<\/p>\n
Please view the attached document to review our PACS Center Focus Group on Equity in Online Instruction’s thoughts on synchronous versus asynchronous course designations and designs.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Equity Considerations for Synchronous vs Asynchronous Instruction<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Takeaways from the PACS Advisory Committee meeting on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 attended by PACS Advisory Committee members and guests: <\/span>Angelica Cancino, Chelsea Biggerstaff, Gale Spear, Kerri Pope, Lillian Huerta, Loretta Edelen, Lydia CdeBaca, Marcus McQuirter, Michael-Paul Hernandez, Roberta Weston, Sarah Bowman, Shirin Khosropour, Laila Taraghi, Ramish Nadeem, Sam Echevarria-Cruz, Ted Hadzi-Antich Jr<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/i>, Charlotte Gullick, Khayree Williams, Roberta Weston, and Tobin Quereau.<\/span><\/i> \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Attendees acknowledged the important role that synchronous learning plays in fostering community, mutual support, accountability, and student success while also acknowledging the need to not penalize students who require the flexibility of asynchronous options for completing course requirements given the abundance of potential barriers or factors that may be at play for them (<\/span>parenting students, students with shift work, or who lack access to devices with mics and cameras, internet, or a quiet space to video etc)<\/span>.\u00a0 <\/span>Kerri Pope<\/span><\/i> discussed her approach towards striking a balance between synchronous and asynchronous course design through her use of <\/span>Sliding Scale Participation Guidelines<\/span><\/a>, which she has graciously shared with the group.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Shirin Khosropour<\/span><\/i> and <\/span>Charlotte Gullick<\/span><\/i> both referenced and recommended the principles outlined in the <\/span>CORA<\/span><\/a> webinar, <\/span>Employing Equity-Minded & Culturally-Affirming Teaching Practices in Virtual Learning Communities<\/span><\/i>.\u00a0 A recording of the webinar is available to stream <\/span>here<\/span><\/a> and a PDF compilation of the powerpoint slides can be downloaded <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Gale Spear<\/span><\/i> weighed in that the choice between synchronous and asynchronous course design will necessarily be informed by individual course objectives that can vary significantly across subjects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Some general but relevant best practices mentioned by various attendees included:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The conversation included an exchange regarding prefered online learning platforms for synchronous engagement, and reflections on the pros and cons of various platforms:<\/span><\/p>\n NOTE: You can <\/span>sign up<\/span><\/i> for Webex Trainings <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 If you encounter any difficulties you can email <\/span>webexadmin@austincc.edu<\/span> for support.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n