Dr. Michelle Bartlett from North Carolina State University shared several considerations for online course design for teaching and learning for students with low-bandwidth access at the 2020 Lilly Conference. Bartlett has extensive experience teaching online. Do students in the courses we teach have internet access or device limitations? Bartlett started the presentation by reminding us that it may be difficult to identify low-bandwidth access. A Padlet board was used to brainstorm ideas for low access issues. Bartlett mentioned that it may be difficult for students experiencing low-bandwidth or device access issues to participate synchronously. Learners may not be able to participate at specific times. Bartlett suggested using Google Voice for student virtual hours and recording synchronous meetings to provide asynchronous access. Sending emails and announcements is important to continue communicating with participants. Likewise, engagement with peers via discussion boards can provide access to students with low bandwidth. Three discussion board strategies shared were a what’s wrong with this picture forum, a debate, or a prompt to interview an expert and bring expert voices into the class. Bartlett mentioned group work may be difficult, and the use of shared documents like GoogleDocs can be helpful. Engagement with course content can be increased preferably using asynchronous options and avoiding videos when possible. Bartlett also mentioned that with videos on YouTube you can lower the bandwidth. I didn’t know this! Bartlett emphasized micro learning by dividing items including videos into shorter segments. Audio files are typically smaller than video and more accessible to low-bandwidth participants. Avoid large files with pictures. If possible, posting files for easy download makes it possible for students to download readings and materials for an entire module, for example. For delivery of assignments, provide alternatives, including emailing photos or documents. Bartlett mentioned research from other crises that suggest low-bandwidth alternatives do not decrease student learning! I thought this is fascinating and provides support for considering alternatives and providing low-bandwidth options! I often send images along with announcements and will now consider smaller file sizes. I also often use audio instead of video, yet need to consider when video would be more appropriate. I enjoyed this session and the considerations highlighted by Bartlett.
