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Tips for Conducting Online / Remote Synchronous Sessions

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Overview

Last Revised 04/23/25 by TJS

Woman sitting on bench watching an instructor write on a whiteboard.

Conducting remote live, remote, synchronous class sessions using video conference software -- such as WebEx, Teams, or Collaborate Ultra -- can be a daunting task (Boland & Major, 2021). Below are some tips and strategies for designing and facilitating online synchronous sessions, specifically in Online Synchronous (OS), Online Blended (OB), and In-Person Remote (PR) course modalities.

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Using Student Preview as You Teach: What Do My Students See?

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Last revised: 2/19/2025 by HRB.

Overview

The Student Preview feature in HuskyCT (Blackboard) allows instructors to experience their course exactly as a student would. This ensures that the course design, functionality, and content are as intended, helping to identify and correct potential issues before students access the course. You will begin by locating and selecting the “Student Preview” button near the top-right corner of the course site as shown in the image below.
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Online Proctoring with ProctorU

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Last revised 8/29/2025 by KK

Overview

ProctorU is a service used to authenticate a user’s identity and provide live proctoring of online assessments. Test-takers use ProctorU’s Guardian Browser, which enhances exam security by preventing the user from accessing unauthorized resources and functions on their computer. ProctorU uses a multi-step process to establish a user’s identity: a live proctor sees the user via a webcam, takes the user's photo, and checks the user’s ID. In addition to the authentication process, proctors ensure the integrity of the exam by using a webcam and screen-sharing technology to see the user and what they are doing during the exam session. This article is a guide for instructors implementing ProctorU in their course.

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Using a Token Economy to Promote Equity & Learning

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Last updated 11/1/2024 by KK

Overview

A token economy or late bank system allows instructors to provide deadline flexibility to students, eliminating the need for instructors to adjudicate excuses. This type of structure flexibility enhances student learning, reduces stress, and promotes equity.

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Collaborative (Group) Learning Online

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Last revised 9/12/2024 by jap

Overview

Collaborative learning, also known as group learning, is an opportunity for students to develop higher-order cognitive skills, promote connections and community, and engage with different perspectives. To facilitate student collaboration online, it requires designing the activity as well as selecting the best technology to connect students.

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Managing Your Online Course

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Last revised on 7/23/2025 by KK

Overview

The Course Facilitation Plan (CFP) outlines the key steps to take before, during, and after your course implementation, presented in the recurring course life-cycle, as well as recognizing the four roles of an online instructor. Download a copy of the file to create your own customized version.

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Effective Communication in Online Courses

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Last revised on 02/18/2024 by bjg

Overview

Two retro robots talking with tin can phones.

Asynchronous communication in online courses takes place via a variety of tools, such as announcements, rubrics, email, discussions, audio feedback, video feedback, etc. The learning benefits of regular communication with students in an online course are often overlooked by faculty. Effective and regular messaging is essential for an inclusive, motivated and engaged learning community. This post reviews guidelines for communicating with your students online.

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