Please join us for our first general membership meeting scheduled for Jan 14 at 4 pm CST via Zoom.
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General Membership Meeting Information: 
https://illinoisstate.zoom.us/j/98215673883?from=addon
Meeting ID: 982 1567 3883

Dr. Mary Millikin, Rogers State University

As the spring 2021 semester begins with the COVID-19 pandemic persisting, faculty are focusing on providing a better student experience despite lingering challenges to the practice of teaching. Zoom technology has become a standard tool for many, whether used to deliver instruction or meet with colleagues and stakeholders. Numerous videos and newsletters have been created to offer instructions and helpful hints for effective use of Zoom in the classroom. Of particular note is Zoom’s April 2020 newsletter Tips & Tricks: Teachers Educating on Zoom which outlines guidelines for starting a class and delivering virtual lessons.  

Regardless of type of Zoom class, a number of simple, clear policies and practices can minimize logistical confusion and energize the process including:

1. Early notification of Zoom URL: All students should be notified of the Zoom URL well in advance of Day 1 of the semester (e.g., via email, syllabus, and in the learning management system supplemental course environment). A friendly email from the professor to all enrolled students prior to Day 1 can also alleviate some of the angst that students may feel about taking a Zoom class.
2. Camera policy: Some Zooming students don’t turn on their web camera or own a camera, making it difficult for faculty to know which students are attending, paying attention, or remaining seated at their computers during class time. This makes assigning participation points difficult. Classroom management policies are the prerogative of the instructor and should be clearly written in the syllabus, including the activation of cameras whether on computer, laptop, notebook, or smart phone.
3. Recognizing students: Welcoming each student into the Zoom classroom (or colleague in a meeting) engenders a welcoming environment and encourages students to actively participate.  Calling on students during class time may also aid in bridging the digital space.
4. Breakout Rooms: Splitting a class into discussion groups can effectively allow for virtual group activities and learning experiences. However, remember that rooms cannot be added once the meeting is in session. So, faculty must plan ahead and set up the rooms prior to class time. 
5. Synchronicity of Zoom class times:  Unlike online classes, Zoom classes are scheduled for specific days and times (i.e., synchronous).  Although it may be tempting to reschedule Zoom class times as the semester progresses, it is essential that these times remain static to avoid interfering with students’ class and work schedules.
6. ​Use of humor: A little good humor goes a long way. From virtual classroom memes to interesting virtual backgrounds (which vary from class to class), a Zoom class can be invigorated with color and humor. 

​Perhaps the most important caveat is to remember why we chose the teaching profession. Faculty influence students on a daily basis.  Whether virtual or face-to-face, through sharing knowledge and passion we shape the lives of the next generation and beyond. 

Canvas. (2020). Funny Zoom backgrounds that will have you laughing. Retrieved from https://www.canva.com/learn/funny-zoom-backgrounds/

Rogers State University Office for Accountability and Academics. (2020). Fall 2020 Survey of Zoom Class Constituent Feedback. Rogers State University: Unpublished raw data.  

Stone, E. (2020, August 19). How to overcome classroom Zoom fatigue. Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved from https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2020/08/19/advice-how-make-zoom-classes-energizing-and-community-building-opinion
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Workman, C. (2020). Classroom memes. Retrieved from https://www.pinterest.com/ccworkman/classroom-memes/

Zoom. (2020, April). Tips & Tricks: Teachers Educating on Zoom. Retrieved from https://zoom.us/docs/doc/Tips%20and%20Tricks%20for%20Teachers%20Educating%20on%20Zoom.pdf

Join now for extended membership benefits to June 2022. Your new professional world awaits in 2021 with lower dues, improved communications, and more benefits. ​Grow your international network of business education colleagues and experts. Experience new destinations, cultures, and businesses - both in-person and virtually. Participate in peer-reviewed journals and professional presentations. Receive timely information and tips for business educators. Join SIEC-USA now.  

It's official.
ISBE-USA is now SIEC-USA and is a stand-alone chapter of SIEC-ISBE, no longer associated with NBEA. To celebrate the new year and our new, revitalized chapter, we invite you to grow with us in 2021. 
Enjoy lower dues, greater networking opportunities, and new benefits. Join now for extended membership until June 2022. Happy new year!