Planning for Instructional Contingencies
There is a large and growing body of literature on teaching effectively online, and it’s important to know that effective instructional practices often differ in online contexts. However, in a contingency situation where the shift to online instruction is unanticipated, it will not be possible to implement all of the best practices that would usually be involved in an online course.
The following pages contain some considerations and strategies for online instruction. In MTLE, we often talk about the importance of manageable change, and these resources are intended to help you shift to online instruction in ways that center student needs while also recognizing the uniqueness of this situation.
Campus Resources For Continuity of Instruction
- UW-Madison Instructional Continuity. Resource Guide: In partnership with the Office of the Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning, the Division of Information Technology (DoIT) has established a website with guidance and support to faculty and instructors who may need to rapidly reconfigure their courses. The Office of the Provost will provide additional communication to faculty and planning is underway to proactively support faculty through this process.
- UW-Madison Letters & Science Learning Support Services has a guide to teaching with technology during a disruptive event. Its sections include:
Additional Articles and Guides
- “Going Online in a Hurry – What to Do and Where to Start” – Michelle Miller of the Chronicle of Higher Education provides a usefully pedagogy-focused overview of things to keep in mind during a swift pivot.
