Continuity in Teaching and Learning
Virginia Tech is committed to delivering the highest quality education to students. However, challenging circumstances require flexible teachers and learners. The resources below are designed to help faculty teach more effectively in online environments.
More in-depth resources can be found on the websites of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) and Technology-enhanced Learning and Online Strategies (TLOS). Both units provide individual consultations upon request.
The Community of Practice section of this site highlights information relevant to faculty led discussions on the arts, large courses, science and engineering labs, discussion-based courses, and writing intensive courses.
Resources
Classroom Management and Syllabus Creation
- Communicate with students about health and safety (CETL)
- Set expectations for graduate study (Graduate School)
Student Engagement and Online Interactions
- Build community and engage students in online courses (CETL)
- Communicate more effectively with students on Canvas (TLOS)
- Design better courses (CETL)
- Engage students more effectively on Canvas (CALS)
- Hold Zoom conferences (4Help)
- Learn how to use the Canvas discussion tools to engage students online (TLOS)
Online Teaching
- Book a consultation with a TLOS consultant (TLOS)
- Create video assignments in Kaltura (TLOS)
- Film, edit, and publish instructional videos (CALS)
- Use My Media and Media Gallery to manage Kaltura videos (4Help)
- Use Zoom, Canvas, and Kaltura for teaching (CETL—look under Technology Toolkit)
Testing, Proctoring, and Assessment
- Do testing, proctoring, and assessment of students in an online environment (CETL, TLOS, Testing and Proctoring Working Group)
Accessibility and Accommodations
- Find tools for accessibility (TLOS)
- Provide closed captioning for videos (TLOS)
- Use principles of Universal Design to improve access for all learners and foster a more inclusive environment (CETL, TLOS, Testing and Proctoring Working Group)
Discipline-Specific Resources
In 2020, Communities of Practice allowed faculty to come together and discuss challenges, best practices, and approaches for different university disciplines. The Communities were supported by CETL, TLOS, University Libraries and others.
Faculty leads and contact information for the Communities are as follows:
- Community of Practice for the Arts: Ariana Wyatt
- Community of Practice for Writing Intensive Courses: Derek Mueller
- Community of Practice for Science and Engineering Labs: Jill Sible
- Community of Practice for Mid-Size Lecture/Discussion-Based Courses: Tim Baird and Ashley Reed
- Community of Practice for Large Courses: Kim Filer
The testing and proctoring working group has compiled helpful links, best practices, and frequently asked questions on these topics.
The University Libraries provides some guidance on their site.
Accessibility Tips and Best Practices (login required)
Basics of Zoom and Kaltura (login required)
Canvas Best Practices (PDF)
Canvas: Getting Started (login required)
Canvas Instructor Guide: Comprehensive instructions for all major features in Canvas
How to Use Canvas at Virginia Tech (for Instructors)
Move Your Course Online: A Canvas course that introduces faculty to Canvas, Zoom, Kaltura, and other tools for online learning
Teaching Online (login required)
COVID-19: Technology Resources: Guides from the Division of IT for working remotely, maintaining connectivity, and using Virginia Tech’s virtual private network (VPN).
Accessibility and Accommodations working group webpage: More extensive information and resources
Accessibility Tips and Best Practices (login required)
On-Demand Training for Kaltura Video Assignments
Kaltura Video Content Management - How to Use My Media and Media Gallery (for Instructors)
CETL guidelines for building community and engaging students in online courses (PDF).
On-Demand Training for Canvas: Discussions
Zoom Video Conferencing - How to Hold Zoom Conferences on a PC or Mobile Device
“Undergraduate Research in the Virtual Environment:” Resources and FAQs from the Office of Undergraduate Research.
Virginia Tech Ready: Virginia Tech’s plan for the semester