CIDI Newsletter, January 2023
January 2023 Newsletter
Greetings! We hope you are feeling settled into the new term. In this newsletter, we discuss delivery method updates, tips for being student centered, and more.
Course Delivery Method Updates, Coming Summer 2023
Beginning Summer 2023, USU is updating its course delivery definitions and guidelines in response to evolving technologies and student and teacher feedback. The new delivery methods are as follows:
- In-Person (formerly face-to-face) classes are facilitated in person at pre-scheduled meeting times.
- Connect (formerly IVC) classes are facilitated in person, at pre-scheduled meeting times, and at multiple classroom locations. Students also have a virtual option (via Zoom) so that they can join from outside of the classroom.
- Hybrid (also known as blended) classes are primarily facilitated in person (50% or more), with a portion of the class sessions held virtually (via Zoom) or replaced with engaging online learning activities to reduce in-person classroom seat time.
- Online classes are facilitated asynchronously (any time) using online learning materials and activities. Students maintain regular asynchronous interactions with the instructor and other students. Certain real-time interactions, like office hours or group project work, can be arranged.
- Virtual (formerly web broadcast) classes are facilitated via Zoom with pre-scheduled meeting times.
- Arranged (formerly supervised) classes occur at an arranged time and location (synchronous or asynchronous), applicable to the students' area of study. This method is typically used for internships, practicums, student teaching, clinicals, advanced study, or research.
You can visit teach.usu.edu for a comparison of delivery methods and additional details and FAQs for each method.
Shared Values for Delivery Methods
The updated delivery methods are based on the following set of shared values:
- Student-Centered: A focus on student learning, sound pedagogy, and transformative educational and creative opportunities.
- Access: Access to programs and services regardless of experience or location.
- Balance: Support for departmental and university goals and effective use of residential campuses, regional centers, and digital presence.
- Choice: Delivery options for students that that promote choice and flexibility.
- Commitment: Commitment to the published schedule, with no mixing of delivery types.
These shared values apply to teaching as much as course scheduling, so we will devote some attention to each value over the next several newsletters.
On Being Student Centered
A broad sense of the term “student centered” recognizes that students are unique individuals with a variety of abilities, experiences, learning styles, and goals. Instruction is more effective when it is adapted to the learners. This involve learning about students as much as conveying information to them. Here are some practical tips for learning about and adapting to your students:
- Access your class roster in Banner before your class begins. You can find the roster by clicking on the Faculty Services tab and choosing Summary Class List. Select the term, then select the section. Click the Detail Class list link at the bottom of the screen to get a detailed list of your students' major, campus, and more.
- Allow your students to introduce themselves—either in class, in a discussion board, or in a Canvas assignment that only you will see. Encourage them to share why they are taking the class, what their experience with the topic has been thus far, and what they hope to gain from the course. Actively seek to draw upon student experience and interests in class discussions and assignments.
- Conduct a simple survey with your students partway through the term to get feedback about the class and their experience with it. You can use either Canvas quizzes or Qualtrics.
- If students don't ask questions in class, don't assume they understand the material. Ask them questions in class to make sure they understand the content before you move ahead. Use low-stakes assignments that will help you and your students see progression before they attempt higher-stakes activities. Provide students with ways to ask questions outside of class time.
- Where reasonable, give students choice. For example, you could allow them to select projects that are immediately relevant to them, choose from a variety of assignment types, or select from a list of topics to study.
As you keep a student-centered mindset, you will provide instruction that is more relevant, motivational, and transformative for your students.
Training Opportunities
Office of Equity Trainings: You can learn how to better support all students in your class through trainings provided by the Office of Equity. Training topics include addressing implicit bias at a personal level and at a systemic level, navigating power dynamics, and setting boundaries. Participants can earn ETE10 badges. Sign up on the Office of Equity website. Email prevention@usu.edu with any questions.
CIDI Workshops: CIDI is hosting workshops, taught via Zoom, throughout the Spring term. See all topics and register at teach.usu.edu.
New Portfolio Tool (Portfolium)
An enhanced student portfolio tool (Portfolium) is now available in Canvas. Click your user account avatar in Canvas and select the Folio link to access Portfolium directly from Canvas.Contact CIDI
For on-demand support with teaching technologies, contact CIDI at cidi@usu.edu, via chat, or at 435.797.9506. Schedule an appointment with an instructional designer to get help making your courses more engaging, usable, and accessible.