The Instructional Multimedia Group has prepared this web page to assist faculty in developing contingency plans for handling an increased volume of absences and make-up work.
Best Practice Recommendations
- The Office of the Provost recommends that each course syllabus and grades be posted in Blackboard
- Convert as many files as possible to PDF
- Use free software as often as possible (Audacity, PDF Creator)
- Use Podcast Producer to upload to AU iTunes
- Use tools you are already familiar with rather than trying to learn new ones (e.g., it will be easier to add narration to PowerPoint rather than learn to create a podcast with Captivate); contact IMG for other suggestions
- Enlist student help with communicating with those who are absent
- For Labs: Schedule make-up sessions weekly
- Hold office hours on-line (Blackboard Chat room or Wimba Live Classroom, or compare all options)
Resources you might need and availability in IMG
Hardware:
- Computer with internet access (6 PCs and 1 Mac available in IMG)
- Microphone – Wireless lavaliere or headset with noise-cancelling microphone (Logitech makes several good ones)
- Flash drive – Limited quantity available in IMG
- Scanner (scan existing documents to PDF) – Two available in IMG
Software:
General Recommendations - Use tools readily available: Asynchronous tools available and suggested use
Blackboard – Password protected/secure environment
- Syllabus
- Daily assignments/activities can be included/modified with the Calendar Tool
- E-mail
- Notify students of any absences by faculty, actions by the University
- Communicate contingency plans/alternate assignments
- Attach files for the entire class or just one student
- All course communication recorded within Blackboard
- Course Content/Handouts – Organize by folders
- Discussion boards - Useful for continuing class contact and discussion among students; can be graded
- Blogs & Journals
- Provide means for regular writing assignments
- Can be public or private
- Threaded Discussions
- Can be used for peer review or on-going discussions
- Assignments
- Can be made electronically
- Can be submitted electronically
- Can be graded electronically; consider using grade forms
- Web Links
- Auburn resources
- External resources
- Assessments
iTunes – Public and password-protected (authenticated class) versions
- Publish MP3 (audio) or MP4 (video) files
- To post recorded lectures, supplemental material
- Use the Producer web form to submit to AU itunes
Webspace – Public and unsecured
- Post information and files/links to files on personal web space
- Grades may not be posted
Suggestions for implementing plans by specific task (How can I...)
Post and/or Distribute a file (Word, PDF, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.):
Record my class lectures/labs
- Audio (no computer available)
- Use a micro recording device or add a microphone to your iPod
- Convert micro-device to MP3
- Audio (computer available)
- Use Wimba Podcaster to record an MP3 file
- Post it in Blackboard
- Upload it to AU iTunes
- Use GarageBand to record audio
Communicate with students
- E-mail (individual/class)
- All online options
- Voice mail
- Wimba tool in Blackboard; send to any e-mail address
- Discussion Posts
Avoid collecting paper assignments
Take files home with me
- USB Flash drive/Thumb drive
- E-mail them to yourself
Give make-up tests
Foster discussion among students
- Discussion board in Blackboard
- Create groups
- Encourage e-mail exchanges between members
- Group-specific discussion board posts
Hold (extra) office hours
Your suggestions
- Camtasia is a great way to capture an audio/video lecture using PPT or a tablet PC to write in real time while narrating. - Stan Reeves, Electrical and Computer Engineering Dept.
Send your suggestions to IMG@auburn.edu
