference calls or Zoom. (Keep in mind that students’ lives are also being disrupted and this may not be viable even for those students who were previously in the classroom).
C) For larger classes, online may be your best option; you are only concerned with four to five weeks of content, not a full semester. I once filled in at the last minute for an American Political System online class for a departing instructor who wanted absolutely none of their content used. I had to start from scratch and build out a full course in five days. I didn’t sleep much but it went live on time. Your task will be much easier.
2: If you do opt for online, following is the quickest and easiest way to organize. It will also be the easiest way for students to follow your learning content.
-Create a module for each remaining assignment in order by date. Put the assignment link first. Add learning content pages underneath the assignment. This can be content that relates directly to the assignment or informs students’ understanding of related issues.
-Pages can include PDF uploads, links to online articles, assigned text pages, your own commentary on the topic via writing, video, or audio, etc. If you have assigned texts, you’ll need less extra content.
- Interact with students in whatever way makes sense to you: email, Canvas messaging, discussion forums, etc.
Remember you don’t have to have all five weeks ready to go by 3/30. You can build it out over time. One or two modules will get you started and you can go live with the remaining material week by week or whatever works for you.
That’s it. You’ve built rapport and class chemistry over the semester in your conventional classroom. Students won’t be looking for perfection in the midst of a pandemic and the cluster**** that is our federal governance at this time.
3: If 1 and 2 is manageable, and you want to add to your modules, check out chapters 4 and 5 in my Quick Start Guide to Teaching Online for more ideas about learning content.