Support for alternate modes of teaching

Dear Colleagues:

All areas of the university are working to address the complex questions about how the university will operate for the next two weeks.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) situation has been evolving quickly, and we are responding in kind. We understand the importance of providing clarity about a range of topics, and I can assure you that we are sharing details about all topics as quickly as possible.

In the meantime, please take action immediately so that your students can continue their academic progress while face-to-face instruction is limited. The keepteaching.osu.edu website provides strategies and tools for alternate modes of delivery, including these key action steps:

• Ensure that all courses are active in CarmenCanvas so that resources are available electronically. At minimum, Carmen should include:
  • The syllabus
  • Course materials, including presentations, videos, links, and assignments
  • The grade book
• Prepare alternate means of teaching to meet the learning objectives of your course(s).
• Follow common-sense guidelines that protect public health, including staying home when sick. Faculty should also encourage students to stay home if they are ill and accommodate their absences if at all possible. See the coronavirus website for more information.

To reiterate yesterday's announcement, face-to-face instruction will be suspended for lectures, seminars and other similar classroom settings through at least Monday, March 30. I am working with academic deans to prepare specific guidance for classroom experiences, such as laboratory and performance classes, later this week. Until then, faculty should start with the assumption that alternative modes of delivery will be necessary.

Our university-wide network of instructional designers, distance learning specialists and IT experts is being mobilized to support this work. They are answering specific questions and updating keepteaching.osu.edu regularly to provide best practices and pragmatic advice.

Thank you for your leadership and partnership.

Bruce A. McPheron, PhD
Executive Vice President and Provost