Teaching a face to face class with some students engaging remotely can be challenging but there are a few simple changes in how we teach that can address common problems.
- The placement of microphones often makes hearing difficult between remote and face to face students. Assume students will not be able to hear each other and make a habit of repeating questions and comments from students before responding.
- Remote students will feel less engaged if the camera is set up in a way that does not capture your eye contact so try to think of the camera as another student and as you scan the room try to remember to make eye contact with the camera.
- Group work across platforms is difficult but can be accomplished with technology like having all face to face students also using Blackboard on laptops while in class. But more importantly, if there is a critical mass of students on each platform, don’t worry about going to extraordinary efforts to have all students engaging with each other. Focus instead on how you help them engage with the work.
We Want to Hear from You
What teaching tips have you picked up working remotely? Please let us know so we can learn from you and share the work you are doing. Would you like to be part of a conversation about how to manage hybrid classes? Let us know by contacting John Pijanowski and we will be in touch to schedule a small group consultation via zoom where we can share ideas, work through technical questions, and learn from each other.