Preparing for Unexpected School Closings

Class canceled due to inclement weather or other unexpected event? Here’s how to keep your students engaged with minimal disruption. Try these teaching strategies and resources:

Teaching Strategies

1. Consider your outcomes. What were your original goals for the class?
2. Create/adapt a low-stakes assignment in Canvas. Choose a deliverable that actively helps students reflect on the class outcomes. These should be low-stakes but meaningful, ensuring engagement without adding stress. Some options include:
   • An asynchronous discussion forum – Students engage with each other by responding to a prompt.
   • A short reflection – Students summarize and connect ideas from the class.
   • A quick quiz – Multiple-choice for knowledge checks, or short answer for deeper thinking.
3. Emphasize a relevant, low-prep reading or resource. Focus students on something that aligns with the day's outcomes (if possible, choose something already assigned). Options might include a TED Talk, a web article, or a narrated/annotated PowerPoint.
4. Set a due date just before the next class. This ensures Canvas reminds students via the Calendar and To-Do list.
5. Post a Canvas announcement letting students know that class is on Canvas for the day.
6. Prioritize asynchronous learning when possible. It can be just as effective as in-person instruction, especially on days when students may be juggling unexpected responsibilities. However, if needed, use Zoom during class hours to:
   • Answer student questions
   • Deliver short, direct instruction
   • Use breakout rooms and chat features to simulate in-class activities

Keep in mind that some students may have limited internet or technology access during a weather closure. If possible, allow flexibility in submission times and offer alternative ways to complete the assignment (e.g., written summaries for video content). The resources listed below may also be helpful to move course content online. If you don't find what you need, email tlc@lasell.edu, and we'll help you search for solutions.

Useful Resources for (Unexpected) Online Instruction

📝 Keeping Students Informed

• • Announcements – Posts to Canvas, appears in students’ To-Do lists, and sends email notifications.

  • Inbox – Contact individual students or message the whole class.

💬 Real-Time Communication

• • Chat Links to an external site. – A quick, text-based tool for answering student questions.

  • Zoom Links to an external site. – Schedule all-class meetings; cloud recordings are saved in Panopto.

👥 Student Collaboration & Interaction

• • Discussion Forums – Asynchronous discussions where students can engage with each other.

  • Shared Documents – Enable group collaboration (e.g., Google Docs, Office 365).

🎥 Multimedia Resources

• • Kanopy Links to an external site. – Lasell Library subscription! Classic cinema, indie films, and documentaries.

  • TED Talks Links to an external site. – "Ideas worth spreading."

  • YouTube Links to an external site. – Upload or link to relevant video content.

  • Panopto – Record video presentations or software demos.

📚 Research & Library Tools

• • Research Guides Links to an external site. – Curated materials for specific topics.

  • Tutorials Links to an external site. – Support for student research needs.

  • Remote Library Services – Support for student research needs.