Getting Started with Remote Teaching

Due to current circumstances, as explained in the message from the President on March 11, faculty need to transition their courses to teaching remotely. This guide will explain how to get started.

What you will need to get started with your Remote Teaching:

• CSUN User ID and Password
• Computer with internet connectivity, webcam, and headset with microphone  
• Basic knowledge of how to use Canvas (information below)
• Basic knowledge of how to use Zoom (information below)

How to prepare for Teaching Online:

• Learn the basics of Canvas
• Learn the basics of Zoom

Logging on and setting up your course site:

1. Log into Canvas and find your course. CSUN already has a Canvas course site created for you so it most likely be in your dashboard.
2. If your course site in Canvas did not have anything in it when the decision was made to transition to remote teaching, we applied a very simple template to your course to make it easier to organize the course elements. If you already had content in your course we did not alter anything and you can skip this step.
3. Post your instructional materials into the appropriate module (i.e., Syllabus, PPT lectures, Readings, etc.). See instructions below.
   

   Moving your course activities to a remote format:

   I want students to WATCH…

   • A live lecture Zoom Web Conferencing
   • An Online Video (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo, TedTalk)

   I want students to READ...

   • A file uploaded directly to Canvas
   • A web article or resource
   • A page of information

   I want students to SUBMIT...

   • An Assignment (e.g., an essay, paper, or report)

   I want to ASSESS STUDENT LEARNING...

   • Create a Canvas Quiz or Survey
   • How to add the Quiz to a Module

   I want to GRADE STUDENT WORK...

   • Use SpeedGrader to assign points/grades and add feedback
   • Note that you are not required to use the Canvas Gradebook or SpeedGrader if you don’t wish to. You may track students grades however you normally do and you can use “track changes” when viewing student assignments and simply provide feedback that way (emailing the graded assignment back to each student).

   I want students to be able to COLLABORATE and COMMUNICATE with each other…

   • Use online discussion where students can read and reply to each other’s posts, or reply to a prompt/question from me

   I want to have a LIVE interactive class session…

   • Use Zoom to see up a live class meeting

Now you are ready to teach your class remotely:

1. Log into Canvas and go to your course site
2. Make sure that you have added all of your content to the modules and published the modules
3. Do one final check looking at the course from the Student view
4. Publish your course (makes the course visible to your students)
5. Access & bookmark the Canvas Instructor Guide in case you need to refer to it
6. Post a welcome announcement so students know their remote course is ready
7. Monitor and participate in class activities listed in your syllabus as applicable
8. Review assignment submissions, and provide feedback if applicable
9. Hold virtual classroom sessions via Zoom as scheduled for your class

How do I get technical support?

When you need assistance with technical issues, please contact the DL Technical Support Team through one of the methods listed below. We will respond to your request within 1 business day.

DL Technical Support Hours and Contact:

Phone Hours: Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Telephone*: (818) 677-6410
Web Support Form: Distance Learning Tech Support

*Please note that our tech support line will be unavailable if the campus closes and staff begins working remotely.