eClass Support
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Online Lectures Overview
Last modified on 27 June 2023 08:24 PM
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There are several centrally supported online lecture tools available at the U of A. These tools can add live discussion and dynamic interactions inside existing eClass courses or as separately scheduled events by email. All of the tools enable instructors to have real-time audio and video conversations with students while sharing content. See below for the recommended tools for each functional use or review a fuller comparison of the different functions and capabilities. Instructors should also consult the known issues for Zoom meetings and Google Meet. Please note: As per the University's recommendations for shifting lectures online, instructors should consider providing lecture recordings that students can access at their own pace instead of delivering full synchronous lectures online. The tools below, along with using eClass forums, should be used to supplement lecture recordings through smaller interactive sessions. Delivering full lectures online This is the prime instructional use for Zoom meetings. Students can join synchronous online sessions where instructors deliver, audio, video, and share their screen and/or lecture slides. Live sessions can be recorded for later review. As the number of participants in sessions increase, it becomes more challenging to manage participant interactions and keep sessions engaging. Recommended tool: Zoom Facilitated group collaboration sessions In smaller numbers, it is more manageable to have students sharing their own audio and video and contributing collaboratively using whiteboards. Breakout rooms are available in both Zoom and eClassLive to break down the class into smaller sized groups. Recommended tools: 1) Zoom 2) Google Meet Team meetings Group members (with or without instructor participation) can share audio, video, and screen content to collaborate. These sessions can be created by anyone with a CCID. Note: students cannot create their own Zoom meetings. Recommended tool: Google Meet Virtual office hours Instructors can arrange online sessions for 1-on-1 interactions with students. These can be scheduled through google calendar easily when using Google Meet. Zoom meetings have a feature to allow instructors to schedule sessions and allow students to join one at a time. Recommended tools: 1) Google Meet 2) Zoom Pre-recording lectures All of the available tools provide the ability to record sessions. For Zoom and eClassLive, these recordings are automatically available for students to view on their own time through their eClass course. Instructors should also review the Lecture Recording Overview for other available options. Recommended tool: Zoom Note: Google has announced that access to Meet premium features (e.g. hosting meetings up to 500 people, recording meetings directly to Google Drive, and more) will be available for instructors through their UAlberta G Suite accounts. For all other campus users (staff, students), the standard Google Meet features are still available. Zoom is still the University recommended video conference tool for online classes. To learn more about Zoom, visit: Using Zoom - Instructors | |
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