Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Got the jitters over academic continuity?

[UPDATE: ETL Instructional Continuity Guide] added to this post 3/19/20

Among fears about weather emergencies and virus pandemics, many faculty are concerned about how to maintain academic continuity (ongoing teaching and learning) through a crisis. If you haven't already got your academic continuity plan worked out, you should know that ETL has you covered!

Tools that support academic continuity (and what you need to know about each) may include:
  • Zoom (web conferencing, face-to-face supporting up to 100 connections)
    There is a handy guide to getting started with Zoom that's best to breeze through NOW as it can't be used effectively unless set up in advance. Note that you must have created the account and logged in at least once through SSO (Single Sign On) before it can be upgraded to a PRO account in advance, which you can do by emailing helpdesk@uah.edu. Don't forget to RECORD and POST your Zoom sessions in Canvas for any who were not able to attend at the time they are held.
  • Screencast-o-Matic (also requires advance orientation and account set up)
    If you haven't already joined the nearly 150 faculty and staff using Screencast-o-Matic, feel free to sign up for our next orientation on Friday, April 17th. They occur the first Friday of each month throughout Fall and Spring semesters, and are offered nearly weekly throughout the summer.
  • Canvas (Learning Management System or LMS; great news—you're already set up there and can access through SSO or Single Sign-On!)
    If you're not already using the Canvas LMS, there's no time like now to get started
Stay tuned for more information in coming days! Check out each technology and their getting started guides on the ETL resources webpage!


Corona Virus alert graphic