Where can I find information on using Zoom to teach classes remotely?
A Zoom link exists already on Canvas for all courses. You can use that to schedule online sessions, and to distribute the appropriate link to students registered for the class. A good starting point for learning how to use this tool is at https://huit.harvard.edu/zoom-training
What if I teach a making- or performance-based course?
We understand the move to online instruction will prove particularly complicated for courses that heavily feature performance and art making as a part of their syllabus. This is a challenging situation, and we must ask you to do the best you can to reformat your students’ learning experience for the online space. Flexibility and creativity will be key in continuing to provide our students with the transformative educational experience they look for in our classes. The Office of Undergraduate Education has offered to consult with faculty members looking for advice on how to alter their courses. You may contact them at oue@fas.harvard.edu.
Are there specific resources available for remote teaching in language courses?
The Language Center, while physically closed, is available to support teaching within language programs. They have developed a resource page and can answer questions at language@fas.harvard.edu. The Language Center will continue the relaxation of its streaming media policies throughout the academic year in response to the challenges of remote instruction. Requests for streamed media required for your classes can be made through https://bit.ly/30CpJCw. The Language Center will also hold two open office hour sessions via Zoom per week; these are intended to address questions regarding online teaching and learning, to provide a space for consultation and peer input, and to offer language preceptors, TFs, and TAs a place to meet, share their experiences, and help one another through both course development and teaching. Please contact language@fas.harvard.edu for more information.
I am having trouble connecting to Zoom from Canvas. Any suggestions?
You have likely set up a personal Zoom account using your Harvard email address, and it doesn’t “belong” to the official Harvard account and so Canvas is confused. What you need to do to fix this is:
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Quit the Zoom application if you have it running
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Go to https://harvard.zoom.us
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Click Sign In to configure your account
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Click Sign In with SSO, this is to sign in with your HarvardKey
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You should see something like “Claim my Email” or account
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This will send you an email. Follow the steps laid out there. It will move your email into the official Harvard account and then Zoom in Canvas will work without a hitch.
How can I make my Zoom teaching accessible to all students?
The OUE has provided guidelines for teaching strategies to make your classroom sessions on Zoom as accessible as possible. Faculty members should use the record option on Zoom so that students who cannot collocate with the class will still be able to view the session (for instance, if students are now living in a different time zone).
Am I expected to record my classes, and what are the policies surrounding this practice?
HUIT has guidance and protocols for the use of recording classes taught via Zoom, including information on protecting students' privacy and rules around where and how recorded classes can be used. Students' consent is not required to record, but students should be made aware that recording is taking place, and Zoom provides an on-screen notification when recording is in process.
What if I need equipment at home to make remote teaching possible?
Don’t rush to go out and buy new equipment. Try out some Zoom teaching sessions using your TFs, friends, and family as test students. Experiment with all the modes of instruction you usually use. We suggest a gooseneck holder to hold and position your phone or webcam, a Bluetooth headset with noise-cancelling microphone for high-quality audio, and perhaps a stand-alone webcam if your phone or computer camera isn’t sufficient. But be sure to test your setup first before going on a buying spree—we want you to buy what is most useful to facilitate teaching and learning, and you might not know what that will be until you have tested out teaching some classes online. Some technical guidance can be found in this document.
Can faculty and TFs planning to work from home and teach remotely this fall purchase their own printers and scanners?
Ideally, faculty should retrieve printers from their campus offices to bring home. However, we understand not everyone has this capability or has a personal printer in a faculty office. While senior faculty may use their research funds for the purchase of such equipment for home use, not everyone will have this option. It is possible for departmental members to visit their departmental offices to conduct work that requires use of the printer or scanner. Such requests can be made with two-days' notice for a two-hour block of time by submitting Apendix 5B of the Staged Campus Re-Entry Plan (see above) to their Chairs. In those cases, faculty or TFs should plan carefully to maximize their time on campus.
Are there tips and tricks out there for Zoom for different size meetings (small, 15-20, classroom teaching, etc.)?
See the many resources for using these tools, such as: https://atg.fas.harvard.edu/zoom
Will the Libraries and Museums remain closed? How will we access resources?
Harvard Museums and Libraries are closed to the public. Material is not available to be borrowed and the Scan and Deliver service is paused. Staff in the Libraries are still available to assist via the Ask a Librarian service. The Library has developed a series of FAQs which they will update should the situation change. Faculty and students may bring home Library books and renew them online as they normally would, and borrowing limits will be extended. In the case of the Museums, please be in touch with them directly for further guidance. They have also created a Resource Guide for Virtual Engagement.
Will HUIT support be available to assist with desktop or IT issues as we resume research on campus?
Yes, for support, please contact the HUIT Service Desk at 617-495-7777 or visit the IT Help Portal at huit.harvard.edu/ithelp to “browse knowledge,” chat with a technician, or submit a ticket. All HUIT support requests should be made by contacting the service desk.