UMass Boston

The Plan: Laying the Foundation for a Successful Semester

Ensure you and your students have the tools and resources needed:

• A desktop or laptop device with a webcam. Contact your Chair/Dean if you are in need of a computer.
• Reliable internet access.
• Ensure that you have remote access to your teaching resources such as syllabus, readings, and other course materials. 
• Update ClassNotes in WISER - your students will use this to learn more about the modality and technology used in the course
  • Determine your teaching method: synchronous or asynchronous or a combination of both
  • Determine your method of communication
• Update your Syllabus with important information that students should know.
  • Resources available - Academic and Non-Academic. Include services that support student well-being, access to Ross Center Disability Services, etc.
• Ensure that you can log in to Blackboard remotely and access course tools, course content, and the video conferencing solution (Collaborate and/or Zoom) that facilitates live lecture and discussion. 
  • Complete the Course Readiness Checklist
• Ensure that you have a license for Zoom Pro, if not, send an email to IT-ClassTech@umb.edu
• Practice accessing your course materials from your ‘home’ remote location using the computer you intend to use to ensure there are no connectivity issues. Now is a good time to assess if any upgrades are needed. If you are concerned about your existing computer hardware, please contact your Chair/Dean.

Communication

• Get a listing of all your students and their email addresses
• Decide on the method you will use (email, Blackboard, Zoom, VoiceThread, etc.)
• Communicate with your students early and at regular intervals

Teaching Modalities - Get familiar with the options available

• Synchronous vs Asynchronous or a blend of both
• Blackboard Collaborate, Zoom or VoiceThread
• Pre-recording lectures (echo360, VoiceThread, Zoom)

Pedagogy

Review your pedagogical practices:

• Connect with an Instructional Designer: email learningdesign@umb.edu | Book a Consult | Attend a Drop-In Session
• Choose teaching strategies
• Seek opportunities for constructive and collaborative dialogue with your colleagues and departmental leadership about your plans for ensuring continuity of teaching and learning

Engagement

Ensure you can connect with your students (WISER, Email, Blackboard, Zoom):

• Most importantly, communicate with your students to inform them of changes and to share expectations (e.g. how frequently you will be available outside of regular class hours and office hours) 

Technology

Review and practice using various tools/technologies to meet your pedagogical needs:

• Practice accessing your course materials from your ‘home’ remote location using the computer you intend to use to ensure there are no connectivity issues. Now is a good time to assess if any upgrades are needed. If you are concerned about your existing computer hardware please contact ITS Technology Support 
• Consider setting up your VoiceThread, Echo360 accounts to record your lecture
• Ensure that you can have a license to Zoom (if not, request a license through IT-ClassTech@umb.edu)