Downing Class Intro Zoom Meeting 8/24/2020
TLDRIn this engaging and informative video script, a professor kicks off a sociology class with a warm welcome and a humorous approach. He addresses the class's format, emphasizing the importance of a respectful and inclusive environment while tackling complex social issues. The professor introduces course logistics, including the use of Top Hat for interactive participation, and encourages students to reach out for support. With a personal touch, he shares anecdotes from his life on a farm and his passion for teaching, promising a semester filled with meaningful discussions and learning.
Takeaways
- 🎓 The professor emphasizes the importance of a respectful and inclusive classroom environment, with a strong stance against racism and discrimination.
- 📚 The course requires a textbook for scholarly reference and in-text citations, but the professor encourages finding affordable versions to reduce cost.
- 🤝 The professor seeks a reciprocal relationship with students, encouraging open communication and the asking of questions to foster learning.
- 📈 The course content will cover a wide range of societal topics, including race relations, the economy, and the impacts of systemic racism, aiming to connect past, present, and future.
- 👨🏫 The professor introduces himself as a sociable, energetic, and passionate educator who uses various teaching methods to keep lectures engaging.
- 👀 The professor encourages students to observe and think sociologically about everyday human behavior, as part of the course assignments.
- 📝 Assignments include multiple-choice exams, small essays, discussions, and a significant 'Food Matters' paper, all of which contribute to the final grade.
- 🙌 Participation is encouraged through the use of Top Hat, an online student response system, which can add up to 5% to the final grade based on engagement.
- 📉 The professor discusses the potential for universities to shift to fully virtual learning due to the ongoing pandemic and the importance of taking precautions like wearing masks.
- 🌾 The professor shares personal anecdotes, including life on a farm, experiences with race relations work, and interests in music and Star Wars, to connect with students on a personal level.
- 🔄 The professor stresses the importance of staying in touch and being proactive in seeking help or addressing issues that may arise during the semester.
Q & A
What is the main purpose of the 'ding' sound in the Zoom application as described in the script?
-The 'ding' sound in the Zoom application is an entrance sound that plays when a new participant joins the meeting.
Can the instructor in the script turn off the 'ding' sound that occurs when new participants join the Zoom meeting?
-The instructor is unsure if they can turn off the 'ding' sound, suggesting that only the professor or host might have the ability to do so.
What does the instructor plan to do to ensure the lectures feel fresh and engaging?
-The instructor plans to change their appearance, such as by changing shirts, between lectures to give the impression of a fresh start each time a lecture is watched.
What is the significance of the 'food matters paper' mentioned in the script?
-The 'food matters paper' is a significant assignment in the course that requires students to examine the topic of food from a sociological perspective, considering how it relates to survival, politics, and personal relationships.
How does the instructor plan to handle the grading of assignments and papers in the class?
-The instructor will have a graduate assistant (GTA) work with students throughout the semester to help develop their writing and grade their work, ensuring consistency and support in the grading process.
What is the instructor's stance on the use of Top Hat in the class?
-The instructor views Top Hat as a valuable tool for student engagement, allowing for interesting and in-depth questions and discussions, and it contributes to the final grade based on participation.
What is the instructor's opinion on the potential closure of schools due to the virus?
-The instructor believes that it is likely schools may go all virtual due to the lack of proper measures taken to control the virus, and they express concern about the impact on students' education.
How does the instructor plan to address issues of racism and diversity in the class?
-The instructor plans to discuss issues of racism, systemic sexism, and white supremacy openly and honestly, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe and welcoming classroom environment for all students.
What is the role of the GTA in the class according to the script?
-The GTA is available to help students with assignments, provide feedback on writing, and offer support through email or virtual meetings, working closely with students to enhance their understanding of the course material.
What extracurricular activities or interests does the instructor share in the script?
-The instructor shares interests in music, having sung in a band for many years, and also has a passion for organic farming, mentioning a large organic garden and chickens on their farm.
Outlines
🎙️ Zoom Class Setup and Technical Difficulties
The instructor begins the class by addressing technical issues, such as muting microphones to reduce background noise and figuring out how to turn off the Zoom notification sound. The class size is mentioned, with 158 participants present, and the instructor expresses a need to learn how to manage these technical aspects better. There's also a brief discussion about the challenges of conducting lectures with the constant 'ding' of new participants joining.
📚 Introduction to Sociology and Class Expectations
The instructor, Jason, introduces himself and outlines the course content, which includes sensitive and controversial topics like the war on drugs, marriage, relationships, and racism. He emphasizes the importance of an open mind and personal relevance of the subject matter. Jason also discusses his teaching style, which includes making lectures dynamic by changing his appearance, and his desire to create a personal and fun learning environment despite the large class size.
👋 Personal Life and Class Engagement
Jason shares personal anecdotes, including his family life on a farm, his love for vintage toys, and the challenges of maintaining an organic garden and dealing with wildlife. He also discusses his musical interests and how he applies his energy and enthusiasm to teaching. The instructor encourages students to participate actively, use the chat for questions, and mentions the use of a student response system called Top Hat.
📘 Textbook Requirements and Sociological Perspectives
The necessity of having the required textbook for the course is emphasized, with suggestions to find affordable versions. Jason explains the importance of using the textbook for in-text citations and scholarly writing. He also introduces the concept of viewing societal issues through a historical lens, using racism and economic downturns as examples, and encourages students to stay engaged and reach out with questions.
🏫 Class Structure and Assessment Details
The instructor outlines the class structure, including the use of Top Hat for participation, the importance of the textbook for assignments and exams, and the various components of the course such as multiple-choice exams, writing assignments, and discussions. He also mentions an extra credit opportunity involving a food drive and discusses the benefits of Top Hat for class engagement and grade enhancement.
🤝 Building a Supportive Classroom Community
Jason stresses the importance of staying in touch and creating a classroom environment where everyone feels welcome and safe. He shares his background in race relations work and his commitment to addressing systemic racism. The instructor sets clear expectations for respectful behavior and encourages students to support each other as a community.
🎓 Course Logistics and Student Support
The instructor discusses the logistics of the course, including the use of Top Hat and Canvas for assignments and participation. He introduces Severin, a graduate assistant, and outlines the support available to students. Jason also addresses the possibility of schools closing due to the pandemic and shares his thoughts on the importance of responsible behavior during the crisis.
🌱 Personal Values and Class Philosophy
Jason shares his personal values, including his love for the Chicago Bulls and his disdain for the Green Bay Packers. He discusses his approach to teaching and learning, emphasizing the importance of making education enjoyable and accessible. The instructor also talks about his family and his commitment to helping students succeed, regardless of personal circumstances.
📝 Assignment Submission and Class Flexibility
The instructor clarifies that all assignments will be submitted online, and there will be no physical submissions. He discusses the flexibility of the class schedule and the importance of staying in contact for any issues that arise. Jason also addresses the use of Top Hat and Canvas for class materials and communication.
🐶 Personal Life Integration and Class Environment
Jason integrates his personal life into the class environment by showing his pet and discussing his family. He emphasizes the diversity and inclusivity of the sociology department and shares his love for teaching. The instructor also discusses his background in race relations work and his commitment to addressing racial disparities.
🌟 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks
In his closing remarks, the instructor reiterates the importance of being good people, doing good things, and taking the semester seriously. He encourages students to reach out for help and support, and to enjoy the learning experience. Jason also discusses the use of Zoom for class meetings and his hope for a positive and educational semester.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Sociology
💡Muting microphones
💡Doorbell entrance sound
💡Textbook
💡Citations
💡Timeline
💡Reciprocal relationship
💡Top Hat
💡Food Matters Paper
💡Systemic Racism
💡Canvas
Highlights
Muting participants to manage a large Zoom class of 233 attendees.
Discussion on how to turn off the doorbell sound for new Zoom participants.
Instructor introduces himself and his background, emphasizing the personal touch he brings to the class.
Explanation of the class structure and the importance of having the textbook.
Instructor's emphasis on creating a respectful and inclusive classroom environment.
Instructor's approach to sociology as a way to understand and address societal issues.
Mention of race relations work and the significance of addressing systemic racism.
Details about the course assignments, including social observation and the 'Food Matters' paper.
Introduction of Top Hat as a student response system to enhance participation.
Encouragement for students to subscribe to the instructor's YouTube channel for extra notifications.
Instructor shares personal anecdotes about his family and farm life to connect with students.
Details on how to handle turning in assignments via Canvas and the flexible deadlines.
Instructor's commitment to help students succeed and accommodate those who get sick.
Brief mention of extra credit opportunities through a food drive.
Instructor's personal insights on COVID-19, masking, and the impact on education.
Transcripts
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