Option 4: Transforming In-Person Presentations into Virtual Presentations

Step 1 Determine the format for virtual presentations in your class 

First, determine how your students will virtually present. There are four methods of delivery you can use:

Step 2 Alter the introduction to the assignment

You will most likely need to change the introduction to your assignment for your students (guidelines) to reflect the online learning environment. Include the following elements:

• An introductory, context-setting component;
• Instructions for the main components and tasks of the assignment;
• Reminders, notes, and guiding questions; and
• Options and choices (if applicable).

See CUNY’s (2016) Anatomy of an Assignment Sample to see how you will build the introduction section of your assignment.

Step 3 Ensure your assessment aligns with virtual presenting

1.  Review your scoring criteria (e.g., rubric, checklist) to make sure it aligns with the appropriate competencies. It is most likely the case that your content has not changed. However, you may need to change the scoring criteria for the delivery of the presentation.

• If you want students to submit a podcast, will you be grading their use of the technology?
• If you plan to have students create visual supports and screen-share, will you be grading the quality of their presentation materials?
• If you typically assess their voice volume and speaker presence, you will need to rethink your scoring criteria.
• If you want students in the audience to engage in the presentations, how can you build your assessment to have your presenters include an interactive activity or engagement with classmates? Will you assess the audience’s involvement too?
• If you need to build a new tool or are doing an alternative project, go to Option 3 to build a sound assessment tool.

Step 4 Build supporting documents and guidelines for students 

1. Read this article¹ by Kathleen Dudden Rowlands (2007) on how to build checklists with samples.
2. Create a guide for your students to know how to complete the project.

• Outline more specific guidelines for how to complete the project well with some do’s and don’ts for your class.
• You may want to provide extra links, documents, worksheets, help pages (especially for technologies), etc.

Step 5 Receive Feedback 

It is always helpful to have a second pair of eyes on new teaching tools. Here are two ways you can receive feedback:

1. Consider having a colleague read through your forum.
2. Ask the Teaching Centre to review your assessment.

After receiving feedback, you will want to make the necessary changes.