Theatre Department Creates Spoof Video in Advance of Spring Semester Remote Learning

To prepare its faculty and students for teaching in the new learning environment, Columbia’s theatre department created a humorous short video that highlights what not to do when video conferencing.

On Monday, April 6, Columbia College Chicago resumes its spring semester, and faculty will meet with their students for the first time in a new, remote classroom. To prepare its faculty and students for teaching in the new learning environment, Columbia’s theatre department created a humorous short video that highlights what not to do when video conferencing. The relatable spoof, How Not to Zoom, features five practical tips for users, including, hold on the snacks, make sure the audio is on, clear the screen of personal items, double-check audio/video settings, and dress appropriately.

In mid-March, Columbia College Chicago suspended its classes in an effort to maintain social distancing due to COVID-19. Next week Columbia will join colleges and universities worldwide in making the transition from in-classroom learning to remote instruction.

For some at Columbia, and across the globe, teaching and learning online is a new experience. That is why Carin Silkaitis, chair of the theatre department, deliberately chose humor to demonstrate some of the awkward moments that happen while video conferencing.

With some faculty teaching online for the first time, she also saw humor as a way to ease instructors into their new classroom environment. “We knew there would be some inevitable issues with folks jumping into online platforms they might not be used to using, Silkaitis said, “so, we thought we could use comedy to shed some light on a few common video chat snafu's! In doing so, we also hope to bring the added benefit of a little extra joy into your day!”

Columbia College Chicago offers extensive technical support online and by phone for faculty, staff, and students who are teaching, working, and learning. If you need assistance, please visit colum.edu/remotelearning.

Featured in the video: Carin Silkaitis, chair; Ric Walker, assistant professor; Lillian Frances, adjunct faculty; and Joseph Janes, adjunct faculty.

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Keisha Cowen
Senior Director of Campus Communications
kcowen@colum.edu
312-369-7025

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