Transitioning to Online Teaching and Learning

Sophisticated online course delivery takes a significant amount of planning and work to achieve. As such, when instructors prepare to shift their courses online mid-semester, it might be easy to get overwhelmed with the options and challenges related to teaching in a new online context. Don’t worry, we are here to help!

First Steps

The Center for Teaching and Learning encourages you to consider first what learning goals may still be achieved and the best ways for students to achieve these goals. That may mean going with what works, what you are familiar with, and learning enough new tools to meet the requirements for student success in your courses. As this page evolves, you’ll find links below to resources that might help you consider your options and what will work best for you and your students moving forward.

Resources for Transition to Online Learning

During this time of transition, we at the Center want you to know that you are not alone in this experience. You have many resources at your disposal including those offered through our Center, as well as further support that may be available within your departments and schools. In addition, the WashU Teaching and Learning Continuity Team and our staff has put together a robust set of web resources at TeachingContinuity.wustl.edu to share with faculty and students. As we become aware of these resources, we will share them with you through this page and by other means.

Consultations: If you would like to discuss specific concerns related to this transition, the Center for Teaching and Learning Educational Developers would be happy to talk with you. We can talk via phone, video conference, or through email. If you would like to set up a consultation with us, please complete this form. We will respond to you as quickly as we are able.

Sample Accessibility and Online Classroom Technology Survey for Students: The Center for Teaching and Learning has put together a template of a Qualtrics Accessibility and Online Classroom Technology Survey for Students that can be sent to students to find out their readiness to use various online classroom tools, as well other information that can be helpful in determining the appropriate teaching methods for your students moving forward.

Virtual Conversations: The Center for Teaching and Learning will host a series of 30-minute facilitated virtual conversations on topics of importance to those who are working to shift their teaching to an online format. Registration for these conversations is open to anyone currently teaching or who is currently an assistant in instruction in a for-credit course at WashU. Prior registration is required, and participation is limited to 20 for each conversation to ensure that everyone has the chance to discuss their ideas and concerns. We intend to add to this list of virtual discussions as needed. Please reach out to Eric Fournier (efournier@wustl.edu), Denise Leonard (dleonard23@wustl.edu), Meg Gregory (meggregory@wustl.edu) if you have suggestions for further topics that might be of interest to you and your colleagues.

Checklist for Teaching in a Pooled Classroom with Hyflex/Hybrid Technology: Learn more about how to structure your teaching in a pooled classroom with hyflex/hybrid technology here.