Teaching online is very similar to teaching in the classroom in terms of foundational practices and content. The one obvious difference is the lack of physical classroom space. At the University of Windsor, online courses are taught through Microsoft Teams. Though, Brightspace may be used for assignments, communicating with students, posting resources, and more. Throughout this chapter, we will introduce you to some strategies for supporting online teaching.

Common roles for an online GA/TA

As an online GA/TA you will likely experience similar roles and responsibilities as when supporting in-person courses. This may include:

• Grading and providing feedback on student work
• Responding to student questions
• Moderating online discussions
• Attending online classes and monitoring discussion
• Providing support during labs and tutorials
• Hosting online office hours
• Posting announcements on Brightspace
• Entering grades

Teaching Tools

• Get comfortable using Microsoft Teams. There are several resources available through the “Using MS Teams” webpage along with short YouTube videos and “how-tos & tips videos” designed to help you navigate sharing files and learn the various functions of Teams
• Learn to use the features of Brightspace that are relevant to your role. The Centre for Teaching and Learning offers a variety of training and resources to support GA/TAs and instructors in their use of Brightspace. This includes:
  • Brightspace workshops
  • Workshop recordings
  • How-to documentation which offers step-by-step how-to written instructions and videos.
  • Drop-in Help in-person (by appointment only) and virtually through MS Teams: uwindsor.ca/brightspace/dropin

Quick Tips for GA/TAing Online

• Meet with the course instructor to clarify your role, expectations, and any digital tools you may need to use.
• Take note of your responsibilities and schedule time accordingly.
• Take time to explore Brightspace and the course syllabus.
• Introduce yourself to students. Whether through an announcement or during a scheduled online class, take time to share with students your name, program, UWindsor email, and the time and location of office hours.
• Create a discussion board dedicated to responding to common student questions about the course. This way student questions are all in one place and all students can benefit from your responses. This may also reduce the number of emails you receive. Though, for private matters, such as grades, be sure to follow-up with students via email.

Additional Resources on Teaching Online

References

University of Waterloo, Centre for Teaching Excellence. (n.d.). Being a TA in online courses. Retrieved from https://uwaterloo.ca/centre-for-teaching-excellence/catalogs/tip-sheets/being-ta-online-courses