We will update this page with new communications throughout the semester.
Table of Contents
Past Updates
MAY 26, 2020
Last week, Syracuse University announced plans to follow an accelerated academic calendar during the Fall 2020 semester. As you work to incorporate online learning into your teaching plans, please remember that instructional design support and faculty coaching are available. If you would like a consultation or coaching, contact the faculty support team athelp@syr.edu. This team includes representatives from the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, the Center for Online and Digital Learning, and the Online Learning Services team within Information Technology Services. The most appropriate support personnel will respond based on your specific question(s).
Today’s topics:
- Course design in Blackboard
- How to build a course scaffold
- Compassion fatigue
Course Design in Blackboard
Do you know the difference between items and files in Blackboard? Have you customized your course’s menu and website? As you evaluate how to strengthen your online teaching capabilities, here are some tips and tricks to enhance your Blackboard courses.
How to Build a Course Scaffold
“Scaffolding” refers to supports provided by an instructor and adjusted to a learner’s current level of ability to help the learner develop a particular skill. There is a rich scientific literature on instructional scaffolding, both in person and online. We have provided some examples of useful strategies to get you started.
Compassion Fatigue
Remember: You have to take care of yourself in order to support your students. As you support your students during trying times, you might experience compassion fatigue. Learn how self-care can help.
Please continue to visit the Academic Continuity Resources toolkit, which we will update as needed throughout the summer. 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.
Thank you for all you do for your students and for Syracuse University. Go Orange!
MAY 21, 2020
Thank you to everyone who joined us on Zoom for the 2020 Summer Institute for Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning yesterday. More than 200 faculty members from across campus took advantage of the opportunity to learn how to incorporate technology in their teaching. Just as important, attendees shared their experiences, discussed challenges and suggested solutions. We are proud to serve such a dedicated and talented community of educators.
...
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.
...