North Dakota State University

INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO CONDUCT CLASS

Points to Consider

Instructional matters and assessment-related matters need to be addressed.

Instructors should plan how to provide information and resources to students, such as:

• how to communicate or conference with students
• how to collect student's work
• how to administer exams
• how to modify grading in the event of changed course requirements (sequence of course topics, assignment deadlines, number of assignments, etc.)

Consider the following announcement in your syllabus or announcements:

"In the event of the disruption of normal classroom activities, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, I will provide an addendum to the syllabus that will supersede the original syllabus.

Alternative Ways to Share Information

• Upload and publish content in Blackboard
  • Use the course content tool to make course files, such as an updated syllabus available to students.
• Place announcements on course homepage
  • Inform students of important messages such as changes to upcoming deadlines, assignment directions, or class cancellations.
• E-mail students
  • Instructors can e-mail students via the blackboard e-mail.

Lecture Alternatives

• Create electronic copies of lecture materials
  • E-mail students, or store them in Blackboard for easy retrieval.
• Hold lectures online via Wimba Classroom
  • Instructors can use this NDSU tool to record lectures in class or out of class and share PowerPoint slideshows, webpages, and desktop applications. Sessions can be archived for students to view at a later time.
• Record lectures at NDSU
  • Mini recorders can be used to record audio and upload to Blackboard.
  • Wimba Classroom can be used to archive lectures
• Create video recording of lecture
  • Video recordings usually take more time
  • Advanced planning is needed to schedule one of the videoconferencing rooms.
  • Contact Steve Beckermann for more information: 701-231-8486, or email: Stephen.beckermann@ndsu.edu

Homework Submission and Grading Rubric

• Submit assignments using the Assignment feature in Blackboard
  • Students can submit their work for instructor review and grading in the grade center.
• Utilize the Grade Center in Blackboard
  • With the exception of certain question types (i.e. essay, short answer, electronic submitted files) online Blackboard administered assessments are automated.
• Submit assignments via the U.S. Mail
  • Students can mail their assignments via the U.S. mail to their instructor's office if they do not have access to a computer or internet. Instructor should make their postal address available and include it in their course syllabus. This is a lengthier process, so it's important to allow for extra turnaround time.

Class-Discussion Alternatives

• NDSU Blackboard Discussion Board
  • Share your class notes, and/or allow students to share notes with each other who may be unable to attend class. Instructors can post questions and have students post responses and analyses.
• Hold synchronous discussions via the Wimba Classroom
  • Live, real-time discussions that integrate Powerpoints, wecam images, text chat, and audio chat can be helpful for small group collaboration and planning.
• NDSU Wimba Voice Board
  • Voice Boards are threaded audio-based discussion boards that can be used to carry class discussion activities and exercises with voice.

Alternative Office Hours

• Answer non-urgent questions via e-mail
  • To help manage incoming e-mail, have students use specific e-mail subject lines, such as their name or the course name/number. To avoid violating FERPA, instructors should not send grades to students via e-mail.
• Answer questions asynchronously on NDSU Blackboard Discussion Board
  • Instructors can create threads or boards where students can post questions.
• Hold student consultations over the phone
  • Be flexible and allow time outside of normal office hours for one-on-one, in-depth consultations.
• Hold consultations via Wimba Classroom
  • The chat rooms include both text chat and a whiteboard. Chats can be archived by the instructor.

Grade Assessment Alternatives

• Adjust grade sheets or rubrics
  • This may be necessary to capture the same learning that face-to-face students have missed but would otherwise experience.
• Take exams via Blackboard
  • Allow students to take tests securely utilizing the "Lock down browser". This helps to create a more secure testing environment.
• Extend assignment deadlines
  • Assignment due dates may need to be rescheduled for live performances, speeches, group work, research, laboratory work, fieldwork, and field trips.
• Record presentations with Wimba Classroom
• Instructors can have students use the Wimba Classroom to record their presentations (audio and/or video).