We will update this page with new communications throughout the semester.
Table of Contents
Past Updates
MARCH 31, 2020
We hope you are settling into the online learning environment. If you haven’t already, please check in with your students regarding what is working for them and what is not. As mentioned last week, perfect is the enemy of good—but even a small improvement can make a big difference.
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:
- Preventing “Zoombombing”
- Academic freedom and remote teaching
- LinkedIn Learning
- Tips and tricks to manage the online transition
Preventing “Zoombombing”
While ITS recommends Blackboard Collaborate as the primary platform for synchronous classes and meetings, there also might be times when you use Zoom. Since there has been a large increase in Zoom meetings, internet trolls have been “Zoombombing” public meetings by sharing their screen and playing disturbing content. In an effort to combat this, the University of Southern California and Zoom have each posted tips for preventing Zoombombing.
Academic Freedom and Remote Teaching
The Chronicle of Higher Education recently posted an article about how professors are dealing with the possibility that their recorded lectures, videos and other course material could become fodder for groups like Turning Point and Campus Reform. According to one lecturer in history and politics at Acadia University, “Faculty are alarmed because they are paying attention.”
LinkedIn Learning
Are you looking to develop a new skill or take up a new hobby? Syracuse University faculty have free access to thousands of videos and courses at linkedinlearning.syr.edu.
Tips and Tricks to Manage the Online Transition
We are all experiencing uncertain times that can lead to stress, worry and discomfort. As you transition to the online classroom, we will share tips to stay healthy and successful. Today’s tip: time management. Create and maintain a daily schedule that resembles as much of your on-campus academic schedule as possible. Your hours can change as needed each day depending on time zones, course meeting times or workload.
As always, we invite your suggestions for future topics and your success stories. Thank you for all you do for your students and for Syracuse University.
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.
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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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