Remote Synchronous Instruction

In the remote synchronous instructional mode, students and faculty meet virtually and simultaneously during scheduled meeting times using communication and collaboration tools.

Place: Room is not assigned. Communication and collaboration tools provided (Zoom).
Time: Days and times are assigned.
LionPATH Code: CR – COVID Remote

Why It Works

• students maintain a sense of community with their classmates and instructor
• addresses current and future COVID-19 physical distancing concerns
• allows for real-time interactions and community building
• faculty and returning students are familiar with this model after the spring 2020 semester
• synchronous sessions could be recorded to be used for review and to assist with learning/studying for students who are ill
• in the event of occasional and/or temporary absence, students will follow the attendance policy of the University, with some flexibility

Back to Top

Policies, Guidelines, and Documents

Back to Top

Resources for Enhancing Your Teaching

The following instructional resources have been curated by educational developers and instructional designers and reviewed by faculty throughout the University. They are offered in the spirit of support for instructors who need to learn teaching in new modalities or who want to enhance their teaching effectiveness in familiar modalities.

On-Demand Resources

These resources are for faculty who prefer to learn on their own, with a “give me the information and I’ll apply what works for me” approach.

• Teaching Guide for Faculty for Remote Synchronous InstructionA comprehensive guide to course design and management in Canvas, including how to integrate Zoom and Kaltura for synchronous sessions when designing for remote synchronous instruction
• Zoom Questioning Strategies to Increase EngagementA document that aligns teaching strategies with Zoom tools for student engagement
• Remote Teaching and Assessment StrategiesSupport and guidance for remote teaching and assessment
• What Is Learning Design?A description of learning and design and collaboration from the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences
• Faculty to Faculty: What Works in Remote TeachingFaculty share their pedagogical strategies and lessons learned from transitioning to remote teaching.

Collaborative Resources

These resources are for those who prefer to talk with colleagues or someone with expertise in learning or course design.

• Schedule a ConsultationIndividual consultations with course liaisons or find your college or campus instructional designer
• Tech Tutors and Tech TAs1-on-1 personalized technology support by talented Penn State students
• Engaging Students Series: Blending Asynchronous and Synchronous TeachingA series of synchronous sessions focused on student engagement for each delivery mode
• Talk with a University LibrarianA synchronous chat to engage with University librarians
• Faculty Instructional ConsultantsContact any consultant or find your College or Campus Liaison

“Explore Links and the Web” Resources

These resources are for instructors who prefer to do their own web research, exploring links and making conceptual and practical connections.

• Penn State Weblearning @ Penn State – Templates, Tools, and Resources A collection of resources for all web-based courses at Penn State
• Finding Open Educational Resources (OER)A guide to finding and using OER for your courses
• Open at Penn StateA broader guide to affordable, discoverable, and equitable access to information, scholarly research, educational resources, and research data within the University community
• Remote Resources for Penn State Library UsersOnline librarian consultations and resources for remote teaching
• Accessibility at Penn StateA site explaining how to ensure web pages and digital documents can be made accessible for users with different disabilities
• Best Practices for Teaching via Videoconferencing at Penn StateA guide for the best uses of synchronous videoconferencing for instructional purposes
• What do you want to do in class?A guide that interprets in-person activities for remote delivery modes

“Do a Deeper Dive” Resources

These resources are for those who prefer a directed and structured learning experience, either self-guided and/or instructor-led.

• LinkedIn Learning
  • Teaching Techniques: Blended Learning (1h 37m)

  • Learning to Teach Online (47 min)

  • Teaching Online: Synchronous Classes (1h 12m)

Back to Top