In light of current events, we want to remind you of the many tools available to help you keep your classes on track. We encourage you to plan ahead, and contact the instructional technology team to learn how to use new tools that you’re not familiar with. Don’t let the unexpected derail your semester!
- Record mini-lectures or a full lecture. This can be so easy and done on the fly! Record audio directly on PowerPoint slides, or make mini-lectures and share with students. Students can listen/watch from any location, and you can include some of the more participatory ideas below to hold discussion and check for understanding. Technologies we recommend are PowerPoint (Insert Audio or Record Presentation), QuickTime audio/screen capture, Screencastify, and whiteboard apps such as Educreations. Upload videos to Moodle using the Kaltura Video Resource.
- Hold discussion, collect responses, and continue group work. Students can participate in discussion and participate in group projects just as they would during class. Use a Moodle Forum to elicit responses to readings or your recorded mini-lectures, or to hold (asynchronous) discussion. Google Docs can be used for group work – ask students to add you as an editor and check in, answer questions, and provide feedback as they progress.
- Collect assignments digitally. Cancelled or missed class does not have to be an excuse for not completing assignments on time. Ask students to submit assignments using the Moodle Assignment tool or Google Assignments.
- Meet virtually. Have an exam coming up and want to be available to answer questions or hold a review? Hold virtual office hours using a tool such as Google Hangouts Meet or Zoom (a free license allows for a 40-minute virtual meeting).
Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions! We are here to help.