Zoom Class Meetings
- Encourage students to use their Brown login to join Zoom sessions to ensure they benefit from configurations that Brown has negotiated with Zoom. For example, Brown data is not stored in data centers located in China.
- Keep your Zoom software up to date.
- Watch out for notification on updates shared by Computing and Information Services through Today@Brown.
- Update by following these instructions.
- Update your Zoom settings in advance of a new semester.
- This article provides guidance.
- Give students options for how they participate in synchronous Zoom sessions.
- Some students may not feel comfortable displaying their name or live video; they may prefer to post an image, use an alias for their Zoom display name or use audio only.
Asynchronous Discussion
- Provide an alternate asynchronous option for any student who cannot attend synchronous Zoom class discussions. Options to consider include:
- Canvas discussion posts,
- 1:1 tutorial at a different time,
- Collaborative note-taking on a Google Doc that all students can add at any time,
- Self-directed learning contract.
- Use Brown-approved asynchronous discussion forums such as Top Hat or Canvas discussions. Such forums can help students abroad feel more connected to the class.
- Offer a way for students to communicate with you as an alternative to participating in an open class environment; students may not feel comfortable discussing some topics or asking questions in a group. You could invite the student to join you during Zoom office hours to discuss the topic, respond to you directly in a Canvas message or an email, or note their thoughts in a Google document shared only with you.
Tools and Recommended Practices
- Use DLD-supported and approved tools and practices for your teaching as they have undergone Brown IT Security review and have been approved for instructor use across campus. View the Brown Technology Catalog.
- Incorporate syllabus language, such as the inclusion statement for international and multilingual students, found the Sheridan Center website.
Sharing Media
- Students may not be able to access material shared through YouTube and other video-sharing platforms.
- Please use OCRA, the Library’s online course reserve platform, to share media such as films, audio and book excerpts. For more information on using OCRA, see the Library’s page on submitting online course reserves.
- Upload video and audio to the Panopto Media Library in Canvas for access by your students. See this article for help.
Seek Support
- Instructional Design Consultation: Discuss how to best meet the needs of your students, address particular security concerns and review your planned strategies with an instructional designer by scheduling a consultation or emailing [email protected].
- English Language Support: contact [email protected] for pedagogical and learning strategies.
Additional considerations are recommended to ensure the safety of students and instructors and the security of their data. Alternative strategies may be needed to ensure student access to software applications & content used in courses.