Though much of teaching and learning online is the same as in the shared physical classroom, there are a few key terms that will help you navigate the shift.
Asynchronous: Class interactions happen via Learning Management System (MySA or Google Classroom) without real-time interaction. Students engage in class materials and complete work at their own pace, typically within a given timeframe, often using discussion boards to drive peer-to-peer engagement. If you’re comfortable using MySA or Google Classroom, you are already totally capable of running your classes fully online.
Synchronous: Class interactions happen in real time, at the same time. Students may virtually attend class together via video conference, livestream, or chat. We have Google Hangouts for synchronous meetings. Most online courses are a blend of synchronous contact and asynchronous study/work. In describing their experience of shifting school completely online, Colleagues at the Concordia International School in Shanghai explained that asynchronous instruction worked best for deep learning, whereas synchronous instruction was essential for maintaining relationships.
Screencast: A digital video recording of your computer screen, usually including audio narration. Screencasts are a form of instructional video. Screencastify, QuickTime, and Camtasia are common tools for screencasting.
Video Conference: A virtual meeting in which participants in different locations are able to communicate with each other with audio and video. We will use Google Hangouts for this function.
This guide is [loosely adapted, modified from] the "Flexible Plan for Instructional Continuity" from Sacred Heart Preparatory, Atherton, CA (tinyurl.com/instructionalcontinuity). The lead writers are Diana Neebe (@dneebe, dneebe@shschools.org) and Joy Lopez (@technomaven, jlopez@shschools.org).