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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 proceed in the Fall 2020 semester. 

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 amount of devices that are connected to your home network.

Working, teaching, and learning remotely allow 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
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Online Event Consultation

What's New?

September 15th, 2020: On Tuesday, September 15, Cisco deployed additional updates to Webex Meetings, including Breakout Sessions! You can check out the details here on the latest LTC Blog Post.

September 1st, 2020:  Welcome back to campus!  Please check out our Returning to Campus Technology FAQ sheet for some info on getting all your devices ready to roll! 

July 30th, 2020: Looking to make your videos more accessible?  Check out these options available on campus for creating captions and accessible video content.

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

      What's New?  

      September 15th, 2020: On Tuesday, September 15, Cisco deployed additional updates to Webex Meetings, including Breakout Sessions! You can check out the details here on the latest LTC Blog Post.

      September 1st, 2020:  Welcome back to campus!  Please check out our Returning to Campus Technology FAQ sheet for some info on getting all your devices ready to roll!

      August 27th, 2020: Are you planning on teaching in one of the HyFlex video-enabled classrooms this semester? The LTC is holding HyFlex Teaching Office Hours, check them out!

      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.

          What's New? 

          September 9th, 2020: On Tuesday, September 8, Cisco deployed the Webex Meetings 40.9 update.  Take a look at some of the updated features in the latest LTC Blog Post. 

          August 17th, 2020: As part of Welcome Back Week, the annual ICIT Tech Open House will be completely virtual this year.  To get started,   visit the TOH Webpage for details on how to participate and win some amazing raffle prizes! 

          Resources for Remote Learning

           

          Remote Learning Checklist

          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

          Yes! You can tweak the notifications preferences on your account settings located at the left sidebar. Through this, you can see if you want to be notified right away, be sent daily or weekly summaries, or not be notified at all.

          Below are some helpful tips for working remotely. You can also check out the Remote Learning Checklist.

          1. 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.

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

          3. 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 changes right now.

          4. Create a distraction free space. This could mean putting your phone on “Do Not Disturb” or turnin.

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

          6. Check your UW-W emails daily.

          Yes!  UW-W students are now able to access the entire Adobe Creative Cloud Suite from their own devices until May 31st, 2020. 

          To install Adobe applications on your personal device, please visit:   https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/desktop-app.html and install the Creative Cloud Desktop Application.  Once installed, login with your Net-ID and Password. You can then install your choice of Adobe applications.

          UW-Whitewater students have free access to thousands of instructional materials through LinkedIn Learning. Just login using your NetID and password: http://go.uww.edu/linkedinlearning

          Check out how to download and use Lockdown Browser from home: https://spaces.uww.edu/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=11469884

          Check out how to upload videos from Kaltura: https://spaces.uww.edu/display/instructional/Kaltura+Capture