As we make the sudden transition to teaching online, here are some things to keep in mind.
- Communicate with your students as soon as possible. Your students are probably as anxious as you are about moving online. Communicating with them about the changes coming to the course and letting them know to check their SCSU email and Blackboard for updates.
- SCSU online teaching tools. Using tools that are supported by the University and may already be familiar to students is highly recommended. Because this abrupt move to online teaching involves a big change for both students and faculty, using familiar tools will reduce the stress added by having to learn new skills and having those skills differ from course to course. SCSU recommends the following tools to help you and your students have a good online learning experience:
- Blackboard Learn 9: This is SCSU's official Learning Management System (LMS) and it's highly recommended that Blackboard is used for most online activities in order to provide students with a familiar and uniform experience in all their courses.
- WebEx: This is SCSU's official synchronous (real-time) communication tool. If you are looking to conduct synchronous class time please consider this tool above all others.
- Teams: Microsoft Teams provides chat based communication options that students and faculty can access in real time or asynchronously. It can also be used to conduct synchronous class time.
- Kaltura Media: This tool allows faculty to record lectures and other videos and upload them to Blackboard Learn 9.
- Review your syllabus for potential changes: As we move online some of the assignments or activities may not be realistic. As you make changes, please keep in mind any applicable university policies. Make sure you communicate all changes to your students.
- Carefully consider asynchronous vs. synchronous (real-time) class activities: With the tremendous upheaval that this has created in everyone's lives, consider the fact that students may have to deal with child care, family issues and work disruptions.
- Communications plan: Create and communicate a plan that includes how students can contact you and when and how your office hours will be held.
- Course Expectations: Communicate deadlines for assignments and activities however, because of the ongoing situation, consider being flexible and providing extensions.