Teaching Remotely

TEACHING REMOTELY

Unexpected events and unforeseen circumstances, such as severe weather, natural disasters, or public health concerns, can disrupt teaching. If VSU’s physical campus closes or face-to-face classes are canceled for an extended period, faculty may be asked to transition their courses online to ensure instructional continuity.

We know that suddenly moving a class online unexpectedly can be challenging and overwhelming. However, if your class is capable of moving to an online format, then this website provides basic information, strategies, and resources for using VSU's BlazeVIEW learning management system. 

For assistance, email blazeview@valdosta.edu, call (229) 245-6490, or fill out the eLearning Contact Form. Faculty can also call the D2L Help Center 24/7 for troubleshooting support (1-855-772-0423).

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TRAININGS AND RESOURCES

Listed here are key trainings and resources for VSU faculty in BlazeVIEW, along with University System of Georgia (USG) resources for rapidly moving courses online:   

• BlazeVIEW 101: Pedagogy and Technology - All VSU faculty are enrolled in this repository of resources on using BlazeVIEW and teaching online, including an "Ask the Expert" discussion forum for pedagogical support from peer faculty experts, strategies for high-impact practices online such as virtual science labs and studios, and ideas for mobile assignments that students submit via cell phones.

• Keep Teaching USG - Website with resources and contacts for USG faculty to prepare for a transition to online instruction.

• USG Resource Guide for Transitioning to Remote Instruction - USG created this Resource Guide to help face-to-face faculty teach remotely during institutional closures. The Guide provides resources and tips for setting up and facilitating your online course.

All students have been enrolled in a VSU BlazeVIEW 101: Student Guide tutorial course, which includes links to videos, instructions for navigating and using BlazeVIEW, and other resources and tools available to students.

A BlazeVIEW Student Guide module is available for instructors to import into any course. The guide is designed to assist students having difficulty using BlazeVIEW’s tools and resources by providing students with direct access to videos and step-by-step instructions.

Finally, see the Business Resources and Tools and Blazer Wellness Resources.

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GETTING STARTED WITH BLAZEVIEW

• Log in to BlazeVIEW
• Accessing and Pinning your Courses
• BlazeVIEW Instructor Quick Start Guides
• Brightspace PULSE App (FREE app for mobile devices that works with BlazeVIEW)

COMMUNICATING WITH STUDENTS

• Viewing the Classlist in BlazeVIEW
• Creating an Announcement
• Emailing Students through BlazeVIEW Email Tool
• Creating a Discussion Forum
• Using Microsoft Teams for Class and Teams in general for video conferencing, group chats, sharing files, reviewing assignments, etc. (IT creates a Class Team for all courses each semester.)
• Teams Meetings in BlazeVIEW - Instructor Guide

PRESENTING CONTENT TO STUDENTS

• Creating Content in BlazeVIEW
• Creating a Narrated PowerPoint Presentation
• Creating a Kaltura Screencapture Video (Video-recording tool embedded into BlazeVIEW)
• Checking Student Progress in BlazeVIEW
• Using Microsoft Teams for Class and Teams in general for video conferencing, group chats, sharing files, reviewing assignments, etc. (IT creates a Class Team for all courses each semester.)
• Teams Meetings in BlazeVIEW - Instructor Guide
• Student Teams Quick Start Guide

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ASSESSING STUDENT WORK

• QUIZZES AND EXAMS

  • Creating a Quiz
  • Respondus LockDown Browser & Monitor Guide (LockDown Browser can be activated to lock down a student's web browser to prevent academic dishonesty when taking tests online. Respondus LockDown Browser does not work with all devices, such as Chromebooks, tablets, or smartphones, so faculty should provide assessment alternatives to students. Respondus Monitor is available as an add-in to LockDown Browser for proctoring high-stakes exams. In addition to the LockDown Browser-supported devices, Respondus Monitor requires a webcam, microphone, and reliable broadband internet connection.)
  • Setting Up Respondus LockDown Browser & Monitor (Instructions for activating LockDown Browser and Monitor in the BlazeVIEW Quizzes tool.) 
  • Faculty Guidelines and Best Practices for Proctored Exams (Policies for Respondus Monitor, Instructor Resources, Student Resources, Best Practices, and Sample Syllabus Statement)
  • Student Guide for Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor (Contains information to guide students when installing and using Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor.)
  • Alternatives to Proctored Exams (Online proctoring tools, such as LockDown Browser and Monitor, do not work with all devices, so faculty should provide assessment alternatives to students.)

• ASSIGNMENTS

  • Creating an Assignment

• DISCUSSIONS

  • Creating Discussion Forums and Topics

• GRADEBOOK SET-UP

  • Weighted Gradebook
  • Points Gradebook

• GRADING AND FEEDBACK

  • Grading an Assignment
  • Grading Discussions
  • Manually Entering Grades
  • Enabling Turnitin Plagiarism Detection Tool in an Assignment
  • Instructions for Managing Turnitin