Syllabus language for participating in an online or remote course

I have included versions of the following on my online course syllabi for many years, and I recently further crafted this information to account for our collective move to remote learning. The goal is to address straightforwardly at the start of the term some primary concerns students have about learning online. 

Participating in an Online Remote Course 

As you know, [course name] is an online remote course. We will meet both synchronously and asynchronously, using the many educational technology tools available. Synchronous meetings, which include classes at the listed times as well as one-on-one conferences, will take place via Zoom or Blackboard (Bb) Learn Collaborate Ultra [your video platform]. We will try both and see which one works best for you. For asynchronous interactions, we will work primarily on [your LMS] Discussions. Such conversations are a component of most of my classes, and I especially use them in online courses. [Describe other asynchronous methods you might use.] 

Those of you who are nervous about working in this way should contact me immediately. [Describe here briefly your experience teaching online if you like.] 

Video Presence 

Unlike your typical class experience in which you sit in a classroom, you will be participating in much of this course via synchronous video media, and, in many ways, you have more freedom to choose how you present yourself. Consider that your instructor and your peers can see and hear you: How will you want to present yourself and your environment?

While I would like you to use your camera as much as possible, I am empathetic to those who do not want their cameras on at all times. You don’t need to have a reason. However, if you don’t have your camera turned on, you must periodically post a comment in the course chat. 

Factors to Help You Succeed in an Online Course 

This may be your first time in an online remote course. You’ll no doubt find this a different experience than that of an onsite class. Following are some things to consider as you begin this online learning course. 

*Follow the course schedule.* I create a careful course schedule to help you stay organized. If you closely read and follow the schedule, you significantly increase your ability to succeed in the course. 

Deadlines. It is crucial that you adhere to the class deadlines. 

Motivation. Research about student behaviors in online courses has shown that students who participate early in these courses, particularly on message boards, have higher grades in the courses overall. You can’t control everything, but you can control when you get involved in class discussions. Post early—and often—during our online asynchronous conversations! 

Contact. You can contact me via: [Tailor this based on your communication preferences.]

• Phone. Don’t hesitate to call the number listed on the syllabus. 
• Discussions. We can have conversations on our Bb Discussions. 
• Email. You need to become familiar with your school email account. That account can easily be forwarded to another account, but I will use your school account to send you mail. We’ll do a lot of corresponding that way. 
• Chat. Sometimes we will correspond via chat, particularly the day before an assignment is due. 

I will spend time checking email and Discussions for course messages each day. Basically, I will be quite plugged in to what is happening in the course. 

You may be tempted in an online course to think of your professor as a robot who never sleeps. While you are college students, and you may do some of your most productive work at 2:00 a.m., I am an old(ish) man who goes to sleep at 10:30 p.m. Remember that when you email me in the wee hours of the night. If you want to meet in person, the three-dimensional me can be found in [office location].

Space and time. You’re working online. Where should you do this work? Sitting at a desk or a table in a space with minimal distractions is ideal. 

There is a big difference between working at home and homework. While we will work in a primarily synchronous way, when we have asynchronous work, you need to treat that time when you are writing and thinking about the class material as real class time, and, again, you need a quiet work space. In fact, you will have a lot more success in college if you learn to carve out a space when you study. When possible, ask your friends, roommates, and/or family to give you a break during a set time each day. I know you are probably all skilled multi-taskers, but if you get into bad study habits early on, they will be hard to break later. 

Feeling isolated? Remember, while our class is online, I’m a real-live human being. If you have concerns, reach out to me.