Getting Ready for Remote Instruction: Checklist for Faculty

Technology Check 

Things to consider

What to do

Tech requirements

Review the Remote Work for Faculty and Staff webpage for information about technology requirements (e.g., computer, microphone, headset) and who to contact for any technical issues or questions.

D2L (also known as Brightspace)

Visit the D2L Resources webpage for step-by-step guides and video tutorials on how to use D2L for your courses. Upload course materials to your site

Microsoft (MS) Teams

You may use Microsoft Teams for virtual synchronous classes, office hours, and meetings with colleagues. MS Teams site will be automatically set up for each of your sections. Review the Online Synchronous Learning webpage for information on best practices for planning and facilitating online synchronous sessions via MS Teams. Visit the Microsoft Teams Frequently Asked Questions webpage for general information.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

In order to connect to some University resources (e.g. MyJob, some library resources) it is important to set-up virtual private network (VPN). VPN bandwidth is limited, please do not use VPN if not needed.

Setting up a VPN requires download of software and systems checks.  Please follow the set-up virtual private network instructions

Multi-factor Authentication (DUO)

While VPN is not needed, Multi-factor Authentication is required for access to web versions of O365 e.g. Outlook for the web, Stream, Forms, SharePoint, etc. Setup Multifactor Authentication using these instructions.

Microsoft OneDrive

Store your files in OneDrive and link to your office computer so you can access them off campus and from your mobile device. Microsoft Office

Communicate with students and be present

Things to consider

What to do

Email immediate plan and expectations

Email students the immediate plan. Your email should include:

• how you will communicate with students (email or D2L news items),
• how students should contact you with questions about course content (e.g., email, phone, Q&A discussion forum in D2L),
• how class will be facilitated online (e.g., synchronous/real-time virtual sessions during scheduled class time or asynchronous discussions)
• any changes to syllabus and course schedule,
• where students will find class resources, such as readings or PowerPoints (these should be available in D2L).
• where students will submit assignments (e.g., D2L Dropbox).

Visit the Planning your Course webpage for more information.

Share updates regularly

Post updates on D2L and/or email students 2-3 times per week. Updates may be an introduction to the week, summary of the week, updates on grading, upcoming assignments, etc.

Identify an ideal work area and work routine

Things to consider

What to do

Create a workspace

Find a space that is private, quiet, removed from disruptions, comfortable and has the supplies necessary (e.g., text, computer, internet, paper/pencil, etc.).

Minimize distractions

Turn off your phone, notifications from social media, etc. to avoid distractions while you’re teaching a synchronous class, grading, or completing other work. If you live with others, kindly ask them to minimize noise during online class sessions or scheduled work time.

Plan and schedule time

Plan and schedule time

Review and adjust your courses

Things to consider

What to do

Review syllabus

Review your syllabi to identify any immediate changes needed in the schedule, requirements, etc. Incorporate expectations for the remote version of your course. The Syllabus Guide provides suggestions/considerations and examples of language to include in your syllabus.

Course Planning

Visit the Keep Teaching: Resources for Instructional Continuity website for strategies and best practices for teaching remotely.