Remote Classes and Limited Operations: Quick Start

Introduction to Zoom and TWEN

Technology Support Contacts

Please use general contacts rather than depending on the health and availability of specific individuals.

Zoom Support

TWEN Support

UNM LEARN

LEARN & Coronavirus

Law IT Help Desk

Shared Wisdom

Quick Start Guide for Remote Teaching

Step 1: Set up a website for your course using:

  • Westlaw TWEN,
  • Lexis Classroom, or
  • UNM LEARN

Step 2: Communicate with your students:

Abrupt changes in the middle of the semester can be very unsettling for students. If public health measures require a pivot to remote classes, set an immediate positive and constructive tone.

  • Send an email in which you do the following:
    • Reassure students that you’re committed to helping them complete this semester, even if the course plan has changed.
    • Let students know that you are adding new resources as quickly as you can and that they should be alert for more communication from you.
    • Include how/when students can get in contact with you (email, TWEN chat, Zoom meetings, etc.) if they have questions.
    • Inform students that you will give them at least one week’s notice before any work will be due. If you know due dates now, share them.

Step 3: Review your existing course:

Define what you do in class at a goal-oriented level. Instead of saying "lecture," "quiz," or "discussion" think in terms such as presentation of content, checking for understanding, or collaborative project work. This reflection should help you decide what aspects of the in-class experience you want to simulate remotely.

  • Consider alternatives to in-class discussion such as presenting questions in online discussion forums or in quiz format and offer feedback on their responses.
  • If you’re not sure how your existing assignments could work online, the UNM Center for Teaching and Learning has consultants who can help you tweak, redesign, or reimagine them.

Step 4: Communicate your plan to your students

  • How will course content, learning activities, assignments, assessments, or deadlines change?
  • How and where can students access course content?
  • Include instructions with the assignments, be clear about how students will submit their work, and prominently post deadlines.

Step 5: Technical Assistance

Email requests/suggestions about instructional technologies to Media Services: mediaservices@law.unm.edu.


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