Liquid Syllabus:
The First Step to Making a Connection and Reducing Student Anxiety
Session Facilitators
About this Session
“Online students often feel isolated, which may decrease motivation and increase attrition. When learning occurs entirely through computer-mediated instruction, an important part of the instructor's role is ensuring the learning environment is "people focused" or humanized” (http://page.teachingwithoutwalls.com/cihumanize)
In this new world of education that we now find ourselves in due to COVID-19, our students are more nervous than ever about starting a new school year. Many students would not have chosen to learn remotely/online but are now having to which is adding to the anxiety.
This session will show how three college faculty members implemented a liquid syllabus to help reduce the student anxiety and promote student success. We will share what a liquid syllabus is and how it supports student success. Three examples that were used for Fall 2020 will be shown, challenges and workarounds discussed and the feedback from the students will be shared.
Participants will receive links to sites/resources on how to get started on their own liquid syllabus.
Learning Outcomes for this session
The attendees will
Discuss the benefits and challenges of using a liquid syllabus
Analyze real time live examples from Fall2020 classes
Hear what the students had to say about the experience
Learn how to get started with a resource starter kit
What challenges did you anticipate before the semester began in engaging online/remote learners?
Please share your challenges in the AnswerGarden window below.
What is a Liquid Syllabus?
Watch this short video created by Michelle Pacansky-Brock
Share your thoughts:
Share your thoughts on the Padlet below.
Here's your virtual gift bag!
(Resource starter kit)
(Resource starter kit)
Template for getting started:
https://sites.google.com/view/welcometemplate/home
(email one of us and we would be happy to add you so you can copy this)
More information on Humanizing Pre-Course Contact with a Liquid Syllabus
Lisa, Kim, Marie’s Liquid Syllabi
References
Pacansky-Brock, M. (2017). Best practices for teaching with emerging technologies (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.
Pacansky-Brock, M. (2014, August 13). The Liquid Syllabus: Are you ready?, [blog post].