Instructional Continuity: Resources for Instructors

Guiding Principles for Instructional Continuity

Focus on essential learning outcomes

When instructional delivery changes, focus on the learning outcomes that matter most. You may need to adjust activities, timelines, or assessments, but students should continue making progress toward the course goals.

Prioritize high-impact activities

Identify which activities are most important for helping students achieve course outcomes. During disruptions, focus on those activities first and avoid assigning work that does not directly support learning objectives.

Use Canvas as your course hub

Canvas should serve as the central location for course materials, assignments, grades, announcements, and communication. Consistent organization helps students find what they need regardless of how the course is being delivered.

Communicate early and often

Clear communication reduces uncertainty and helps students remain engaged. Let students know:

• How course activities will be delivered
• Where to find course materials
• How assignments will be submitted
• How they can contact you with questions

Delivering Content and Facilitating Interaction

Consider access and flexibility

Not all students have reliable internet access, webcams, dedicated study spaces, or flexible schedules. Whenever possible, pair live class meetings with asynchronous materials and activities available in Canvas.

Supporting online interaction

Meaningful interaction can occur in both synchronous and asynchronous environments. Options include:

• Zoom class meetings and office hours
• Canvas discussions
• Collaborative documents and activities
• Peer review and feedback opportunities
• Recording lectures and course content

When creating instructional videos:

• Keep individual videos concise (5-10 minutes when possible)
• Focus on one concept or topic at a time
• Check audio and visual quality before publishing
• Use captions when available
• Remember that effective instructional videos do not need professional production quality

Recording Tools

Panopto

• Record lectures and demonstrations
• Capture slides and screen activity
• Share recordings directly through Canvas

VoiceThread

• Create asynchronous presentations and discussions
• Allow students to respond through text, audio, or video
• Support interactive engagement around course content

Use existing resources when appropriate

You do not always need to create new instructional materials. Consider using existing resources such as:

• Publisher content
• Open educational resources
• Educational videos
• TED Talks
• Discipline-specific instructional materials

Assessment and Feedback

Reconsider proctoring requirements

When traditional assessments become difficult to administer, consider alternative approaches. Ask whether learning outcomes can be assessed through:

• Open-book exams
• Take-home assessments
• Projects
• Presentations
• Reflection activities
• Discussions
• Other authentic assessments

Focus on learning outcomes

Rather than attempting to recreate every face-to-face assessment, consider:

• What students need to demonstrate
• Alternate ways they might demonstrate learning
• Opportunities for formative feedback

Provide timely feedback

Canvas tools can support:

• Assignment submission
• Rubric-based assessment
• Written feedback
• Grade communication

Labs, Studios, and Hands-On Learning

Move portions online

If some components require physical practice, identify portions that can be completed remotely, such as:

• Pre-lab activities
• Demonstrations
• Data analysis
• Reflection exercises
• Experimental design

Explore virtual labs and simulations

Many disciplines offer virtual alternatives that can support learning when physical access is limited, including:

• MERLOT
• JoVE
• LabXchange
• PhET Simulations

Provide data for analysis

When data collection is not possible, provide students with sample or previously collected datasets to analyze and interpret.

Explore remote software access

Some specialized applications may be available remotely through TritonApps and other university-supported solutions.

Focus on core learning goals
Identifying the underlying learning objective can help determine effective alternatives during disruptions. Consider whether the primary goal of a lab experience is:

• Learning techniques
• Interpreting data
• Experimental design
• Scientific reasoning
• Project-based inquiry