Including CityTech many schools are adopting distance learning as an alternative for in-class instructions due to Coronavirus. Distance learning will be significantly different in terms of preparation, student interactions, and assessment. This article presents how higher-education can prepare for a smooth transition to distance learning.

1. Update student contact information

First and foremost, you should check and update student contact information including as cellphone number, email, and emergency contact

2. Consider smartphone if they don’t have access to video camera and microphone

Do not expect that all students have microphone and video camera. But it is true that most of students have access to smartphone that has a high-quality microphone and cameras. Also you should make sure that your learning tools support mobile platforms.

3. Make a plan for WiFi

Ask students if they can access WiFi. If not, you should let them prepare for alternative communication methods or consult them to get WiFi. Some school and public libraries are plan to open during this semester.

4. Design self-guided learning

If you class adopts student-centered learning, it is a good chance to test your approach. Have a conference with your students and consider them to conduct their own research projects. You should define your instructional role that supports student learning in the distance learning platform.

5. Leverage your LMS (Learning Management System)

There are a lot of LMS tools such as Google Class, Blackboard, Microsoft Teams, and OpenLab. You, as in instructor, need to be familiar with the LMS to maximize the effectiveness of distance learning.

6. Review your course syllabus – set scope and sequence for distance learning

Don’t hesitate to modify your course syllabus. The format of distance learning will be significantly different from the classes designed for in-person interactions. Review your course syllabus and see if your distance learning can achieve the course goals designed for in-class instructions. Particularly, assessing student achievement in the distance learning environment will be very challenging.

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