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Working, Teaching, and Learning Remotely

 
Working Remotely
Teaching Remotely
Students Learning Remotely
Alternate Learning Remotely

In the event that routine work or academic functions are disrupted due to prolonged campus or building closures, you may find it necessary to work or teach a class from off campus. We provide a variety of services to connect you with colleagues and students remotely so that work and learning can continue uninterrupted.  Students should visit our learning remotely page for more information. 

In preparation, you should make sure you have tested your access to the following equipment at home:

  • Laptop or desktop computer.
  • Microphone - this may be built into your laptop or computer, or you may use an external device such as a USB microphone or headset. If you're looking to purchase a microphone, Zoom has the following recommendations.
  • Webcam - a camera may already be built into your laptop, but you can also use an external USB camera for video conferencing. If you're looking to purchase a camera, Zoom has the following recommendations.
  • Internet - either commercially provided (e.g., Comcast, Fios), or a wireless hotspot through your mobile phone.

Be prepared! It's best to know these options will work for you before you actually need them. Test access to your equipment and resources at home before the need arises and contact us at support.uwyo.edu or call us at 766-4357, option 1, if you have any questions or issues.

If you do not have equipment at home that meets these standards, please consult with your supervisor. 

Working Remotely

Duo Two Factor Authentication

You are encouraged to set up Duo Two Factor Authentication on more than one phone in case you don't have your mobile phone with you or are not at your office phone. You can use the Manage Devices feature to add, remove, or change the devices that Duo can use to verify who you are.

When you are logging in, you can choose which line Duo will send the authentication request to (via smart phone app, SMS text message, or phone call depending on what you chose).  You can also use your Duo app to generate a two factor code.

 

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Please note that some UWyo and cloud resources, such as WyoCourses, WyoRecords, Office 365, and OneDrive don't require the use of VPN.

Services that do require the use of VPN include: accessing warehouse folder, connecting remotely to a campus computer (Windows or Mac), and access Teton HPC cluster.

UW’s Pulse Secure VPN creates a “tunnel” between your computer and the campus network that identifies you as a member of the UW community when you are not connected directly to the campus network, allowing you access to restricted networked resources. If you need to access resources that require connecting to VPN, please see our instructions for installing Pulse Secure on your computer.

Storing Files in OneDrive (Cloud storage)

When you save your files in OneDrive, you can always access the latest version of your files no matter where you're located as long as you're connected to the internet.

 

Skype for Business

Skype for Business combines modern online meeting technology with chat and the ability to share desktop views.

 

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is a chat and collaboration platform where all conversations, video and audio meetings, files, and notes can be accessed by team members in one place.

Accessing Your Computer

 

Accessing Your Phone/Voicemail

Even when you are away from the office, there are several options for accessing your calls and voicemail.

Phone

Voicemail

Your voicemails will delivered by email and you will receive an email with an attached sound file whenever someone leaves a voicemail on your line.

  • Dialing into Voicemail from Off-Campus
    When dialing into the University voicemail system from your personal phone (cellphone or home phone line), you will call 3077661011. You will hear a recording that will say “Thank you for calling, please stay on the line and an operator will be with you in a moment”. During this recording, enter #307766XXXX, where you will then be prompted to enter your pin. If you are not sure of your pin, or have locked your voicemail box, please contact the Telecom Help Desk at (307)766-4357, option 3, or by email at teldesk@uwyo.edu.
     
  • Voicemail FAQs

 

Research Computing Support

Make sure that you can connect to the Advanced Research Computing Center from your laptop or home computer. You can request help from ARCC staff through these steps.

Teaching Remotely

Provide Your Course Resources Online

If your course doesn't already use a course shell in WyoCourses, we have a number of quick start guides for instructors on how to use many of the features in WyoCourses. If you need assistance with WyoCourses, please see these resources and view WyoCourses services. 

You can email your students through WyoRecords.

The following videos are available to help you:

 

Get More Help Going Online

Visit the ECTL Instruction and Design Technology to:

  1. Sign-up for one one one (online) consultations
  2. Watch videos about various tools
  3. Check the schedule for upcoming webinars
  4. Access more links about online pedagogy

 

Holding a Class Online and Recording It

Zoom provides a robust platform with features that allow you to replicate the classroom experience including screen sharing, whiteboards, breakout rooms, and sharing videos with sound.  Log in to Zoom to automatically create your account. Faculty and staff automatically receive fully licensed accounts. Once logged in, download the Zoom on your home computer to access the full benefits of Zoom. If you would like to have cloud storage of Zoom recordings, please request that storage.

 

Alternate Learning for DSS Students

As directed in previous UW communications, students eligible to receive disability accommodations should continue to receive these for the duration of the current situation. Click to view information regarding extended exam time, readers/scribes, interpreters/transcribers, note taking, and attendande/deadlines.

 

VidGrid

Plan for continuity of learning In the case of absenteeism/sick leave or temporary school closures, support continued access to quality education. This can include: 

  • Use of online/e-learning strategies 
  • Assigning reading and exercises for home study 
  • Radio, podcast or television broadcasts of academic content 
  • Assigning teachers to conduct remote daily or weekly follow up with students
  • Review/develop accelerated education strategies

To help schools prepare for the possibility of completely remote classes, VidGrid has compiled a list of preparedness tutorials for instructors to start using video in their courses.

Recording or uploading lectures:

Recording an announcement for class:

Ensure accessible content for students:

Adding videos into my course content (LMS specific)

View student engagement on videos:

Having students record videos:

Engage students with formative assessments:

Click here to visit our full library of tutorials

Instructure Canvas

Tips for Using Canvas During a School Closure

Canvas was built from the start to support online learning, and the platform is designed to automatically scale to support a large number of concurrent users. In preparation for potential school closures, we’ve pulled together a list of recommendations for educators that may help. Step-by-Step guidance for maintaining connection in the classroom is provided here.

 If your institution is preparing to close or has closed, here are some tips to help transition to an online learning environment:

  • Use course discussion and messaging to continue the conversation.
    • Canvas provides an integrated system for class discussions, allowing both instructors and students to start and contribute to as many discussion topics as desired. Discussions can be graded or ungraded, and participants can post text, video and audio, as well as files depending on how the instructor set up each topic. Graded discussions seamlessly integrate with the Canvas Gradebook. Discussions allows for interactive communication between the entire class or group, allowing for a level engagement that closely aligns with the in-classroom experience. 
  • Use the mobile apps for push notifications and anytime anywhere access.
    • Students and Instructors can use Canvas’s native iOS and Android apps to accomplish many of the actions available on the full web version. Instructors can edit course settings, email students, view student progress, post announcements that will be sent out via app notifications, create and participate in discussions and easily grade assignments. Students can use the app to view their courses and grades, submit assignments and take quizzes, engage in course discussions, send and receive messages, watch videos and other content, and stay on top of their to-do list and calendars. The Canvas mobile apps are designed to support learning in and beyond the physical classroom. 
  • Use Canvas Commons to quickly create and share course content.
    • Canvas Commons is a learning object repository with over 120,000 learning objects, from Quizzes and assignments to full courses. A digital library full of educational content, Commons allows Canvas users to share learning resources with other users as well as import learning resources into a Canvas course. To enable Commons in your Canvas instance, just contact your Customer Success Manager. 
  • Leverage Big Blue Button for live video. 
    • UW's ECTL recommends the use of Zoom for live video. Additionally, BigBlueButton is another available tool that enables you to share your audio, slides, chat, video, and desktop with students. BigBlueButton enables you to share your audio, slides, chat, video, and desktop with students, helping you create a fully online experience. Tools like built-in polling make it easy to engage students, and the ability to record your lectures means that you can make them available for later review. There is no limit on the number of webcams you can share in a session, and built in tools give presenters the ability to zoom, highlight, draw and write on presentations making their points clearer to remote students. 

Canvas was built to help improve teaching and learning in all kinds of situations - the classroom, blended learning environments, and for fully online courses all around the world. If you have questions about how to transition to an online learning environment reach out to your CSM or reference some of the additional tips and ideas from our community. 

 

Zoom

Zoom Advice and Best Practices

Holding a Class Online and Recording It
Zoom provides a robust platform with features that allow you to replicate the classroom experience including screen sharing, whiteboards, breakout rooms, and sharing videos with sound.  Log in to Zoom to automatically create your account. Faculty and staff automatically receive fully licensed accounts. Once logged in, download the Zoom on your home computer to access the full benefits of Zoom. If you would like to have cloud storage of Zoom recordings, please request that storage.

Proctoring Options

ECTL suggests using Honorlock or Respondus Monitor. View an overview video about these options.  

Honorlock Resources:

Respondus Resouces and Tips:

  • Daily Training Webinars with Live Q&A – These 45-minute trainings are the best way for instructors to learn how to use Respondus Monitor for online proctoring. Each session is followed by an extended Q/A period where questions are answered live. Register for Training Webinars
  • Rapid Rollout Guide for Instructors - Here is the essential information for using Respondus Monitor with online exams.
  • Create a Practice Exam – Have students take a practice exam with Respondus Monitor to ensure their computer, webcam and Internet are working properly. Allow students more than one attempt on the quiz so they can try the practice exam whenever their device or networking environment changes.
  • 24/7 Live Chat – Remember that students can access built-in troubleshooting and live chat from within Respondus Monitor if they encounter a technical problem. Find more resources for students, including how to access Live Chat.

Learning Remotely

In the event that routine academic functions are disrupted due to prolonged campus or building closures, it may be necessary to attend classes online. We provide a variety of services to connect you with faculty and fellow students remotely so that learning can continue uninterrupted.  Faculty and staff should view our working & teaching remotely page for more information. 

In preparation, you should make sure you have tested your access to the following equipment:

  • Laptop or desktop computer.
  • Headset with a microphone.
  • Webcam – a camera may already be built into your laptop, but you can also use an external USB camera for video conferencing. If you’re looking to purchase a camera, Zoom has the following recommendations.
  • Internet – either connected to the wireless network in your residence hall, commercially provided in your off-campus apartment or home, or a wireless hotspot through your mobile phone.

Be prepared! It’s best to know these options will work for you before you actually need them. Test access to your equipment and resources before the need arises and and contact us at support.uwyo.edu or call us at 766-4357, option 1, if you have any questions or issues.

Communications

Remember to check your UW email regularly, at least once a day and preferably more. Professors are likely to send announcements that way as well as through WyoCourses.

 

Accessing Course Resources

Log in to WyoCourses to see the latest announcements, posts, and assignments for your courses. Click here for help on the features in WyoCourses.

 

Meeting Online

Zoom provides a robust platform for online collaboration, meetings, and classes. Log in to Zoom to automatically create your account. Once logged in, download the Zoom client on your home computer to access the full benefits of Zoom.

 

Storing Files in OneDrive (Cloud storage)

When you save your files in OneDrive, you can always access the latest version of your files no matter where you're located as long as you're connected to the internet.

 

Software Resources

You can install Microsoft Office at no charge on your computer through your UW account.

Use the UW remote lab to access additional software (please see the Remote column in the table).

 

UW's COVID-19 FAQ - Student Section

 

Alternate Learning for DSS Students

As directed in previous UW communications, students eligible to receive disability accommodations should continue to receive these for the duration of the current situation.  Click to view information regarding extended exam time, readers/scribes, interpreters/transcribers, note taking, and attendande/deadlines. Contact Disability Support Services to learn more about the services and support they provide to ensure that students are able to access and participate in the opportunities available at the University of Wyoming.

 

Internet Service Options

Charter’s COVID-19 response includes free Spectrum Broadband WiFi access to students’ homes for 60 days in homes that do not have existing Spectrum service level up to 100 Mbps. Installation fees will be waived for new student households.

The following are offering discounts or free access for a limited time:
Home Network Services:

Cellular Data Services:

You can also use the below tool to help find Internet Providers in your area:
https://decisiondata.org/internet-providers-by-zip-code-plus-tv/

UW Extension WiFi Parking Lot availability - The UW Extension office has identified locations across the state where students can use WiFi from the parkinglot. 

 

Alternate Learning Remotely

Providing accommodation for DSS students in alternate learning environments

 As directed in previous UW communications, students eligible to receive disability accommodations should continue to receive these for the duration of the current situation.  Some things to consider around this:

Extended exam time

Note taking

  • Students receiving notes in the classroom setting may continue using recording devices.
  • Volunteers should continue to provide notes.
  • If possible, students may need access to PowerPoint slides or instructor notes to supplement online learning.

Attendance/deadlines

  • Please contact DSS to discuss these as there are too many variables to list in this document.

Readers/Scribes

  • Students utilizing screen-reading software may need additional supports. Some ideas:
    • Allowing a parent, partner, caretaker, or other approved individual to serve as a reader and/or scribe for the individual with appropriate adjusts made for exams administered with HonorLock.
    • Identifying approved proctor locations in the student’s community (similar to a Distance Learning arrangement).

Interpreters/transcribers

  • For online instruction, interpreters or transcribers may need to be added to Zoom (or other) platforms to access the lecture and provide ongoing service to students.
  • Videos or other audio formats should be provided with closed caption options. If this content is not available, please contact DSS (udss@uwyo.edu) for assistance in obtaining content transcripts.

Additional questions or concerns regarding DSS accommodations; please contact udss@uwyo.edu or (307) 766-3073.

➤

VidGrid

Plan for continuity of learning In the case of absenteeism/sick leave or temporary school closures, support continued access to quality education. This can include: 

To help schools prepare for the possibility of completely remote classes, VidGrid has compiled a list of preparedness tutorials for instructors to start using video in their courses.

Recording or uploading lectures:

Recording an announcement for class:

Ensure accessible content for students:

Adding videos into my course content (LMS specific)

View student engagement on videos:

Having students record videos:

Engage students with formative assessments:

Click here to visit our full library of tutorials

Instructure Canvas

Tips for Using Canvas During a School Closure

Canvas was built from the start to support online learning, and the platform is designed to automatically scale to support a large number of concurrent users. In preparation for potential school closures, we’ve pulled together a list of recommendations for educators that may help. Step-by-Step guidance for maintaining connection in the classroom is provided here.

 If your institution is preparing to close or has closed, here are some tips to help transition to an online learning environment:

Canvas was built to help improve teaching and learning in all kinds of situations - the classroom, blended learning environments, and for fully online courses all around the world. If you have questions about how to transition to an online learning environment reach out to your CSM or reference some of the additional tips and ideas from our community. 

 

Zoom

Zoom Advice and Best Practices

Holding a Class Online and Recording It
Zoom provides a robust platform with features that allow you to replicate the classroom experience including screen sharing, whiteboards, breakout rooms, and sharing videos with sound.  Log in to Zoom to automatically create your account. Faculty and staff automatically receive fully licensed accounts. Once logged in, download the Zoom on your home computer to access the full benefits of Zoom. If you would like to have cloud storage of Zoom recordings, please request that storage.

Proctoring Options

ECTL suggests using Honorlock or Respondus Monitor. View an overview video about these options.  

Honorlock Resources:

Respondus Resouces and Tips: