Here are six things I learned about online/hybrid teaching from transforming a class from f2f to hybrid last year.

1)Knowledge transfer involves conveying information to students and is only part of teaching.

2) Knowledge transfer can be done in a variety of ways and does not have to be synchronous. You can assign readings or record a lecture. Don’t waste valuable time together in knowledge transfer mode.

3) If you record videos, keep them under 7 minutes.

4) Have clear learning goals for each course module. Get clear on how you are achieving those goals and how you are assessing them. Cut the goals you can’t teach and assess.

5) If you want students to read or watch something outside of class, create some kind of assessment to make sure they do it. It doesn’t have to be super involved, but you need something.

6) If you have a hybrid class, think carefully about what’s best done f2f that can’t be achieved online. Usually this means you engaging with students and them with each other.

Bonus: I also learned that you shouldn’t make videos if there is already content available. On that note, here are 18 short videos I made for teaching race & racism: