Zoom

PNG 301: Introduction to Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering is a fully online course where students are required to solve complex mathematical equations. PNG 301 makes use of the Dutton Institute’s lightboard to record the teaching assistant as he works through a series of practice exam questions.

Video-based asynchronous discussions are an excellent alternative, or addition to, text-based discussions. Video-based asynchronous discussions utilize an app to create a group discussion or sharing opportunity where students record short videos of themselves and respond to their peers' posts via video. Video discussions are very effective at creating social and teaching presence and increased collaboration.

Communicate respect for your students by learning the correct pronunciations and preferred versions of their names and by allowing space for pronoun sharing. Avoid mispronouncing student names in class, which usually results in discomfort for everyone involved. This is especially important because research has shown that students who are uncomfortable are less likely to perform well.

Students first take the exam independently, and then, during the same class period and before seeing their results, they get into groups of 4 to 5, discuss the exam problems, and retake the same exam as a group. Each student chooses whether or not to complete and submit a second exam. Students have the option of simply accepting their original, independent exam score only, if they wish.

GEOSC 402: Natural Disasters, is offered during the prime time for tropical storms and hurricanes to occur. Often during this course, the instructor will send out current, relevant news articles. In addition, if a natural disaster is imminent, the instructor will post an advance message to help students focus on information that will be discussed in class following the event.

In this short, weekly announcement video (2:30 minutes), the instructor provides a good deal of pertinent information for her students.

In addition to the content of the announcement, the instructor is allowing the students a glimpse into her real life, as she is working remotely from a campsite in Florida. In other videos, she is in her office, at the Nittany Lion Shrine, etc.

To build verbal communication skills, student engagement, and a sense of community, Orientation to Energy and Sustainability Policy, EMSC 302, includes a discussion assignment that requires students to participate in a recorded video conference with one or two other students

Guest speakers can provide additional perspectives, improve comprehension of theoretical frameworks, foster critical thinking, and help bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application.