Teaching online without an LMS
If you don’t have access to an LMS, or need an interim solution while you set up your LMS course, email is one of the most direct and personal ways to communicate. You can easily and quickly deliver the resources you already have.
Use your existing course content
You can send links to course readings or other online resources, as well as attach files (such as PDFs, Microsoft® Word documents, PowerPoints, etc.) that support students’ immediate learning. Share what you can that doesn’t require you to recreate material in an entirely different format.
Additionally, think about third party resources:
- Are there videos on YouTube™, Vimeo®, Khan Academy, or other reputable websites that could replace or supplement your current materials?
- What content is available from your own institution’s digital library?
- Is there material created by other instructors that you could share?
Transitioning analog assignments
You may need to create digital/electronic versions of the hard copy assignments you typically hand out during class. This can be accomplished by scanning or photographing the documents or recreating them in the appropriate software. The electronic versions can easily be sent out via email and students can return completed assignments via email as well. Be sure to include any specific instructions for the assignment in the email — for instance when it’s due, file naming conventions, and expectations you have for the assignment.
Keep in mind that only using email may cause your inbox to be flooded with replies. Consider this as only a temporary solution.
When appropriate, use synchronous communication
For situations where synchronous communication with your students is necessary, most learning institutions have access to video conferencing tools such as Zoom or Cisco WebEx®. If you’re not already familiar with what’s available to you, now is the time to find out what solutions your school offers and get your account set up or up to date. If your school doesn’t have a preferred software solution, many of the popular tools like Zoom or WebEx offer free or limited use options.