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Starting graduate school while teaching full-time requires some preparation, but we've designed our program to fit your life as an educator. This article covers everything you need to know before your first class: orientation sessions, technology setup, what happens during class, and tips for setting yourself up for success.
Table of Contents
- Upcoming Orientation Sessions
- Your Academic Plan
- Technology Requirements
- During Class
- Setting Yourself Up for Success
Upcoming Orientation Sessions
Newly admitted students are invited to an optional one-hour orientation session before classes begin. These sessions include an additional 30-minute breakout room for Q&A with specific student support teams.
Once you're admitted, you'll receive information about registering for one of our upcoming New Student Orientation and State-Specific Orientations. These are two separate orientations to help you prepare both for Relay and for you certification/licensure.
Most Relay students start their programs with a summer session to ensure they will be able to complete their program on time. You should not plan other commitments during the summer session period. Classes may be held during normal workday hours, evenings, and on occasional weekends. Regardless of Relay class times, you should plan for obligations for your new profession during the day as soon as the summer term begins.
Your Academic Plan
Students are automatically registered for classes after admission.To learn which classes you’ll be in during each term of your time at Relay, you should reference your Academic Plan.
Find the academic plan for your state and the degree you are pursuing here.
Technology Requirements
Internet Connection
A strong, reliable internet connection is essential. You may also find this "Guide for Schools & Students: Programs for Free Internet, Computers and Tech" helpful for gaining access to technology. [LINK NEEDED: guide for free internet/computers]
Computer
Join classes from a computer to allow for full participation. Your school may provide a laptop, but if you need a computer, resources are available to help. [LINK NEEDED: computer resources article]
Audio
Please use headphones to ensure the best audio connection.
Platforms You'll Use
- Canvas: Where you'll access asynchronous coursework and submit assignments
- Zoom: Where you'll join synchronous (live) classes
- Nearpod: An online platform for interactive lesson materials. We use Nearpod to broadcast content and interactive learning activities to your device in real time
- Anthology Student: Where you'll access your records and registration
- Anthology Portfolio: Where you'll submit certification/licensure requirements and access other certification/licensure resources
Be sure to review our detailed technology requirements before your first day to make sure your computer is compatible with the platforms we use and the usage we require.
During Class
Types of Coursework
- Synchronous coursework: Live classes via video conference with cameras on—not webinars. These classes are similar to in-person classes and give you opportunities for discussion, collaboration, practice, and participation in model lessons.
- Asynchronous coursework: On-demand assignments you can complete on your own. These assignments will have a suggested timeline and due date and are often related to your synchronous coursework.
Participation
Come prepared to discuss, participate in model lessons, give and receive peer feedback, practice, and collaborate. You'll engage just like you would in an in-person class.
Cold-calling is used frequently in the online environment to get conversations started. A professor may call on you to hear your thoughts and ideas, but will not call on you to check that you're paying attention. They’re interested in starting conversations, but aren’t trying to catch you off guard.
Screen Setup
Set up your screens to split between your Zoom and Nearpod windows. Here's a quick how-to for Windows [LINK NEEDED] or Mac [LINK NEEDED].
Dress Code
Though all Relay classes are online, we want to create an environment that reminds us we're preparing to be excellent educators. We encourage all Relay students to dress professionally, in the same clothes you would wear to go to school.
Setting Yourself Up for Success
Your First Day
Know your start date and schedule for your first term at Relay. This information will be emailed to your official student email account shortly after being admitted. Depending on your location, you may have an in-person orientation, so pay particular attention to these requirements.
Aim for a successful first day: arrive early, give yourself time to troubleshoot any technical challenges, and be mindful of your first impression.
Create a Good Learning Environment
Be in a space that's conducive to learning and free of distractions, both physical and digital. Consider putting your phone in another location so it doesn't take away from your ability to fully participate.
Log into class a few minutes early to pull up materials and troubleshoot any challenges. Enable your video and audio capabilities, but put yourself on mute as a default. Be prepared to unmute as you participate.
Single-Task
During class, be physically all-in as well as digitally all-in - research tells us that multitasking doesn’t work. Close tabs and windows that aren't related to class, and find a way that works for you to keep yourself from being distracted by your phone.
Know Your Learning Style
While you'll generally not need anything beyond your computer (with webcam, audio/headphones, and a strong internet connection), you may prefer to take notes by hand.
Self-Advocacy
Preparation, participation, and self-advocacy are key. You own your experience and can make the best of it by preparing yourself for each session, being present and engaged in the lesson, and speaking up when you need support. Reach out to your professor to share any unique needs or context.
Make Class a Conversation
The stories we tell ourselves have power. These stories, positive or negative, impact our perceptions of ourselves and others. Use asset-based thinking and treat others in a way that includes rather than excludes them from the conversation.
