UMass Boston

Laying the Foundation for a Successful Semester

Ensure you and your students have the tools and resources needed to teach and learn remotely:

  • 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.
    • Include resources available, academic and non-academic, such as resources that support student well-being, access to Ross Center Disability Services, etc.

Technology

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

  • Ensure that you can log in to Canvas remotely and access course tools, course content, and the web conferencing solution (Zoom) that facilitates live lecture and discussion. 
  • Practice accessing your course materials from your home remote location using the computer you intend to use to ensure there are no connectivity issues. 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, Canvas, 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
  • Zoom or VoiceThread
  • Pre-recording lectures (Canvas Studio, echo360, VoiceThread, Zoom)

Pedagogy

Review your pedagogical practices:

  • Connect with an Instructional Designer (see options at bottom of this page)
  • 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, Canvas, 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)