Teaching online requires the right tools. Items you may want to have in your home office include:

• Computer

• Computer Power Cord

• External Webcam

• Headphones

• Microphone

• Mobile device such as iPad

• Adapters

• Mouse*

• Copies of texts used in class

• Are there other tools unique to your course or practice?

*Many individuals find long term use of their devices easier if using a mouse.

Transfer Files from Desktop to Online

Materials that are stored only on your office machine will need to be transferred online. Remember FERPA and be sure to use secure storage.

• Transfer files from your desktop using Google Drive.

• Make sure you have home access to files from other resources you may be using such as Box.

Connect to the U of MN Off- Campus

It is helpful to think about how you and your students will gain access to the course materials:

• University of Minnesota tools such as email, Google Drive, and Canvas require the use of DUO Mobile sign in.

  • If your DUO-enabled device is your office phone, be sure to enroll a back up device, or, generate self-service bypass codes.

  • Some secure tools or platforms require the use of VPN.

The University of Minnesota has tools that allow instructors to transmit content to students without face-to-face meetings:

• Canvas is an online system used by the University. It is a versatile teaching tool. Using Canvas is preferred when rapidly moving instruction online.

• All courses have Canvas sites at Canvas.umn.edu, there is no need to request one. The UMN auto-generates courses. Unused Canvas sites remain hidden from students.

• Google Drive allows for the creation, upload, organization and collaboration of files. In some scenarios, Google Drive may be a viable alternative to in-person class activities. This type of course may be harder to manage.

Your syllabus provides a roadmap to your course for both you and your students. Reviewing it is helpful in deciding how to best move online.

• Do you have activities in your course that require student-to-student interaction or collaboration?

• Are you already using Canvas for some portion of this course?

  • 1. • Consider using Canvas

• Do you have minimal activities that might be accomplished via email correspondence?

  • 1. • Consider using Google or contact DEIteam@umn.edu with your questions

New Canvas Users

Have you decided to use Canvas for the first time? Follow these steps:

• Review How to Get Started with Canvas to cover the basics.

• Consider using the CEHD Canvas Template to provide structure to your course site.

• Go to Canvas.umn.edu, login with your University Internet ID and password, accept the terms of use.

• Email your teaching assistants and students with the new plan for the course, calling out what actions students need to take and your expectations for moving forward.

• Provide students with support materials.

• See suggestions for how to move forward with Canvas.

Experienced Canvas Users

If you already have some familiarity with Canvas and are moving to teaching your course online, keep in mind the following:

• Email your teaching assistants and students with the new plan for the course, calling out what actions students need to take and your expectations for moving forward.

• Provide students with support materials for Canvas and any other tool you may be using.

• If students have limited access off-campus and your course is already created, consider creating an ePub version of your course (a pdf).

• See suggestions for how to move forward with Canvas.

Going Online with Google

In some scenarios, Google may be a sufficient option for teaching online.

• Establish communication schedules and class norms.

• Designate what email addresses are to be used for correspondence.

• Describe the frequency of emails to be used for the course.

• Detail how assignments will be formatted and turned in.

• Establish feedback channels and grading norms.

• Email your teaching assistants and students with the new plan for the course, specifically call out what actions students may need to take.

• See suggestions for how to move forward with Google.