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Instructional Continuity Planning

Severe weather, illness, and other unexpected events can cause unavoidable closures or delays in the previously scheduled Academic Calendar.

Instructional continuity planning will help reduce stress and prevent interruptions. Here are five techniques (and their tools) for instructors to use in their planning:

1. Communicate Early and Clearly

Use tools like Moodle Announcements to update students about changes to class schedules, assignments, or meetings. Clear, consistent communication reduces confusion and anxiety. Consider posting a short announcement template in advance that you can quickly modify during disruptions.

Tip: Let students know your preferred communication method at the start of the semester.

2. Move Class Discussions Online

If an in-person class is canceled, keep the conversation going in Moodle Forums. Pose discussion questions, case studies, or reflection prompts to encourage engagement and maintain participation.

Tip: Assign a participation grade or offer a small incentive to keep students motivated.

3. Record or Stream Lectures

Use Zoom or Echo360 to record mini-lectures or host live sessions. Recordings can be shared via Moodle so students who cannot attend synchronously can still access the material. Keep videos brief (10–15 minutes) and focused on key concepts.

Tip: Have a recurring Zoom link ready to go for emergency virtual sessions.

4. Provide Flexible Access to Course Materials

Post readings, slides, and assignments in Moodle so students can access them anytime, even if campus is closed. Ensure essential resources are organized and labeled clearly (e.g., “Week 5 Materials” or “Unit 2 Resources”) for easy navigation.

Tip: Use the “Restrict access” feature in Moodle to release materials at the right time without needing to log in during a closure.

5. Build in Low-Stakes Online Activities

Tools like Moodle Quizzes, Google Docs, or Padlet can support learning continuity by allowing students to complete short exercises, collaborate on group work, or reflect on readings asynchronously. These activities keep students active and connected until regular schedules resume.

Tip: Make at least one online activity part of your regular class routine so students are comfortable using it before an emergency arises.

Quick Start Checklist

Before the semester begins, review this list to make sure you’re ready for unexpected disruptions:

  • Post a course communication plan in your syllabus (how you’ll contact students and where updates will appear).
  • Use the "Virtual Class and Recordings" section in Moodle to post instructions and at least one backup activity or discussion prompt.
  • Test your Zoom and Echo360 setup to ensure recordings work properly.
  • Upload key materials (syllabus, schedule, major assignments) to Moodle for easy access.
  • Collect alternative contact information from students if needed (optional form or discussion board).

Digital Tools Cross Reference:

In the Classroom

Digital Equivalent
Relay an announcement or important information
  • Post an announcement in Moodle (automatically sends students an email copy)
  • Send an email using CU Gmail.
Provide resources to students
Lecture to students
Paper homework

  • Create an assignment dropbox in Moodle

    • Include detailed instructions to complete assignment

    • Attach documents or scanned PDFs

    • Detail how you want students to submit assignments to you (digital format, scanned copy, etc.)
Class discussion

  • Create a discussion forum in Moodle for asynchronous discussion

  • Host a live web conference session using Zoom for synchronous discussion
Quiz or exam
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