Teaching with a Bimodal Approach
Welcome to this new webpage where you can learn more about the University of Ottawa's bimodal approach.
In anticipation of a gradual return of students and professors to campus, starting in the Fall of 2021, the University of Ottawa will offer courses using a bimodal approach.
This approach is a combination of two distinct real-time (synchronous) teaching spaces. One physical space in a classroom on campus where a professor is there with a reduced number of students (to meet the physical distancing measures established by Ottawa Public Health), and a second virtual space using a videoconferencing technology (Zoom or MS Teams) for students who choose to take the course remotely.
Teaching with a Bimodal Approach – An Overview
Recorded Webinars
Course Design: Aiming for an Agile Model
Do you want to adapt your teaching to better meet the needs and interests of your students? The use of technology could make your courses more dynamic, and above all offer a certain flexibility during this period of uncertainty. The ideas presented in this video will provide an overview of the important elements to consider when designing a course in a variety of modalities (such as, synchronous, bimodal, blended, asynchronous).
Additional Resources
We offer the following tools to guide you:
- Course Mapping Tool (.docx)
- Identification of your Course Leaning Essentials (.pdf)
- Active Learning Process (.pdf)
Virtual Learning Space: Strategies to Foster Student Engagement
Explore how Virtual Campus (Brightspace) can support your teaching and students’ learning. Whether you are designing a course using a bimodal approach, one that is completely online, or you want to use Virtual Campus to enhance your face-to-face courses - the ideas presented in this video will allow you to discover the potential of this virtual learning space.
Additional Resources
We offer the following tools to guide you:
Instructional Practice in a Bimodal Context: Effective Strategies
Are you planning to offer a course using a bimodal approach for the first time? The ideas presented in this video will review the essential components from how to plan your synchronous meetings to the technological equipment available. We will also suggest teaching strategies to provide a rich and stimulating learning experience for all your students.
Additional Resources
We offer the following tools to guide you:
- Podium – Guide for Bimodal Instruction (PDF)
- Podium – Advanced Functionalities (PDF)
Transitioning to Bimodal Instruction
Transitioning to Bimodal Instruction
Are you planning to offer a course using a bimodal approach for the first time? The ideas presented in this video will review the essential components.
- Review your course design
- Prepare the important components of Virtual Campus (Brightspace)
- Plan your synchronous meetings
- Learn about the technology available in the classroom
We will also suggest the most appropriate teaching strategies to provide a rich and stimulating learning experience for all your students.
Additional Resources
We offer the following tools to guide you:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is bimodal teaching?
In the context of a gradual return of students and professors to campus, bimodal instruction is a synchronous mode of teaching that includes two learning spaces, one physical space in the classroom and the other via virtual/distance learning.
Bimodal instruction combines two spaces (physical and virtual) rather than just one of the two.