December 22, 2021
This message is distributed to All-Instructors, Academic-Assistant-Deans, and Academic-Department-Managers. (Click here to view description of distribution groups.)
The following is being sent on behalf of the Instructional Support Team
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Dear Colleagues,
We recognize that the short period of remote instruction at the beginning of Winter quarter is unexpected and recognize the enormous amount of time and effort you put into Fall term. Thank you for your investment in UCSB and our students.
Given that the period of remote instruction is scheduled to be brief, we urge you to adopt practices for this period that will have the least amount of impact on your workload while providing access to course materials for students. The Instructional Support Team is here to help. Note that this information is also available on the KeepTeaching page.
Key Questions for Temporary Remote Teaching in Winter 2022
Instruction: How will you deliver course content?
How will students know how to access the course?
How should I design my GauchoSpace site?
How can I use materials from previous courses?
KeepTeaching Website
KeepTeaching can be your first point of reference for any questions. A reminder that you can also review tutorials for the campus’s educational technologies on that site.
Instruction: How will you deliver course content?
When teaching remotely, you can deliver content asynchronously or synchronously or in a blend of the two formats.
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Asynchronous: pre-record and post lectures, course materials, and assessments for students to access via the course GauchoSpace site. Note: the campus is in the process of updating the GauchoCast video recording/storage service. Please wait to record/upload lectures until the week of December 27. Email the Helpdesk at help@id.ucsb.edu with questions.
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Synchronous/streaming: deliver and record your “live” lectures using Zoom during your scheduled class meeting time (click here if you’re new to Zoom). Double-check these considerations for recording Zoom sessions to ensure recordings are intact and your upload does not interfere with your Zoom functionality.
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If you are teaching a course with 300+ students and would like to synchronously stream your lectures, you must request a Zoom Webinar link. You will receive a response within two business days.
What about sections?
Sections should be taught synchronously online at the scheduled time. Have your TAs include a separate Zoom link on GauchoSpace for their sections. TAs can make sections interactive to help students feel supported in a community of learners. Instructors and TAs may want to review the TA resources for resilient teaching.
How will students know how to access the course?
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Use the GauchoSpace Welcome Message and Peachmail to notify students in advance of the first class about how the first two weeks will be delivered (asynchronously via GauchoSpace or synchronously with related recurring Zoom links).
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If the course has sections, create separate Zoom links on GauchoSpace for each TA’s section(s) and let students know which Zoom link to use to attend.
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Make sure that your GauchoSpace course allows for course crashers.
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Consider using discussion forums or Nectir chats so students can ask questions and interact with each other.
How should I design my GauchoSpace site?
Multiple UCSB student surveys attest to the importance of a well-organized GauchoSpace site with a consistent weekly pattern, clear names/titles for materials, and instructions for assignments.
How can I use materials from previous courses?
If you are teaching a course that you previously offered remotely, you can import materials from the earlier version(s) of the course(s). Double-check that course links, dates, and instructions are updated after importing. Note: the campus is in the process of updating the GauchoCast video recording/storage service. Please wait to import GauchoCast videos until the week of December 27. Email help@id.ucsb.edu for additional questions.
How can I get help?
In addition to the tutorials and help pages on KeepTeaching, instructional consultants from Instructional Development, GauchoSpace/LSIT, and CITRAL will be available during the break to address questions and provide support. Please email help@id.ucsb.edu for help with instructional technology (e.g. GauchoSpace, GauchoCast, Zoom). If you would like to discuss your course design or teaching, please request a consultation using this Google form.
Thank you again for your dedication.
CITRAL, Instructional Development, and LSIT/Collaborate