So glad Colleen published the Skadden information in her post earlier today. I had considered doing that, too. Instead, I will add two links to the growing knowledge base. They both relate to teaching during these challenging times. Then, I will offer a few thoughts of my own.
First, friend-of-the-BLPB Seth Oranburg alerted me to some distance education tips he has posted. They can be found here. I appreciate him taking time to write his ideas out and get this essay posted.
Second, Josh Blackman posted tips on teaching using Zoom here. Some of us are more familiar with videoconferencing technology than others. I have not taught more than a few classes online, but I am comfortable with Zoom. A few of Josh's ideas were new to me and seem very useful in the emergent online teaching environment.
Since most law students will be taking all of their courses (as well as conducting meetings and continuing to do much or all of their reading and written work) online, the possibility of boredom and internet overload/online burnout is very real. As someone who recently suffered from digital eye strain (a/k/a computer vision syndrome), I also am concerned about the possibility that some students will have to combat that. It will be more important than ever that we take time away from our electronic devices to ensure good physical, psychological, and emotional health.
Nevertheless, I am toying with continuing to teach my Wednesday law school yoga class online (students already have asked about it) while UT Law is closed to students, since maybe just hearing my voice and doing yoga together could be helpful and healing. (And at least they would not have to check their phones or computers visually unless they had a question about a pose!) Not sure about that yet . . . .
I expect to write more about this. And maybe some of my co-bloggers will do the same. Comments are always appreciated, too. Let's all support each other in the brave new teaching world so many of us are facing.