The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning is working quickly to help instructors move classes online before students return virtually March 30.
Starting Monday, March 16, CETL began offering 13 Move Your Course Online for Spring 2020 workshops, 10 workshops on Synchronous Video Conferencing with Collaborate Ultra, and four Canvas: Basics workshops. (Register by clicking the links.)
UWM already had the largest online presence of any Wisconsin school, public or private, according to Diane Reddy, director of CETL, with approximately 850 courses offered completely or partly online. More than 40 degree programs can be completed online.
For many students, taking classes online is at least somewhat familiar. About 11,000 students – more than 40% – in any given semester take at least one online course, Reddy said. “It’s not an unusual thing at UWM.”
However, UWM has instructors who’ve never done an online course. That’s why the center is working hard to get faculty and teaching staff proficient in offering courses online. The workshops will be tailored to the needs of participants.
Even with building closures, the courses will continue. “CETL will continue to be operational no matter what,” Reddy said. “We will continue to provide support to instructors and carry out all workshops virtually. Instructors do not need to come to the Kenwood campus. We will use technology to assist them.”
Instructors can incorporate in their own lesson plans, assignments, syllabi, quizzes, PowerPoint and lectures. Participants will also learn how to create quizzes and exams and facilitate online discussions.
“The idea is that instructors will walk away with their March 29 week done and in Canvas,” said Dylan Barth, teaching, learning and technology consultant at CETL.
“With that first week ready, instructors will be more confident about moving forward into the semester, added Reddy. “And we’ll be here to support them. Supporting instructors is our top priority.”
In addition to workshops, CETL will be offering a number of online resources:
- Move Your Course Online for Spring 2020 will also be offered virtually. Instructors can attend via Collaborate Ultra.
- Self-help guide every instructor should review: Quick Start Guide to Moving Your Course Online. In addition, a self-paced Canvas course is available.
- The workshop on Synchronous Video Conferencing with Collaborate Ultra is virtual – it uses the Collaborate Ultra tool as the vehicle for the workshop.
- Livestream sessions will walk through these resources and to answer questions. A third follow-up session on March 31 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. will be held for folks who may have additional questions. Here are the dates and links to join: March 23, 12:30-1:30 p.m.; March 31, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Sessions will be recorded and posted to the site itself for those unable to join in person.
Instructors who need additional information, support and assistance, can contact CETL at cetl@uwm.edu or 414 229-4319. Virtual appointments can be made via email, scheduled Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
CETL is partnering with school and college support offices to help during the transition. Support requests can be made online. In addition, help with Canvas is also available after hours.
