We will update this page with new communications throughout the semester.
Table of Contents
Past Updates
MARCH 26, 2020
Syracuse University prides itself on its history of “fearless firsts.” As a member of our faculty, you are part of another fearless first as we continue our academic mission under unprecedented circumstances. Thank you for everything you have done, are doing and will do to ensure your students’ success this semester.
Please continue to visit the Academic Continuity Resources toolkit, which we will update as needed. In addition to our regular communications each Tuesday and Thursday, you also can refer to our archive of previous messages and follow ITS on Instagram and Twitter for updates and tips.
Today’s topics:
- Library resources for online teaching
- Low-tech online teaching
- Announcements on Blackboard
- Web workarounds
- Re-imagining your classroom
Library Resources for Online Teaching
Syracuse University Libraries staff members have compiled this guide to support faculty who wish to incorporate library resources into their online courses. In addition to using this guide, please consult the Rapid Online Course Development Guide for best practices on transitioning a face-to-face course to an online format.
Low-Tech Online Teaching
As previously discussed, webconferences or large files (e.g., videos, long audio files) can pose challenges to people with bandwidth issues. When possible, please consider using features such as discussion boards, group chats, PDFs and other alternatives to synchronous, bandwidth-intensive instruction. The iSchool has provided suggestions for ways to foster online student engagement beyond webconferencing.
Announcements on Blackboard
Are you going to be 15 minutes late to your scheduled Blackboard Collaborate session? Do you need to miss it entirely? Be sure to communicate any changes to your schedule using the Announcements feature within Blackboard. You also can use announcements for assignment/project due dates, changes to your syllabus and correction or clarification of materials.
Web Workarounds
Depending on your students’ circumstances or location, they might encounter issues accessing certain online resources. In these situations, the ITS Service Center might be able to suggest an alternative. For example, if a student cannot access YouTube, the student likely could access video content on Ensemble. Please contact the ITS Service Center if you need to find a technological workaround to support student success.
Re-Imagining Your Classroom
Throughout the remainder of the semester, remember the aphorism that “perfect is the enemy of good.” As you transition your courses, syllabi, lectures and assignments online, don’t be afraid to fail. If you’re not failing, you’re not trying. Try new things, ask your students what is working and revise as needed. When you fail, fail fast. Take advantage of this opportunity to re-imagine your (virtual) classroom.
As always, we invite your feedback as classes progress, including your suggestions for future topics and your success stories. Thank you for all you do for your students and for Syracuse University.
MARCH 24, 2020
We hope this message finds you well. As classes resume online, please review the material available in the Academic Continuity Resources toolkit, which is designed to facilitate your transition to online instruction.
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This is not the semester that anyone envisioned. We realize that everyone’s situation is slightly different in terms of family, resources and more. Even so, please remember that you are not alone—we are all in this together. We look forward to helping you make the best of a challenging situation.
March 12, 2020
To support the transition to online course delivery effective at the end of the academic day on Friday, March 13, we will continue to send regular communications to ensure you have the most up-to-date information related to online teaching and learning. If you haven’t already, please bookmark the Academic Continuity Resources toolkit available at at Syracuse.edu/coronavirus/academic-continuity.
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