Hello, all:
I hope this finds you well, and that the transition to virtual instruction is going smoothly. If issues do arise, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at phanstedt@wlu.edu. I’m more than happy to talk, anytime.
If you’re more interested in exploring some options on your own, remember that we have two great resources that are available to all faculty and staff: Association of College and University Educators has opened access to their online materials, covering everything from overall course structure to managing lectures and discussions. And the Great Lakes Colleges Association has material covering everything from top to bottom as well, including grading and advising.
As your courses settle in, be sure to remind students to be deliberate and deliberative about both the transition to virtual learning and about self-care. Here are a few quick tips you can share with them:
- Set a daily schedule and stick to it.
- Create a calendar that includes all due dates and deadlines.
- Establish a study areas or areas in your home that will allow you to avoid distractions. If at all possible, don’t study in bed!
- Avoid multi-tasking. Stick with doing one thing at a time.
- After about 25-50 minutes on a single task, take a short break; stretch, get a snack.
- Attend virtual office hours, when available; remember that your instructors are, as always, the front line for advice to help your learning
- Don’t forget that the “usual” study habits–flashcards, taking careful notes–all work. In addition, because things will be recorded, it’s easier to go back and view lectures, etc.
- Be sure to take some longer breaks. Bake a cake. Write a poem. Get some exercise.
- Now would be a great time to cut back on that caffeine habit. Among other things, caffeine can raises anxiety levels.
- Establish a sleep routine of 6-8 hours per night and stick with it.
- Remember to read a book for pleasure, to play games with your family, to get away from your screens.
Speaking of students, Sydney Bufkin pointed out that the most recent issue of The Ring-Tum Phi has several nice pieces providing student perspectives on this upheaval, including their anxieties about the disruption of their classes. There’s also a piece on a student who faces housing discrimination here in Lexington. If you have a moment, this is worth a read.
Finally, we want to check in with all of you and find out what challenges you’ve faced this week–and what solutions you’ve found. That in mind, CARPE and Academic Technologies will be hosting a Zoom Happy Hour this coming Friday, from 4-5:00 PM. Please come join the conversation–and feel free to bring along your favorite beverage (I know I will). Details below.
Thanks, all. Please continue to take care of yourselves, and your families.
Best,
Paul
CARPE and Academic Technologies are inviting you to a scheduled Zoom Happy Hour.
Topic: CARPE/Academic Technologies Zoom Happy Hour!
Time: Apr 3, 2020 04:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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https://wlu.zoom.us/j/161033211
Meeting ID: 161 033 211
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