© 2009 Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois 60115 | www.niu.edu/facdev

Tips for Teaching Tips for Teaching During a Health CrisisDuring a Health Crisis

Jason Rhode, Assistant DirectorFaculty Development and Instructional Design

Centerjrhode@niu.edu | twitter.com/jrhode

Resources available at http://www.niu.edu/facdev/resources/healthcrisis

Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center, Northern Illinois University | www.niu.edu/facdev

Suggestions and QuestionsSuggestions and Questions

• The following includes suggestions as well as questions to consider when preparing for teaching during a health crisis as recommended by a number of institutions

• Implement the suggestions applicable for your discipline and course as allowed by your college and department policies

Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center, Northern Illinois University | www.niu.edu/facdev

PreparationPreparation

• Teaching during a health crisis parallels teaching a new course for the first time– “unchartered waters”– adjustments necessary along the

way– successive iterations incorporate

revisions and improvements• Adapting methods to meet the

context

Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center, Northern Illinois University | www.niu.edu/facdev

QuestionsQuestions

• What accommodations will you make for ill students?

• What if ill students attend your classes despite health warnings to return home?

• What if you become ill?• What if classes are cancelled?

What other questions come to mind?

Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center, Northern Illinois University | www.niu.edu/facdev

Tips for PreparingTips for Preparing

• Plan ahead• Have an alternate plan• Make your plan realistic• Make your plan available to your

department• Keep yourself healthy• Become familiar with available

resources• Be aware of institutional news

Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center, Northern Illinois University | www.niu.edu/facdev

Instructional AlternativesInstructional Alternatives

• Instructional presentation• Class discussion• Class news and announcements• Student questions• Assessment of student learning

Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center, Northern Illinois University | www.niu.edu/facdev

Teaching & Learning During IllnessTeaching & Learning During Illness

• Record short instructional presentations to supplement in-class presentations

• Move class discussion online• Conduct online office hours• Post grades and feedback online• Conduct low-stakes online

quizzes• Present lectures online

Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center, Northern Illinois University | www.niu.edu/facdev

AccommodationsAccommodations

• Keep students up-to-date when they miss class for an extended period of time

• Collect assignments electronically instead of in paper form

• Develop guidelines for make-up work

• Provide instructional alternatives• Prepare hard copy packets

Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center, Northern Illinois University | www.niu.edu/facdev

Institutional ResourcesInstitutional Resources

http://www.niu.edu/facdev/resources/healthcrisis

Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center, Northern Illinois University | www.niu.edu/facdev

Institutional ResourcesInstitutional Resources

• Answers to FAQs– http://www.niu.edu/flu/faq.shtml

• Memo to NIU Students & Faculty– http://www.niu.edu/flu/news/memo-

082409.shtml • Message from Provost on H1N1

and Student Absences– http://www.niu.edu/flu/news/

provost.shtml

Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center, Northern Illinois University | www.niu.edu/facdev

More InformationMore Information

• http://www.niu.edu/facdev/resources/healthcrisis

Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center, Northern Illinois University | www.niu.edu/facdev

Contact the PresenterContact the Presenter

Jason Rhode, Ph.D.Faculty Development and Instructional Design CenterNorthern Illinois University

jrhode@niu.edutwitter.com/jrhode815.753.2475