Remote FAQ
Below is a list of frequently asked questions with respect to remote learning. For further questions please email learningdesign@umb.edu
Getting Started
I am new to Canvas. How do I get started?
Visit the Canvas Training and Resources page for how-to guidance. Reach out to LearningDesign@umb.edu to meet with a Learning Designer to get help with your course design.
I have an old computer. How do I get a newer one?
Reach out to your Chair/Dean and they can work with IT to review options
The Internet access I have at home is not adequate. What are my options?
Make sure your computer is close to your Wifi router. Turn off any other applications that may be sharing the Wifi. Close unnecessary browser windows and tabs.
Is teaching 'remotely' the same as teaching 'online'?
In many ways it is. You can use Synchronous and Asynchronous tools to teach your course.
Must I use Canvas?
It is highly recommended that faculty use Canvas. This ensures that students have ALL their content in one place.
Do I need to add information about my class in WISER?
Update Class Notes in WISER - your students will use this to learn more about the modality and technology used in the course Teaching Method - Synch or Async or a combination of both. include information on the way you will communicate with your students.
Is there a 'checklist' that I can use to get my course ready?
Follow the Course Readiness Resources on the Learning Design website for up to date guidance to get your course ready for a new semester.
How do I host open Office Hours remotely?
Office Hours can be hosted online using the Zoom conferencing software. Visit the Zoom resource page for more information.
Teaching / Pedagogy
How can I change my in-class activities to online activities?
There are a number of ways to structure your learning activities for the remote environment through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous activities. Schedule a consult with a Learning Designer to get help with planning your course.
How can Canvas help me with teaching remotely?
Canvas is a state of the art Learning Management System that allows you to easily connect with your students as well as structure interactive activities for them to participate in.
How do I redesign assessments that students can complete online?
Written assessments can be accepted through the Assignments tool in Canvas, whereas timed tests can be delivered through the New Quizzes tool.
Accessibility
All lecture recordings must be captioned. How do I go about doing this?
Use Voicethread, Studio or Echo360 to record mini-lectures and benefit from the auto captioning systems available.
What steps can I complete to ensure that the documents I share are accessible?
Refer to our Accessibility pages to make sure the content you create and share is accessible.
What is the best way to share digital resources with students?
Use the library's UMBrella tool to search for and link to library resources in your Canvas course.
Assessment
What is the difference between Open-Book exams and Take-Home exams as it pertains to remote learning?
The main difference is in the time that is allowed: Open-Book exams are done within a brief period of time in one sitting using the Tests tool and timed using the built-in timer. Take-Home exams allow the student a longer time period for submitting the exam and can be administered using the Tests tool or the Assignments tool in Canvas.
Can I require students to take assessments and final exams outside of the normal class hours or finals schedule for my course?
No, you cannot.
Can I offer flexibility that allows students the option to take assessments and final exams outside of the normal class hours or finals schedule for m
Yes, flexibility is encouraged.
Can I conduct polling remotely and integrate polling scores with my Canvas gradebook?
Yes, view the Using iClicker for Remote Instruction Video . Learn more about iClicker Cloud by visiting Getting Started with iClicker Cloud .
Is there an easy way to create a low stakes quiz to increase engagement in my remote class?
Yes, you can use the iClicker Assignments feature which allows you to create a low stakes quiz from a PowerPoint presentation. View the Creating Assignments in iClicker Cloud Video
Learn more about iClicker Cloud Getting Started with iClicker Cloud
Academic Integrity
How can I randomize questions in my quizzes/exams?
When setting up a New Quiz, go to Settings and enable the Shuffle Questions option.
How can I minimize cheating on exams and encourage students to respect academic integrity?
Visit the Assessment and Academic Integrity pages to learn more about best practices for setting up tests and minimizing opportunities for cheating.
What systems / tools are available to help with proctoring exams?
We are currently offering Respondus LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor for added security when offering online exams. Learn more about requirements for use and getting started with these tools by visiting Respondus LockDown Browser page.
Web Conferencing
What options are available for meeting live with students?
Faculty have access to Zoom for live online meetings.
Where can I get a Zoom Pro license?
Please send an email to IT-ClassTech@umb.edu
Is Zoom safe to use?
Yes. Zoom's security features are designed to ensure a safe meeting environment, especially when meetings are set up using our university license. For more information please visit the Zoom page.
How do I add captions to my recorded Zoom lectures?
Zoom recordings can be uploaded to an ECHO360 ALP room to benefit from the automated captioning service. Contact echo360@umb.edu for more info.
Do students need to purchase a Zoom license to attend a Zoom session?
No. They only need a license to host their own meetings.
Can I launch Zoom from within Canvas?
Yes. In fact this is the recommended method, as it ensures that only students in your class can access you Zoom session. We recommend faculty add Zoom to the Canvas Course Menu. Following are instructions to use Zoom in Canvas.
Can I mandate students turn on their Webcam?
During regular remote instruction, faculty cannot require students to turn on their webcam, and should adopt a camera-optional practice for teaching through Zoom. A camera-optional approach respects student issues such as equity (e.g., some students may not have cameras on their devices), safety and security (e.g., some students may be deployed on active military service, or in need of safety or privacy), and religious beliefs.
How do I conduct a Poll using Zoom?
Following are instructions that show how to conduct a poll in Zoom.
How do I create and manage Breakout rooms in Zoom?
The following instructions show how to create and manage Breakout rooms in Zoom.
How do I check Attendance using Zoom?
Log on to the web portal at umassboston.zoom.us then go to Reports. Follow these detailed instructions for more help.
Mobile Access
What content can students view using the Canvas Student App?
The Canvas Student app provides access to Canvas while on the go. Depending on the device, not all Canvas features may be available on the app at this time. View the Canvas Student mobile features document by version and device.
What content can instructors work with using the Canvas Teacher App?
The Canvas Teacher app allows instructors to manage course content and grade student submissions on the go. Syncs with SpeedGrader and the Gradebook. With the growing use of mobile devices, instructors should develop their courses with best practices for mobile in mind. View the Canvas Teacher mobile features document document by version and device.
Get Help from Learning Design Services
Write to us: learningdesign@umb.edu