Summer Class is going Online!

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I was scheduled to teach a section of GEO 121 (Intro Physical Geography) this summer, but was told a few weeks ago and that we can't schedule any classes in our building this summer.  We're supposed to move out in August so that (long overdue) renovations can begin on our building.  Even though my class ends in June, we were told to move it.  My class is usually scheduled in both a classroom AND the computer lab, so I was immediately concerned about how I would swing this in another building. Then I asked if I could just move it to an online course and that is what happened!

I'm excited about adapting my class for online (which I already planned to do for next winter term), but a little worried about the challenges.  I already teach the course in a way that is well suited for online teaching (I don't have much lecture, students work in groups, quizzes are already online, etc.), but I will also have to adapt my lab exercises. As of now, I'm planning to set up Google Forms for submitting lab write-ups. The forms can have the text and links I usually have in the paper copies, then space for students to respond. I will have to make them shorter and simpler to make sure that students can complete them without direct assistance.

I'm also looking forward to having a flexible summer schedule.  In the past, having to be on campus at a specific time on certain days has been difficult for driving my daughter to summer activities, scheduling meetings, and parking can be a real problem (especially during orientation).  I'm aware that I will be spending many hours at my computer, but I look forward to the change.

It will be strange to not meet my students face-to-face, though. I'll get to know their online personalities, but not see them in person. That will be a big change, too. The class filled up (25 students) in first three days of summer registration, so the students seem to appreciate the online option!

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