Distance Learning: School of Professional Studies

Overview

To prevent further spread of the Coronavirus, Northwestern University has required that all Spring courses be taught online for, at a minimum, the first three weeks of the quarter. To help faculty members with this transition to remote teaching, the Office of Distance Learning has prepared this information page to assist you in moving your classes online.

Northwestern University Information & Resources

General information about the university's response to Coronavirus/COVID-19 and its implications for students and faculty;

Coronavirus/COVID-19 Updates — Official news and resources for the entire Northwestern Community.
FAQS > Academics & Admissions — The Teaching and Learning and Academic Issues for Faculty sections contain useful information for faculty.

Northwestern IT Teaching & Learning Technologies has provided these resources for all faculty:

Remote Instruction for Spring 2020 — Instructor guidance, tools and other resources for remote instruction.
Canvas Learning Center — Detailed instructions for developing a course and teaching in the Canvas Learning Management System.

Getting Started with Remote Teaching

We realize that this will be the first time teaching remotely for many instructors. The resources on this page will aid you in converting your course content for use in Canvas and effectively teaching the course at a distance. They have been listed in an order that is intended get you started and then expand your remote teaching skills. Select the tab below that corresponds to the format of the course you need to convert.

Face-To-Face
Blended & Online

Remote Teaching Consultations, Office Hours & Webinars

One-to-One Consultations Sign-up Office Hours & Webinar Registration

The Office of Distance Learning is offering real-time instruction and support for faculty in three formats:

Remote Teaching Consultations: Individual consultations with a Distance Learning or NUIT staff member are available. Complete the One-to-One Consultations sign-up form and a member of the Distance Learning staff will be in touch to schedule your appointment.
Office Hours: We are also holding open Office Hours, when DL staff will be available to discuss any and all topics related to remote teaching. You can register for Office Hours on the Distance Learning Eventbrite page.
Webinars: Instruction on specific topics related to remote teaching with the opportunity for you to have your questions addressed in real-time by the facilitator. You can register for the Webinars on the Distance Learning Eventbrite page.

Tip Sheets

Canvas Quickstart Checklist for Remote Teaching — The most basic steps you will need to take if you are completely new to teaching online in Canvas.
Critical Accessibility Supports for Remote Teaching — Resources for making your course materials accessible to all students.
Tips for Creating Successful Online Discussions — Canvas discussions allow students to exchange comments and engage in conversation with each other and the instructor.
Assessments and Grading for Remote Teaching — Canvas provides tools for assessing students' learning, providing them with feedback and reporting grades.
Engagement When Teaching Remotely — Teaching online can engage students as effectively as interactions in the classroom.
Facilitating Remote Group Work Tip Sheet — This guide will describe some of the ways that students can collaborate on group projects remotely.
Involving Teaching Assistants in Remote Teaching — Recommendations for collaborating with a teaching assistant in Canvas.
Hosting an Online Class Session in Zoom —The Zoom web conferencing platforms allows you and your student to meet in real time with audio, video and screen sharing.
Record a Webcam Video in Canvas When Teaching Remotely — Use video to direct students' attention to key parts of the material or to relate interesting examples that illustrate important points.

Workshop

Quickstart for Remote Teaching Workshop — Available from Monday, March 16. A self-paced online workshop for instructors who are new to remote teaching. Facilitators will monitor the workshop discussions to address your questions or concerns. To join, click the link, log into Canvas with your netID, and click "Enroll in Course." You will then be enrolled and can click the button to Go to the Course and start learning!

Videos & Sample Courses

Getting Started with Canvas — How-to videos demonstrating basic tasks for instructors in Canvas and a curated list of example courses.

Consider relaxing your class participation and assignment due date policies if students need accommodations due to illness or travel restrictions.

If you are currently teaching a blended online/face to face (hybrid) course, leverage your existing online materials and course structure.

If you are currently teaching an entirely online course, there should be very little necessary preparation or modifications to your course.

Tip Sheets

Engagement When Teaching Remotely — Teaching online can engage students as effectively as interactions in the classroom.
Involving Teaching Assistants in Remote Teaching — Recommendations for collaborating with a teaching assistant in Canvas.
Hosting an Online Class Session in Zoom —The Zoom web conferencing platforms allows you and your student to meet in real time with audio, video and screen sharing.
Record a Webcam Video in Canvas When Teaching Remotely — Use video to direct students' attention to key parts of the material or to relate interesting examples that illustrate key points.

Videos & Sample Courses

Getting Started with Canvas — How-to videos demonstrating basic tasks for instructors in Canvas and a curated list of example courses.

Consider relaxing your class participation and assignment due date policies if students need accommodations due to illness or travel restrictions.