1-minute read time.
Hello, fellow work‑from‑homers,
We’re now on Day Four of working remotely due to the COVID‑19 precautions at the University of Manitoba. The days are starting to blend a bit, but I have to admit that I’m settling into the routine. Flannel pajamas have become my unofficial uniform, though I keep telling myself that tomorrow, being Monday, I’ll put on a proper shirt.
Because of the need for social distancing, all in‑progress courses are being moved online at a rapid pace. Our team has been busy running live workshops, recording videos, and converting courses as efficiently as possible. It’s a significant undertaking: digitizing hundreds of courses in just a few weeks to prepare for the summer term, but it’s also energizing. Suddenly, our work is front and center, and instructors who were once hesitant about online teaching are now actively engaging with the tools available to them.
Of course, shifting a face‑to‑face course to an online format comes with small but important considerations.
Group work is a good example. When instructors carry over existing group assignments, they often need additional support to make sure students can collaborate effectively while physically apart. It’s worth reaching out to your institution’s technology teams, departments, and faculties to understand what resources are available and how to guide instructors through the transition.
Moving content online is only one part of the process. As we all navigate this unusual moment, it’s important to keep safety and well‑being at the forefront: for ourselves and for the people around us.
Stay safe, stay healthy, and take care until next time.
Kristy
P.S. Don’t forget to rock those flannel pajamas when you can!
