Thread by @Usherwood

Let's talk about how you're going to move your teaching online in short order

1/

I'm guessing you are either already or just about to be doing this, as part of your institution's plans for coronavirus, just like me

First up, stay calm (mainly because it's going to be rather frustrating)

2/

Everyone's going to have different plans, but let's assume you're being told no more face-to-face teaching

(if you skip the "teach normal class, but students can video in if they like", then feel happy)

3/

Ironically, the less you're into pedagogy, the easier this is coming be, because the easiest way to move online is just to record your lecture and let students watch it, live or delayed

4/

For that, you just need to practise making such recordings on your institutional system (check the very good guides that your L&T unit produced that you ignored until now)

If there is no system, learn how to make a YouTube video

None of them are hard

5/

If you want to do something interactive (and that's down to the level of students being able to ask questions as you talk), then it's harder

Two strategies here

6/

1) check out what your system can do (and that you're comfortable using), and adapt to using that functionality. Again, nothing's that difficult, and you can build up over time

Remember you can also mix'n'match systems (VLE, email, lecture capture, etc)

7/

2) you throw out all interaction and go full-on transmission mode.

Yes, it's easier, but it's not good for students and it's a wasted opportunity for you

So don't it

8/

Key point to think about: this is a short-term situation, so think about it like that

Proper online instruction takes a huge amount of work/time to get right, so don't expect it to happen this weekend

9/

Fortunately, you have a colleague who's more into this than you, so use them for advice and guidance

Sharing practice (esp. w/in your discipline area) is super-helpful

[if you're that colleague, thanks and try not to rub it in]

10/

If you want guidance, then check out:
- @ALPSblog - we've done loads on online instruction over the years, including this guide: activelearningps.com/2020/03/12/tip…
- @AdvanceHE - advance-he.ac.uk/guidance/teach…
- your local L&T unit

11/

Again, the key points:

- keep calm
- read guides
- practise using new stuff
- talk with students about how it's going, as you go
- talk with colleagues
- manage your and their expectations

/end

@ALPSblog @PSATeaching @ECPRTeaching @SurreyDhe