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Working, Teaching, and Learning Remotely

Instructional, Communication and Information Technology (ICIT) offers a variety of technologies that enable you to do your work and connect with colleagues and students remotely so that teaching, work, and learning can continue no matter the environment.  

Throughout this site, you will find tips, tools, resources, and support information designed to help you succeed while off-campus. As you access this information, please take into account your local network and its bandwidth limitations. This may mean reducing video fidelity, only running applications that you are using at that time, or limiting the number of devices that are connected to your home network.

Working, teaching, and learning remotely allow us to accomplish our goals, but the method in which we work, teach, or learn will likely be a bit different.  Keep the idea in mind that “what am I trying to accomplish?” and then ask what technology can help you accomplish that goal.  It is more likely to lead you to success than if you ask “how can I work/teach/learn exactly like I used to in a face-to-face setting.”

Video Conferencing (Webex) Troubleshooting
Online Event Consultation

What's New?

January 19th, 2021: Webex Teams is now simply "Webex." Check out the recent update notes from Cisco on the rebrand. 

December 10th, 2020: You better watch out....for cybercriminals this holiday season. Check out these Helpful Tips for Online Shopping.

November 30th: You can now pre-assign Breakout Sessions in Webex Meetings! For more details, check out the latest LTC Blog Post.

November 17th, 2020: Check out these exciting new features in the most recent Webex Meetings 40.11 update. See full details in the latest LTC Blog Post. 

Having tech issues?  The Help Desk hours are Monday-Thursday from 8am-8pm and Friday from 8am-4:30pm via phone (262-472-4357) email (helpdesk@uww.edu).  You can also open a service or support ticket through the Self-Service Portal. 

For additional information on IT services and resources, please visit the ICIT website: http://www.uww.edu/icit

UW-W provides a number of tools that enable the community to continue to be productive while working remotely.  Remote duties may include tasks like adjusting to different forms of communication, online collaboration, accessing campus network drives from your home location, and participating in synchronous meetings with other UW-W employees.   Here is a checklist to help you prepare to work remotely:

Check Your Equipment - ensure you have the proper equipment to support working remotely (see examples below).

  • Computer - bring home your work laptop, power cord, and any accessories you use (i.e. mouse and headset); or use a personal computer (laptop or desktop). If you do not have access to a computer at home, please reach out to your supervisor and ICIT will work with them to get you accommodated.
  • Microphone – this may be built into your laptop/desktop, or you may use an external device such as a USB microphone or headset.
  • Webcam – a camera may already be built into your laptop/desktop, but you can also use an external USB camera for video conferencing.

Test Your Internet – ensure you have broadband access to connect to the Internet.

  • You can run a speed test to check your internet connection is performing as you expect.
  • The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) and the Department of Public Instruction have gathered information and resources for Wisconsin residents without home internet access.  Wi-Fi locations for the public to drive-up to and use throughout the state are displayed on this map: https://maps.psc.wi.gov/Apps/PublicWiFiLocations/index.html 
  • In response to the COVID-19 virus, several internet providers have launched programs to assist those who may not have internet access at home:

Test Your Access - verify and test that you can access your email, campus systems and applications (WINS, Canvas, etc.), and documents online; communicate with colleagues; and host or participate in online meetings (Webex Meetings and Webex Teams).

  • Make sure you are able to login to UW-W's VPN. This will allow you to access network files while working from home.

Update and Share Contact Information:

  • Ensure that your departmental emergency contact information - home phone, cell phone, personal email - is up-to-date and everyone who needs it has a copy.
  • Exchange cell phone numbers with your closest colleagues so you can be reached in an emergency.
  • You can continue to make and receive phone calls from your UW-W number through Jabber and Jabber Mobile.

While working remotely, it is important to remember that you are still at risk for cybersecurity attacks. Here are a few resources to help you stay secure while working remotely:

    As the UW-W community continues to work and teach remotely, many employees are taking advantage of virtual spaces and web-conferencing tools.  Thanks to a strong and long-standing partnership with Cisco, UW-W can offer the gold-standard of web-conferencing software, Webex.

    Why Webex?

    So what exactly makes Webex the clear choice for virtual meetings and web conferencing?

    Webex Features

    Webex Resources

      Resources for Remote Working

      Frequently Asked Questions

      You can download the Cisco Jabber application directly to your home computer or your mobile device with the Jabber Mobile app. Check out this site for installation links: https://www.uww.edu/icit/services/phones#TrainingDocumentation

      Change your password remotely by following the steps in this document: Change Password while Working Remotely - (PDF)

      No, please do not take your desktop with you. Most applications are browser based and will run from a home computer with an internet connection. If you do not have a home computer, please discuss with your supervisor and ICIT will work with them on a solution. 

      Contact the ltc@uww.edu or visit: https://spaces.uww.edu/display/instructional/Canvas+Getting+Started

      Yes, but you must be connected to the VPN first.

      Contact ltc@uww.edu or visit: https://spaces.uww.edu/display/instructional/Kaltura+Capture

      Yes! Contact ltc@uww.edu or visit: https://spaces.uww.edu/display/instructional/VBrick+Rev+-+Streaming

      What's New?  

      January 19th, 2021: Webex Teams is now simply "Webex." Check out the recent update notes from Cisco on the rebrand. 

      January 14th, 2021: Check out the release notes from the latest version of Canvas available on January 16th, 2021.

      December 10th, 2020: You better watch out....for cybercriminals this holiday season. Check out these Helpful Tips for Online Shopping.

      November 30th: You can now pre-assign Breakout Sessions in Webex Meetings! For more details, check out the latest LTC Blog Post.

      LTC staff are available Monday-Friday from 8:00am-4:30pm via phone (262-472-1004), email (ltc@uww.edu), and Webex to answer your questions and provide consultation.  To request a Webex consultation just call or email us and the next available staff member will send you a link that you can click on to receive assistance!

      The LTC offers a number of training sessions to support remote teaching.  Please visit http://go.uww.edu/ltc-workshop-signup for the most up-to-date list of virtual sessions!

      The latest updates from the LTC can be found on their blog: http://blogs.uww.edu/instructional/

      The LTC is working with LEARN Center to collect ideas to enhance our resources and support.  Please complete this survey to give us your ideas, as well as share resources you’ve created or that you’ve found useful as you prepared for alternative delivery: http://uwwhitewater.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3pDH6u09C2hoxud

      The LEARN Center is also available to discuss options and new ideas for activities or assessments via email (learn@uww.edu).  You can also reach the LEARN Center via phone (262-472-5134) or Webex by appointment. To set up a call or conference time, please email learn@uww.edu.  You may also want to refer to the LEARN Center’s Research-Based Teaching Tips for additional ideas, including leading online discussions and guides for crafting exams.

      For help specifically with Canvas, here are a few more options:

      • Canvas Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year by phone, chat, or email.
      • The LTC has put together a self-paced Canvas training course so instructors can learn more about Canvas at their own pace and personalize their learning to the things they need.

      Each week, LEARN and LTC sends out an announcement to all instructors titled: Remote Teaching Notes from LEARN and LTC.  These announcements provide useful information such as instructional tips, resources, and training.  You can view all past announcements in this archive:

      Be sure to go through this checklist to make sure you are properly set up for remote instruction.

      Check Your Equipment - ensure you have the proper equipment to support working remotely (see examples below).

      • Computer - bring home your work laptop, power cord, and any accessories you use (i.e. mouse and headset); or use a personal computer (laptop or desktop). If you do not have access to a computer at home, please reach out to your supervisor and ICIT will work with them to get you accommodated.
      • Microphone – this may be built into your laptop/desktop, or you may use an external device such as a USB microphone or headset.
      • Webcam – a camera may already be built into your laptop/desktop, but you can also use an external USB camera for video conferencing.

      Test Your Internet – ensure you have broadband access to connect to the Internet.

      • You can run a speed test to check your internet connection is performing as you expect.
      • The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) and the Department of Public Instruction have gathered information and resources for Wisconsin residents without home internet access.  Wi-Fi locations for the public to drive-up to and use throughout the state are displayed on this map: https://maps.psc.wi.gov/Apps/PublicWiFiLocations/index.html 
      • In response to the COVID-19 virus, several internet providers have launched programs to assist those who may not have internet access at home:

      Test Your Access - verify and test that you can access your email, campus systems and applications (WINS, Canvas, etc.), and documents online; communicate with colleagues; and host or participate in online meetings (Webex Meetings and Webex Teams).

      • Make sure you are able to login to UW-W's VPN. This will allow you to access network files while working from home.

      Update and Share Contact Information:

      • Ensure that your departmental emergency contact information - home phone, cell phone, personal email - is up-to-date and everyone who needs it has a copy.
      • Exchange cell phone numbers with your closest colleagues so you can be reached in an emergency.
      • You can continue to make and receive phone calls from your UW-W number through Jabber and Jabber Mobile.

      Additional Resources:

      - Home Wi-Fi and Internet Troubleshooting
      - Tips to Improve Internet Connectivity

      While working remotely, it is important to remember that you are still at risk for cybersecurity attacks. Here are a few resources to help you stay secure while working remotely:

        As the UW-W community continues to work and teach remotely, many employees are taking advantage of virtual spaces and web-conferencing tools.  Thanks to a strong and long-standing contract with Cisco, UW-W can offer the faculty, staff, and students a secure communication platform that enhances user privacy and safety through the institutional license.

        Why Webex?

        So what exactly makes Webex the clear choice for virtual meetings and web conferencing?

        Webex Features

        Webex Resources

          UW-W Supported Resources for Remote Instruction


          Alternative Teaching Tips

          Teaching online, whether asynchronous, synchronous, or live-cast from a classroom, is different than traditional face-to-face instruction.  Please remember that LTC and LEARN are here to support you. Check out the “Need Help?” section at the top of the page to contact us.

          General Tips

          • Online and hybrid teaching most often requires rethinking your approach to topics and lessons.  Just trying to replicate the face-to-face learning environment is rarely successful.

          • It can be difficult for students to stay focused when looking at a screen for the same length of time as a face-to-face session.  Synchronous sessions might be shorter than a full class period with some expectation of independent work or asynchronous collaboration.  Likewise, recorded videos/lectures are often best in 5-10 minute chunks.

          • Please remember to stay flexible as it might be very difficult for some students to meet deadlines if they are ill, providing childcare, don’t have access to reliable internet, are sharing devices, or if they are working more than usual.

          Making a Plan for Your Course

          • Review your learning outcomes—focus on engaging and assessing students on those outcomes.  Assessments may look different online than face-to-face.

          • There are methods of taking attendance during online synchronous sessions:
            • Screenshots of participants in a Webex Meeting.
            • PollEverywhere questions that capture a list of participants during a session). 
            • However, online courses often focus less on requiring attendance and more on requiring evidence of learning (assessments you grade).  Consider that balance as you plan.

          • Students may struggle with learning new concepts outside of a classroom--especially if they are less experienced with different types of learning (e.g., hybrid and online).
            • Think about ways to keep learning simple.
            • When introducing new concepts, think about doing a short introductory video that helps give students a frame of reference for what they should be looking for when they read or watch the content you have assigned.
            • Follow up with an application activity (e.g., Canvas discussion or individualized activity) where you engage with feedback to support student learning.

          Communicating With Your Class and Your Students

          • If you’re planning to use Webex Meetings for meeting synchronously with your class, make a plan for how you might be flexible with students who may be experiencing internet or availability issues.

            • A good option is to use the recording feature.
            • If you choose to record sessions, it is courteous to let students know that they will be recorded and give them a chance to not be on camera if they have privacy concerns.
            • If you or your students struggle with audio and/or video, remember to have folks turn off their videos unless they are actively participating. You can also advise them to use an ethernet cord to plug in if they have one and see if they can get others in their house to reduce their internet use during that time.
            • Remember that Webex Meetings has an Automatic Transcription feature for recordings.  Live transcription is only available as an accommodation and would be requested by a student through the Center for Students with Disabilities.
            • Plan for how to communicate if Webex or other technologies become unavailable.  For example, you could email the class that an alternate assignment will be posted to Canvas because Webex temporarily went down.

          • Communicate early and often to your class to ease student anxiety, manage expectations around coursework, and save you time in replying to individual questions.

            • Using our email system and Canvas announcements works great for this! 
            • Think about ways you can individually reach students through personalized feedback on the work they are doing and reaching out to students who may not be engaging as expected.
            • It’s a good idea to get assignments into Canvas, assign a due date so it appears in students’ Canvas calendars, and use Speedgrader for individualized assignment feedback.
            • If you’re not getting any responses or engagement from students within 2 weeks or so, please reach out to the Dean of Students office or the CARE team through their reporting form. 

          Different Ways to Assess Student Learning

          • As you begin to develop your assessments during remote teaching, it's important to remember that we want to remove the barriers to learning that students may be experiencing.

            • If you decide to use a traditional exam, consider avoiding a timed test to reduce student anxiety OR consider how much time to plan to allow for situations such as being dropped unexpectedly from the internet.
            • Consider shorter (and possibly more frequent) quizzes.
            • Be flexible during exams; keep in mind students might have limited access to technology or the Internet, and lengthy exams could cause additional stress for the students, who will be assessed online for ALL of their classes.
            • Some academic honesty tools include the Respondus lockdown browser, TurnItIn originality checker for papers, and use of random question test banks.

          • There are a lot of alternatives to traditional exams that can bring authenticity to the assessment process.

            • Students can present knowledge visually or verbally through a Webex meeting or a recorded presentation using Kaltura
            • Students can prepare a narrated PowerPoint to demonstrate their understanding.
            • Students can submit papers and reflections as in a face-to-face class.
            • Discussions can promote student support and idea sharing, but also be used for assessment.  Some ideas:
              • Require students to ask original questions of their classmates in the discussion.
              • Frame discussions at higher levels of learning than just summarizing readings or videos.
              • Require meaningful responses to follow up questions by you or other students.
              • Require students to summarize the trends in an overall discussion for their formal grade.

          For more assessment ideas and strategies, please see the Assessment Tips for Alternative Teaching Handout.

          Frequently Asked Questions

          You can download the Cisco Jabber application directly to your home computer or your mobile device with the Jabber Mobile app. Check out this site for installation links: https://www.uww.edu/icit/services/phones#TrainingDocumentation

          Change your password remotely by following the steps in this document: Change Password while Working Remotely - (PDF)

          No, please do not take your desktop with you. Most applications are browser based and will run from a home computer with an internet connection. If you do not have a home computer, please discuss with your supervisor and ICIT will work with them on a solution. 

          Contact the ltc@uww.edu or visit: https://spaces.uww.edu/display/instructional/Canvas+Getting+Started

          Yes, but you must be connected to the VPN first.

          Contact ltc@uww.edu or visit: https://spaces.uww.edu/display/instructional/Kaltura+Capture

          Yes! Contact ltc@uww.edu or visit: https://spaces.uww.edu/display/instructional/VBrick+Rev+-+Streaming

          What's New? 

          January 19th, 2021: Webex Teams is now simply "Webex." Check out the recent update notes from Cisco on the rebrand. 

          December 10th, 2020: You better watch out....for cybercriminals this holiday season. Check out these Helpful Tips for Online Shopping.

          November 17th, 2020: Check out these exciting new features in the most recent Webex Meetings 40.11 update. See full details in the latest LTC Blog Post. 

          Resources for Remote Learning

           

          Remote Learning Checklist

          Frequently Asked Questions

          Below are some helpful tips for learning remotely. You can also check out the Remote Learning Checklist and UW-W Supported Resources for Remote Learning.

          1. Take a few minutes to get acclimated to your courses in Canvas. In particular, check the “Syllabus” link if there is one -- instructors often put critical information there. Check for any announcements and read them.

          2. Try and complete the work for your courses during the times that your class would normally meet. This will help you keep a similar schedule to your previous in-person one and help keep you on track with your assignments.

          3. If you have questions, contact your professors! They will more than likely be online to answer you within a reasonable amount of time.

          4. Reach out to your classmates with questions to see if they know the answer. Your peers may be a good resource as they are experiencing the same challenges right now.

          5. Create a distraction-free space. This could mean putting your phone on “Do Not Disturb” or leaving it elsewhere for periods of time.

          6. Make every effort to attend (optional) online lectures rather than watching the recorded versions later.

          7. Check your UW-W emails daily.

          We have a large amount of software, including Adobe, available using our Virtual Lab.  To get started, go to http://gateway.uww.edu and login with your Net-ID and Password.  Additional information is available at: https://www.uww.edu/icit/services/virtual-lab

          Canvas allows you to set up notifications for many different areas of Canvas.  They can be configured to send you an email and/or a text message.  See this guide for additional information: https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Student-Guide/How-do-I-set-my-Canvas-notification-preferences-as-a-student/ta-p/434

          The Canvas Dashboard has a To Do section that lists upcoming assignments for your courses.  Additional information is available at: https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Student-Guide/How-do-I-use-the-To-Do-list-and-sidebar-in-the-Dashboard-as-a/ta-p/511

          Yes!  General Access Computers Labs are still open during any periods of alternate course delivery.  For the most updated hours see: https://www.uww.edu/icit/services/ga-labs

          Webex Etiquette

          Here are some Webex Etiquette tips to help you effectively engage in your synchronous class sessions:

          1. Dress appropriately.  You never know if you’ll need to get up suddenly or if your camera falls off the monitor.
          2. Adjust your camera before joining.  Anything visible behind you will be sent over Webex when your video is enabled - including roommates or other individuals that may be in the same room.  Take note and adjust your surroundings before joining the meeting.
          3. Identify yourself when speaking.  Otherwise, it may be hard for others in the class or meeting to know who is talking.
          4. Quiet surroundings.  Limit the background noise (kids, pets, etc) and attend your class or meeting from quiet locations when possible.
          5. Mute your microphone.  When you are joining, be sure to mute your microphone during the join process.  You can hold down the spacebar to unmute and speak, or you can use the mouse to click the mic icon to mute and unmute your microphone.
          6. Join a few minutes early.  Plan to join the class or meeting a few minutes early to make sure you have time to get everything set.
          7. Keep body movements to a minimum.  When on video, it can be distracting to others if you are constantly moving around and change your camera view.
          8. Limit use of virtual backgrounds.  While it is cool to attend class from the virtual beach, using virtual background may cause performance problems on some computers.

          Webex Guides

          We have guides for you if you are joining Webex Meetings scheduled by your instructor in canvas:

          Students have their own Webex accounts, available by signing in at uww.webex.com. From your dashboard, you can schedule a meeting with others, start an instant meeting in your Personal Meeting Room, and view any recordings you may have made in a Webex Meeting.

          Webex Troubleshooting 

          To troubleshoot some common issues, see our Video Conferencing (Webex) Troubleshooting page. If you don’t find an answer to your question, don’t hesitate to reach out to the ICIT Help Desk.

          Yes!  You can also use a phone to dial into the meeting for audio. When you are joining the meeting follow the prompts to connect your phone for audio.

          Whenever possible, connect using an ethernet cable.  This will make sure you have the highest speeds possible.  If you only have Wireless available, that is generally fine.  If you are having issues, ask others in the household to limit their internet usage during your class, and be sure to close any unused programs on your computer.  If you continue to have issues please reach out to the Help Desk for assistance.

          Use campus resources if home internet is a struggle for you. Find a spot in the Library, the University Center, or any campus building -- there are many quiet, low traffic areas that can provide solid internet access. Even campus parking lots are equipped with access to Wi-Fi!

          For internet difficulties in residence halls, contact University Housing. 

          If you are facing internet issues, be sure to let your instructor know so they are aware. They may have some suggestions for you.

          LinkedIn Learning has a large library of videos that are available at no additional cost.  Login with your Net-ID and Password at http://go.uww.edu/linkedinlearning 

          Kaltura is a video tool that is integrated directly into Canvas!  You can access it from the “My Media” menu on the “Account” menu.  Additional information is available at: https://spaces.uww.edu/display/instructional/Kaltura+Capture

          The Respondus Lockdown Browser is an application that some instructors will require you to use for online exams.  You can download and install the application by following these instructions: https://spaces.uww.edu/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=11469884