In the Event of Campus Closure

The resources below will help faculty members and teaching assistants (TAs) keep their courses functioning if the university should close due to an emergency. They are organized to capitalize and proactively build on your current proficiency and comfort level with various forms of technology. With a campus closure, communication with students will obviously need to be at a distance.

Faculty and TAs can communicate with students and distribute and collect assignments during a shutdown using a number of different approaches. The university encourages faculty and graduate students to plan ahead for this contingency. In a very short time, with very little effort, you can enhance your current skill levels and be prepared to keep your courses functioning. These various options—including "Blackboard Basics" classes and coaching on Wimba Live Classroom through a visit to the ID2 Lab (MS 3.02.28B)—are available now.

The ID2 Studio has developed a comprehensive academic continuity plan with detailed instructions:

http://dlat.utsa.edu/id2/AcademicContinuity

Below are specific technology options, based on your current use:

1. Current Blackboard users who routinely use the various features to receive and return assignments, notify students of grades, etc.

No furthur training or resources are required. Carry on!

2. Current Blackboard / WebCT account holders who do not use the course management system (CMS) options routinely. For example, a faculty member may have used the CMS only to post a syllabus.

Resources available:

a. "Blackboard Basics" document describing how to use various options. Click here: Blackboard Basics.pdf

b. "WebCT Basics" document describing how to use various options. Click here: WebCT Basics.pdf

c. TLC presents workshops (one—hour) on "BlackBoard Basics," held on October 14th & 15th. Register here: register

3. No Current Blackboard or WebCT account, but willing to explore alternatives, specifically WIMBA Live Classroom.

Resources available:

a. Wimba Live Classroom Tutorial on company website.
Click here: http://www.wimba.com/demos/

b. Extensive tutorial developed by the UTSA ID2 Studio on using Wimba Live and other online options. Click on link below: http://dlat.utsa.edu/id2/AcademicContinuity/continuity_06.htm

c. Headset purchase information. Click here: Headset Information.pdf

4. Prefer to communicate with students via email

Resources available:

a. The following link will enable you to access an email roster for students enrolled in your classes. Click here: https://asap.utsa.edu/

b. Outlook Distribution List information will enable you to create a distribution list, making communication easier than pasting in the individual addresses. Click here: Distribution list access.pdf

Clearly, many other communication options are available, ranging from simple telephone calls to sophisticated communication tools such as Skype. You will obviously want to keep your department chair informed of any actions you are planning or initiating.

5. Various resources from the Teaching/Learning/Technology Group on teaching in the event of a sudden school closing. 

Click on the link below:
http://bit.ly/TLTG-PrepPandemic09

6. Course management suggestions from the University of Central Florida in the event of wide-spread absences.

Click on the link below:
http://www.fctl.ucf.edu/TeachingAndLearningResources/ClassroomManagement/WidespreadAbsences/