Swebber, student privacy protections vary by jurisdiction. All of the elements mentioned in this log post are in common use on all scales of online and hybrid courses in different combinations and configurations. My point is that many institutions would be more prepared diligently for this crisis if they had taken basic steps to promote blended and online learning adhering to good practices.

Anna, I agree that we should be leveraging online technologies as a rule as the norm rather than a reaction to a crisis. I bet institutions that have been diligent in adhering to good 21st century practices are in a good position to survive their school closure without too much disruption. Many however, will have to teach into the summer.

In an effort to lessen our carbon footprint, how might these issues and steps be addressed for international conferences? If organizers applied the budgets they have for establishing platforms for virtual sessions, educators and graduate students from countries where currencies are not as strong/salaries are not high would be able to participate as delegates and presenters. Imagine how this might change the make up of presentations and topics at conferences. This change might even change the dominant language of conferences.

Planning for an international flue outbreak may be the short-term incentive for reconsidering face-to-face conferences, but imagine what impact it could have on educators’ professional development. Everything you outline as an issue is also true of global conferences; everything you describe in the process is applicable.

Anna