News and Updates

I have been following this Learning and the Brain blog for the past few months where blogger Andrew Watson shares research studies that support or refute general statements such as handwriting improves learning or cameras on means students are engaged. In Just in Case: Improving Online Learning (April 14, 2024), he shares a study that provides evidence that asking questions throughout Zoom sessions and having cameras on positively correlated with student alertness. Not a surprising result, but perhaps something to share with your students when you are on Zoom or to consider when you participate in virtual meetings.

Video Discussions and Assignments

As you begin to plan for your summer and fall classes, consider adding video instructional components and video activities to connect with students, connect students with content, and create dialogue around the content.

Camera Requirement

If students will need a camera and microphone to be successful in your class, this requirement should be listed in the class schedule to Title 5 Distance Education regulations:

✅ Ask your division assistant to add “Camera and Microphone required” comment to “Notes” on your course section(s) in Colleague. This note should be visible to students at the time they register.

Ohlone College IT can provide cameras and microphones for those in need. Students should complete the technology support form to take advantage of this service.

Additional Suggestions

Include language in your course syllabus about required access to microphone and camera.
Include in community guidelines (or class expectations) a note about not sharing the videos, comments, etc. outside of your class.
If captions need to be edited, reach out to eCampus for support.
If additional support or accommodations are needed, you may reach out to Ohlone College Student Accessibility Services.

Ohlone College Video Tools

We have college licenses for VoiceThread Pro and Canvas Studio which means that you nor students have to create accounts. Both tools integrate with Canvas pages, discussions, assignments, and SpeedGrader. Both tools provide auto-generated captions, video storage, and video streaming. Sign up for eCampus Summer Camp "Movies in the Moonlight" to get started with either of these tools.

24SP Tech Updates

Student Connect End of Life

As of June 2024, we will no longer have Student Connect in Canvas. Instead, TechConnect Zoom "Appointments" will be operational. Please remove Student Connect from your course and syllabus. You may refer to the "Easy Scheduler" section of this tutorial when setting appointment times. You may copy these How To Book an Appointment instructions to share with your students or ask eCampus.

Added Features

Faculty will receive an email message when a Zoom appointment is booked.
Appointments will appear on your Zoom app schedule.
Appointment slots can be shared across multiple courses.
Multiple instructors can create appointments within the same shell at the same or different times which is helpful for tutoring and lecture/lab courses.

24SP Professional Development

eCampus Summer Camps

eCampus team is hosting three day (Tuesday - Thursday) summer camps on several topics:

Accessible Me
Top Slide - Microsoft as Copilot
Mad for Mobile (Alice in Wonderland)
Syllabus Screenplay (Out of Syllabus)
Movies in the Moonlight
Catch Me If You Can – AI

The online hybrid camps (Zoom and Canvas) will be May 21-23, May 28-20, and/or June 11-13. More detailed information can be found on the 2024 Summer Camp Registration form.

CVC Professional Development Courses

California Virtual Campus Online Education Initiative (CVCOEI) is offering several asynchronous professional development classes for free! Peruse the options and sign up using your ohlone.edu email address.

24SP Office Hours

The spring semester is wrapping up quickly! Let's work together to get IFA off your list before the spring semester ends😊 Or let's partner and make a plan to make all your course content accessible for upcoming classes. Join us in eCampus Office Hours with questions, suggestions, or just stop by to say hello.

General and IFA Office Hours

Monday, May 6: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 7: 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 8: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Friday, May 10: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Accessibility Office Hours

Thursday, May 9: 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.