Dear colleagues,
The campus administration is continuously monitoring campus and county data to inform our planning, and in the spirit of optimism and best current models, we are still anticipating the return to in-person teaching on Jan. 31. However, if the pandemic has taught us anything, one still needs to be prepared for shifts. In light of this, DTEI is providing some guidance for this transition in the form of potential instructional models that provide maximum flexibility regarding transitions between remote and in-person instruction and minimize disruptions when students miss class due to illness. Both of the models below aim to utilize your remote teaching materials while maintaining an easy addition of in-person elements to your course when that switch occurs.
Create a flipped course experience. Lecture videos and other materials can still be used in a flipped-class model. Students are responsible for viewing/completing material as homework and class time is used for discussion, problem solving, and/or additional practice related to online materials. In this model, most, if not all, graded aspects of the course are handled through remote/online channels.
Create a hybrid course experience. Lecture videos and other materials can take the place of certain class periods (i.e. Tuesdays are online days, Thursdays are in-person days). In-person days serve as opportunities for discussion, collaboration, or other activities. This model also allows for most, if not all, graded aspects of the course to be handled through remote/online channels. If this approach is chosen, care should be taken to ensure that the in-person experiences are with lead instructors as well as any assistants.
In-person days for both models can serve as time for discussion, collaboration, answering student questions, etc. without penalty for missing class due to illness, quarantine, etc. This provides many of the benefits of the in-person experience, such as critical socio-emotional aspects of instruction/learning, without stress of penalties as we continue to navigate the pandemic.
The experiences above are intended only to provide some options for your consideration. No particular model is being prescribed. Returning to a complete in-person should be appropriate, as are many other options. For more information on both of these experiences and additional options, please explore the resources at Teach Anywhere.
Additionally, if you would like direct assistance with transitioning to in-person teaching, DTEI is ready to help. Please contact us at dtei@uci.edu.
Michael Dennin
Michael Dennin, email to campus instructors on January 19, 2022
Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning
Dean, Division of Undergraduate Education