Faculty Make the Greatest Difference

As UMKC responds to the novel coronavirus/COVID-19 situation, and our campus community moves quickly online, faculty are going to test the limits of Canvas and Zoom. We will learn about how fortunate we are to have Canvas and Zoom. We will also learn about what technology cannot bridge. Some of the simple things such as the informal conversations that roll into the start of class are not the same online. We may miss the students whose facial expressions provide immediate non-verbal feedback. Faculty Affairs believes that you make the greatest difference in the college experience and recognizes that for some moving online will be a challenge. 

UMKC Online and Instructional Design and Technology have resources and expertise to help. Many organizations are offering tips and information to help faculty navigate this unprecedented time. 

The Association of College and University Educators called on three experts to provide tips for faculty in six areas. The topics provide advice on things like welcoming students to the online environment, managing your online presence, and how to engage students in readings and microlectures. 

Imagining America is crowdsourcing a list of small kindnesses. “In this time of uncertainty, we wanted to create a resource that would help connect and support to fight against isolation and despair.  There is no time more urgent than now to think about how we can nurture a spirit of shared responsibility, co-creation, and hope.”