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Getting ready for your first class online is very similar to planning first sessions of a face to face class (See Unit 1). However, there are some specific adaptations to think about.
Practice with online platforms beforehand
Practice with online platforms beforehand
Bear in mind that, same as with face-to-face lessons, not everything will go according to plan at first and that’s OK! However, you will feel more confident if you practise with a platforms before you start and discover where its key features are.
Try working with a colleague or friend. You can download Zoom from www.zoom.us and use it with a free licence. Spend a bit of time creating your Google Classroom site before sharing it.
Set up a working environment in your home
Set up a working environment in your home
Set up a space which is friendly and inviting, but also free of distractions like television, other family members or personal items.
Dress as you would for class
Adjust your lighting - don’t sit directly in front or beside a bright light source, or else all the group will see is a bright light and a shadowy figure. Experiment with moving lamps and your camera until you can see your brightly-lit face on the screen.
Log on early and spend time inducting your students
Log on early and spend time inducting your students
Log on to Zoom 10 minutes beforehand so you can admit students before the class starts. Otherwise you may be distracted by the need to admit them at the beginning of your session.
Plan to spend some time in the first session showing students how Zoom works. Make sure they can hear and see you and other learners. Check also they can find the features you will be using (eg how to mute themselves, how to indicate they want to speak). Encourage them to hover around the screen to see what is there.
Discuss online ground rules/netiquette
Discuss online ground rules/netiquette
Discuss particular groundrules for online learning with your students (e.g. muting their microphone, leaving videos on, avoiding speaking over each other).
Some information on online netiquette, as well as this netiquette video, is in the Help Centre on the City Lit website.
Use an online version of the Individual Record of Learning
Use an online version of the Individual Record of Learning
You will need to initially assess your learners. You can post the Individual Record of Learning (IRL) - or your department's equivalent - on Google Classroom, or email it to them.
The IRL in is available in Word, or you can use it as a Google Form via Google Class. Guidance to these options is on the link to the left.
Safety online
Safety online
Do be careful about safety online. Please don’t share your personal details with your class and ask your learners not to share them either on Google classroom or during the live session.
Check your background, and check your learners to make sure there is nothing behind them that can identify them.
Be particularly careful when sharing your screen - it is easy to leave windows open on your screen and accidentally show your emails or other personal information.
Recording your classes
Recording your classes
City Lit does not normally allow recording of classes unless for a good reason eg for a student with a disability. If you would like to record your class, contact your line manager first.
Troubleshooting technical problems
Troubleshooting technical problems
One or two of your students may have technical problems and ask for your help. There is some basic help with this on the button on the right.
Offer some suggestions if you can, but if you cannot help quickly then refer the student to the Help Centre section on online learning or to digital learning - digital.learning@citylit.ac.uk
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