Online teaching
The following article covers the practical considerations of teaching an online class under the Southern Cross Model, including how technology tools can be used to deliver an online class.
For more information about class teaching under the Southern Cross Model see the following practical guide: Planning for class.
Setting up an online class environment
This section provides simple step-by-step information that will assist in preparing an online class. Preparation is key when delivering online for both Workshops (1 hour) and Tutorials (2 hours). The same is true with face-to-face delivery; however, there are digital elements to consider in online environments that are not present in the physical classroom or lecture theatre.
You will need to ensure you understand;
which platform to use (Zoom or Collaborate)
how to share links to the online class (meetings/sessions) with students
how to set up your online class (profile pictures, virtual backgrounds, pronouns, etc.)
Choice of software for an online class
Southern Cross University online workshops and tutorials can be scheduled with either Zoom or Blackboard Collaborate Ultra. Both of these tools provide a suitable environment for educational delivery while also supporting student engagement and interactivity through active learning. These tools can be integrated into a Blackboard learning site to provide easy student access. This section discusses the benefits of each platform to assist you in making a decision.
How do I pick Collaborate or Zoom?
It's always a good idea to discuss software choices with your colleagues and other members of your faculty. It's easier for students to succeed in a unit where clear decisions have been made around software platforms and teaching approaches being used. Otherwise, students may be overwhelmed by having to learn to use both Zoom and Collaborate during their studies.
Many universities and educational institutions have adopted Collaborate Ultra as the platform of choice. This may be a valid reason to choose Blackboard Collaborate Ultra over Zoom.
In the fields of business, government, healthcare etc. Zoom is widely used, making it beneficial for students to become familiar with the platform. This may be a valid reason to choose Zoom over Blackboard Collaborate Ultra.
If you have a large class with more than 500 students it is not possible to use Blackboard Collaborate Ultra. This may be a valid reason to choose Zoom over Blackboard Collaborate Ultra.
If you have a large class with between 250-500 students, Zoom provides more functionality than Collaborate which would require webinar mode to be enabled. This may be a valid reason to choose Zoom over Blackboard Collaborate Ultra.
What about Microsoft Teams?
Although staff are able to use Microsoft Teams for staff collaboration, Teams is not currently available for students to use as a classroom environment.
The table below provides a brief comparison of some of the differences between Zoom and Blackboard Collaborate Ultra. Both software platforms do share similar functionality so it's not worth getting too concerned about which is the better option.
Features | Blackboard Collaborate Ultra | Zoom |
Software required | Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are recommended but most browsers will work | Zoom Software must be installed and kept up to date |
Blackboard learning site Integration | Located inside the standard blackboard site template | Need to manually add Zoom dashboard link to Blackboard. |
Recordings | Automatically generated, automatically become available on Blackboard within 24 hours. Can be downloaded by students. | Cloud Recordings will automatically appear in the Zoom dashboard in Blackboard (but are deleted after 30 days). Local Recordings need to be manually uploaded and shared by the instructor. |
Capture student attendance | Yes, through Collaborate reports | Yes, through Zoom reports |
Breakout Groups/Rooms | Yes, but stops the main room recording | Yes (must be enabled in settings first), can also record breakout rooms |
Stability for large classes | Max 250 students. Can tick webinar mode to allow up to 500 students | Max 500 students. Need to request a webinar license for more than 500 students up to 1000 supported |
Mobile Support | Yes, works in a mobile browser | Yes, Zoom App must be installed |
Polling | Yes | Yes |
Share files (PowerPoint, PDF) | Yes, integrated File Share or Application Share (PowerPoints must be converted to PDF to maintain formatting) | Powerpoint via screen sharing, in meeting file sharing (but limited) |
Whiteboard | Yes, can't be recorded or exported. Can't draw on mobile devices. | Yes, can be saved as a file. |
Zoom with large classes
You will need to request a special Zoom webinar license if your class has 500 or more students. Please contact technology services to make a request. There is a maximum size limit in Zoom webinars of 1000 students.
Presenting Professionally
Both Zoom and Collaborate feature profile photos which helps students to identify you. Ensure that you choose an appropriate photo that provides a professional and presentable image. Setup your environment ahead of time and experiment with settings for the best results.
Position your body for a head and shoulders shot. You can use a 3x3 grid and place your eyes centred on the top line.
Make sure your webcam is at eye level or slightly above to avoid unsightly distortion. A box or stack of textbooks can help you adjust laptop height.
Consider the lighting in the room to ensure you look presentable. A lampshade or window creates fill light. A desklamp creates a main light that you can adjust. Alternatively, find a sunny window that provides natural light.
Check your background
Don’t forget to clean up any clutter in the background! If you are using Zoom you can use a virtual background to hide the room.
Managing an online class
This section provides guidance on the management of inline classes including managing and engaging participants, and the use of recording tools for Workshops and Tutorials.
Start out by establishing the expectations of students from the outset. This will ensure students are aware of what is expected of them in the online class and make managing things so much easier. How will they interact? When and how should they use the chat? Are webcams expected to be on? Do they know how to mute their microphone and follow appropriate netiquette? Also carefully consider how you will provide stability, inclusivity, safety, security, and support to students in the online class.
Often, the importance of managing an online class is only learned after a bad class experience. However, there are things you can do ahead of time to prepare for things that may go wrong. Make sure that you establish a course of action ahead of time, so that you have a way forward should the worst happen.
“Failing To Prepare Is Preparing To Fail” — Benjamin Franklin
Strategies to use
The following strategies can assist in planning and facilitating a better online class experience for all students.
Strategy | Benefits | How to achieve this? |
Set Expectations | Can help students navigate the online class, enhance learning outcomes and provide a more enjoyable experience for everyone |
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Manage Conversations | Keep students on track and prevent off-topic or inappropriate conversations from developing |
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Supporting Roles | Students establish a better sense of autonomy and ownership for their role in the class. The instructor has less to manage by themselves. |
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Pre-flight check settings | Less time spent in class (and less stress) trying to change the live online environment. |
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Behaviour Management | Supports an environment free from bullying, harassment, vilification and discrimination which is more inclusive for all students. |
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