What's this all about?

A speaker presents content for an audience; usually in units of 45/90 minutes. The lecture is often accompanied by direct communication with the participants (question rounds) or by small work assignments (one-minute papers, "buzz groups"). In smaller groups, lectures are often supplemented by an open class discussion.

Which elements can be used for the online scenario?

Synchronous ("real-time" streaming) and asynchronous media formats ("time-shifted" use of content) are used here.

• Synchronous media formats are online video conference rooms and web conferencing in which the lecturer presents "live". In most cases, there is also the possibility of using a chat - in smaller groups also contributions by the participants - for further questions. Furthermore, there is normally also the possibility of recording lectures and making them permanently available.
• Asynchronous media formats are content created in advance. There are various possibilities, ranging from audio-only (the lecture is recorded, presentations and scripts can be used by the participants as a supplement), to audio presentations, self-created videos and video recordings in the university studio. This content can be made available via the university's video platform Media.UP or integrated in a Moodle course for a limited group of users. The integration in a Moodle course also offers the use of additional communication tools, assignments or additional material.

What should you be aware of?
To use online conference rooms and web conferencing, a certain familiarity with the technology used and good preparation is necessary. When creating content, a minimum quality of sound and image recording should be observed. For all the possibilities mentioned here, it is important that the content is well structured and divided into shorter sequences.

What's this all about? 

• The formats "office hours", "consultation" and "working group meetings" are mostly held with a smaller number of participants. The aim is to have discussions or to work together on a product (e.g. a text).

Which elements can be used for the online scenario?

• Smaller meetings can be held online with web meeting services, e.g. the DFNConf Meeting for a maximum of 23 people (instructions availavle only in German). With most services it is possible to show presentations or to share the screen. With a chat function (e.g. Moodle activity chat) one can exchange ideas in writing. Working together on a text can be done parallel to a web meeting or a telephone conference via the Etherpad of the University of Potsdam (Pad.UP - Online Text Editor).

What should you be aware of?

• Even "small" meetings should not take too long (max. 45 minutes). Breaks or individual tasks in between can structure longer meetings into several focused phases.