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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

OLLI Instructor Guidelines and Responsibilities for Online Classes

Ensuring a Strong and Stable Broadband Connection: From the location you will be teaching (such as your home or office), test the Internet connection for a reliable and robust broadband connection.

Developing Course Content: Construct and prepare the content for your course, ensuring it aligns with the description provided in the course proposal. Any deviation should be discussed with the OLLI Program Coordinator, Lois Strachan.

Delivering Course Content: Delivery of the course content should be informative/educational and engaging with the members.

Choosing Delivery Methods: Decide on the appropriate delivery methods for your course, such as:

  • Conducting lectures via a computer camera
  • Utilizing PowerPoint slides or similar applications as appropriate
  • Incorporating videos or audio clips
  • Sharing relevant links through the chat feature, etc.

Vision and Hearing: Be mindful that some class members may have hearing and/or vision limitations. To accommodate, we ask that you use the large font on PowerPoint slides, repeat the student’s question to the entire class before answering their question, and use a microphone (lapel mic or podium mic).

Determining Participant Interaction: Decide how you want participants to engage with you and the content, including:

  • Encouraging questions to be typed into the chat.
  • Monitoring the chat yourself or having a host/cohost manage it.
  • Inviting participants to unmute and ask questions at specific points.
  • Checking if participants have used the “raise hand” feature during designated pauses.
  • Allowing time for open discussion at the end of the session.
  • Facilitating email interactions outside of class following OLLI protocols.

Collaborating with the Host: Communicate, collaborate and coordinate your preferences and requirements with the host to ensure a smooth and well-organized session.

Practice Zoom Session: If you are a new instructor, conduct at least one practice session with your host or cohost team to familiarize yourself with the technology and ensure your comfort in using it.

Early Sign-On: Join the host approximately 30 minutes early (first class session) to address any last-minute technical issues and ensure a seamless start.

Post-Class Debriefing: If agreed upon with your team, remain in the session after participants leave to debrief and discuss any relevant matters.

Evaluations: Course evaluations are sent to students at the end of the course. Please encourage students to complete the evaluations. If you want a copy of the evaluation, please make the request to the OLLI office.

Controversial Topics: Instructors whose course content or class discussions may be controversial or where students may have strong feelings (such as politics, economics, race, and religion) we ask that you address this at the beginning of the first class. As the instructor, please remind the students that the OLLI program exists to promote lifelong learning and students must be respectful of others, and should not argue with each other  or monopolize class time. If a student continues to monopolize the class time, suggest that he/she continue the conversation with you after class. Please contact OLLI program coordinator Lois Strachan at lstrachan@ua.edu if any issues arise.

New Courses: We invite you to share ideas and proposals for new courses. Please discuss these with the coordinator who recruited you, the Curriculum Chair or the OLLI office staff.

Class Cancellations: If you are not able to teach on your scheduled day/time, contact the OLLI office as soon as possible 205-348-6482 or 205-657-2700, or email OLLI program coordinator Lois Strachan at lstrachan@ua.edu. We can discuss if there is an appropriate substitute or rescheduling options. The OLLI staff will notify class members and the venue representative.

Class Date Changes: If there is a reason for a date change, please contact the OLLI staff to discuss this before any announcement is made to the class members. The OLLI staff is responsible for notifying class members about any changes.

What can you expect from adult learners in the classroom?

  • Expect an informal and friendly atmosphere.
  • Students are eager to learn and will want to ask questions.
  • Student’s comments will add value to the class

Tips on teaching/presenting to adult learners:

  • Be prepared.
  • Start on time and end on time.
  • Briefly introduce yourself and get to know your students.
  • Invite students to suggest additional resources or readings.
  • Invite students to share personal experiences relevant to the topic and as time permits.

By fulfilling these responsibilities, you will contribute to a successful and positive learning experience for OLLI members. Prepare to have a good time while interacting with a wonderful group of lifelong learners! Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you.

What Is Handled by the OLLI Member Host/Cohost Team?

  • Opening the Zoom Class: Your host/cohost team will initiate the Zoom session using the OLLI account.
  • Admitting Participants: Your host/cohost team will manage the process of admitting participants to the class.
  • Welcome and Class Start: Your host/cohost team will formally welcome participants and start the class.
  • Monitoring Microphone and Camera Settings: Your host/cohost team manages participants’ microphone and camera settings, including muting/unmuting to minimize distractions.
  • Attendance Reporting: The responsibility of reporting attendance to OLLI will be managed by your host/cohost team.

OLLI Staff:

General OLLI Information: