Welcome to spring! I hope you're safe, healthy, relaxed, and ready for an amazing new quarter.
In the spirit of adjusting to these new times, I want to share a photo of my new home office. Full disclosure: Before COVID-19, I had moved my family into a rental while work is done on our house, so we were already living out of boxes. Last week, my wife and I tried sharing an office we made in our closet, and we quickly learned we each need our own space. After some hard work this weekend, I now present the new Basic and Transitional Studies Dean's Office: COVID-19 Edition:
It's hard to tell, but there are some windows. Soon I will add a blanket to pad that patio chair.
Goal for the week of April 13
In the spirit of re-setting expectations, I want to propose a goal for this week. Please try to reach every student on your roster--by phone, email, text, or however--and see if you can get most of them to reply. That's it. Just reply. Key messages will be:
- Students will "study at home" this spring. Some students are asking where they need to go.
- We want to know what needs they have--including loaner technology (more below). If students have already requested technology, let them know it's on its way.
- Do your best to alleviate their technology fears. We will be providing support (more below).
- For faculty planning to mail packets to students, please confirm student addresses and let them know that they should receive their first packet next week (more below).
If you are dealing with students who have enough access and comfort with technology that they can do more, that's great! But for this first week, my only goal for you is to contact students, let them know what to expect, and start asking them about their needs. For students without emails or with incorrect phone numbers, this will prove tougher than it sounds. Do your best, and celebrate each success!
Spring 2020 How-to Page
Working remotely brings up tons of questions. How will WABERS+ forms work? How does sick leave work? How do you report time and effort? What counts as student attendance?
In order to provide all these answers in one place, I am developing a Spring 2020 how-to page. In my weekly updates, I'll share when I have added new content or answered an important question. For now, you can visit the how-to page to see list of topics. Apologies in advance--that page is still a bit of a mess.
I had hoped to have all this information ready for you by last Friday. While I am frustrated that I don't have this for you yet, I can model "re-setting expectations" by saying that my new plan is to update the how-to page regularly until I've answered everything. If you have immediate, pressing questions, email me.
Laptops and Hot-Spots for Students
The college continues to provide laptops and hot-spots for students, based on requests made by staff and faculty. When you reach out to students (and if you plan on teaching online), please let them know that this option is available. If students want to take advantage, fill out this form on their behalf.
Amber has been helping the college reach our students, so we know that this process works. Recently, I have heard that we might be out of hot-spots, but we'll continue to work on this.
Technology loan information is--and will remain--available on the Spring 2020 how-to page.
BTS Tech Support for Students/Reducing Fear
We expect that many students will have concerns and fears about moving to remote instruction, particularly if they are new to technology. Zahra and Rebecca each have release time this quarter, and part of their work will be dedicated to figuring out how we can provide BTS-specific tech support to students. Look for more details in the coming week. A few options that are already underway include
- Student tech support as part of Pivot Point/ABE 060
- The TLC tech support chat option--available to both students and faculty
- Some new options being developed as part of a new ABE 083 Strategic Learning class
Packet Update
As a reminder, faculty who want packets mailed to their students should upload those documents at the Spring 2020 Student Packet page, which includes additional instructions and guidance. Thanks to those who have already made submissions.
All faculty will receive an address list of their students. Again, if you are planning to mail packets, please confirm student addresses. The address list you receive may not be 100% complete. The registration office is still processing enrollments for spring.
I anticipate that we will begin mailing packets by the middle or end of the week, so students should start to receive packets next week.
Ramadan and South East Asian Cultural Appropriation Webinars
BAM, an organization that celebrates the talents, expertise, and stories from the American Muslim community, is sponsoring two upcoming Webinars. Ramadan 101 will discuss how we can support our students and the community during the current pandemic. In recognition of Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage month, BAM is also hosting Yoga, Henna, and Sweatshops: Cultural Appropriation of South Asian Culture.
Click here for more information on BAM. Click here to register for one of the upcoming Webinars. Unless Google has misled me, Ramadan begins April 23.
ESL Library
Teresa Yamada will place the order for ESL Library soon. Please let me know ASAP if you would like a subscription. I am placing subscriptions for:
- Abou Ali
- Arleen Williams
- Barbara Silas
- Baxi Vu
- Danica Holly
- Daphne Guericke
- David Loebe
- Dee Bart
- Dorrienne Chinn
- Doug Collins
- Halimah Bellows-Rochfort
- Jean Ferguson
- Jill McDonough
- Kris Lysaker
- Tina Miller
Zoom co-host
As a reminder, Zahra and I are both available to help co-host a class for any faculty teaching in Zoom. I have found having a co-host incredibly helpful when I am running Zooms with bigger groups. We can watch the chat, manage your waiting room, and trouble-shoot tech problems.
Weekly faculty check-in
I'm going to host an optional weekly check-in for any faculty who wants to participate. I want to provide a forum for sharing ideas, troubleshooting challenges, and answering questions. I was completely impressed with the ideas and energy that was coming out of the packet meeting and synchronous learning meeting last week, so I thought I'd set up a time for us to share victories and ideas. Look for a meeting request. I'll keep doing it as long as there's interest.
Inspiration from Career Link
The faculty of Career Link put together a super-cool "Welcome to Spring" video for their students. I thought it was pretty amazing, and it made me wonder if we shouldn't do something similar for our students.
Whew!
That does it for me for today! Email me with any questions. Have a fantastic start to your quarter.
John