As we enter the 3rd full week of Fall 2020 classes, let’s reflect on tips we've learned for conducting successful virtual class experiences. We've gathered advice from faculty this month that will quickly turn you into an expert on the ASU Sync modality. Let's review classroom communication, screen sharing, and setting yourself up for success in ASU Sync and in-person blended classrooms.  Classroom Chatter: Zoom or Slack?  In large classes, you can  turn off ‘chat’ in Zoom , or just have messages to the instructor available. This prevents students from messaging each other in ways that don't support the course goals. Do not disable all communication entirely, as students need a way to ask questions or report issues with the class feed. There are other options outside of Zoom! Consider having students use a Slack channel for their communication during class. This is an independent application that allows for threaded replies, upvoting, and other features not available ...

Are you finding that you're repeatedly asking your students to attend office hours, but still see low attendance? You are not alone. Office hours are often conducted in-person, on a scheduled day and time that the instructor is available. Typically these hours are posted online and in the syllabus. Yet, most students do not attend. Below are some options to try, that may encourage more students to attend your office hours! Have you tried virtual office hours?  This option does not have to be for online courses only. To do this you can use Zoom, and link it to your Canvas course. Instructors who have tried virtual office hours have been impressed with more students attending. This could simply be because students were unable to make it to campus on the scheduled day/time for office hours, but instead could join virtually. Here are some instructions to get you started (requires ASURITE log-in). Share a funny video with students about office hours. Another option to con...

Our webinar this week focused on a topic that we haven't covered before, but is really critical for faculty to manage large size courses. Dr. Lynda Mae shared her model for "recruiting, training and retaining Undergraduate TAs". Dr. Mae uses the UTAs to directly work with students, and allow grad students to work at a higher focused level. They hold office hours throughout the week, and answer the "24/7" question board to support evenings and weekends. She solicits feedback from them for improving the courses because they have a great perspective. She uses the group of UTAs to test instructions and rubrics for clarity.  Recruiting: Send personal emails to congratulate students with outstanding grades Work with the Advising staff to post an ad in newsletter, and put flyers in a hall Contact honors clubs, and specialty clubs Ask current TAs to recruit others Tip: Emphasize the benefits to them, including a letter for grad school, possibly volunteer h...