WHAT TO EXPECT-going forward last updated 3/15/20, addt'l updates possible

 

This is a general statement written for all of my classes-- all of which were designed & structured to be conducted face-to-face & interactively--  and may not be easily adapted to "remote" delivery.  This requires resorting to "Plan B" work-arounds. Some of the items mentioned below may be applicable to  your particular course; some less so. The items below are meant to address ways the remote delivery of the course might affect our course procedures. This is an evolving situation & your Course Calendar remains the primary tool for information.  

 

Effects on OVERALL APPROACH:    As per directives issued to faculty by the University, the online/remote applications will be limited to those which are already supported & present within the programs included on the SHU-issued laptops.  The University wants to ensure academic integrity by having a record for following up on potential missing or misdelivered submissions.  For us this means we mostly will be using Blackboard tools  & there might be some use of Microsoft Teams. 

If you use such outside items as Googledocs or Zoom, etc. on your own, just remember any "official" virtual classwork will be done via University supported applications. I've tried to streamline our processes, but you may find yourself going to one spot for the assignment & another for the reading/viewing & another for the actual submission.
Modalities for Online Instruction  In general, online instruction  (& all "telecommuting") is done using one of two approaches: SYNCHRONOUS  &  ASYNCHRONOUS.
SYNCHRONOUS  = [similar to an in-person class - everyone is together at the same time via virtual conference software - audio only or audio+video]   
ASYNCHRONOUS = [similar to flextime - everyone completes the work individually according to personal schedules. Learning becomes more self-directed]
Each  approach has advantages & disadvantages but my experience has shown that trying to get a full class in the same place at the same time with 100% access to Wi-Fi is much more difficult when we are  in an off campus schedule structure. In order to avoid delays & frustrations due to technological issues, over the next few weeks it is planned that the SYNCHRONOUS sessions will be limited. You will get plenty of notice about the days you DO need to be available during our exact original class times.
Effects on grading:    Additional written assessments will be have to replace classroom interaction in order for me to determine what people are understanding.  Of course these additional items (e.g. mini-quizzes/discussion board forums / quickie polls / tba) were not part of the original course grading breakdown  on your syllabus. Most will be folded into the percentages for the quiz component  and the classwork component.
Effects on giving presentations:   Presentations still will occur. Most now will need to be self-recorded & uploaded along with the accompanying speaker's outline & any visual aid.   Formats will vary. I may be able to utilize a speech uploading software that is part of my Oral Comm. course; it also allows for asynchronous evaluation from a classmate. Another possible work around is for you to upload your video & other materials to an Assignments folder that I will place in Blackboard. In some cases, the presentation will be delivered "live' when we are meeting in a Blackboard Collaborate session.  Click for a guidesheet for self-recording presentations.
Effects on submitting assignments:    Uploaded items (Papers, Speeches, etc.) will be done via a designated section of Blackboard (Currently, this might be hidden, but the ability to view it soon will be enabled) .  To keep things separated, Discussion Board Forums are generally linked in a folder within the "Dr. Plummer's Course Information" section.
Effects on group/team work: This is probably the main function where Microsoft Teams will come in handy.  Soon, I will be setting up "channels" for upcoming partnered &/or group projects. In some cases I am waiting for you to tell be your selected partner. In some cases, I am compilingthe groups. See your course calendar for details. 
Effects on "real-time" class meetings: As mentioned, "real time" meetings will be attempted when I think they are the only way to accomplish the student-interactive learning goal. Since my teaching style usually does not constitute giving free standing lectures, I expect to use my time (which is now much more limited) to augment the posted supporting slide shows - rather than trying to convert to a whole different approach.
   

 

If you have any questions, be sure to ask!