Online Library Workshops and Synchronous Instruction Guide

Start your session with a live video of you, the instructor. Introduce yourself and your topic.

• Test your video to ensure the camera is at the proper angle
• Scan the background of the image to ensure nothing sensitive is displayed
  • Are there any sensitive documents visible in the background?
  • Are there any sensitive personal items visible in the background?

This will help students have a stronger connection to you and your topic, and it will also increase their sense of comfort and belonging in your virtual classroom.

Be able to help students by familiarizing yourself with their "view" of the application

• How do students adjust their sound?
• How do students mute/un-mute their microphone?
• How do students participate in the chat box?

Be sure to share and make available all materials used in your session (slides, handouts, links, etc.).

• Post a link to the student library workshop guide in the chat box at the beginning of the session, and again at the end.

Let students know what to expect and how to participate

• When can they ask questions?
  • Can they ask questions using their microphone/video? Chat box?
  • Can they ask questions throughout? Is there a "hand raised" feature on the web conferencing tool?
  • It can be difficult to monitor questions while lecturing, and having students interrupt can be disruptive. Consider pausing periodically for questions, or tell students they can ask questions at the end.
• Chat box etiquette
  • Will you be monitoring the chat throughout, or only check it at the end or during pauses?
  • Can students use the chat box to talk to other students, or should it only be used for communicating with you (the instructor)?
  • Allowing students to talk to each other using the chat box can be distracting and can bury comments/questions meant for you. Consider asking students to use the chat  box only for communicating with you. Most web conferencing software also allows students/participants to send messages directly to each other. Let students know that option is available.
• If you are recording the session, be sure to alert students at the beginning of class. Remember that anything said during the session, including student names and questions, are being recorded as well.

It can be very difficult to connect with students in online "classrooms" the same way we connect with them in physical classrooms. For example, we can't make eye contact or read body language. You may wish to implement a strategy to get more feedback from students as you teach.

• Stop and ask small questions, such as, "Have you ever used the library's databases before? What has been your experience?" Allow students to answer by using their microphones or by using the chat box.
• Use polls to stimulate discussion and get feedback. Poll Everywhere is a great tool to use for this.
• Another tool to consider for polling/feedback: Mentimeter. Recommended by the Faculty Success Center.

More information: