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Summer Storms

BY AL RIESS

June 29, 2020

Summer is here and with it, the dreaded Summer Storm. These tempests often bring high winds and driving rains which threaten to down powerlines or cut off our Internet connections. In fact, some of you may have already experienced just such a disruption. This begs the question:

What should I do if my power goes out when I’m scheduled to teach via Zoom?

As with any other problem, the key to successfully navigating this scenario is to prepare ahead of time. Make sure you have written down the dial-in phone number associated with your Zoom meeting as well as the Meeting ID. You can find this information by browsing to https://drexel.zoom.us and viewing the meeting invitation. If your power goes out, you can dial in from a cell phone to update your class on your situation.

During an event such as this, you have a few options:

  1. If you feel you can conduct class over the phone, you can pick up where you left off and proceed. This is a good option if you have your course materials posted to Blackboard where students can follow along.
  2. If you need access to a PC to conduct class, you can dismiss the class and then:
    • Pick up the lesson in the next scheduled class time.
    • Work with the students to find an alternative time to meet once your power has been restored.
    • Once your power is restored, use Zoom or Kaltura to record supplemental materials, posting them to Blackboard for your students to view in their own time.

While these options may not be ideal, they can help you get back on track after the storm has cleared. If you would like to discuss these or any other options, feel free to reach out to LeBow Tech at lcbtech@drexel.edu.

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