FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I hold labs remotely?

Questions and Guidelines to Consider

What are the essential learning outcomes for the labs?

Can the essential learning outcomes be achieved in alternative ways? For example:

• Conduct a “pre-lab” review with a quiz in Canvas to ensure student study the pre-lab.
• Create a video of the lab and have your students view your video prior to class. (Resources below.)
• Provide data from past semesters so that students can complete the analysis and discussion parts of the labs.
• Shift to a “virtual format.” Can you find a similar lab online? (Resources below.)
• For labs that have a focus on experimental design, can you have students complete the design and submit it to you via Canvas?
• Can you use a home lab kit? Penn State Environmental Health and Safety has developed a List of Approved Home Lab Kits and Procedures.

Free-access Virtual Labs

• Resources from Washington State
• Extensive set of engineering labs developed by Govt of India
• Amrita Virtual Labs
• Merlot

Best Practices for Recording Lab Videos with Cellphone or Tablet

• We don’t recommend trying to record a lab in “real-time” because too much can go wrong.
• If you have the students preview the video before you teach, adding a short quiz after the video in Canvas can help ensure that students watch the video.

If using a cell phone or tablet to record a video, we suggest the following process to make this equipment work best in a lab recording:

• Designate one video recorder and one presenter.
• If possible, the presenter should wear earbuds, airpods, or any other wireless device that includes a microphone that can connect to the phone or tablet.
• Shoot the video in landscape mode.
• Make the environment as quiet as possible. If loud equipment can be turned off, do so.
• Make the environment as bright as possible, turn on any lights that you can.
• Avoid shots that put the presenter in front of a window or other bright light source.
• Stabilize the camera. Holding a phone or tablet at arms length for any period of time will get tiring and result in shaky video. You may be able to rest the phone on top of a piece of equipment near the area you are presenting.
• Upload the video to your computer, then publish in Canvas (See FAQ: How do I add videos I already have to Canvas?​)