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In-person Modality

In-person courses are considered a traditional mode of teaching in which the instructor and students are all simultaneously present in the classroom space. Typically, this would include the physical presence of all students with the instructor, but can also accommodate an option for remote attendance by the instructor or students if needed due to COVID-related interruptions.

In-Person Models for Consideration

Choosing an in-person model could depend on the course topic, learning objectives, the level of the students, and a range of other variables. Below are two models to consider.

In-Person - Physical Presence

This type of in-person course is the traditional model. The instructor and the students will both be in the physical classroom space, although some homework and supplemental course materials may be offered through the course Canvas site.

Requirements
  • The instructor feels safe teaching with students in the same room.
  • Enrollment in the course is less than or equal to COVID capacity of the room.
Additional Considerations
  • If the course enrollment exceeds the COVID capacity, can it be taught using split sections, where subgroups of students attend on alternating days?  
  • If course enrollment exceeds the COVID capacity, is there a larger room available that would accommodate the size of the class?
Next Steps
  • Check the COVID capacity of your currently assigned classroom to see if your currently enrolled students can fit into the space once social distancing measures are in place.
  • If the current classroom will fit your enrolled students, adjust your teaching plans accordingly to allow for social distancing in the space.
  • Create a back-up plan if the in-person elements of the course are disrupted by the university going entirely remote or due to other complexities caused by COVID-19.
  • If the current classroom will not fit your enrolled students, talk with your college course scheduler who will coordinate with the Office of the Registrar to determine if a larger classroom is available. 
  • If you cannot find a classroom that will allow for all of your enrolled students to be physically present with you at the same time, consider one of the blended modality options as an alternative, such as split sections.
In-Person - Remote Presence (also called Remote Lecture in the blended model)

In this version of the in-person course, some or all students will be physically present in the classroom, but the instructor would present remotely via Zoom. Classroom instruction will take place during the assigned class time, although some homework and supplemental course materials may be offered through the course Canvas site. This allows for in-person experience even if the instructor does not feel safe or needs to quarantine.

Requirements
  • The instructor does not feel safe teaching in the same room as the students.
  • Enrollment in the course is less than or equal to COVID capacity of the room.
Additional Considerations
  • If the course enrollment exceeds the COVID capacity, can the instructor use split sections, where subgroups of students physically attend on alternating days?  
  • If course enrollment exceeds the COVID capacity, is there a larger room available that would accommodate the size of the class?
  • If the instructor is not in the room, will the students maintain social distancing?
  • Would it be simpler to offer the course using an online modality?
Next Steps
  • Check the COVID capacity of your currently assigned classroom to see if the enrolled students can fit into the space once social distancing measures are in place.
  • Check with your department or IT to ensure your current classroom has the appropriate technology to allow for remote Zoom lectures and/or facilitation.
  • If the current classroom will fit your enrolled students, adjust your teaching plans accordingly to allow for social distancing in the space and remote lecture, and/or facilitation.
  • Create a back-up plan if the in-person elements of the course are disrupted by the university going entirely remote or due to other complexities caused by COVID-19.
  • If the current classroom will not fit your enrolled students, or if it does not have the needed technology, talk with your department head or other department administrators to see if another classroom is available.
  • If you cannot find a classroom that will allow for all of your enrolled students to be physically present with you at the same time, or that has the technology needed for remote lecture and/or facilitation, consider one of the blended modality options or online as alternatives.