Can you describe the disruption you were faced with (weather-related, conflict with class time, etc. )?

There have been several occasions where weather conflicted with class as well as me not being able to attend in person due to road conditions. 

What did you do in place of an in-person class?

In times of campus closure, or if I am not able to attend in person, I hold class via Zoom. As my classes are quite small, it is very manageable for the students to interact with each other conversationally. 

How did you communicate with your students during the disruption?

As part of the course, students know how to connect remotely if need be. The students know to look on Canvas for announcements with Zoom meeting links. Students that are taking this course through other universities also have complete access to the course on Canvas.

What technology tool(s) did you use?  How did you use it?

I used both Zoom and Canvas. Canvas served as the communication and notification tool, and Zoom was used as our class platform. These technologies allowed for students that weren’t able to attend class opportunities to be active participants and allowed the consortium students not to feel rushed. 

I think it’s a benefit for consortium students who often have conflicting schedules and minimal time windows to get to campus in a timely fashion.  As my classes are designed to improve communication skills, these technologies were an important part in facilitating conversations, and when learning a language, the most important part is practice.  

Were you satisfied with the tool(s) and how it went with your students? What went really well for you? 

The students really enjoyed it. Zoom is becoming a big part of my teaching, whether I like it or not, and I am embracing the necessity of having alternative means to conduct class, regardless of campus closure. One of the biggest benefits of Zoom is that it allows for learning to happen in different spaces, not confined to a specific physical space. I think it’s important for learners to feel that this learning, communication, and relationships can and do happen outside of the lecture halls. Essentially, Zoom is delocalizing learning.

In the fall I will have a high school senior join one of my language classes. I have contacted her school and her parents. Zoom will allow her the convenience and affordance of attending classes virtually. This is not only a good opportunity for this particularly gifted student, but also for our Georgetown undergraduate students.

What challenges did you encounter?

There was an occasional connection issue either on my end or the students’ end, but nothing that dramatically affected class. Georgetown’s support team was phenomenal. Because of these unexpected issues, I’ve found that there is a great need for preparation. I always planned and prepared for additional time for setup and support prior to class, as well as time after the scheduled class time. 

What feedback have you received from students?

Very positive from everyone. The students really enjoyed being able to speak freely, and the technology enabled our conversations and exchanges to happen seamlessly. We were able to communicate and practice with each other and continue to build on communication skills and relationships which is my main goal for my language and culture courses.