Whether you’re an experienced online instructor or transitioning for the first time, the following resources can help you prepare for a successful virtual course or program.

Whether you’re already an eLearning professional or are considering a career in the field, this site will help you learn more about the activities and expectations of faculty developers, instructional designers and instructional technologists.

Remote Learning Best Practices

To thrive, and not just “survive,” being in an online or remote class, students should follow some consistent and well-researched practices for being an effective online student. One thing not to do? Don’t just assume that you’ll “figure it all out eventually…” Instead, make sure you have formed a plan that works for you and will provide adequate support and control over your class experience. Review the “Best Practices for OL/Virtual Learners” document and choose the strategies that resonate with you to set yourself up for success!

What you will need to access your remote courses

Internet & Computer

You will need to have access to the Internet and some type of computer to attend classes that are remote or online. A computer will enable you to create and process information and papers, and save your information, while at the same time, giving you access to the Internet. The best computer choice for students in remote and OL classes is one of the following:

Systems you will use in remote/online courses

An LMS

Your University likely uses a Learning Management System (LMS) for your online and remote or hybrid courses. A learning management system is what houses your courses online and where you, your classmates, and your professor go to interact with the course content and each other, and to submit course activities and projects. This system provides what is essentially an online classroom. See example of Canvas below:

How to get Help when you need it

For course questions

Ask your Instructor. You will be able to contact your instructor through the university’s email system and/or via the Message system (like an internal email messaging system) that is inside the LMS.

In addition, your instructor is likely to have Office hours virtually that you can request or attend to ask questions and get assistance. Check your syllabus for Office hours information.

Self-care

As you embark on your educational journey, don’t forget to invest time and energy into yourself. Make sure to make time for things that matter to you and make you happy-spending time with family & friends (virtually or in-person), exercising, engaging in a favorite hobby, getting enough sleep, leisure activities, and time to unplug and get outside. The following resources can get you started on finding lots of ways for “self-care,” something that everyone needs and deserves.

Online tutorials for further assistance

LMS Tutorials

• Canvas
• Blackboard
• D2L (Desire to Learn)
• Moodle

Webinar systems

• Adobe Connect

Remote Teaching Quick Guide

The matrix below indicates the remote options for completing some typical activities professors usually have in their face-to-face courses.

* Please NOTE: The matrix is linked to CSUN supported tools (for example, Canvas and Zoom). If you’re using a non-CSUN Learning management System, this page also features user guides for alternative LMS platforms.

Plan, Assemble, Teach: A systematic guide to remote teaching

To assist faculty with the transition to remote/virtual instruction, we have created a quick resource guide to help you take some early actions to design and deliver your course. Plan, Assemble, Teach (PAT) is the systematic approach that will help you think through each phase as you adapt to rapid remote teaching. We have also provided additional resources as you make course design decisions.