Online Learning Expectations

If you have never taken or taught online before (and even if you have) you might find this article on online learning for adults helpful.

ONLINE LEARNING EXPECTATIONS

The HERS Leadership Institute is a mutual mentoring space; honor and respect yourself and others who are sharing their stories, hopes, and dreams as scholars, mentors, and leaders.

Overall Expectations

• Practice professionalism at all times. Speak, show, and demonstrate respect.

• Stay open to the perspectives, ideas, and thoughts of others. If you believe mediation is necessary between you and another participant, start by considering the other person’s perspective.

• Advocate for others, serve as an ally, and offer peer mentorship and coaching to others equal to what you expect.

• Love is the key to everything we do as leaders—the love of stakeholders, work, and potential outcomes. You know why you do what you do. Hold on to that which motivates you.
  

Online Expectations

Note that the online environment may be more challenging than a traditional learning environment. We understand that the most challenging aspect is time and place. You will be in your home, office, or another space where people need you to perform an identity other than a learner. Let us know if you cannot join the HERS Leadership Institute during sessions. In the online environment, we ask that you do the following.

• Use time wisely, be organized, and be willing to use new modes of communication and learning.

• Be willing to put in the needed time, read all materials carefully, and actively participate in online activities and discussions. Be curious and ask questions. Maintain focus by not scheduling meetings during sessions.

• Engage with HLI modules daily during your session dates.

• Check communication frequently. Complete your assignments, readings, and other preparation on time. Respond to HERS staff requests for completion or additional information.

• Have access to a computer that meets minimum requirements with the ability to navigate the Internet.

• Turn on your camera during synchronous sessions. Mute yourself if you are not speaking.

• Discuss any concerns and questions with HERS staff.
  

Web Camera Use

Throughout the HERS Leadership Institute we will have synchronous sessions via Zoom and Google Meet. During these sessions we will ask participants to activate their webcam. Having your camera on can help build connection and aid us as we delve into challenging topics. That said, we are aware that requiring your camera to be on all the time can: put a strain on bandwidth, has implications for trauma-aware teaching, and equity-minded instruction.

With that in mind, we strongly encourage you to use your camera throughout synchronous sessions, and we encourage you to consider your own experience and needs to make the choice that best serves your Leadership Institute experience.

Zoom Etiquette

• Join early. Join up to 5 minutes before the meeting start time.

• Come prepared. Start the meeting with any necessary readings, assignments, and resources in hand. This will help you from being distracted from searching for a specific document.

• Check your background. Make sure your background is clean, professional, and free of distractions. Virtual backgrounds may also be an option for you.

• Lighting is key. Ensure you have enough light to see your face. Avoid backlighting if possible.

• Limit background noise. Set your computer up in a quiet part of your home, away from any loud noises or distractions..

• Use headphones. Headphones not only pick up your voice better, but will eliminate feedback from your computer speakers.

• Mute your microphone. Keep your microphone muted unless you are speaking.

• Use your video. Please enable your camera, unless you are having connectivity issues. Try to position your camera at eye level if possible.

• Remember you are on camera. Try to avoid multitasking such as looking at emails, checking your phone, and so forth.

• Check the chat. The chat screen is a great place to ask questions or add comments.

• Dress for success. Remember the old adage: “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have”.