1. Preparing to teach offshore Kirsten Wahlstrom School of Computer and Information Science

2. About me  Staff member since 1999  Have taught three courses at two partner institutions HKBU  SDPM (thrice) and UI (once) SIT  PC (twice)  Student feedback is typically positive and improving

3. Preparation  A comprehensive understanding of the material is, of course, essential  Anticipating student needs  Web site Discussion boards, chat rooms, etc  Schedules Teaching Assessment  The more preparation, the better

4. Teaching tips  Student expectations Can be a two-way culture shock Establish your expectations in detail and prominently on the web site and explain your motivations, for example:  “Recall the UniSA Graduate Qualities. When you participate in these tutorial classes you will be improving your ability to communicate (GQ6), your knowledge (GQ1) and your international perspectives (GQ7).”

5. Teaching tips  Sometimes students have not read the assessment requirements yet: get them to plan for success In the first class, put the students in pairs, give them a handout they can fill in and take home, and get them to plan for the assignments, for example:  Which assignment is hardest, which will take the longest time, exam preparation strategies, when to get time off work, etc

6. Teaching tips  (Dis)Engagement Communication problems  Does a particular student understand what you are saying? Can be very hard to determine in conversation, so put everything online (ie in writing) even Q&A sessions  When teaching, use as many examples and anecdotes as you can Anecdotes must be relevant (anything relating to the footy and meat pies is bound to be useless) so observe your surroundings or use international anecdotes (ie the UN)

7. Teaching tips Cultural practice  The silence can indicate deference Asking direct questions of the class as a whole can improve engagement, but never ask a hard question If you adopt this strategy, always do it in the very first class so that the expectation is established  I have found that self-deprecating humour doesn’t work in HK but it sort of works in Malaysia

8. Teaching tips Fatigue  I have taught classes in HK in which most students work a 10hr day and then come to a 2.5hr lecture  It will be very hard for these people to concentrate Frequent and short rest breaks Use the whiteboard (especially for important content) If possible, walk around the room Make eye contact and ask “do you agree?”

9. When in Hong Kong  Use the public transport, by Adelaide’s standards it’s extremely efficient  You might have to climb up or down a very dingy staircase to get to a nice restaurant  Don’t make eye contact with strangers on the street If someone tries to hand you something just shake your head and keep walking  Get bargains in Mong Kok

10. When in Malaysia  Use taxis to get around – surprisingly cheap  I usually teach at SIT in Kelang and am accommodated at the Hyatt Regency Saujana which is about a 20 minute drive away Fabulous food and poolside cocktails Very little spare time to enjoy  SIT is on the top floor of a shopping centre – handy for lunch  Mini bus trips into KL

11. Thanks, good luck, enjoy. Q & A