We will update this page with new communications throughout the semester.

Past Updates

MAY 12, 2020

Whether you are teaching a summer course or preparing for the fall semester (or both), we will continue to provide updates and tips to help you create the best learning opportunities possible. Please continue to visit the Academic Continuity Resources toolkit, which we will update as needed. In addition to our regular communications, you also can refer to our archive of previous messages and follow ITS on Instagram and Twitter.

Today’s topics:

• Spotlight: Blackboard Collaborate Ultra
• Teaching writing-intensive courses online
• Developing online course material
• Reminder: Register for SITETL 2020
• LinkedIn Learning available to all faculty

Spotlight: Blackboard Collaborate Ultra

Blackboard Collaborate Ultra is a real-time video conferencing tool that lets you add files, share applications and use a virtual whiteboard to interact with your students. Take a deep dive into making the most of Blackboard Collaborate Ultra in your courses.

Teaching Writing-Intensive Courses Online

One way to approach a writing-intensive course online is to focus on the writing process (as opposed to finished products) by assigning multiple drafts and peer editing exercises for each paper. You can do this by assigning students to editing groups from the beginning of the course and grading the process of writing along the way. Learn more about engaging students in the process of creating and editing academic writing.

Developing Online Course Material

Faculty who are preparing to teach a summer course online are encouraged to utilize the online Academic Continuity Resources. Instructional design support and faculty coaching also are available. If you would like a consultation or coaching, contact the faculty support team at help@syr.edu. This team includes representatives from the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, the Center for Online and Digital Learning, and Information Technology Services. The most appropriate support personnel will respond based on your specific question(s).

Self-service resources available include:

• A new checklist from the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence. Guided by the goal of long-term retention, the checklist includes course objectives, assessments, assignments and weekly modules to maximize online learning during the condensed summer semester.
• A Blackboard summer course template from the Center for Online and Digital Learning and the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence. Applying the template to your course will save you time and energy. Please follow these instructions to search for the “Summer 2020 Example Course Template” Blackboard Organization and enroll. Once inside, you’ll see announcements with more information and instructions on how to apply it to your course.
• Scaffolding tips to help you build your assignments. This method also works well for courses as a whole.
• Ideas for creating a sense of community in the online classroom. 

Reminder: Register for SITETL 2020

The Summer Institute for Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning (SITETL) is moving online this year and is open to all Syracuse University faculty members, instructors and teaching graduate students. The event will take place on Wednesday, May 20, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. SITETL will consist of two sessions: one general session in the morning for all participants and an afternoon session with four tracks focused on different topics. If you have any questions, please contact Michael Morrison at memorr02@syr.edu.

LinkedIn Learning Available to All Faculty

Are you looking for some professional development opportunities this summer? LinkedIn Learning provides access to thousands of high-quality, on-demand courses. You can log into linkedinlearning.syr.edu with your NetID and password. More information, including a full user’s guide, can be found on the LinkedIn Learning at Syracuse University home page.

As always, we invite your questions, suggestions and success stories. Thank you for all you do for your students and for Syracuse University.

Go Orange!

MAY 7, 2020

As the spring semester draws to a close, we will continue to provide information for faculty with summer courses, as well as for instructors considering how to incorporate technology into their fall semester planning. Our goal is to help you leverage technology and best teaching practices to strengthen your courses and your research.

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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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