Remote Instruction Best Practices

  • Windows Virtual Desktop

    You can now access many lab applications on your own computer or mobile device using our Windows Virtual Desktop. Applications available include ArcGIS, Atlas.ti, Chemdraw, Eviews, SPSS, and STATA. It also includes the desktop versions of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Contents: Getting Started The Windows Virtual Desktop can be accessed from just about any device including Windows, Mac, Chromebooks, iOS and Android devices. There are 2 ways to access it: If you use the client application you can access files on your hard drive and you will also have the ability to print to printers configured on your device. These features are not available from the web version. For…

  • Making Zoom Work for You

    In this post I want to take it a step further and talk about how to make the most of your synchronous time with your students in zoom. If you are new to Zoom and looking for zoom basics, guidance on creating meetings, navigating the interface, using Zoom with Moodle, or securing your room from Zoombombers we have other posts for those. Contents: Establishing norms and expectations for discussionsUsing the Chat featureStudent video – on or off?Managing multiple windows and what your students seePolling and Breakout RoomsMore resources Establishing norms for online discussions: One of the most important things you can do right at the start of the semester is…

  • RIT Design Studio Workshops

    All faculty are welcome to attend a series of training workshops in July 2020 by Research, Instruction, Technology staff that are being offered in conjunction with the CTL Design Studio series with Flower Darby. Each workshop is designed to last roughly 30-40 minutes, with time for questions at the end. All of the workshops are being recorded so feel free to explore workshops you are not able to attend. July 6 – 10 – Foundations of Online Teaching Moodle Basics 1 – Tuesday, July 7, 2 pm: For faculty that have never used Moodle, this workshop will show you how to access your site, design the course structure, upload resources for students, and…

  • Designing an Accessible Online Course

    This module discusses the importance of accessibility and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and provides tips and resources for making your course accessible to all students. Why is accessibility important? Good course design builds in accessibility from the beginning. Course materials and tools are accessible if they can be used as effectively by people with disabilities as by those without (Jim Thacher). Accessibility falls under the rubric of Universal Design for Learning. UDL aims to change the design of the environment rather than to change the learner. “Universal design for learning (UDL) is curriculum that emphasizes the need for flexibility and encourages faculty to consider a framework for designing courses that provide…

  • Course Environment, Expectations, and Management

    A key step to student success in online course is creating a welcoming, consistent environment in which students feel comfortable and can focus on the course content. Overview:     •    Set clear, concise expectations for behavior and participation    •    Minimize the number of platforms students need to access    •    Provide weekly lists of readings, assignments, and other activities before each week begins    •    Provide contact and support information for students Situating Students Create a welcome video for your students to encourage a sense of connection Organize your course to minimize the number of places students need to look for information and submit their work. (E.g., don’t email some announcements, post others to Moodle,…