Action Scenes: Making the Most of Synchronous Online Teaching

You know that scene in a novel where all the main characters show up together, allowing their various storylines to cross over in unexpected ways? The synchronous class sessions in our online courses might not be quite that dramatic, but they can be an opportunity to foster unexpected connections for our learners. By thinking of one of these sessions as action scenes that are part of a larger course narrative, we can make the most of the limited time we have with all of our students together in one virtual space.

In this workshop, we’ll explore strategies for engaging students in discussion and active learning in a synchronous online class session. We’ll consider options for preparing students for live sessions, facilitating in inclusive and accessible ways, and situating a synchronous session in a bigger course design. We’ll build a little work time into the workshop so that participants will leave with a new plan for an online class session.

This session is geared toward anyone teaching online at UVA. It is part of the Plot Twists and Perspectives: Designing Online Learning That Resonates series, in partnership with UVA Online Education and Digital Innovation. Additional events include:

• Take It or Leave It: AI and Digital Innovation - Thursday, October 2, 3:00-4:00 PM ET
• Narrative Course Design: Aligning an Authentic Summative Assessment to Your "Why" - Thursday, November 6, 3:00-4:15 PM ET
• Coming soon: The Plot Thickens: Creating Dynamic Online Learning Materials - Thursday, February 12, 3:00-4:15 PM ET
• Coming soon: Know Your Audience: Student Experiences Learning Online - Thursday, March 19, 3:00-4:15 PM ET