Instructor Resources

Thank you for your interest in teaching at OLLI Mason!  Following are resources to guide you through the OLLI teaching experience.  If you have any questions, please email program@gmu.edu.

DECIDED TO TEACH?  Below are the forms you will need to fill out (as applicable)

• OLLI Course Proposal FormTemplates.  Use this form to submit a course or presentation proposal to OLLI.  Please submit the form by the due date for each term (click here to view upcoming term dates and proposal form due dates).  Refer to Tips for Writing OLLI Catalog Descriptions if you would like help with the description requirements on the proposal form.

• Bus Trip/Performances Proposal Form.  Use this form to submit a proposal for a bus trip, carpool, ticket arrangement or other event that requires payments or extra logistics from staff.

• Classroom Set-Up Form.  Complete this form to advise your site assistant about the audiovisual set-up or other special set-up needs for your in-person classroom (not necessary for Zoom).

• • Audiovisual Equipment Provided in OLLI Classrooms:
    • Windows based computer.  Fairfax and Reston locations have MS Office 2013 and Loudoun has MS Office 2016.
    • DVD/CD player and VCR player.  Tallwood, Reston and Lord of Life locations have Blu-ray capacity.
    • Wireless microphone worn over ear, with battery pack (Microphone Use Policy)
    • Docucam that can display stored digital images as slide shows, overhead transparencies and items such as maps, book pages and objects.

• Feedback Form for Instructors (optional) – Instructors may distribute an optional teaching evaluation questionnaire to class attendees. If meeting in person, ask your assigned site assistant to provide copies of this form to students at the end of class. You will collect the forms after your last class for your own use. If meeting virtually, please email a link to the form to your students and ask them send the completed forms back to you: via email (provide your email address – not anonymous); via post (provide your mailing address – anonymous).

FUNDAMENTALS OF TEACHING AT OLLI MASON

• Instructor Information Brochure.  Provides a brief overview of teaching at OLLI, including updated information on technology supports, staff phone numbers and email addresses.

• A Teacher’s Manual.  Provides in depth teaching tips for everyone, whether a new teacher or an experienced one. It has much material that is specific to OLLI Mason and is helpful for anyone who wants to teach, has taught, or will teach here.

• Instructor Tutorial on How to Use Zoom.

 

CLASSROOM TIPS: IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL

• Classroom Discussion Tips.  Advice on how to manage a discussion.
• Power Point Tips
  • OLLI PowerPoint Advice
  • TED talks:  How to Avoid Death by PowerPoint,  The Persistent Curse of Death by PowerPoint
  • PowerPoint Graphics Tutorial – by Jim Anderson 
• Online Teaching Tips from Stearns Center George Mason University

 

TEACHING RESOURCES

• Library Materials from George Mason University are available if you would like to supplement your course materials. All OLLI instructors are authorized during term to: 1) check out up to ten books at once (for a three-week period with one renewal); 2) request books from other Mason campuses (except from Arlington Law Library); 3) borrow audiovisual materials (videos, DVDs) from the Johnson Center Media library for one week. Be aware: in-person library access may be restricted by Mason during the pandemic.
• Copyright Rules.
  • George Mason University’s Policy on the Use and Reproduction of Copyrighted Material
  • Copyright and Fair Use Guidelines for Teachers by techlearning.com.
  • Copyright Fair Use Statute

OLLI MASON PROGRAMMING CHAIRS

• • Program Committee Co-Chairs: Kathryn Russell, Russell Stone, Nancy Scheeler and Doris Bloch
  • Program Planning Subgroup Chairs (click for list and scroll to the bottom of the page)