Active Learning Blog

Teaching that Defies Winter at the University of Michigan

Feb 20, 2015 12:00:00 PM by Fred Krazeise

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The arctic blast that’s been gripping the U.S. this week is wearing down even the heartiest of winter souls. Unless you venture to Siberia, you may not find a colder locale than the upper Midwest with a temperature of -18F forecast for Ann Arbor, Michigan today.

But subzero temps and frigid winds won’t freeze out Dr. Perry Samson’s aptly named Extreme Weather class at the University of Michigan! As a lifelong Meteorology expert, Dr. Samson knows full well the perils of heading out in such bone-chilling conditions. Yet the brutal cold doesn’t mean his class is cancelled- quite the contrary.

Even though the University didn’t close the campus due to the arctic conditions, Dr. Samson emailed his students and told them NOT to physically come to class. 

stead, he’ll be conducting class live using Echo360.

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His Extreme Weather students will simply log in from the warm comfort of home where fuzzy slippers and flannel pajamas are perfect classroom attire today. It won’t matter that students are not sitting in the lecture theatre. They’ll still be able to participate in quizzes and polls, ask and answer questions, take notes alongside the slides and view Dr. Samson as he presents in real time. All the action will be recorded so students can go in and view the class again at their leisure when they’re stuck inside this weekend.

As the students attend class remotely and learn all about ins and outs of weather forecasting, you can be sure that one of the topics for today will be "How the _____ Can It Get THIS Cold?"

Is your campus closed today due to the extreme weather? Take a look at how the Active Learning Platform makes 24/7 interactive teaching and learning possible, no matter what Mother Nature sends your way!

#NoMoreSnowDays

 

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