Tips to support instructional continuity for in-person or synchronous classes
Faculty should plan for inclement weather days. Just because classes may be canceled, doesn't mean instruction stops. The Center for Faculty Excellence has prepared the following tips regarding instructional continuity. These ideas can be implemented and help to ensure that instruction continues even if students can't meet in person. The information below is for in-person or synchronous classes, providing tips for various times during the semester. The Office of Digital Learning also has a number of resources available to you.
Before the Semester Begins
- Familiarize yourself with UNO's expectations on instructional continuity.
- Include a syllabus statement that clarifies expectations for students when/if inclement wether interferes with classes.
- Create a Zoom option before you need it. Prominently display it in Canvas. This is helpful if there is little time between the announcement to cancel classes and the scheduled start time for class.
- Design content in a clearly marked Canvas module reserved for inclement weather days or other unplanned class cancellations.
- Use Canvas for quizzes or exams, eliminating the need to reschedule them if they fall on a day with an unscheduled disruption.
Anytime during the Semester
- For an in-person course, hold class via Zoom at the regularly scheduled time; record it for those who cannot attend.
- Offer a virtual office hour drop-in session during your regularly scheduled class time.
- Weigh the pros and cons of extra credit. It may motivate students to engage, but not all students may have the opportunity to take advantage of the offer.
- If students were scheduled to be at an off-campus site, contact your community partner as soon as possible and suggest an alternative day.
- In case of imminent threat, communicate with students as soon as the threat passes. Understand, students who live in other locations may be seeking shelter at different times.
What to Do When Classes are Canceled Due to Weather: Early in the Semester
Use this time to build relationships with students.
- Send a caring message to students expressing concern for everyone’s well-being.
- Pose a fun, get-to-know-you question to students and ask them to respond. For example, ask each student to submit their favorite song and create a class playlist.
What to Do When Classes are Canceled Due to Weather: Near the Midpoint of the Semester
Encourage reflection and enhance planning.
- Ask students to rate their progress toward each course objective on a scale from 1-5, giving them a self-assessment opportunity and providing insight for future instruction.
- Have students preview an end-of-year project and pose questions to you about it or draft a timeline they can use to complete it.
What to Do When Classes are Canceled Due to Weather: Late-Semester
Use this time to set up a strong finish.
- Ask students to develop digital flashcards to share with the class, creating a crowdsourced study guide for the final.
- Challenge students to complete the course evaluation. Let them know if the completion percentage reaches 75%, you will make a small donation to UNO’s Food Pantry, provide one “free” answer on the final, or sing the Maverick fight song during the next class.
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