We can now pin or spotlight the videos of up to nine participants in a Zoom meeting. Pinning a participant’s video means that you only see that particular person’s video. Pinning only affects your view of the video, while spotlighting a participant makes their video become the only video that everyone on the call sees…. Read more »
Often instructors check in with students who are performing poorly. Don’t forget to contact those who are doing well! Tell them you’ve noticed and encourage them to keep up the great work, preferably with specifics about what they are doing well. Whether you want to contact students who are struggling or those who are doing… Read more »
Simply put, VoiceThread is a threaded discussion about something visual: an image, slide show, or movie. It works seamlessly with Canvas. Usually, the instructor creates the VoiceThread and students add comments. Students can also be assigned to create their own VoiceThread. The students can post comments or answer questions in the VoiceThread using text, voice… Read more »
If you have students discuss course content, analyze case studies, or solve problems in small groups or in Zoom breakout rooms, you can hold them accountable for their work by giving them space in a Google doc to record their discussion. Create a Google doc with the assignment prompt and a clearly defined space for… Read more »
COVID, violence against BIPOC, and the upcoming election have many of our students facing extreme stress, isolation, and anxiety. When faced with such strain, it can be difficult for students to learn (Immordino-Yang and Damasio 2007). To help, try to give students agency in your classroom using the following suggestions: Ask students to co-create assignments… Read more »
One way to connect with your students, particularly in an online course, is to invite them to come to your (virtual) office hours. Students are often shy or reluctant to come to office hours, so think about rebranding them as “coffee breaks” or “casual chats.” Or invite your students to sign up for brief time… Read more »