Receive training on using software for online classrooms. The instructional technology or distance learning departments at most colleges and universities provide individual or group training to instructors new to teaching courses online. Knowing what online tools are available can help you decide how to set up your criminal justice class.
Prepare the online classroom in advance. Create a syllabus, and make it available to students in your online classroom so they know what to expect to learn from the class as well as what assignments they will be required to complete during the course of the semester. Lesson plans, lectures, notes, additional reading materials and your contact information can all be uploaded in advance.
Teach the core components of your criminal justice class. Online classrooms don't allow instructors to lecture to their students like they can in a traditional, in-person classroom. However, this shouldn't stop you from teaching the core components of criminal justice to your students. Use the webcam to record a video lecture to upload for students or provide a written lecture for them to read. You can also have students read a chapter in their textbook or other readings you provide, and then you can hold a class discussion via online message boards.
Make labs for students to do at home. Some criminal justice classes have labs that go with them, especially if they are more focused on processes and procedures rather than theories and facts. For example, crime scene analysis and crime scene photography are process and procedures classes, while criminal court systems and criminal justice ethics are more theory-based. If you are teaching a process and procedures class, you need to create labs that students are capable of doing on their own.
Require students to explore the criminal justice field. Instructors teaching criminal justice courses often require students to tour criminal justice facilities or interview individuals that work in the criminal justice field. While an online classroom prevents you from doing this as a group, you can still require students to find a person or place in their community to teach them more about the criminal justice field. This method may be even more effective for students, since each student can then share their experiences with their classmates.
Provide support to students. Taking courses online is often more difficult than a traditional classroom, since students must be self-disciplined and motivated to do the work required. To ensure your students do well in the course, make sure you have time dedicated to answering their questions or addressing any concerns they might have. This can be done by holding virtual office hours or making yourself available by phone or email.