Online Learning & Teaching

Synchronous meetings (or "remote" learning) offer the closest match to face-to-face teaching. While lacking many of the benefits of classroom teaching, it allows students to discuss in real time, and for the instructor and students to get to know each other in ways that aren't afforded by completely asynchronous designs.

It also affords the possibility of small group work, slide sharing, whiteboarding, and many other interactive functions. Most importantly, it allows students to ask questions in real time, and get answers immediately, instead of waiting for a reply on a message board.

Students who have some synchronous contact with other students and the instructors are likely to feel more engaged with the course. If possible, building in synchronous times will help build class community.

While Zoom, Google Hangouts, or other live platforms allow instructors to come closer to replicating the classroom experience, there are shortcomings. Differences in time zones, low bandwidth, poor audio quality, and having to work in shared home spaces all can limit students' full participation using live platforms.

Asynchronous course presentation (or "distant" learning) allows students to access materials at times of day that make sense to their schedules and access issues. It gives learners control of the pace and style of their learning. Asynchronous courses are more disability-friendly as well.

Of course, it's not a one-or-the-other decision. A blending of synchronous and asynchronous approaches may help instructors achieve the right balance between content presentation and engagement in a live environment.

This site is organized into three general areas: Policies, Pedagogy, and Tools and References.

The Policies section gives information on pertinent laws and guidelines regarding online delivery of classes. It also talks about the why of these rules; why our aim is to ensure fair access to all students in online classes.

The Pedagogy section allows you to compare your thoughts on OLT to those of other instructors, students, and researchers. It also offers practical suggestions and examples to make OLT easier and more interactive for all involved.

The Tools and References section gives a brief overview of some of the tools in use to provide video, audio, and other content. It also provides links to valuable resources in learning more about online education.

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Menus at the top are dropdown, and reveal the different parts of each subsection.