Academic Continuity Resource Updates for Faculty (Archive)

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


Past Updates

JANUARY 7, 2021

With the Spring 2021 semester set to begin on Monday, Feb. 8, we are here to help you refine your approach to your courses from the first day of classes to your final assessments. We also want to hear from you: What went well for you last semester? In what areas would you like to improve this spring? Your feedback will inform future editions of the “Teaching Tips” email series.

For any questions you might have as you plan your semester, you can contact the faculty support team by emailing help@syr.edu or by calling 315.443.2677. The faculty support team features experts from the Center for Online and Digital Learning, the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, and ITS. 

Classroom Technology Guide

Do you remember how to share your screen on Zoom? Do you need a refresher on using a document camera? The Classroom Technology Guide covers a range of topics for Registrar classrooms, including how to start the classroom audiovisual system, how to activate the web conferencing tool and more. To learn about technology available in a specific classroom, you can consult the Classroom Resource Guide.

Learning Opportunity: ‘Teaching Tips and Strategies Based on ‘Small Teaching Online: Applying Learning Science in Online Classes”

You are invited to attend ‘Teaching Tips and Strategies Based on ‘Small Teaching Online: Applying Learning Science in Online Classes,” a Zoom-based learning opportunity. During the session, you will explore research-based strategies for teaching online in the company of your peers. Two times are available:

  • Wednesday, Jan. 20, 1-4:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, Jan. 21, 8:30 a.m.-noon

You can register online to reserve your spot.

Spotlight: Answers, Syracuse University’s Knowledge Hub

Available to all faculty, students and staff, Answers is a searchable knowledge base of teaching and technical information. The website’s content focuses on Syracuse University systems and technical services, including solutions to common problems, how-to instructions, FAQ and more. A first step is to search for “Online Success Toolkit,” which connects you with many resources to strengthen online teaching and learning.

Course Transition Services

All instructors teaching this spring are highly encouraged to use the University’s suite of Course Transition Services. Regardless of the modality (or modalities) in which you will teach, we can help you plan for a successful spring semester. Complete the brief Course Transition Assistance Form to get started.

Thank you for reading.

JANUARY 5, 2021

Happy New Year! The “Teaching Tips” team is excited to help you thrive as a teacher in 2021. Each Tuesday and Thursday, we will send you timely updates and helpful tips to support online teaching and learning.

As you likely know, Syracuse University will begin the Spring 2021 semester and residential instruction on Monday, Feb. 8, and conclude on Friday, May 21. Check the academic calendarfor important dates and deadlines to help you plan your semester. 

Course Transition Services 

All instructors teaching this spring are highly encouraged to use the University’s suite of Spring Course Transition Services. Regardless of the modality in which you will teach, we can help you plan for a successful spring semester. Complete the brief Course Transition Assistance Form to get started.

Support for Instructors

The University’s IT community is ready to help with any technology-related issues you might have. In addition to your school or college support staff, ITS offers support ranging from self-service on Answers to full-service assistance from our Help Desk, Online Learning Services, and Learning Environments and Media Production teams. Learn more about available resources.

For any teaching questions you might have as you plan for the upcoming semester (or teach during Winterlude), you can contact the faculty support team by emailing help@syr.edu or by calling 315.443.2677. The faculty support team features experts from the Center for Online and Digital Learning, the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, and ITS. 

Zoom Live Captioning

Zoom has rolled out an automatic live captioning feature called Live Transcript. This new feature provides real-time captions that users can choose to view as subtitles or as a sidebar. Meeting hosts also can give users the option of downloading the transcript. Live Transcript is not enabled by default. You can enable it by following the instructions on the Zoom Live Transcript page in Answers. Also, please remember that automated live captions might not meet University requirements for Communication Access Real-Time Translation (CART) services. More information is available on the Guidelines for CART and ASL Interpreting page.

Reminder: Ensemble Video

ITS will decommission Ensemble Video Service later this academic year. Prior to Monday, Jan. 25, 2021, Ensemble users must choose one of the following options to retain access to existing content:

  • Manually upload original media files to Kaltura
  • Prepare existing Ensemble media for bulk transfer
  • Manually download Ensemble media and upload to Kaltura

We encourage Ensemble users to follow the steps provided on our Transferring Ensemble Media to Kaltura Answers resource. You also can find instructions to manually upload media to Kaltura on the Kaltura MediaSpace and Kaltura in Blackboardpages.

In Case You Missed It

On a recent episode of “Behind the Monitor,” the ITS podcast, we spoke with Ellyn Riley, associate professor of communication sciences and disorders in the College of Arts and Sciences, about how she has enhanced her teaching with PlayPosit. An interactive online video tool, PlayPosit allows learners to explore new material at their own pace, increasing long-term retention and learning efficacy over standard video. Check out the podcast.

Thank you—and go Orange!

DECEMBER 15, 2020

Thank you for reading “Teaching Tips”! This will be our final email for 2020. We have all come a long way since this email series began nine months ago. We thank you for your efforts and determination to reach this point and hope your teaching has been strengthened by the ideas and information we have shared.

We will return to your inbox on Jan. 5, 2021. In the meantime, we hope you are able to enjoy some rest, to devote time to some recovery and to find some relaxation.

Ensemble Video

ITS will decommission Ensemble Video Service later this academic year. Prior to Monday, Jan. 25, 2021, Ensemble users must choose one of the following options to retain access to existing content:

  • Manually upload original media files to Kaltura
  • Prepare existing Ensemble media for bulk transfer
  • Manually download Ensemble media and upload to Kaltura

We encourage Ensemble users to follow the steps provided on our Transferring Ensemble Media to Kaltura Answers resource. You also can find instructions to manually upload media to Kaltura on the Kaltura MediaSpace and Kaltura in Blackboardpages.

If you are an Ensemble user, you will receive further communication from ITS about Ensemble later this week.

Extended Reality

On this week’s episode of “Behind the Monitor,” the official podcast from ITS, we talk with Online Learning Services instructional analyst Jason Webb about the growth of extended reality at Syracuse University. Extended reality is an umbrella term that encompasses three main subcategories: virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality. Webb describes several unique projects undertaken by professors in schools across campus, including the School of Architecture, the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Listen on Apple Podcasts.

Faculty Support

For any questions you might have as you plan for next semester (or teach over Winterlude), you can visit the Online Success Toolkit. You also can contact the faculty support team, comprising ITS, the Center for Online and Digital Learning (CODL), and the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE), by emailing help@syr.edu or calling 315.443.2677. Please note the following regarding availability over winter break: 

  • During winter break, you can contact the ITS Help Desk by emailing help@syr.edu, calling 315.443.2677 or chatting on Answers.syr.edu. Learn about ITS Help Desk winter break support hours. The ITS Help Desk will resume regular business hours on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021.
  • CTLE and CODL will continue to be available during regular business hours until Orange Appreciation Days. CTLE and CODL will resume normal business hours Monday, Jan. 4, 2021.

In Case You Missed It

Here are some helpful links we shared in recent messages:

Thank you—and see you in 2021!

DECEMBER 8, 2020 

Congratulations on wrapping up the fall semester! Orange instructors have shown remarkable dedication to their students and their work this fall. For any tech-related questions you have as you complete your final fall checklist or plan for next semester, you can visit the Online Success Toolkit or contact the ITS Help Desk at help@syr.edu or 315.443.2677.

Submitting Grades

Final grades are due Monday, Dec. 21. You can access online grade rosters via MySlice 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Learn more about submitting grades online, including how to upload grades from Blackboard.

EvaluationKIT

EvaluationKIT is Syracuse University’s new online system for collecting course feedback from students. The platform launched for courses in all locations and delivery formats this summer. You can register for EvaluationKIT training taking place next week.

Spring Semester Planning

As you focus more energy on planning for the spring semester, please remember the following:

  • All instructors teaching this spring are highly encouraged to use the University’s suite of Spring Course Transition Services. Regardless of the modality in which you will teach, we can help you plan for a successful spring semester. Complete the brief Course Transition Assistance Form to get started.
  • Teaching is a process of continuous improvement. Contact the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) to discuss how you can enhance your spring courses with lessons learned this semester. You also can encourage your chair, program director, school or college to invite the CTLE for a workshop or course redesign day.
  • If engaging students proved challenging this semester, you’re not alone. Instructors across the University and higher education in general struggled to connect with their students. Review these tips and techniques for infusing student engagement into your spring courses.

Thank you—and go Orange!

DECEMBER 1, 2020

We hope you enjoyed a safe, restorative Thanksgiving break. As you complete the semester online, be sure to bookmark the Online Success Toolkit if you haven’t already done so. The toolkit features course design support, training opportunities and helpful links. The toolkit also features tips for safe computing, which are especially helpful given recent phishing attempts.

Two-Factor Authentication

If you plan to access your Microsoft Office 365 account or applications away from campus, it’s a good idea to configure your two-factor authentication at msmfa.syr.edu. Two-factor authentication is an added verification step that helps to prevent the unauthorized use of University NetIDs and passwords. Learn more about Microsoft Office 365 two-factor authentication.

PlayPosit

On the latest episode of “Behind the Monitor,” the ITS podcast, we talk to Ellyn Riley, associate professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders in the College of Arts and Sciences, about how she has enhanced her teaching with PlayPosit. This interactive online video tool allows learners to explore new material at their own pace, increasing long-term retention and learning efficacy over standard video. Check out the podcast.

Course Feedback

The window for collecting student course feedback this semester closes tomorrow, Dec. 2. Please remind your students to take a moment to provide their feedback. The University’s new course feedback platform, EvaluationKIT, allows you to monitor your response rate and to access your results. Learn more here about EvaluationKIT and how you can improve student response rates and feedback quality. If you have any questions, please email coursefeedback@syr.edu. You also are welcome to consult with the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence on interpreting the feedback you receive in a private, one-on-one Zoom session.

Reminder: Spring Course Transition Services

Spring courses are now available for instructors in Blackboard. All instructors teaching this spring are highly encouraged to use the University’s suite of Spring Course Transition Services. Regardless of the modality in which you will teach, we can help you plan for a successful spring semester. Complete the brief Course Transition Assistance Form to get started. When you fill out the form, you can request assistance with building your course and decide whether to use the University’s Blackboard template.

ITS Support Hours

If you have a technology-related question or problem, you can call the ITS Service Center at 315.443.2677. If you call after hours, you will have the option to leave a message with support staff. You also are welcome to email help@syr.edu at any time.

Thank you—and go Orange!

NOVEMBER 24, 2020

As we head into the Thanksgiving break, thank you again for everything you have done to make this semester a success for our students and for the University. Thank you also for reading our “Teaching Tips” emails. Please feel free to suggest topics for future communications by sending an email to help@syr.edu.

Course Feedback Window Open Through Dec. 2

The window for collecting student course feedback this semester is open through Dec. 2. Please remind your students to take a moment to provide their feedback. The University’s new course feedback platform, EvaluationKIT, allows you to monitor your response rate and to access your results. Learn more here about EvaluationKIT and how you can improve student response rates and feedback quality. If you have any questions, please email coursefeedback@syr.edu. You also are welcome to consult with the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence on interpreting the feedback you receive in a private, one-on-one Zoom session.

Teaching and Testing Remotely

As mentioned in previous communications, please keep in mind that you do not necessarily need to have a traditional final exam if your students can demonstrate they have met your course outcomes in other ways. In addition to accessibility and academic integrity concerns, it is important to remember that students’ technology environments at home might differ from their campus technology environments. Consider these ideas for assessments to replace a traditional final exam. If you haven’t already done so, please also review these tips for teaching and working remotely, including remote desktop solutions.

Phishing Alert

It’s essential to protect yourself against phishing attempts and other cybersecurity threats, including those disguised as unexpected job offers or reminders to reset your NetID password. Be wary of any email that asks you to provide personal information or “click here now” to avoid getting locked out of your account. Regardless of the bait, these emails are designed to get you to provide personal information, including information that could enable an attacker to access your bank account. If you receive a suspicious email, please forward it to itsecurity@syr.edu.

Reminder: Spring Course Transition Services

Spring courses are now available for instructors in Blackboard. All instructors teaching this spring are highly encouraged to use the University’s suite of Spring Course Transition Services. Regardless of the modality in which you will teach, we can help you plan for a successful spring semester. Complete the brief Course Transition Assistance Form to get started. When you fill out the form, you can request assistance with building your course and decide whether to use the University’s Blackboard template.

ITS Support Hours

If you have a technology-related question or problem, you can call the ITS Service Center at 315.443.2677. If you call after hours, you will have the option to leave a message with support staff. You also are welcome to email help@syr.edu at any time.

For more information on how to make the best use of technology, be sure to bookmark the Online Success Toolkit. You also can follow ITS on Instagram and listen to “ITS Behind the Monitor” on Apple Podcasts.

We wish you a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

NOVEMBER 19, 2020

Spring Courses Available in Blackboard

First and foremost, thank you. We know this semester has been challenging in many ways for everyone. Thank you for the time, energy and care you devote to your students and your work. As you put the finishing touches on this semester (and, in many cases, quickly pivot to your Winterlude courses), the faculty support team is here to answer your questions about teaching and technology. You can contact us at help@syr.edu.

Looking ahead, we wanted to let you know that spring courses are now available for instructors in Blackboard. Student enrollments will be added at the end of December—four weeks ahead of the start of classes.

As a reminder, all instructors teaching this spring are highly encouraged to use the University’s suite of Spring Course Transition Services. Regardless of the modality in which you will teach, we can help you plan for a successful spring semester. Complete the brief Course Transition Assistance Form to get started. When you fill out the form, you can request assistance with building your course and decide whether to use the University’s Blackboard template.

For more information on how to make the best use of technology, be sure to visit the Online Success Toolkit, which features remote teaching and working resources, helpful links and login locations. If you have tech-related questions, you can contact the ITS Help Desk at 315.443.2677 or help@syr.edu. You also can follow ITS on Instagram and listen to “ITS Behind the Monitor” on Apple Podcasts.

Thank you for all you do for your students and for Syracuse University.

NOVEMBER 17, 2020

End-of-Semester Assessments and Final Grades

We hope your transition to online instruction is going smoothly. Comprising experts from the Center for Online and Digital Learning, the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, and Information Technology Services, the faculty support team (help@syr.edu) is here to help you finish the semester strong. In particular, consider these tips for end-of-semester assessments and submitting final grades:

Alternatives to Traditional Finals—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 assessments to replace a final exam.

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. Online Learning Services has created a video for creating and deploying tests in Blackboard at Syracuse University. You also can share these tips for completing a Blackboard test with your students.

Implementing Accommodations to Ensure Accessibility—The Center for Disability Resources (CDR) has shared somebrief user guides and general resources about implementing accommodations. Topics include extending times for exams in Blackboard, creating accessible PDFs and more. CDR also has answered some frequently asked questions to help you support students with accommodations.

Submitting Final Grades—Final grades are due Dec. 21. You can access online grade rosters via MySlice 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Learn more about submitting grades online.

Reminder: Spring Course Transition Services

All instructors teaching this spring are highly encouraged to use the University’s suite of Spring Course Transition Services. Regardless of the modality in which you will teach, we can help you plan for a successful spring semester. Complete the briefCourse Transition Assistance Form to get started.

For more information on how to make the best use of technology, be sure to visit the Online Success Toolkit, which features remote teaching and working resources, helpful links and login locations. If you have tech-related questions, you can contact the ITS Help Desk at 315.443.2677 or help@syr.edu.You also can follow ITS on Instagram and listen to “ITS Behind the Monitor” on Apple Podcasts.

Thank you for all you do for your students and for Syracuse University.

NOVEMBER 12, 2020

Tips for Pivoting to Online Instructions

As announced yesterday, Syracuse University will shift to online instruction for the remainder of the semester effective today. Although we’re transitioning to remote teaching and learning sooner than we planned, we can still finish the semester well. We’ve provided some tips to help you think, plan and pivot. Some ideas:

  • Remind learners to start their semester-end projects if they haven’t already.
  • Review your course outcomes. Have students produced work that demonstrates meeting those outcomes? If so, do you require a final exam? Could learners work on a small project to help them cement their learning in your course? Could you ask learners to apply course concepts to a real-life challenge?
  • Remind learners to remain in contact with you as they transition to remote learning. Establish a single method of communication. (A Blackboard announcement is a great choice.) Set some expectations. For example, “I’ll answer emails regularly, but not after 5 p.m. on weekdays and rarely on weekends.”
  • Think about your class time as a way for learners to connect with you and with each other. As everyone transitions to remote teaching and learning, build some time for connection into your plans if possible.
  • If you haven’t yet, consider suggesting that students form study pairs or groups to confirm deadlines, compare notes and share course navigation tips and tricks.

We will continue to provide tips and reminders to ensure you have the most up-to-date information related to online teaching and learning. If you haven’t already, please bookmark the Online Success Toolkit on Answers (and suggest that your students do the same). The “Working, Teaching and Learning Remotely” page includes tips to help you get your technology ready, as well as information about web conferencing tools, remote access options, file sharing solutions and more. You can discuss any hardware or software needs with your school or college IT support personnel. Please also remember that the ITS Service Center is available by email (help@syr.edu) or phone (315.443.2677) to address any tech-related challenges you or your students might experience.

Reminder: Spring Course Transition Services

All instructors teaching this spring are highly encouraged to use the University’s suite of Spring Course Transition Services offered by the Center for Online and Digital Learning, Information Technology Services, and the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence. Regardless of the modality in which you will teach, we can help you plan for a successful spring semester. Complete the brief Course Transition Assistance Form to get started.

NOVEMBER 5, 2020

We've Got Answers

We all have questions when it comes to technology. Luckily, we also have answers—Answers.syr.edu, that is.

Available to all Syracuse University faculty, students and staff, Answers features technical information focused on University systems and services, including solutions to common problems, how-to instructions, FAQ and more. To start exploring, you can visit the ITS Support home page. The Online Success Toolkit is a helpful resource designed to support online teaching, learning and working. Other popular pages include Accounts and NetIDsMySlice and Blackboard.

Many schools and colleges, as well as individual departments, maintain information related to resources and support provided specifically for their faculty, staff and students. You can find contact information and operating hours for IT personnel in each school and college on the academic IT department contact page.

Answers also includes information beyond technical know-how. For example, faculty and staff can use the Caregiving Exchange Board to share caregiving resources and connect with colleagues who have similar needs and might be willing to share collaborative arrangements.

We encourage Answers users to log in with their NetID and password to ensure they can access any restricted content (based on their permissions). If you are having trouble finding information from a particular school or department, please note that not all departments on campus have information in Answers. 

While Answers is a great self-service option, the faculty support team also is here to help. Whether you have questions about teaching, technology or other related topics, you can send them to help@syr.edu.

Reminder: Spring Course Transition Services

All instructors teaching this spring are highly encouraged to use the University’s suite of Spring Course Transition Services offered by the Center for Online and Digital Learning, Information Technology Services, and the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence. Regardless of the modality in which you will teach, we can help you plan for a successful spring semester. Complete the brief Course Transition Assistance Form to get started.

NOVEMBER 3, 2020

Helping Students Cope

Election Day is upon us, bringing additional stress and uncertainty to an already challenging semester. To help you help your students, Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence Director Martha Diede has provided some helpful information about trauma-informed teaching practices.

“Many of us continue to experience anxiety due to the uncertainty of the coming months,” writes Diede. “Neither you nor your students is sure what happens next. … So responding to ourselves and our students using trauma-informed teaching and learning practices can help.”

Given the widespread nature and possibility of trauma, incorporating trauma-informed practices in teaching can help to encourage student learning and increase resilience. Trauma-informed teaching and learning relies on five principles:

  • Safety
  • Choice
  • Collaboration
  • Trustworthiness
  • Empowerment

Read Diede’s post about trauma-informed teaching practices on the Online Success Toolkit for more information.

Whether you have questions about teaching, technology or other related topics, the faculty support team is here for you. You can send your questions to help@syr.edu.

Reminder: Spring Course Transition Services

All instructors teaching this spring are highly encouraged to use the University’s suite of Spring Course Transition Services offered by the Center for Online and Digital Learning, Information Technology Services, and the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence. Regardless of the modality in which you will teach, we can help you plan for a successful spring semester. Complete the brief Course Transition Assistance Form to get started.

OCTOBER 29, 2020

Tips for Finishing the Semester Strong

To support the transition to online instruction effective at the end of the academic day on Tuesday, Nov. 24, we will continue to provide helpful tips and reminders to ensure you have the most up-to-date information related to online teaching and learning. If you haven’t already, please bookmark the Online Success Toolkit on Answers.

As you might remember, the Online Success Toolkit includes a guide to working, teaching and learning remotely. This resource provides a checklist of items necessary to teach or work remotely, as well as an overview of remote access solutions, web conferencing tools, file sharing options and more. Please review the checklist as soon as possible and discuss any hardware or software needs with your school or college IT support personnel.

Some other tips:

  • Communicating with your students—If you haven’t done so already, please let your students know what they can expect in terms of coursework, web conferencing and online office hours after Thanksgiving break. Communication is essential to student success.
  • 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 Kaltura. Please contact the ITS Service Center at help@syr.edu or 315.443.2677 if you need to find a technological workaround to support your students.
  • Answers: Syracuse University’s knowledge hub—Available to all faculty, students and staff, Answers is a knowledge base of teaching and technical information. The website’s content focuses on Syracuse University systems and technical services, including solutions to common problems, how-to instructions, FAQ and more. A first step is to search for “Online Success Toolkit.” As mentioned above, links on the toolkit will connect you with many resources for you and your students.
  • Academic integrity—Transitioning a face-to-face course to an online environment is challenging, especially when exams and quizzes are involved. Tests designed for traditional classrooms might not work well online, particularly when it comes to academic integrity. Given these differences, you might consider changing your course assessment instruments.

Whether you have questions about technology, assessments or any other teaching-related topics, the faculty support team is here for you. You can send your questions to help@syr.edu.

Reminder: Spring Course Transition Services

All instructors teaching this spring are highly encouraged to use the University’s suite of Spring Course Transition Services offered by the Center for Online and Digital Learning, Information Technology Services, and the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence. Regardless of the modality in which you will teach, we can help you plan for a successful spring semester. Complete the brief Course Transition Assistance Form to get started.

OCTOBER 27, 2020

Getting a Head Start on Spring

As the fall semester nears the end of residential instruction, we already have heard from instructors who are looking for ideas on how to plan for next semester. With that in mind, here are tips for getting a head start on spring.

Once you know what you’re teaching and the mode you’ll use, it’s important to keep in mind that you’ll need to be able to accommodate any students who are quarantined. Even in-person classes will need to be able to operate in a mixed modality some of the time. Accordingly, all instructors are highly encouraged to use the University’s suite of Spring Course Transition Services. Complete the brief Course Transition Assistance Form to get started.

Another proactive step you can take is to request a “sandbox” course from help@syr.edu (be sure to indicate whether you want to use the spring template). When designing your course, remember that a consistent structure supports student success. Following a course template with full alignment of assignments, assessments and objectives will strengthen student learning and reduce the volume of email you receive. Once spring courses have been populated in Blackboard on Dec. 7, you can request to have your sandbox content moved to your regular Blackboard course—and you’ll already have done much of the heavy lifting.

If you’re teaching courses to international students, keep in mind those courses typically are offered either early in the morning or later in the evening in the Eastern Time Zone to accommodate a 12-hour time difference for synchronous sessions. We have heard about possible limitations of using Zoom for some international students. Blackboard Collaborate is a good option in that situation. Instructors teaching a course with a significant number of international students are strongly encouraged to contact the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence for course design guidance.

Whether you have questions about this semester or next semester, the faculty support team is here for you. You can send your questions to help@syr.edu.

OCTOBER 22, 2020

Receiving and Responding to Mid-Course Feedback

Earlier this semester, Syracuse University offered a systematic way for students to provide mid-course feedback. Students received pop-up announcements on Blackboard with links to provide feedback specific to each course. 

Here is what students saw:

“The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound effects on higher education. Both students and faculty have had to adjust to new modes of instruction and learning. The purpose of this mid-course feedback form is to offer you the opportunity to provide constructive comments about your learning experience to your instructor. The more specific and descriptive your comments are, the more useful they will be to your instructor. 

  • What is working well for you in this course?
  • What, if anything, is not working as well for you in this course? 
  • Do you have any suggestions that would enhance your learning experience in this course?”

Faculty can access the feedback through MySlice under “Faculty Services.” The feedback is visible only to the course instructor. 

In a new post on the Online Success Toolkit, Laurel Willingham-McLain from the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) shares some ideas for instructors receiving mid-course feedback, including:

  • Set aside the comments that don’t provide helpful teaching and learning information. 
  • Divide the negative comments and recommendations into two groups: those where you can make changes and those that are beyond your control or you don’t think are wise to change.
  • Recognize the comments that show you’re reaching students and that they’re learning.
  • Address the perceptions that students have even when you disagree with them.
  • Tell your students what you learned from their feedback.

Although only you can see your mid-course feedback, you don’t have to be isolated. You are welcome to consult with CTLE staff on how to interpret and respond to the feedback you receive in a private, one-on-one Zoom session.

Whether you have questions about technology, assessments or any other teaching-related topics, the faculty support team is here for you. You can send your questions to help@syr.edu.

Reminder: Spring Course Transition Services

All instructors teaching this spring are highly encouraged to use the University’s suite of Spring Course Transition Services offered by the Center for Online and Digital Learning, Information Technology Services, and the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence. Regardless of the modality in which you will teach, we can help you plan for a successful spring semester now. Complete the brief Spring Course Development Form to get started.

OCTOBER 20, 2020

Planning for the End of the Semester

Believe it or not, Thanksgiving break is just five weeks away. The in-person portion of the semester concludes Tuesday, Nov. 24, and students will not return to campus after Thanksgiving break. This semester’s review sessions, reading days and final exams will take place virtually.

It’s a good time to start game-planning for the end of your courses if you haven’t already, including where you will teach and what technology you will have available. The “Working, Teaching and Learning Remotely” page on Answers includes a “Before You Go Remote” section with tips to help you get your technology ready. Some things to consider:

  • Laptop or desktop computer—A working laptop or desktop computer will be required for most routine work or academic functions. Users are highly encouraged to follow safe computing principles available in detail on the “Safe Computing” home page.
  • Microphone and webcam—Many collaboration and remote meeting tools require the use of a microphone and have the option of using a webcam. Many, but not all, personal computers have a built-in microphone and webcam. Users with computers that do not have them, or who are simply looking for an improved experience, might consider external solutions such as USB microphones and webcams. 
  • Internet access—Whether you are on or off campus, an internet connection is required to access web-based applications and resources, as well as for remote access through a virtual private network or a remote desktop solution.

In order to be as prepared as possible, please test your resources before they are needed. If you need help, you can contact the ITS Help Desk at 315.443.2677 or at help@syr.edu.

As you plan your finals, please also keep in mind that you do not necessarily need to have a traditional final exam if your students can demonstrate they have met your course outcomes in other ways. Consider these ideas for assessments to replace a final exam from Martha Diede of the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence.

Whether you have questions about technology, assessments or any other teaching-related topics, the faculty support team is here for you. You can send your questions to help@syr.edu.

Reminder: Spring Course Transition Services

All instructors teaching this spring are highly encouraged to use the University’s suite of Spring Course Transition Services offered by the Center for Online and Digital Learning, Information Technology Services, and the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence. Regardless of the modality in which you will teach, we can help you plan for a successful spring semester now. Complete the brief Spring Course Development Form to get started.

OCTOBER 15, 2020

Resources to Support Instructors

Whether you need help preparing for the spring, engaging your students online or conducting research, the faculty support team is here for you. We summarize a selection of available resources below. 

Spring Course Transition Services

All instructors teaching this spring are highly encouraged to use the University’s suite of Spring Course Transition Services offered by the Center for Online and Digital Learning, Information Technology Services and the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence. Regardless of the modality in which you will teach, we can help you plan for a successful spring semester now. Complete the brief Spring Course Development Form to get started.

Online Success Toolkit

The Online Success Toolkit is a one-stop shop to support online teaching and learning. Available materials for faculty include course preparation guides, resources for supporting students and information regarding upcoming training and consultation opportunities. We continue to update the toolkit with new resources and information, including tips for a mid-semester refresh.

Research Computing Support

Do you need more computing power to move your academic work forward? Attend the Research Computing Series&nb