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Prepare for the Classroom
Below is a collection of resources to help you prepare for the classroom in circumstances that require social distancing, virtual participants, or a combination of both. Each resource is categorized by the instruction modes it can help with to make it easy to find what works for you.
Webinars and Recordings: Hands-on Zoom sessions and workshops, either live or recorded.
Learn at Your Own Pace: Guided modules and curated lists of content, arranged based on topics.
Technology Training: Workshops and tutorials focused on the technology available for teaching the different modes.
Resource Title
Description
- Commonwealth Campus Canvas Training, Fall ’22 (2 Sessions) Posted in: Canvas, Classroom Preparation, Technology Training, Upcoming Events, Webinars and Recordings - Date: Tuesday, August 16, 2022
Times: 9:00-11:00 AM and 6:00-8:00 PM EST
Prepare for Fall 2022 by joining us for a hands-on Canvas training session. - Commonwealth Connections: Instructor Day, Fall 2022 Posted in: Canvas, Classroom Preparation, Learning Assessment, Student Engagement, Trauma-Informed Pedagogy, Upcoming Events, Webinars and Recordings - Date: Wednesday, August 10th & Thursday, August 11th, 2022
Time: TBD
Where: Zoom
On August 10th and 11th, join colleagues from the Penn State Commonwealth Campuses to energize for the upcoming semester The event will explore topics related to engaging and supporting students; assessment; and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Hear from your faculty colleagues as they share strategies and tools for success. Be sure to bring your questions and any stories of success you care to share. - Instructor Panel (Instructor Day, Spring 2022) Posted in: Canvas, Classroom Preparation, Format, Learning Assessment, Student Engagement, Webinars and Recordings - Instructors will share their perspectives, experiences, and tips for starting the semester in a way that fosters a sense of community, motivation, and inclusivity in their classrooms.
- Commonwealth Connections: Instructor Day, Spring 2022 Posted in: Canvas, Classroom Preparation, Learning Assessment, Student Engagement, Trauma-Informed Pedagogy, Webinars and Recordings -
- Continuing Innovation with Technology in the Classroom Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Student Engagement, Webinars and Recordings - Now that Penn State has returned to the classroom, instructors are wondering how they can continue to use some of the technologies they learned over the past 18 months, and even continue to innovate around the use of technology in residential classes. Date & Time: October 18, 2021 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
- Commonwealth Campus Canvas Training (2 Sessions) Posted in: Canvas, Classroom Preparation, Technology Training, Webinars and Recordings - Date: Tuesday, August 17, 2021
Time: 9:00-11:00 AM and 6:00-8:00 PM EST
Prepare for Fall 2021 by joining us for a hands-on Canvas training session. - Embedding Retention Strategies into Teaching Practices Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Webinars and Recordings - Date: Wednesday, August 11, 2021
Time: 2:00 PM
Retaining students starts with experiences in the classroom and interactions with faculty. In this session, faculty will share their teaching practices that promote student retention, including setting expectations, writing a clear syllabus and schedule, changes to late policies, and supporting reluctant learners. - Introspection Toward Academic Engagement Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Webinars and Recordings - Date: Thursday, August 12, 2021
Time: 10:00 AM
Back to basics reflection on our core principles and broader professional goals and the value of these reflective “real life” practices for our students and ourselves. The session examines several insightful and forward-looking exercises that faculty have used with their students and concludes with a discussion and demonstration of mindfulness in the classroom and beyond. - Open and Affordable Teaching and Collaboration – Two Examples Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Webinars and Recordings - Date: Thursday, August 12, 2021
Time: 11:00 AM
This session will present two faculty approaches to working with open and affordable educational materials. Half of the session will focus on potential sources of OER materials for Math and Statistics courses, while the other half will discuss the structure and benefits of forming a community of practice among your peers to support and explore your work with OAER. - Helping Students Succeed with Embedded Tutors and Learning Assistants Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Student Engagement, Webinars and Recordings - Date: Wednesday, August 11, 2021
Time: 1:00 PM
We have been using an Embedded Tutor/Learning Assistant enabled classroom. These programs have increased student understanding by enabling them to personally engage with the tutors and Learning Assistants. This engagement promotes a higher level of interaction between students and tutors/LAs and increased the use of the tutoring centers. - The Re-entry Experience: Transitioning Effectively into Fall 2021 Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Webinars and Recordings - Date: Wednesday, August 11, 2021
Time: 12:00 PM
Re-entry is a process requiring intentional equipping and planning for the well-being of all involved. Using empirically supported re-entry transition models, in this session we will look back at where we as a community have been and assess the terrain ahead. - Inclusive Teaching Practices: Creating a Classroom where Everyone can Thrive Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Webinars and Recordings - Date: Thursday, August 12, 2021
Time: 12:00 PM
As classrooms become more diverse, educators are re-evaluating teaching methods. This presentation provides background on the importance of developing cultural competency and creating an inclusive classroom. Inclusive strategies and activities to create a classroom where everyone can thrive are also presented. - Transitioning Instruction Online Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Webinars and Recordings - Date: Thursday, August 12, 2021
Time: 11:00 AM
This session will share lessons learned when transitioning courses to Online. Each member of the panel will bring a different perspective to changes they made during the transition to online and how it affected the resources, activities, and delivery of lectures. With a focus to ensure teaching and learning took place. - Switching it Up: Using Adobe Spark for Course Assessment Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Learning Assessment, Webinars and Recordings - Date: Thursday, August 12, 2021
Time: 9:00 AM
Join us to learn creative ways of using Adobe Spark Post and Video for both course content assessment and student reflection. This session may be of interest to faculty who are seeking new ways to: engage and assess students, ease students' transition back to the classroom with online activities, and/or reduce the time spent reviewing student work. - Quality within Constraints: Course Design in a Hurry! Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Webinars and Recordings - Date: Wednesday, August 11, 2021
Time: 1:00 PM
Join us to discuss how a rapid prototyping model was used to design a quality online course in a hurry. We will also share how we prioritize enhancements and use an iterative design strategy to achieve continuous improvement over time. - Creative Course Design: Examples of Transformative and Experiential Learning in the Classroom Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Student Engagement, Webinars and Recordings - Date: Thursday, August 12, 2021
Time: 10:00 AM
This session explores three distinct ways faculty infused experiential learning into their classrooms. We will explore topics such as telecollaboration, enthusiastic engagement, getting students to participate beyond their comfort zones, and real-world based projects. - Teaching Writing with Google Docs in the Post-Pandemic World Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Learning Assessment, Webinars and Recordings - Date: Thursday, August 12, 2021
Time: 10:00 AM
Google Docs can be a powerful tool to teach writing, both face to face and remotely. Now that so many people are familiar with them, it's the perfect time to capitalize on Google Docs advantages. In this session, instructors will share successes and tips for teaching writing with Google Docs in any classroom. Come to pick experienced brains! - Making the Business Classroom More “Profitable” Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Webinars and Recordings - Date: Wednesday, August 11, 2021
Time: 2:00 PM
This trio will share a combination of using computer simulations to accommodate specific business course instruction, student application of classroom discussions to real-world scenarios, and the use of SWOT analysis for every case readings that provides students with key takeaway that prepare students for classroom topics as well as everyday life/goals. - Commonwealth Connections: Instructor Days, Fall 2021 Posted in: Canvas, Classroom Preparation, Learning Assessment, Student Engagement, Trauma-Informed Pedagogy, Webinars and Recordings, Zoom - On August 11th and 12th, join colleagues from the Penn State Commonwealth Campuses to energize for the upcoming semester. The event will explore topics related to invigorating your teaching practice, strategies to preserve from Pandemic teaching, and practices for supporting students. Hear from your faculty colleagues as they share strategies and tools for success. Be […]
- Increasing Student Engagement with Top Hat Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Learning Assessment, Student Engagement, Webinars and Recordings - The University has a new tool to enhance student participation in your courses. Top Hat is a cloud-based audience participation solution with presentations, questions, and assignments built-in. In this session, faculty and learning designers will share the ways that Top Hat is being used in the classroom.
- Workshop: Using Microsoft Teams for Class Community and Collaboration Posted in: Canvas, Classroom Preparation, Student Engagement, Webinars and Recordings - PSU Scranton Science faculty member Theresa Black has used Teams in conjunction with Canvas and other online tools to meet with her students over the summer and fall. Join us to discuss her experiences – the good and the bad – and learn how you can use Teams to create community and collaboration online.
- Teaching on Zoom: Lessons Learned (Session 1) Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Webinars and Recordings, Zoom - Faculty from across the University share their experiences in teaching on Zoom in the Fall semester. Find out what went well, what didn’t go well, and what tips you might want to incorporate into your Spring courses.
- Leveling the Academic Playing Field with Open Educational Resources (OER) Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Webinars and Recordings - Students often report not purchasing a textbook because it is too expensive or deferring a course due the high cost of texts. In this session, faculty share their experiences using freely available (OER) to replace or augment their textbooks and traditional lectures.
- Providing Feedback That Students Will Use Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Learning Assessment, Webinars and Recordings - Feedback is valuable but only when students take advantage of it. In this session, presenters will provide examples of how and when to provide useful feedback to your students and discuss several grading tools that can make the process more efficient.
- Workshop: Organizing Course Content in Canvas Posted in: Canvas, Classroom Preparation, Webinars and Recordings - This session will cover best practices for organizing your course content in a way that you and your students can easily navigate. Participants will have the opportunity to modify one of their existing Canvas courses in collaboration with facilitators and other session participants.
- Combatting Fake News with Digital Literacy Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Webinars and Recordings - Educators are increasingly called upon by the public and the press to sharpen students’ digital literacy skills. In this session, faculty and librarians will address strategies and resources that can be easily incorporated across the curriculum to teach digital literacy.
- Lessons Learned from Small Teaching Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Student Engagement, Webinars and Recordings - In his book Small Teaching, James Lang explains how minor modifications to our teaching can have a major impact on student learning. In this session, faculty discuss the ways they have incorporated the lessons from Small Teaching into their courses and the benefits they have seen with student learning and engagement.
- Using Learning Mastery in the Canvas Gradebook Posted in: Canvas, Classroom Preparation, Learning Assessment, Webinars and Recordings - The vast majority of students pass their courses and progress through their major even as they accumulate gaps in their knowledge. The Mastery approach prevents these gaps by making individualized modifications so that all students can achieve the same level of learning.
- Creating a Study Abroad Experience in the COVID Environment Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Webinars and Recordings - The EDGE (Experiential Digital Global Engagement) program connects Penn State students with classes around the world through the use of technology. Students collaborate with those in partner classes on course projects while also learning about life and culture in the partner country.
- Teaching in Mixed-Mode: Lessons Learned Posted in: Canvas, Classroom Preparation, Learning Assessment, Student Engagement, Trauma-Informed Pedagogy, Webinars and Recordings, Zoom - Faculty from across the University share their experiences in teaching mixed-mode courses in the Fall semester. Find out what went well, what didn’t go well, and what tips you might want to incorporate into your Spring courses.
- University Guidance: Syllabus Statements, Student Conduct, and Classroom Safety Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Webinars and Recordings - Panelists will discuss and answer questions about university guidance on syllabus statements, student conduct, and safety measures for classrooms.
- Reading and Interpreting the COVID-19 Dashboard Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Webinars and Recordings - Learn how to read and interpret Penn State’s COVID-19 Dashboard. Recording and Resources coming soon.
- Library Instruction for All Instructional Modes Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Webinars and Recordings - Traditionally, library instruction is most often delivered by one-shot sessions in the physical classroom. However, there are intentional library instruction models that extend beyond one-shots including remote presentations, learning objects, Canvas modules, digital badges, and embedded librarianship. What will library instruction look like in the fall? How can instructors and instructional designers work with the […]
- Classroom Technology Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Student Engagement, Webinars and Recordings - Panelists will review the classroom technology available to support socially distanced classrooms and mixed-mode delivery and procedures to request additional technology.
- A Practical Guide to Finding and Using Open and Affordable Educational Resources in Any Modality Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Student Engagement, Webinars and Recordings - This session will provide you with some strategies and tips for locating, selecting, and incorporating alternative course materials, including open educational resources and library e-resources.
- Too Much or Not Enough: Quantifying the Time Students Spend in Engaging Courses Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Learning Assessment, Student Engagement, Webinars and Recordings - Instructors thoughtfully create high-quality, engaging course design experiences, but is time dedicated to assessing the rigor that’s placed on students? This session will first focus on the benefits of and strategies for reviewing the time spent on instructional activities. Participants will use various tools and resources to review the instructional activity/student rigor each week of […]
- Instructional Strategies for Promoting Honest Efforts Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Learning Assessment, Webinars and Recordings - For many educators, fostering educational objectives while protecting the integrity of course materials has become an even bigger challenge than before. In this presentation, we’ll discuss students’ motivations for academic misconduct and offer strategies to foster academic honesty.
- Considerations in Teaching Offshore International Students Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Learning Assessment, Student Engagement, Webinars and Recordings - Due to the pandemic, travel ban, and delayed visas, a large number of our international students are currently studying remotely from their home countries. This training module addresses the prevailing issues facing faculty in teaching students who are physically outside of the United States. In addition to covering topics on differences in academic culture, learning […]
- Academic Integrity Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Learning Assessment, Webinars and Recordings - This session will focus on the importance and role of faculty consistently and persistently messaging students about practicing academic integrity. The PSU academic integrity policy and process will also be reviewed.
- Faculty Seminar on Teaching with Technology Posted in: Canvas, Classroom Preparation, Learning Assessment, Student Engagement, Webinars and Recordings - This Faculty Webinar on Teaching with Technology for Fall 2020 features Berks faculty sharing innovative pedagogical strategies and uses of instructional technology. These strategies include the use of Packback in Canvas, an online scavenger hunt, tips for keeping students organized and on-task, and an award-winning way to combine quizzes and reflective journal assignments.
- Copyright and Creative Commons: How to Find and Use Resources Posted in: Canvas, Classroom Preparation, Webinars and Recordings - A 30-minute presentation followed by 30-minute Q&A. Presentation on copyright and creative commons resources.
- Resources for Remote Synchronous Posted in: Canvas, Classroom Preparation, Learning Assessment, Student Engagement, Webinars and Recordings, Zoom - This session covers how to engage, assess, and support students in a remote-synchronous course.
- Resources for Mixed Mode Posted in: Canvas, Classroom Preparation, Learning Assessment, Student Engagement, Webinars and Recordings, Zoom - This session covers ways to implement a mixed-mode course, how your plan for the course can be communicated to your students, and some of the resources available to you to help in this process.
- Integrating Penn State Tools in Canvas for Better Teaching and Learning Posted in: Canvas, Classroom Preparation, Learning Assessment, Student Engagement, Webinars and Recordings, Zoom - This session will cover the use of a variety of technology tools in your course design, answering the following questions: How can we use Zoom technology to a) make individual assignments more engaging and b) foster more meaningful learning? How can we use Zoom technology to ensure academic integrity for individual assignments? How can Zoom […]
- Faculty Modeling Remote Synchronous Instruction Posted in: Canvas, Classroom Preparation, Student Engagement, Webinars and Recordings, Zoom - This session will showcase Penn State faculty using three instructional strategies during remote synchronous instruction: whiteboard, lecturing, and engaging students in activities/discussions.
- Faculty Modeling Mixed-Mode Instruction Posted in: Canvas, Classroom Preparation, Student Engagement, Webinars and Recordings, Zoom - This session will showcase Penn State faculty using three instructional strategies during mixed-mode instruction: whiteboard, lecturing, and engaging students in activities/discussions.
- Countdown to Classes Webinar: Essential Teaching Tools, Guidance and Resources for Fall 2020 Posted in: Canvas, Classroom Preparation, Student Engagement, Webinars and Recordings, Zoom - In the 2-hour interactive webinar, we will provide you with the essential tools you need to be successful in the upcoming semester. During the first hour, we focus on preparing for your first day as we review the flexible instructional modes and their implementation. Then, we explore how to prepare your course syllabi with the current learning environment in mind including […]
- Too Little or Too Much: How to Gauge the Right Amount of Course Content Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Webinars and Recordings - In this session, presenters will share resources that will help you decide the appropriate amount of content and activities for your course. Participants will have the opportunity to assess the existing workload in one of their courses and reflect on possible changes to improve student learning.
Resource Title
Description
- Adopting a Metacognitive Approach to Teaching Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Learn at Your Own Pace, Learning Assessment, Student Engagement - Learn about the benefits of metacognitive teaching for students and how to implement these strategies into your courses.
- Student Success Canvas Module Posted in: Canvas, Classroom Preparation, Learn at Your Own Pace, Student Engagement - Import this module into your Canvas course spaces to help students become aware of research-based strategies that can improve their chances of success in college.
- A Quick Guide for Remote Asynchronous Teaching Posted in: Canvas, Classroom Preparation, Learn at Your Own Pace, Learning Assessment, Student Engagement - This resource gives a quick overview of things to consider for remote asynchronous teaching, from class planning and organization to the ways you can engage students asynchronously.
- The Engaging Students Series Posted in: Canvas, Classroom Preparation, Learn at Your Own Pace, Learning Assessment, Student Engagement, Zoom - A collection of past webinars and related resources that were shared during sessions in the Engaging Students Series.
- Teaching Demonstrations: Remote Synchronous Lecture Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Learn at Your Own Pace, Student Engagement, Zoom - This video showcases examples of Penn State faculty engaging online students during a remote synchronous lecture.
- Teaching Demonstrations: Mixed Mode Whiteboard Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Learn at Your Own Pace, Student Engagement, Zoom - This video showcases examples of Penn State faculty using physical and digital whiteboards to engage online and in-class students.
- Teaching Demonstrations: Mixed Mode Lectures Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Learn at Your Own Pace, Student Engagement, Zoom - This video showcases examples of Penn State faculty engaging online and in-class students in a mixed-mode lecture.
- Teaching Demonstrations: Mixed Mode Class Activities Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Learn at Your Own Pace, Student Engagement, Zoom - This video showcases examples of Penn State faculty facilitating discussions and group work with online and in-class students.
- Flexible Instruction Teaching Guide Posted in: Canvas, Classroom Preparation, Learn at Your Own Pace, Learning Assessment, Student Engagement, Zoom - A curated collection of resources to help support you and to give students the best learning experience possible. This guide is helpful for all instruction modes and covers a wide variety of topics.
- A Quick Guide for Remote Synchronous Teaching Posted in: Canvas, Classroom Preparation, Learn at Your Own Pace, Learning Assessment, Student Engagement, Zoom - This resource gives a quick overview of things to consider for remote synchronous teaching, from class planning and organization to the ways you can engage students remotely.
- A Quick Guide for Mixed Mode Teaching Posted in: Canvas, Classroom Preparation, Learn at Your Own Pace, Learning Assessment, Student Engagement, Zoom - This resource gives a quick overview of things to consider for mixed-mode teaching, from class planning and organization to the technology available to you.
Resource Title
Description
- Commonwealth Campus Canvas Training, Fall ’22 (2 Sessions) Posted in: Canvas, Classroom Preparation, Technology Training, Upcoming Events, Webinars and Recordings - Date: Tuesday, August 16, 2022
Times: 9:00-11:00 AM and 6:00-8:00 PM EST
Prepare for Fall 2022 by joining us for a hands-on Canvas training session. - Commonwealth Campus Canvas Training (2 Sessions) Posted in: Canvas, Classroom Preparation, Technology Training, Webinars and Recordings - Date: Tuesday, August 17, 2021
Time: 9:00-11:00 AM and 6:00-8:00 PM EST
Prepare for Fall 2021 by joining us for a hands-on Canvas training session. - Office 365: An Overview of Office 365 for the Classroom (ITLD) Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Technology Training - Are you using Penn State’s Office 365 applications to enhance your teaching? Do you want to learn more about Office 365 and how the applications could potentially be used in the classroom?This 1.5 hour demonstration and discussion will walk you through how to locate Office 365 applications, identify how you can use these tools in […]
- Excel: Data Management (ITLD) Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Technology Training - In this hands-on workshop, participants will become familiar with the basic tools for data management in Microsoft Excel. Participants will learn how to import, extract, and manipulate spreadsheet data. Participants will also use some of Excel’s tools to work more efficiently, including data validation, PivotTables, and PivotCharts.
- Zoom: An Introduction (ITLD) Posted in: Classroom Preparation, Technology Training, Zoom - Ready to start using Zoom, but not sure how to get started? Join us for this session to get up and running with the basics of Zoom. During this 1.5 hour session, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the differences between meeting and webinar, and learn how to choose the best option for your session. […]
- Access a Zoom Meeting in Your Canvas Course Posted in: Canvas, Classroom Preparation, Student Engagement, Technology Training, Zoom - A step-by-step guide to help you access Zoom meetings and recordings within Canvas.
Note: Only PSU authenticated users can join these sessions. If you have trouble getting into the Zoom room, please log in to Zoom using your Penn State user ID and password from Zoom before clicking on the meeting link.