Planning to teach remotely this summer? 3 Steps to Guide Course Revisions

Many of us had to transition quickly to remote teaching this spring and are already planning some important changes in our summer courses. With a few small adjustments, we can continue to create rich and meaningful learning experiences for students. As you consider making some tweaks to your teaching, here are three steps to guide the way.

1. Start with the goals of the course.

Begin by writing down your learning goals. What should students know by the end of the course and beyond? What new skills should they possess? What types of thinking would you like them to engage in?

2. Develop assessments and learning experiences.

Think about how you will assess whether students have reached your learning goals. You may have to redesign assessments to work better an online environment. Then, design lessons and select materials for the course to provide the information, practice, and feedback students need to succeed in your course.

3. Structure your Blackboard Learn course.

A few considerations for organizing your course content can help reduce students' logistical questions. Here are some things to consider as you're designing your course:

• Create a "start here" menu item. Consider posting clear instructions for students about how to get started in the course and expectations for them in the course. This will help students understand how to navigate the course.
• Organize your course using weekly or unit-based folders. Create folders that are consistent with meaningful titles and logical structure. For example, these might be organized by weeks, units, chapters, or whatever structure makes sense for your course. This also helps your students navigate the course and lets them know how to find materials, assessments and activities easily.
• Build community. You can start building community even before the course begins. Here two ways to get started:
  • Create and post a welcome video introducing yourself and the course.
  • Create an "introduce yourself" discussion to allow students to meet and interact with each other.
• Provide clear instructions for assessments. Develop and share your rubrics for assessments and share expectations for participation in the course and how students will be graded. Explain clearly to students how to access exams or quizzes and submit written work, and when these assignments are due.
• Create a consistent schedule of due dates for assignments, quizzes, or discussions. This will help students manage their time better. For example, if you have a weekly reflective activity, you could have it be due on the same day and time every week (e.g., Wednesdays at 11:59 p.m.).
• Clarify available student resources. Provide a page with clear information on how students can find academic and personal support. This includes information about the Writing Center, Disability Resources, Tutoring Services, Blackboard help, Counseling Services, etc. You should also make sure students understand any technical requirements for the course and where they can get help in troubleshooting technical problems.