A suite of resources is available to support instructors in preparation for Fall. We have listed both training and technology resources below. All follow-up questions can be directed to digitallearning@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)
Workshops
Digital Learning Services and the Center for Teaching and Learning are providing opportunities for instructors and graduate student instructors to gain more knowledge and confidence with the instructional strategies, best practices and technology needed to teach remotely this summer and fall.
Remote Instruction Strategies(link is external) - This series of synchronous virtual training sessions are being offered through June and highlight strategies for how to approach remote instruction. Using the Remote Instruction Guide(link is external) as the foundation, these sessions will focus on strategies for using asynchronous and synchronous instruction and demonstrate how to develop your bCourses site for remote instruction.
Tools for Remote Instruction(link is external) - This training provides an overview of digital tools available to UC Berkeley instructors in support of remote instruction, with a focus on bCourses, Zoom, Kaltura, and the Google suite. Kaltura, a web-based, protected, and DSP/LOA captioning integrated video management platform, is a new service that will be rolled out in July and will allow instructors, students and staff to upload, edit, manage and share videos and other media for fall courses. For more information on this new video distribution platform, please visit the Kaltura July Launch announcement page(link is external).
Currently, more workshops are being added for June and July on specialized areas of remote instruction with topics including fostering community in remote courses, designing & producing lecture content for remote instruction, tips for creating accessible content, and creating engaging discussions and student-to-student interactions. These will be communicated via the AIS events page(link is external), Teach-Net, and e-newsletters sent to the instructional community.
These workshops are and will be open to faculty (including lecturers) and GSIs.
Supported Digital Learning Technology Options
For instructors with specific pedagogical needs, the Supported Digital Learning Technology Guide(link is external) will identify specific tools that may be of use. These technologies have been vetted for security and privacy as well as accessibility for students with disabilities, and technical support for instructors and students are provided at UC Berkeley.
Remote Teaching Circles
Join colleagues in a new pilot series to bring ideas and experiences together. Hosted by the Center for Teaching and Learning, RTCs are designed as an informal means to gather small groups of faculty for collaborative learning and discussion around a particular topic related to remote teaching and learning. Based on common questions and interest, initial RTC topics include Maximizing In-class Time and Reducing Zoom Fatigue; Fostering Student Discussion; and Building Class Community. CTL is also happy to arrange teaching circles around other topics of interest. To learn more and register, visit the Remote Teaching Circles series page.
Consultations
The Center for Teaching & Learning and Digital Learning Services both offer one-on-one consultations. However, due to the scale of support needed this summer, Digital Learning Services will be reducing 1:1 consultation time and replacing it with additional workshops.
CTL: http://bit.ly/CTL-Consult(link is external)
DLS: http://bit.ly/DLSconsultations(link is external)
Home Audio/Video Hardware for Instructors
As we anticipate online instruction continuing to some extent in Fall 2020, RTL has initiated a program to furnish instructors who need it with some technology enhancements that can improve home recording of audio/video for lecture segments. Over the summer, RTL is acquiring an initial batch of 500 headset microphones and 500 desktop microphones to improve audio performance. In addition, we are purchasing smaller batches of webcams, mobile device tripods, and various USB adapters. Instructors who would like to receive any of these devices are invited to fill out this short form(link is external), so RTL can be in contact for next steps.
Software for Instructors
Software@Berkeley(link is external) maintains a Software Catalog(link is external) with instructions for downloading Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office, and many other popular software packages for research and teaching.
Digital Guides
The Remote Instruction Guide(link is external) is an all-around resource for instructors to prepare for remote instruction. Within you’ll find a series of modules that model best practices.
Instructional Resilience Resources
Review of instructional resilience resources and best practices collected over Spring 2020 which will continually be updated for Fall 2020 preparation. To help prepare for disruptions, this page also includes checklists for both students and instructors.