Ice storm prompts virtual instruction

When school officials close the campus due to inclement weather it can seem like an unexpected holiday. Unfortunately, it’s not.

Students are still responsible for course work and instructors may choose to teach via email, Assistant Provost Gregory Heiser said.

Many instructors chose to do just that last week when the season’s first ice storm forced OU to close Monday through Wednesday.

Some students were surprised by the cyber instruction, since the school closing meant they didn’t have access to resources, like libraries and computer labs.

“We hope (instructors) would be sensitive to issues beyond the students’ control, Heiser said. “This is an area where faculty has to use their professional discretion and common sense.”