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teaching tips for distance learning classes


Although courses that include distance learning students are the same in almost all respects as those with only on-campus students, there are a few things the instructor can do to make the experience better for distant students. Here are a few tips:

  • Allow a few minutes before class to meet with your television director, establish a standard "start" signal, and to discuss any special support you may require.
  • Wait for your image to appear on the classroom monitors before you begin your lecture.
  • Acknowledge your off-campus students on a regular basis at some point during your lecture. (i.e. when addressing the in-class students, you can look at the camera periodically, this provides eye contact for your DL students & makes them feel a part of the class)
  • Encourage them to interact via e-mail using the course's WEBCT Vista site.
  • Consider asking your off-campus students to send you a brief statement about why they are taking the course, where they earned their B.S. degree, who their employer is, what there job is, etc. via e-mail.
  • Please "repeat the question". The volume on the classroom ceiling microphones is kept low to prevent recording unwanted classroom background noise, so please repeat the in-class student's question for the benefit of the off-campus student.
  • Speak in normal voice as you would in a normal classroom setting; if the students in the last row can hear you, you are speaking loudly enough. The director controls the recording volume.
  • If you use the chalkboard, be sure to write/print large enough to be legible on the classroom monitors and stay within the designated chalkboard markers to insure legible coverage.
  • UF EDGE studios are equipped with battery-powered wireless microphones which allow the instructor freedom to move about the presentation area. The microphone is normally clipped about chest-high to the instructor's clothing; try to avoid brushing against it during the lecture. Television production staff will provide assistance in the event of any audio difficulties.
  • Clothing: avoid wearing full white, small herringbone or striped (causes a vibrating picture) patterns, or sparkling/shiny jewelry.
  • We offer you the opportunity to review your class lecture and teaching style. A DVD with an instructor's checklist will be sent to you the second week of the semester.
  • We recommend that you include as a minimum on your course's WEBCT Vista site a course syllabus; course outline/notes; textbook and reference materials; class roster with e-mail addresses; homework assignments; online practice quizzes and exams; grades; and a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ). Assistance on posting this material in WEBCT Vista is available. Contact your producer/director for details.