What it means to think ahead

When we shift to instructing our classes remotely, we need to think ahead to how we will maintain our focus on our student learning outcomes, cultivate a sense of belonging for our students, and ensure that our resources and learning experiences are accessible and equitable.

Remote teaching protocols do not become a replica of the classes we would have taught in person. We need to be:

  • Flexible with our plans;
  • Thoughtful about the kinds of assessments we might need to amend/adjust;
  • Kind to ourselves and others during a time of uncertainty and (potentially) new pedagogies; and
  • Creative as we invent new ways to engage our students and ourselves in learning opportunities.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT ... PLAN HOW YOU WILL COMMUNICATE 

  1. Subscribe to campus alerts for important college communications.
  2. Be in touch with your department chair and school dean.
  3. Draft an email to your students that will outline how your course will adapt.
  4. Confirm you will communicate with students through their Ithaca email and/or Canvas, and inform the students to frequently check their email. 

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT ... ASSESS STUDENT NEEDS 

Check-in with your students... 

  1. Assess if your students have laptops with microphones and webcams, computers, or mobile devices, and internet access.
  2. Practice the technologies with your students in advance of digging into course content.
  3. Keep things "mobile-friendly," as some of our students may be accessing their classes via phones and small devices, including using the Canvas app. 
  4. Ensure your materials are adapted and accessible. Connect with Student Accessibility Services if you need assistance.  

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT ... KNOW Your TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS 

  • Become familiar with the core learning tools including Canvas and Zoom, which can mediate communication, collaboration, and other instructional activities. 
  • For faculty members who are using Microsoft Teams for instruction, department, or committee work, IT will continue to support Microsoft Teams along with providing an upgrade to the video conferencing feature. 
  • Confirm you have reliable internet access from your remote location. We are working on a plan to help faculty who do not have reliable high-speed internet access and will provide additional information when it becomes available.
  • Ensure that you have the technology you would need for a remote teaching protocol with you at your home. Please make sure you have a computer, charging cord, webcams, microphones, etc.

How Can I Request a Laptop to Support my Learning, Teaching, or Working from Home?

  • Students: Students should complete the Keep Learning - Student Technology Request form in IC Workflow (Netpass login required). 
  • Faculty: Faculty members should complete the Faculty Technology Request form in IC Workflow (Netpass login required).

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT ... WHAT TO DO NOW 

Attend a Workshop or Webinar

The Center for Faculty Excellence and the Learning & Innovative Technologies teams have put together a series of workshops and webinars. Visit the CFE Events page for topics, dates, and times. Announcements will be sent out via the IC Teach email and posted to Intercom. Watch your email inbox for more information. 

Build a Canvas Course Site and Make it your Central Meeting Point

We are prioritizing the use of Canvas for facilitating course continuity. Every instructor has a course shell that is tied to the official Homer Roster.  Canvas is Ithaca College's preferred learning management system with which all students should be familiar, and it can securely allow you to communicate with your classes, deliver content, engage in assessment and dialogue, and manage course logistics.

Learn to use Zoom Conferencing Software

Zoom is a web conferencing solution at Ithaca College. Hold everything from virtual office hours, online lectures, and large discussions with breakout rooms. You can even use Zoom to pre-record a presentation to your students. Even if you have never used Zoom for instruction before, you can learn the basics quickly. The Zoom tool is available to be added to all Canvas sites for ease of access for instructors and students.

Make Sure Your Teaching Materials are Available from Anywhere

Back up your personal teaching materials (some of which may be stored on your Ithaca College-issued computer) to online storage such as Microsoft OneDrive, Kaltura media.ithaca.edu for media, or Leganto Couse Readings for all pdfs. Visit the IT Knowledge Base for several articles about Microsoft OneDrive for more information and how to back up your computer files. 

Connect with the Library 

  • Make sure you know your Subject Librarian and how to contact them. Visit the Library Directory for contact information. 
  • Visit the Keep Teaching Libguide for information about support services available that are specific to academic continuity. 
  • Make sure you and your students can log into the Ithaca College Library system from off-campus. 

Connect with Faculty

  • Join the IC Teach Listserve! Supported by the Center for Faculty Excellence, allows the discussion of teaching and learning among Ithaca College faculty and staff. To subscribe, click the link provided and follow the instructions on-screen.