Dec. 11, 2020

Wilfrid Laurier University’s Teaching and Learning team has launched a comprehensive Guide for Remote Teaching, Learning and Assessment to take higher education instructors through everything they need to consider when planning, building and teaching a remote course – from theoretical concepts all the way through to practical execution.

Since March, instructors and students have worked to adapt their approaches to teaching and learning to meet the unique challenges and opportunities in the virtual classroom. As a result of this shift in approach and mindset, Laurier’s academic community has since created a solid foundation for remote teaching and learning at Laurier – one that is rooted in adaptability, empathy and community engagement.

“In educating the whole person, we need to ensure that we create spaces that are safe, supportive, and provide the tools students need to succeed,” says Joseph Beer, director: Teaching, Learning and Development and co-author of the guide.

As Laurier’s faculty members continue to evolve their practice from an emergency response to a sustainable, engaging model of remote instruction, they can find support in the people, programming and resources – including the Guide for Remote Teaching, Learning and Assessment – in place to uphold academic excellence in remote and online environments.

Featuring Creative Commons-licensed content drawn from experts across the sector, as well as original content that has been researched, written and produced by Laurier’s professional team of educational developers, the guide supports higher education instructors as they adjust their practice to meet the distinct environmental and student learning needs present within the remote classroom.

Educators regularly adjust, refine and reflect on their practice based on the teaching and learning environment by which they are surrounded. Classrooms change, curriculum advances, and each learner is unique. As such, the content within the Guide for Remote Teaching, Learning and Assessment will continue to expand and evolve to reflect the changing realities of teaching and learning in higher education.

“Where we have seen the greatest success is when our faculty members find creative ways to bring themselves, their passion for their disciplines, and their deep knowledge of course materials into the remote learning environment – making the course come to life for students,” says Mary Wilson, vice-provost: Teaching and Learning.

“When faculty members create that kind of instructor presence, and engage their students in authentic, active learning, our students can thrive.”

If you are interested in more information about the guide, or if you would like to discuss subjects addressed in the guide, please reach out to wluteaching@wlu.ca.