Setting Expectations & Planning for Zoom

Teaching and learning online has been an adjustment for everyone. As new students arrive in your virtual classroom, they may be unfamiliar with Northwestern's physical campus, its faculty—or both. This new reality requires that great effort be made to build good relationships with students. How? Consider examining how your personal and cultural experiences affect your teaching practices and biases. Ask students to share the most effective or memorable or helpful online strategy they've experienced. Try to get to know them just as you would while on campus.

Finally, remember that just as in a physical classroom, students are motivated to learn when they experience a sense of belonging, feel safe and trusted, and are welcomed into the academic community.

Setting Expectations

Online learning presents a unique set of challenges. However, instructors are expected to maintain quality teaching performance and expectations. Clearly establish course expectations from the first class. Students must understand that they are attending class and that respectful behavior is expected.

Consider establishing expectations for the following:

  • Netiquette behavior
  • How actively students are expected to participate in Zoom sessions
  • How they should identify themselves when logging in (first/last names, nickname, or something else?)
  • Keeping student cameras "on" if possible, and under what circumstances (such as when presenting or speaking)
  • What should be done if their (or your) Internet goes out
    • How long should they keep trying to get back in when their Internet isn't available?
    • How should they alert you if they can't get in, and what information do you need?

Planning for Zoom

It's essential that you follow best practices to maintain Zoom classroom management.

Instructors are expected to have a smooth, effective engagement with their students over Zoom. Clearly state your needs, concerns, and directions at the beginning of a course. If you are using special software apps such as Perusall, take time to explain why it's being used, how it should be used, and how it will enhance instruction.

Instructors are expected to maintain regular communication with students to discuss and plan for upcoming Zoom meeting activities.

If you have ZA or TA, we encourage you to hold a practice session to review basic Zoom functions, discuss a plan for monitoring student feedback and engagement, and practice screen sharing and transition of host privileges.

Share your expectations:

  • check video and sound settings
  • come prepared to participate
  • mute mics when not speaking (or if eating, scratching, speaking with someone in room, or any other distracting behavior)
  • raise hand and use chat to ask questions and actively participate
  • find a space that allows them to focus
  • be accountable for learning
  • be on time
  • advocate for themselves
  • use reactions to show understanding
  • close unnecessary applications for optimal video streaming
  • use a headset with mic
  • when done speaking, sign off with "That's all," "I'm done," or "Thank you"
  • be mindful of background lighting
  • sign out or leave meeting when it concludes