Category Archives: Prepare for Fall

A collection of resources dealing with preparing for fall 2020 instruction, including syllabus language, policy resources, etc.

Prepare for Fall

Fall 2020 Canvas Training Schedule

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As we begin to return to campus for the fall semester, Penn State IT Learning and Development is offering Canvas training sessions via Zoom on a variety of topics, from designing effective content to optimizing your content for accessibility.

These upcoming training sessions listed below will be offered through December via Zoom, enabling faculty and staff to participate from anywhere. If a session is full, you may still request it. You will be contacted if space becomes available. Additional sessions may be added based upon waitlist demand.

https://canvas.psu.edu/2020/08/14/canvas-fall-2020-training-schedule/

Prepare for Fall

Fall 2020 Instructor Guide

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The Fall 2020 Instructor guide is an excellent resource for any faculty looking for a comprehensive way to catch on all things teaching related for the Fall 2020 semester.

This from faculty to faculty guide was created by:

  • Denise Bortree, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs (Bellisario College of Communications)
  • Frantisek Marko, Distinguished Professor of Mathematics (Penn State Hazelton)
  • Yvette Richardson, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education (College of Earth and Mineral Sciences)
Prepare for Fall

Second Round Masking and PPE Guidelines for Instruction

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Updated information has been released regarding balancing interaction in the classroom with PPE/social distance guidelines for in person instruction. The information can be found here:

https://pennstateoffice365.sharepoint.com/:w:/s/KeepTeachingSupportDocuments/EWjH8t4hx2NLmN1aSjDH384BU38BH2_mAJqMw4KtRFBVug?e=9HaZZq&wdLOR=cE96FD4CC-A17F-A84C-8A02-7285727B8B45

Prepare for Fall, Uncategorized

New Canvas Feature: COVID Schedule Tool

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“Starting August 3, the COVID Schedule tool, located in each Canvas course’s Navigation menu, allows instructors to display course details and class schedule information for students.  

Note: It is recommended that instructors communicate to students via a Canvas Announcement, and on the Syllabus page that the course details and class schedule information will be displayed under the COVID Schedule page in Canvas. Communication templates are available for instructors to use.   

On August 10, a grouping functionality will be available in the COVID Schedule tool to assist instructors in managing course groups to meet social distancing requirements for classroom facilities. Stay tuned for more information coming August 10. 

Please refer to the Penn State knowledge base article for more information on how to use the COVID Schedule tool in Canvas. “

Originally posted on the Canvas announcements page.

 

Prepare for Fall, Uncategorized

Student Mental Health Support

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The information below can be shared with students who may be struggling with stress or mental health challenges. From https://keeplearning.psu.edu/fall-2020/frequently-asked-questions/

If you are finding it difficult to cope or are feeling overwhelmed, we encourage you to reach out to your campus resources:

  • University Park students can call Counseling and Psychological Services at 814-863-0395 to make an appointment and speak with a clinician. CAPS is currently offering clinical consultations and short-term tele-mental health therapy.
  • Students at other Penn State campuses should contact their campus counseling staff.
  • Penn State World Campus students should contact their Mental Health Case Manager.

If you are experiencing high distress or are in crisis and are located in the United States, please call the Penn State Crisis Line at 1-877-229-6400 or call 911. You may also receive immediate support from the Crisis Text Line by texting ‘LIONS’ to 741741. Contact local emergency services if you are outside the United States.

If you are located in Pennsylvania, you can also access the COVID-19 Support & Referral Helpline.

Prepare for Fall, Uncategorized

Students who need computer/internet

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If you have a student who does not have access to a computer or reliable internet, they can request this technology (a laptop or mini unit) through Penn State IT. The information below can be shared with students, and comes from https://keeplearning.psu.edu/fall-2020/frequently-asked-questions/

If  you do not have access to a computer and/or reliable broadband from your location and you have exhausted all other resources, please log in to the IT service portal and fill out the Penn State Mobile Technology Request Form to formalize your computer/access request. University IT is continually working on the availability and distribution of equipment

Information about your request will be relayed via the phone number you provide in the request form. Once you receive your equipment, contact the IT Service Desk for 24/7 support.

Prepare for Fall, Uncategorized

Teaching with PPE Task Force Report

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UPDATED: 8/11/20

A University task force was asked to  providing guidance on best practices for teaching with PPE (personal protective equipment; PSU login required). The report includes information on mask wearing, recommended distancing, how to clean microphones safely and how to safely facilitate student questions in larger spaces.