Body
When teaching online synchronous, consider including the following information in the course syllabus to communicate expectations and ensure students are set up to be successful.
Technical Requirements for Students
Include a Technical Requirements section in the syllabus that details what technology students need to particulate in courses, including participation in synchronous sessions.
- Do you recommend using a computer to participate in your course or will a phone suffice?
- Do students need a webcam or microphone to participate in synchronous sessions?
Course Schedule
Communicate the course schedule, including any synchronous sessions, in your syllabus. Synchronous meeting dates and times should also be listed in Banner.
Make sure your all policies in your syllabus reflect the synchronous modality. Include the dates, times, and location for synchronous class sessions based on the information given to students in Banner (i.e., MW 8:00 am - 9:15 am.). Provide a clear attendance policy in the syllabus.
Camera/Microphone Expectations
Let students know how they can expect to participate in synchronous sessions. Before deciding on camera and microphone expectations for your online synchronous course, consider the following access and privacy concerns:
- Students may wish to maintain privacy and not share a view of their living quarters or home identity with their classmates and instructors.
- Students may have low-bandwidth or mobile connections that will not provide stable or affordable video connections.
- Although some students may be able to use virtual backgrounds, this will not work for students who use phones, tablets, and laptops with processors that do not support virtual backgrounds.
- Noisy environments can also interfere with student use of their microphones. Alternative student interaction can take place using chat, polls, and other similar alternatives.
- Class attendance and participation can be tracked using active learning techniques without requiring students to turn on their cameras.
If you will be requiring use of a microphone and camera, let students know about these requirements in the syllabus. Some additional considerations for participation expectations are below:
- Will students be expected to have their cameras on during synchronous sessions? If so, consider letting students know the purpose of this requirement.
- Mute microphones when not speaking.
- Consider additional ways for students to participate during synchronous sessions (chat, polls, breakout rooms, whiteboard, etc.).
The FACT2 Statement on Webcam Requirement for Remote Instruction has additional observations and recommendations to consider when deciding whether or not to require camera use.
Accessing Recordings
If synchronous sessions will be recorded, let students know about this ahead of time. Let them know how and when they will be able to access these recordings, and ensure that your recordings include closed captions so they are accessible to all learners.
Class recordings are protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Recordings must be accessible only to the instructor or students enrolled in the course at the time of the recording and only for the duration of the course. Recordings that include the voice, image, or other identifying characteristic of any students may not be shared outside the course by the instructor without the written consent of those students prior to any dissemination.