Virtual Resources

Technology Tips

Take Physical Notes

Keeping a physical notebook next to you for in-class notes can help you to remember important details.  Physically writing notes creates memories differently than typing notes.

Mute Yourself

Mute yourself when you aren’t speaking.  Your background noise can be distracting even if you don’t notice it.

Use Microphone and Chat

When you’d like to make a long statement, you should use your microphone.  When you’re not on the mic, use the chat to encourage other students when they’re speaking.  Participation makes classes much more entertaining.

Ask Technical Questions

If you’re having technical issues, it is likely that several of your classmates have the same problem.  Get on the mic and help out your fellow students by asking about your problem and working with your instructor to get it solved.

Share Your Camera (if you want)

Instructors have an easier time teaching when they can see the faces of their students.  Help out your instructors by giving them non-verbal encouragement as they teach.  You can use fun backgrounds to hide your messy bedroom!

Communicating Virtually

Introduce Your Real Self

Online learning can be dehumanizing–share your personality with your teacher and classmates at the beginning of class.  Be willing to be vulnerable — it helps you to learn!

State What You Need

Teachers will need your help to determine how to teach you best.  If you are struggling with content, make that clear.  Don’t be afraid to admit what you need to learn.

Ask Questions Often

Don’t be shy!  If you have a question, your classmates are likely wondering the same thing.  Get on your mic and ask the teacher what you need to know — often!

Take Breaks

If you need to use the bathroom, just let your teacher know that you’ll be gone for a bit.  Don’t force yourself to stare at the screen if you need a quick break.  Breaks can be refreshing and help you to learn more efficiently.

Be Respectful

Some classes might have intense arguments regarding politics or current events.  It is easier to be disrespectful when you can’t see someone’s face.  Be careful to respect yourself and others when you have difficult discussions.

Provide Contact Information

Your teacher can help you outside of class hours!  If you send an e-mail to your teacher, you can discuss the lesson or homework directly.  One-on-one support might be more appropriate for your needs.

Allow for Venting

Online learning is inherently frustrating.  The pandemic has caused new stressors.  Allow yourself to complain and find new solutions to unique problems.

Collaborate With Classmates

Don’t make your classmates do all of the work for you.  The more you participate, the better class will be.  We are all on a team here — do your best for your team!

Technology Tips

Record Every Time

Recording is required for PEOPLE compliance and can help you to review your strengths and weaknesses after class.

Mute Yourself

Muting yourself when you aren’t speaking indicates that your students are free to use their microphones.  Also, your background noise can be distracting even if you don’t notice it.

Upload Early

Technology can be frustrating — get ahead of it by putting all of your documents online well before your class.  If you’re using a cloud drive, make sure that all students will have permission to view your materials.

Check In Often

Can students hear you?  Can students see you?  Ask them to confirm that your mic and camera are working.

Create Casual Space

You can create casual space using Microsoft Teams by encouraging students to use a casual channel.  Also, encourage students to have casual conversations before and after class.

Share Your Camera

You might be the only person who shares their camera during your class.  Students need your non-verbal cues.  It will help them to participate and pay attention if they can see their teacher.

Communicating Virtually

Introduce Your Real Self

Online learning can be dehumanizing–share your personality with your students at the beginning of class.  Make sure they know who you are so they can care about your content.

Specify Agenda

Be transparent about the way class will flow.  Agendas are useful because students will know when breaks are coming.

Acknowledge the Chat

Students are shy about using microphones.  Some students prefer using the chat feature.  Whenever students type in the chat, address what they’ve written.

Address Students by Name

Use students’ names often because your non-verbal cues cannot address them individually.

Create Small Groups

Students tend to participate more when class sizes are smaller.  Split your class into several groups to encourage more participation.  Make sure to visit all small groups.

Provide Contact Information

Ensure that your students feel comfortable contacting you via e-mail for follow-up questions.

Allow for Venting

Online learning is inherently frustrating.  The pandemic has caused new stressors.  Our students should have the space to discuss their irritations with their classmates in an appropriate way.

Collaborate Using Technology

Use technology creatively.  Google Slides can become virtual canvases for art collages.  Online games can be used for learning.