As we look ahead to the remainder of semester 1 and semester 2 it is clear that we will need to continue to do a lot of teaching digitally and online. Large and growing numbers of colleagues are involved and getting ready to be involved in teaching online, some for the first time. Many of these colleagues are looking for easy to digest guidance and pointers on how to get started and where to find help. Fortunately, we can draw upon a huge amount of experience and support from colleagues across the University, from academic and learning technology staff in Schools and Colleges, from Information Services Group (ISG) and from the Institute for Academic Development (IAD). This short blog aims to provide some pointers on where to start in finding this advice and support to get started.
Advice and tips if you are new to teaching online
Straightforward advice on delivering online teaching:
- Top ten tips for teaching online from colleagues leading the MSc in Clinical Education Programme
- A blog with advice from Velda McCune (IAD) on making the adjustment from teaching on-campus to teaching online
- A short video about hybrid and online teaching from Velda McCune:
- Tips for hybrid teaching from colleagues in Information Services
- Advice infographics tailored to the needs of tutors and demonstrators (but relevant to all) includes an overview of teaching online along with specific aspects like discussion based classes
Remember that you and your students are finding your way together, involve them in your thinking, build a community with them and look after your own wellbeing and that of your students. Technology does and will sometimes breakdown, there are things you may try that don’t quite work. Try not to be disheartened, this is all part of adjusting to digital and online teaching approaches. Our students are understanding and appreciate our efforts.
Tools and techniques
Information and support for the key learning technology tools and services available along with recordings of conversations with colleagues from across the University discussing the techniques they’ve used.
- Tools for hybrid teaching from ISG
- Recordings of IAD hangouts – conversations with colleagues teaching online and adapting to hybrid
Training
Including an “introduction to online teaching” from IAD, a self-paced version of the Edinburgh Model for Teaching Online course and other ISG provision linked to specific learning technologies
- ISG training for hybrid teaching – ISG provide a wide range of training courses and support including key learning technologies and a self-paced version of the Edinburgh Model for Teaching Online course that provides a model of online teaching distilled from the ongoing body of online programmes at the University of Edinburgh.
- An Introduction to Online Teaching (IAD) – a short online course that provides a light touch introduction to some of the things you could consider when teaching online. The course will provide you with the opportunity to experience what it’s like to be an online student, as well as providing you with a research-informed introduction to online teaching and assessment approaches. The course will focus on the main digital tools available from the University of Edinburgh to support hybrid teaching. The course takes place over 2 weeks, with courses due to start from 2nd and 30th November and in semester 2.
Support for hybrid and online teaching from ISG and IAD
ISG and IAD provide an extensive range of support for hybrid and digital teaching. These sites provide an overview.
- ISG – Teaching Continuity Site
- IAD – support for hybrid teaching
To discuss IAD support for Schools that want to work on local CPD for their colleagues about hybrid teaching please contact mccune@ed.ac.uk
Examples of approaches, practice, experience and insight from across the University
The Edinburgh Hybrid Teaching Exchange and Teaching Matters provide access to a wealth of insight experience and practice from colleagues across the whole of the University.
- Hybrid Teaching Exchange
Exploring Hybrid Teaching
Hybrid Learner Journeys - Teaching Matters
- Hybrid Teaching: Guiding Principles and Core Values
Authors
Velda McCune (Deputy Director & Head of Learning & Teaching, IAD), Celeste McLaughlin (Head of Academic Development for Digital Education, IAD), Stuart Nicol (Head of Educational Design and Engagement, ISG), Lorraine Spalding (Communications Manager, Academic Engagement, ISG) and Jon Turner (Director, IAD)
Please contact j.d.turner@ed.ac.uk with any feedback on this blog and with suggestions of additional links and resources
