Grounding Readings for learning about online teaching
- Hicks, A. (2015) "LibGuides: a pedagogy to oppress." Hybrid Pedagogy"LibGuides have now expanded beyond their original research guide design, and are marketed as a core instructional tool for academic, public, school and special libraries. Simple and practical, LibGuides are deservedly popular. However, by failing to consider LibGuides within the context of broader pedagogical practices, librarians run the risk of misrepresenting both the nature and the scope of research and inquiry."
- Morris, S.M. (2020) Technology is not Pedagogy."We have not coded for the human in education, and so, unless we know how to seek it out past digital platforms, algorithms, and surveillance tools, the human is largely left out of online learning."
- Bali, M. (2014). An affinity for asynchronous learning. Hybrid Pedagogy. 2014 (March 04)."People do not always ask themselves if what they are trying to do necessarily requires synchronous interaction (or audio or video, for that matter). And they often forget to consider these access issues (among others that we have not mentioned). Though these are not pedagogical reasons per se, they are in our view important…pre-pedagogical!"
- Online Learning Consortium resources on remote learningThe Online Learning Consortium has a series focused on topics addressing key issues for transitioning from emergency remote teaching to continuing to respond to the COVID-19 crisis while providing high-quality online learning.
Important definitions
Online learning
Online learning is learning that has been intentionally planned to be taught online. Online learning can happen synchronously or asynchronously. It can be static, like a online tutorial, or interactive like a discussion board or Zoom class.
Synchronous learning
The session is at a pre-specified date and time, using an online meeting tool like Google Meet or Zoom.
Asynchronous learning
A session conducted without a pre-specified time and date. Asynchronous sessions can come in the form of discussion boards, collaborative Google docs, online learning objects, LibGuides or on email. The amount of interactivity between an instructor and student can vary greatly.
Remote learning
Remote learning/remote teaching is usually used when there is a quick or emergency move to online learning, where there has not been an intentional plan to have the learning and teaching be online.
Tools for online teaching and learning
Using Zoom
Zoom is an online meeting tool that works for both synchronous meetings and recording screen captures for asynchronous learning.
- Zoom: Teach, Meet and Learn with ZoomThis guide from OIT is for anyone who wants to use Zoom for basic teaching, meeting, and learning tasks.
- Using Zoom to conduct online class sessionsFrom UMN's OIT, this page has tips and tricks (including a sample agenda) for conducting a synchronous class.
- Learning more about ZoomThis video playlist created by Academic Technology Support Services, contains tips and tricks for some of the more advanced, but really helpful features in Zoom. (You may even see a University Libraries' staff member make a cameo!)
- How to use ZoomYoutube playlist from ATSS with many tutorials on how to best use Zoom
Using Canvas
- Canvas OverviewCanvas is an online platform used by faculty and staff to provide learning materials and activities that may supplement a face-to-face or blended course, or deliver a fully online experience. Additional learning tools can be added on to Canvas to extend the core functionality and features of the system.
- Getting started with Canvas for instructorsWhile aimed at course instructors, this website gives good information on how to get a Canvas development site.
Using LibGuides
LibGuides are a great tool to use for asynchronous teaching, or to support your synchronous teaching.
- LibGuides Basics - created by the LibGuides Leads
Creating Screencasts
Screencasts are a great tool for recording demonstrations of databases or showing how to do something. Screencasts can be formal or informal, but should follow best practices for student learning and accessibility.
- Using Screencast-o-matic to create screencastsScreencast-o-matic makes creating screencasts and screenshots relatively easy.
Creating Videos
ATSS (Academic Technology Support Services) developed this video with some great tips and tricks for recording videos on your smart phone.
- Kaltura MediaSpaceKaltura is a media management platform for teaching, learning, and outreach purposes. This cloud-based system automatically optimizes video files for viewing on any device, includes strong accessibility functioning, powerful search features, and deep analytics about who is watching videos and for how long.
Campus resources for online teaching
- Guidelines for online teaching and designThe Guidelines for Online Teaching and Design is a resource that assists members of the University community (e.g., faculty, instructors, administrators, instructional designers) in supporting student learning in online courses and programs. The Guidelines cover a range of topics and resources critical to providing an effective learner-centered online experience.
- Provost's Office Keep Teaching websiteWhen in-person class activities are disrupted due to closure of the University or widespread absences, instructors may need to use alternative instruction methods, such as moving your course materials and learning activities online.
- Resources for fall instruction from UMN's Center for Educational InnovationThe UMN's Center for Educational Innovation created a resource guide for instructors including information about Hybrid, HyFlex, and socially distanced face-to-face instuction options.
- CEHD fall teaching resourcesCEHD created a site for their faculty and instructors to use to prepare for fall. It includes goals, guiding principles, best practices and how-to information.
- Active learning strategies for online and remote learningCEHD's Digital Education and Innovation team adapted this guide to present some ideas/strategies and then suggests ways to adapt them for each type of instruction.