Reading Time: 2 minutesAs we get deeper into the semester, it’s the perfect time to pause and review the tech options available as we navigate the strange waters of the hyflex format. Today, we’re going to briefly talk about the classroom technology options, Zoom, Ensemble, and how they all fit together. Classroom technology There’s more technology than ever before available in your classrooms including document cameras, iPads, and Meeting Owls. If you’re running into issues with any of the tech pieces, check out the instructions and notes in our Fall 2020 Tech Instruction folder (note: you’ll need to be signed into your Cedarville Google account to access it). Some of…
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Using a Virtual Background in Zoom
Reading Time: 2 minutesHave you gotten all set up and ready to host a Zoom meeting or record a lecture only to realize that the background of your video is not what you want? Or maybe you didn’t get that far – you’ve spent time contemplating what room of your house or angle in your office not only provides good light but also a pleasant backdrop. Zoom has a feature that can take away some of those considerations: virtual backgrounds. They provide a few default options, and you can also upload your own backgrounds. And this is where the good news gets better. Cedarville has created backgrounds featuring views of…
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Scheduling a Zoom Meeting through Google Calendar
Reading Time: < 1 minuteScheduling a Zoom meeting through Canvas is an excellent way to meet with all the students in your course. However, what’s the best way to meet with a single student when you want to ensure nobody else can join the call? Enter scheduling your Zoom meetings through Google Calendar. With a simple add-on, you can create a meeting through Google Calendar and set it to launch a Zoom meeting. Installing the add-on You’ll see a message letting you know that the add-on has been installed. Scheduling a Zoom meeting Joining the meeting When it’s time to join the meeting, you and your student would just go…
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Best Practices for Conducting a Synchronous Session
Reading Time: 3 minutesWhile synchronous sessions can function similar to class sessions (you get to verbally communicate with all your students at once), there are some considerations you should make. From coming into the session with a plan to developing a method for student interaction, these items will help your sessions run smoothly. Prepare and plan ahead Are you planning on going through a presentation? Showing some other program or document via screen share? Have all of those items ready so it’s a simple toggle to the resource. You won’t have to sort through files for folders to find what you need. Consider also having an outline on what you…
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Remote Learning: The Basics
Reading Time: 3 minutesYou’ve survived the first couple days of teaching remotely because of COVID-19 – congratulations! We’re going to use this post to take a pause and review some of the methods that are most helpful for transitioning online. These are the things that will make your course functional. Your course will survive. And later in this transitioning online series, we’ll be covering items that will slowly take you from surviving to thriving. But for now, we’re starting small. If you haven’t checked out the Getting Started with Remote Learning course in Canvas, please do so. We walk through these tips plus best practices, FAQs, and ways to get…