Toggle menu
Toggle preferences menu
Toggle personal menu
Not logged in
Your IP address will be publicly visible if you make any edits.

Teaching Classes at EVE University: Difference between revisions

From EVE University Wiki
Uryence (talk | contribs)
Merge proposal for "Joining the Faculty"
Uryence (talk | contribs)
Some tweaks to structure and subheadings, following dept. discussion. Page should now be a little clearer and somewhat less intimidating for new teachers.
Line 16: Line 16:




== Becoming a Teacher in EVE University ==
== Becoming a teacher ==


While most of our teachers are current members of EVE University, this is not a requirement: we often have guest lecturers holding classes, workshops, and talks. Some of them even put an alt character into the University to continue their teaching on a semi-regular basis.
While most of our teachers are current members of EVE University, this is not a requirement: we often have guest lecturers holding classes, workshops, and talks. Some of them even put an alt character into the University to continue their teaching on a semi-regular basis.


=== Why you should teach for EVE University? ===
=== Why teach? ===


* Give back to the community, share your knowledge with the next generation of capsuleers, foster your playstyle, and provide content for yourself and others.
* Give back to the community, share your knowledge with the next generation of capsuleers, foster your playstyle, and provide content for yourself and others.
Line 26: Line 26:
* If you're a member of EVE University, teaching can earn you credit towards the [[Medals|Educator Medal]], the [[Cross_Campus_Initiative|Cross Campus Initiative]], and [[Titles|Progression Titles]] like Sophomore and Graduate.
* If you're a member of EVE University, teaching can earn you credit towards the [[Medals|Educator Medal]], the [[Cross_Campus_Initiative|Cross Campus Initiative]], and [[Titles|Progression Titles]] like Sophomore and Graduate.


=== What is expected of teachers? ===
=== What is expected? ===


* They must have a working knowledge of the subject area(s) they wish to teach, and be able to effectively communicate that knowledge; complete mastery is ''not'' required.
'''You do ''not'' have to be an expert of every area of EVE Online to teach classes.''' Nor do you have to know every last in your particular specialism. If you have a good working knowledge of a specific topic, that might be the right topic to teach. You should be comfortable with most aspects of your chosen topic, be able to present them in a concise and understandable manner and be able to answer student questions.  
* They are expected to comply with the standards outlined in this article.  
* They are expected to act appropriately as a member/guest of the University and set a positive example to students. [[EVE University Rules|EVE University’s general rules and guidelines]] must be kept.
* They are strongly encouraged to continue growing as educators, be it through self-observation, constructive feedback from students, or mentoring by the Teaching Staff.


=== What is required to teach classes? ===
{{CollapseBox|Example knowledge for "Introduction to Exploration"|
* Know the procedures: how does one go about "doing exploration"?
* Know the mechanical parts: the process of scanning down signatures and the hacking minigame
* Know the "meta": which ships are favoured and the basics of common fittings.
* Know tips and tricks: piloting tricks, safety rules, best practices, etiquette, etc.
* Have a brief story or two to share! Provide some context for the students by sharing stories of complete failure or lucrative success.}}


* Timely and correct scheduling (see below).
In general, EVE University hopes that its teachers will:
* Class-relevant content (slides, instructions for a practicals/workshops).
* In-game assets for practicals such as BPCs, ships, etc; reach out to the [[Teaching_Department#Current_Staff|Teaching Department]] if this becomes financially or logistically complex.
* Access to our public [[Mumble]] and (open) [[Discord]].
* Contact the [[Teaching_Department#Current_Staff|Teaching Department]] for Discord rights and any help you might need to make your class happen.


=== What support does the Teaching Department provide? ===
* have a working knowledge of the subject area(s) they wish to teach, and the ability to communicate that knowledge
* comply with the standards outlined in this article.
* act appropriately as a member/guest of the University and set a positive example to students: [[EVE University Rules|EVE University’s general rules and guidelines]] must be kept.
* continue growing as educators, be it through self-observation, constructive feedback from students, or mentoring by the Teaching Staff.
 
Actually running classes requires:
 
* timely and correct scheduling (see below).
* class-relevant content (slides, instructions for a practicals/workshops).
* access to our public [[Mumble]] and (open) [[Discord]].
** Contact the [[Teaching_Department#Current_Staff|Teaching Department]] for Discord rights and any help you might need to make your class happen.
 
=== Support from the Teaching Department ===


* A library of ready-to-teach [[Classes|CORE Classes]].
* A library of ready-to-teach [[Classes|CORE Classes]].
* Assistance in creating your own non-CORE classes or practicals. Just contact a [[Teaching_Department#Current_Staff|Teaching Officer]] via Discord and they will be happy to assist you.
* Assistance in creating your own non-CORE classes or practicals. Just contact a [[Teaching_Department#Current_Staff|Teaching Officer]] via Discord and they will be happy to assist you.
* In-game resources for practicals (ships, BPCs, et cetera): we see no reason for you to also pay ISK on top of your teaching efforts. Just get in contact with us and we'll try to figure something out!
** Please note that non-Core classes '''must''' be checked and approved by an Teaching Officer at least '''one week in advance''' of the class.
** Please note that non-Core classes '''must''' be checked and approved by an Teaching Officer at least '''one week in advance''' of the class.
* Mentoring by our [[Teaching_Department#Current_Staff|Teaching Officers]] (optional).
* Mentoring from our [[Teaching_Department#Current_Staff|Teaching Officers]] (optional).
* Teaching assistance during your class, e.g. posting links, providing an in-game target to shoot/scan down, etc. Just approach any member of the [[Teaching_Department#Current_Staff|Teaching Department]] if this sounds useful.
* Teaching assistance during your class, e.g. posting links, providing an in-game target to shoot/scan down, etc. Just approach any member of the [[Teaching_Department#Current_Staff|Teaching Department]] if this sounds useful.
** Please note that the presence of a Teaching Officer is '''mandatory for any guest lectures'''.
** Please note that the presence of a Teaching Officer is '''mandatory for any guest lectures'''.
* In-game resources for practicals, because we see no reason for you to also pay ISK on top of your teaching efforts. Just get in contact with us and we'll try to figure something out!
* Constructive class feedback, gathered by students filling out the [http://www.eveuni.org/classfeedback Class Feedback Form] at the end of your class.
* Constructive class feedback, gathered by students filling out the [http://www.eveuni.org/classfeedback Class Feedback Form] at the end of your class.


==Choosing a class/topic==
==Choosing a topic==


===CORE Classes===
===CORE classes===


In order to make teaching as accessible as possible and to provide students with the proper basic knowledge to find their way in New Eden, the [[Teaching_Department|Teaching Department]] offers a [[Classes|library of ready-to-teach "CORE" classes]]. Most new teachers are advised to start their teaching career with one of these.
In order to make teaching as accessible as possible and to provide students with the proper basic knowledge to find their way in New Eden, the [[Teaching_Department|Teaching Department]] offers a [[Classes|library of ready-to-teach "CORE" classes]]. Most new teachers are advised to start their teaching career with one of these: they are easy to pick up and teach if you have a working knowledge of the topic area.


===Other classes===
===Other classes===


By their very nature, CORE Classes do not cover all areas of interest and expertise in EVE Online, and so we encourage experienced and/or specialized teachers to develop and hold their own classes. To ensure some quality control, though, there are a few extra steps to consider:
By their very nature, CORE classes do not cover all areas of interest and expertise in EVE Online. We encourage experienced and/or specialized teachers to develop and hold their own classes. To ensure some quality control, though, bear in mind the following points:
* We offer a slide template in our corporate branding.
 
* We ask that you submit your class slides and/or practical instructions to the [[Teaching_Department#Current_Staff|Teaching Department]] at least one week ahead of your class.
* We ask that you submit your class slides and/or practical instructions to the [[Teaching_Department#Current_Staff|Teaching Department]] at least one week ahead of your class.
* Make sure you're willing and able to react to constructive feedback, and adjust your preparation accordingly.
* Make sure you're willing and able to react to constructive feedback, and adjust your preparation accordingly.
* Equally, don't let the ''perfect'' be the enemy of the ''good''. A decent class that gets held and then improved is better than a perfect class that never actually happens.
* Equally, don't let the ''perfect'' be the enemy of the ''good''. A decent class that gets held is better than a perfect class that never happens.
* Please use our slide template in our corporate branding, which we can provide.


=== "Do I know enough to teach this class?" ===
== Presentation options ==
 
You do ''not'' have to be an expert of every area of EVE Online to teach classes. Nor do you have to know every last iota of detail in your particular specialism. If you have a good working knowledge of a specific topic, that might be the right topic for you. You should be comfortable with most aspects of your chosen topic, be able to present them in a concise and understandable manner and be able to answer student questions.
 
{{CollapseBox|Example needs: Introduction to Exploration|
* Know the procedures: how does one go about "doing exploration"?
* Know the mechanical parts: the process of scanning down signatures and the hacking minigame
* Know the "meta": which ships are favoured and the basics of common fittings.
* Know tips and tricks: piloting tricks, safety rules, best practices, etiquette, etc.
* Have a brief story or two to share! Provide some context for the students by sharing stories of complete failure or lucrative success.}}
 
== Choosing how to present your class ==


Different options (or a combination) can be used for different types of classes:
Different options (or a combination) can be used for different types of classes:
Line 101: Line 101:


* Try to schedule your class at least one week in advance, to give people a chance to hear about your class and make time in their schedule to attend.  If you are expecting support for ships/modules or other manufactured items this is a minimum requirement and not optional.
* Try to schedule your class at least one week in advance, to give people a chance to hear about your class and make time in their schedule to attend.  If you are expecting support for ships/modules or other manufactured items this is a minimum requirement and not optional.
* Check the UNI in-game calendar for available dates/times. Do NOT schedule a class at the same time as any other class or event.  Non-University lecturers can get assistance with this from a Teaching Officer.
* Check the UNI in-game calendar for available dates/times. Do ''not'' schedule a class at the same time as any other class or event.  A Teaching Officer can check the calendar on behalf of guest lecturers from outside the University.
* Try to leave a buffer of 15–30 minutes in between different classes to ideally give students a break and, more importantly, avoid any overlap in case one class runs into overtime.
* Try to leave a buffer of 15–30 minutes in between different classes to give students a break and avoid any overlap in case one class runs into overtime.


===Forum Announcement===
===Forum announcement===


* Post an advert as a new topic in the [http://forum.eveuniversity.org/viewforum.php?f=72 Scheduled Classes Forum], using the standard format described below.  
* Post an advert as a new topic in the [http://forum.eveuniversity.org/viewforum.php?f=72 Scheduled Classes Forum], using the standard format described below.  
* If you do not have access to this forum, please ask the [[Teaching_Department|Teaching Department]] to do this for you.
* If you do lack access to this forum, please ask the [[Teaching_Department|Teaching Department]] to do this for you.


{{CollapseBox|Forum Template|<pre>[img]link to suitable image to illustrate class[/img]
{{CollapseBox|Forum Template|<pre>[img]link to suitable image to illustrate class[/img]


Short description of what this class is. Maybe who it's intended for, how it improves your game, etc. Feel free to pull from historical class announcements for the same class.
Short description of what this class is. Maybe who it's intended for, how it improves your game, etc. Feel free to copy from historical class announcements for the same class!


[color=#00FFFF]When:[/color] Thursday 12th January, 20:00 EVE Time
[color=#00FFFF]When:[/color] Thursday 12th January, 20:00 EVE Time
Line 131: Line 131:
Additional information: This class is primarily lecture, delivered in public Mumble and the Class (EVE Uni) channel, followed by Q&A. There is no practical component.</pre>}}
Additional information: This class is primarily lecture, delivered in public Mumble and the Class (EVE Uni) channel, followed by Q&A. There is no practical component.</pre>}}


=== Ingame Calendar ===
=== In-game calendar ===
Create a class announcement on the ingame EVE Uni calendar (provided you hold the [[Sophomore]] title, if not, see above) make sure to:
Create a class announcement on the in-game EVE Uni calendar (provided you hold the [[Sophomore]] title; if not, ask a Teaching Officer).
* include [CORE], [Class], [Practical] or [Q&A] as a title prefix, followed by the name/topic of the class.
 
* set the availability to "Alliance" (preferred), the default is private which will mean no one apart from yourself is gonna see the event on their calendar. Do '''not''' tick the box ''Important''.
Make sure to:
* set a realistic duration which leaves time for questions in the end. We generally prefer classes to last around 60 minutes, but 45-90 minutes is well acceptable.  
* include "[CORE]", "[Class]", "[Practical]" or "[Q&A]" as a title prefix, followed by the name/topic of the class.
* set availability to "Alliance" (preferred); the default is "Private", which only you can see. Do '''not''' tick the box labelled ''Important''.
* set a realistic duration, leaving time for questions. We generally prefer classes to last around 60 minutes, but 45–90 minutes is perfectly acceptable.  
* ensure that your class is not colliding with other classes. It's generally a good idea to leave at least 15-30 minutes in between classes so students can take a break and to avoid any overlaps.
* ensure that your class is not colliding with other classes. It's generally a good idea to leave at least 15-30 minutes in between classes so students can take a break and to avoid any overlaps.
* include a short outline of the class and a forum link in the Description
* include a short outline of the class and a forum link in the description.
 
===Pings===


===Discord Pings===
You must ping everyone in the "#ping-class" Discord channel shortly before you start, and you can ping with advance notice beforehand.
People often wonder how often to ping for their classes in the '#ping-class' discord channel, usually the answer is once or twice.
# (optional) "@everyone x hour preparing for Intro to XYZ"
# (optional) "@everyone x hour preparing for Intro to XYZ"
# (mandatory) "@everyone Intro to XYZ starting now/in 5 minutes"
# (mandatory) "@everyone Intro to XYZ starting now/in 5 minutes"
Feel free to expand on those pings by providing the forum link or additional context to the class but keep it reasonably brief.
Feel free to expand on those pings by providing the forum link or additional context to the class, but keep it reasonably brief.
 
EVE University members can also put an announcement in the "Alliance" chat channel in-game.
 
== Holding your class ==
 
===Beforehand ===


== Preparing your class ==
* Prepare your hardware (microphone etc.)
* Prepare your hardware (microphone etc.)
* Prepare your software ([[Discord]], [[Mumble]] etc.)
* Prepare your software ([[Discord]], [[Mumble]] etc.)
Line 156: Line 164:
* Prepare yourself: have water on hand, and double check that any notes you need are present.
* Prepare yourself: have water on hand, and double check that any notes you need are present.


== Holding your class ==
=== During class ===
 
{{main|Teaching classes}}
 
* Be early and start on time
* Follow a clear structured agenda; don't jump all over the topic
* Take your time (and drink of water). People tend to talk faster when they are excited/nervous, so slow yourself down and breathe.
* Leave room for questions after "chapters" of your class and at the end.
* Be assertive. Do not shy away from banking certain questions for later or referring to additional classes/materials so you can stick to your lesson plan.  Make frequent references to the EVE University Wiki as needed and drop links in the [[Discord]] channel #class-questions. For guest lecturers, a Teaching Officer can assist you in this.
* Do not be afraid to NOT know something. Get back to students on questions that you don’t know or see if someone else in the class knows the right answer. Remember the goal is to learn, not to impress.


=== Discord streaming ===
=== Discord streaming ===


<div style="float:right">
<div style="float:right">
{{Color box|color=#144f1d|border=#2f8f2f|width=60%|<center>'''Word of Caution'''</center>
{{Color box|color=#144f1d|border=#2f8f2f|width=60%|<center>'''Word of caution'''</center>
Please make sure to not stream any of your personal data on accident. It's probably a good idea to use a clean browser, desktop background, etc. to protect your own privacy and decency.}}
Please make sure to not stream any of your personal data on accident. It's probably a good idea to use a clean browser, desktop background, et cetera, to protect your own privacy and the class's decency.}}
</div>
</div>


To present your slides (or in-game view) we use the [[Discord|EVE University Discord]] channel #class-presentations.  This requires either one of the Discord roles “Teacher” or "Guest Lecturer (OOC)".  A member of the Teaching Staff can assist with these permissions.
To present your slides (or in-game view) we use the [[Discord|EVE University Discord]] channel #class-presentations.  This requires either one of the Discord roles “Teacher” or "Guest Lecturer (OOC)".  A member of the Teaching Staff can assist with these permissions.
Line 173: Line 192:
</gallery>
</gallery>


=== The actual teaching ===
=== Evaluation  ===
 
* Be early and start on time
* Follow a clear structured agenda (do not jump all over the topic)
* Take your time (and a drink of water). People tend to talk faster when they are excited/nervous, so slow yourself down…breathe.
* Leave room for questions after ‘chapters’ of your class and at the end.
* Be assertive. Do not shy away from banking certain questions for later or referring to additional classes/materials to not get derailed from your lesson plan.  Make frequent references to the EVE University WIKI as needed and drop links in the [[Discord]] channel #class-questions.  For Guest Lecturers a Teaching Officer can assist you in this.
* Do not be afraid to NOT know something. Get back to students on questions that you don’t know or see if someone else in the class knows the right answer. Remember the goal is to learn, not to impress.


Ask your students to fill out the [http://www.eveuni.org/classfeedback Class Feedback Form] at the end of the lesson.  The form is also conveniently pinned on the [[Discord]] channel #class-questions.


== Evaluating your class  ==
Reflect: what went great? What will you improve upon next time? Does the material need tweaks or edits?
* Ask your students to fill out the [http://www.eveuni.org/classfeedback Class Feedback Form] at the end of the lesson.  The form is also conveniently pinned on the [[Discord]] channel #class-questions.
* Rate yourself: What went great? What will you improve upon next time? Does the material need tweaks or edits?


* Now that you have made it to this point: Well done and thank you for your service!
Now that you have made it to this point, well done, and '''thank you for your service'''!


== Useful Resources and Links ==
== Useful resources ==
* [[Teaching Department]]
* [[Teaching Department]]
* [[Classes]]
* [[Classes]]