H1N1 Technology Options at Dickinson

Faculty whose classes are affected by the H1N1 virus can continue to communicate with students using simple and well-known tools.  Here are a few suggestions for staying connected using live, real-time (synchronous) and online asynchronous communication tools. Please remember that in the event of a campus-wide outbreak access to technology support may also be affected.

ASYCHRONOUS

  • EASY - Use Moodle/Blackboard
    • Many of you are already using Moodle and/or Blackboard in your classes.  Both these systems are available off campus and can be used as a repository for course documents and audio lecture recordings; for asynchronous discussion, and for online exams or quizzes. 
    • Use the News Forum (Moodle) or Announcements (Blackboard) features for information for the entire class (when you’ll be available, how to reach you, etc)
  • UStream video is a free product which can be used to create a streaming audio and/or video session from a personal computer.  The stream may be viewed live or saved for later viewing.  While this is not ‘difficult’, it might be challenging to accomplish from home and the video quality is not reliable in the best of circumstances.  Audio is generally ok.
    • Requires: internet connection, application account,  headset with microphone (webcam for video)

SYNCRONOUS (LIVE)

  • EASY - Blackboard and Moodle contain live chat features allowing synchronous written discussions. This might be useful for ‘virtual office hours’.
  • EASY – Use a conference phone in the classroom
    • LIS and CASE have a few conference phones that work well in small seminar-style classrooms.  This solution might work if there were one student calling in or if the faculty member calls in.
    • Phone service is not available in all rooms – contact helpdesk for assistance and phone reservation.
  • Use Skype (audio or text chat).  (we don’t recommend video in most cases)
    • Faculty member teaching from a smart classroom & the student(s) cannot come to class:
    • Instructor and student(s) could log into Skype
      • acct required – we can help with that
    •  Student(s) can watch from their computer. 
      •  In the case of a small class it might be possible for the student to actually participate in class.
      • If there are multiple students they will not be able to interact with the instructor and class via audio.
      • Faculty member is teaching from home -  students are in the classroom
      • The class might be able to meet virtually in a classroom on campus if the faculty member has a laptop with microphone and an internet connection at home.  A webcam is optional.
  • For the technology adventurers: