Supporting faculty in the shift to providing remote courses is a key priority. Here are just a few of the supports available:
1. Professional Learning Program
A full suite of remote teaching workshops is available for faculty and instructors to ask questions and get some support with course planning. View the full schedule or teaching workshops.
2. Remote Teaching Support Teams
Each decanal unit will be assigned a Remote Teaching Support Team to work directly with instructors. The teams have a complimentary set of skills to help you with your courses. These remote teaching support teams are available to support faculty and instructors with your specific questions and ideas. Each of the teams will be introduced by the deans to their respective decanal units. In addition to individual support, the teams will host group meeting times for drop ins as well as a virtual lounge. This team approach will support you and your colleagues in ‘figuring things out’ for remote teaching. No question is too large or too small. Questions? Email teaching@trentu.ca.
3. Content Rovers
Content Rovers are upper year undergraduate and graduate students available to support faculty in using the OMNI or Legato system; using openly licensed materials; curating readings and digital resources.
4. Technology for Teaching Program
Software, hardware, and human resources are available to support teaching, including:
Software and Resources
- Blackboard LMS System for Courses
- Zoom for Web Conferencing
- Microsoft Teams for Collaboration (to connect with students, other faculty, and even guests from outside the institution)
- Yuja for Desktop Lecture Capture
- Microsoft Bookings for Student Appointment Scheduling
Information Technology (IT) is currently working on integrating Zoom with Blackboard to automate much of the work associated with hosting and recording of lectures. Additional information on this integration will be shared through a Tech Bulletin.
Hardware
IT will be restarting the TUFA Computer Renewal Program within the next week. If you are due for renewal, you will receive an email with reminders about your ability to order computer equipment. IT plans to have all distributions completed before the middle of August. IT will also increase the availability of loaner equipment in this coming year to support the unique needs of going remote. Webcams and headsets will be available for loan and are intended to address faculty needs until other hardware arrangements can be made. Details on availability and booking will follow in a future Tech Bulletin.
Human Resources
In addition to the IT workshops and the extended hours offered by the IT Service Desk, the Tech Rover program provides students to assist faculty in learning and using technology and uploading course materials into the Blackboard System. Details regarding the Tech Rover program will be shared in the near future.
Support Anytime
If instructors want help figuring out how to make the transition online, please set up an appointment with the Centre for Teaching and Learning/Trent Online. They can help you think through what content is essential, how students will get it, and how they will be assessed and receive feedback.
Please contact teaching@trentu.ca to book an appointment.
View the Student Learning Technology FAQ
More Online Teaching Resources
The Centre for Teaching & Learning at Trent has created guides to assist faculty and instructors with online and remote teaching.