We will update this page with new communications throughout the semester.
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We hope this email finds you well. Even though it snowed in Syracuse this week, it’s not too early to think about your summer or fall courses. We have included some information about planning your next steps below (unless, of . Of course, you’re graduating next month). We we realize your spring courses remain your top priority and have included some information about making the most of this semester as well.
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 online learning topics:
- Maymester and summer sessions
- Maximizing your grades
- ITS ‘Behind the Monitor’ on Apple Podcasts
- Reminder: Course feedback window open
Maymester and Summer Sessions
Summer sessions offer a great opportunity to boost your grade point average, eliminate credit deficits and remain on track for graduation. As you might know, Syracuse University has moved all residential courses to online delivery for Maymester (May 11-22), Maymester Flex (May 11-open), Summer I (May 18-June 26), Combined Summer Sessions (May 18-Aug. 7) and Summer II (June 29-Aug. 7). Registration for all sessions and for fall 2020 is open in MySlice. If you plan to take summer courses and haven’t already contacted your academic advisor, please schedule an appointment through Orange SUccess or via email.
Maximizing Your Grades
As you work to finish the semester strong, it’s a good time to review your syllabus. Double-check your due dates, announcements and class discussion boards to ensure you’re fully up to date. Adding some important deadlines to your calendar can help as a reminder.
ITS ‘Behind the Monitor’ on Apple Podcasts
Do you have trouble deciding when to use Zoom or Microsoft Teams? Could you use some help recognizing phishing emails? These topics and more (does pineapple belong on a pizza?) are covered on the latest episode of ‘Behind the Monitor,’ the new podcast from ITS. Listen on Apple Podcasts.
Reminder: Course Feedback Window Open
An important part of the academic experience is providing feedback on courses you’ve taken. This opportunity allows you to think about your progress in the course, helps your instructors know what worked and informs future course offerings. You can provide feedback for semester-long courses until April 29. Check your inbox for notifications about how to access feedback forms. Your responses are confidential, and results are released after grades are due. We appreciate your time and effort.
As always, you can contact the ITS Service Center for technology-related questions. Please also continue to visit Syracuse.edu/coronavirus for the latest news, updates and guidance.
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- Alternatives to traditional final exams
- Tips for testing in Blackboard
- PlayPosit video training tomorrow
- Blackboard webinars and training on LinkedIn Learning
- ITS ‘Behind the Monitor’ on Apple Podcasts
Alternatives to Traditional Final Exams
As we approach finals week, keep in mind that you do not necessarily need to have a final exam if your students can demonstrate they have met your course outcomes in other ways. Consider these possible ideas for assignments to replace a final exam. You also can ask your students for their suggestions.
Tips for Testing in Blackboard
Instructors considering Blackboard tests for end-of-semester evaluations can find overview information, tutorial videos and links to in-depth documentation on Answers. In addition, LinkedIn Learning has sections on creating tests, as well as deploying and grading them.
PlayPosit Video Training Tomorrow
A new tool available to Syracuse University faculty, staff and students, PlayPosit is an interactive online video tool that allows learners to explore and apply new material at their own pace, increasing long-term retention and learning efficacy compared to standard video. The ITS Online Learning Services team has scheduled an introduction tutorial for Friday, April 24, from noon to 1 p.m. using the following link: https://zoom.us/j/174757621.
During the tutorial, you will learn about PlayPosit’s features and capabilities, including:
- An editing platform that allows instructors to enrich video content with interactions ranging from multiple-choice questions to graded fill-in-the-blanks.
- Immediate, accessible tracking data (both performance- and behavior-based) to effectively remediate concepts, automatically assign grades and address deficiencies.
- A seamless workflow that enables you to sync rosters, create and assign video experiences, and streamline grading.
You can RSVP by emailing Matthew Peters Warne, senior instructional technology analyst for Online Learning Services.
Blackboard Webinars and Training on LinkedIn Learning
Instructors preparing for summer and fall 2020 courses might be interested in a webinar series designed for instructors who are new to Blackboard and Blackboard Collaborate. Topics include Teaching Remotely, Teaching a Face-to-Face Virtual Class, Mobile Content Creation, and Assignments and Assessments. You can register for upcoming events and access links to recordings of past webinars.
You also have access to Blackboard training materials on LinkedIn Learning. In particular, we recommend Blackboard 9.x Essential Training: Instructors, which has well-organized modules on many Blackboard tools. It is helpful both for new users and for returning users looking for targeted refreshers.
ITS ‘Behind the Monitor’ on Apple Podcasts
Do you have trouble deciding when to use Zoom, Blackboard Collaborate or Microsoft Teams? Could you use some help recognizing phishing emails? These topics and more are covered on the latest episode of ‘Behind the Monitor,’ the new podcast from ITS. Listen on Apple Podcasts.
As always, we invite your questions, suggestions and success stories. Thank you for all you do for your students and for Syracuse University.
APRIL 21, 2020
We hope this email finds you healthy and safe. As we near the end of the semester, please remember these positivity and well-being tips provided by the Office of Human Resources. In stressful times, making a conscious effort to stay positive makes a difference.
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ITS accessibility workshops help you understand technology accessibility, put it into practice and support the University’s efforts to create a more accessible, inclusive campus. You can view recordings of past sessions on Answers.
Reminder: Course Feedback Window Open
Learning from our students about their course experiences is an important undertaking. The window for collecting student course feedback is open through April 29. During this time, please remind your students to complete the online course feedback form if one is distributed for your course(s). Be sure to thank those who have already submitted responses. If a feedback mechanism is not currently in place for your courses, consider asking your students to share their perceptions on what parts of the course were most and least helpful to their overall experience. For tips on improving response rates and the quality of course feedback from students, visit the Institutional Effectiveness and Assessment website.
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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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