Instructor Support for Remote Teaching

Synchronous Sessions

• 2 Weeks prior to the start of the course:
  • Ensure that your Zoom account is configured correctly.
  • Set up a recurring meeting for the class.
  • Import the meeting into the Zoom integration in Canvas.
  • Schedule topics for discussion and activities for each synchronous session with your students.

Asynchronous Content

• 2 Weeks prior to the start of the course:
  • Copy course material in Canvas (if pre-existing material is being reused).
  • Update syllabus, assignment due dates, group project assignments, etc.
  • Organize and segment course content into modules.
  • Review assigned readings.
• Review recorded lectures.
• Review discussion boards.
• Upload quizzes.

1 Week Prior to the Start of the Course:

• Send a welcome email to students to introduce yourself and invite them to browse the Canvas site.

Synchronous Engagement

• Is there live interaction with the instructor outside of class?
  • Hold an office hour by Zoom or phone
• Are synchronous class sessions planned and delivered well?
  • Activate your video and request students do as well.
  • Plan an agenda that includes multiple modes of instruction (e.g., lecture, demonstrations, activities, and discussions).
  • Plan opportunities for students to interact with each other by utilizing discussion forums or breakout rooms.
  • Align the live session with other course content, like recorded lectures, assignments, etc. We recommend not duplicating content, but synthesizing knowledge exploring in the course content.
  • Record the live session and share with students in a timely manner (if configured correctly, it should appear in Canvas automatically).
    

Asynchronous Engagement

• Ensure a steady cadence of communication with students.
  • Send a welcome email to students.
  • Initiate and participate in a welcome and introduction discussion thread.
  • Respond in a timely manner (ideally within 24 hours) to emails from students.
  • Instructor and TA participate in asynchronous discussion (e.g., drop in at least a couple times to encourage or guide student discussion).
• Formulate and articulate clear expectations for students.
  • Disseminate expectations about group projects and respectful interactions in discussion boards.
• Provide formative and summative feedback on students’ work.
  • Provide timely and personalized feedback on assignments (within 1 week for major graded assignments).
    
  • Set up feedback mechanisms during course such as a mid-course evaluation.
  • Grade assignments and quizzes in a timely manner.
    

Submitting Grades

• Use the gradebook in Canvas; fill in each column for every student.
• Final grades are due two weeks after the course ends (verify this due date with your program staff).
• Export grades from Canvas to an excel document and affix letter grades for each student and send to program staff.

Evaluation and Revision

• Review student feedback with Teaching and Learning staff member.
• Identify and plan revisions based on lessons learned.