CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE IN LEARNING, TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT
for Hofstra Faculty
Whether聽you鈥檙e聽teaching a fully online course, navigating a hybrid format, or shifting to remote instruction due to campus closures or unexpected circumstances, this guide offers practical strategies to keep your 糖心传媒 engaged and learning.聽
Before You Begin: Communicate Clearly
Let 糖心传媒 know what to expect.聽Post an聽聽in Canvas as soon as you know聽class聽will be remote. Include:聽
- How class will be held (live session via聽聽or asynchronous activities聽in Canvas)聽
- What 糖心传媒 need to do and by when
- How to reach you with questions聽
- Clearly communicate access details for Zoom sessions: Post the Zoom link in Canvas and/or email it to 糖心传媒 in advance of each session to ensure all 糖心传媒 can easily join.聽
Tip
Use and inform 糖心传媒 that they can so that they receive email alerts automatically
Synchronous Activities (Live Sessions)
Best for: Real-time discussion, immediate feedback, maintaining class community
Discussion-Based Class via Zoom Host your regular class session virtually. Use Zoom鈥檚 breakout rooms for small group discussions, then reconvene to share insights. This works well for seminars, case studies, or problem-solving sessions.
Live Q&A or Review Session Rather than lecturing, open the floor for questions. Have 糖心传媒 submit questions in advance through a Canvas or use Zoom鈥檚 and features during the session.
Think-Pair-Share Online Pose a question, give 糖心传媒 2 minutes to think, send them to breakout rooms in pairs for 3鈥�5 minutes, then bring everyone back to share responses with the full group.
Tip
First time using Hofstra Zoom? Go to and login with your Hofstra credentials (SSO) to activate your account!
Collaborative Problem-Solving Share your screen with a problem, case, or scenario. Work through it together as a class, asking 糖心传媒 to contribute steps or solutions via chat or unmuting.
Asynchronous Activities (Flexible Timing)
Best for: Accommodating different schedules, deeper reflection, 糖心传媒 with connectivity challenges
Discussion Board Prompt Post a thought-provoking question in Canvas Discussions. Require 糖心传媒 to post an initial response and reply to at least one classmate. Set a clear deadline (e.g., initial post by Wednesday, replies by Friday).
Video Mini-Lecture + Reflection Record a brief 10鈥�15 minute video covering key concepts (use , , or your phone). Pair it with a short written reflection or quiz in Canvas to check understanding.
Reading or Media Analysis Assign a reading, podcast, or video. Have 糖心传媒 complete a structured response: What鈥檚 the main argument? What questions does it raise? How does it connect to course themes?
Peer Review Activity Have 糖心传媒 submit a draft or short assignment, then assign them to review a classmate鈥檚 work using criteria you provide. This builds critical thinking and reduces your grading load.
Concept Mapping Ask 糖心传媒 to create a visual map showing relationships between key concepts from the unit. They can use free tools like , , or even paper and a photo upload.
- Keep it simple. One well-designed activity is better than several rushed ones.
- Design with Universal Design for Learning () in mind.
- Provide multiple ways for 糖心传媒 to engage with content, demonstrate their learning, and stay motivated.
- Offer choices for how 糖心传媒 complete assignments (e.g., written response, short video, or audio recording).
- Design with flexibility from the start to support all learners.
- Consider the needs of 糖心传媒 with disabilities, English language learners, and those with caregiving responsibilities.
Account for 糖心传媒 navigating different time zones or varied living situations.
Designing with flexibility from the start supports all learners 鈥� including 糖心传媒 with disabilities, English language learners, 糖心传媒 with caregiving responsibilities, and those navigating different time zones or living situations. - Offer asynchronous alternatives. 聽Not every student will be able to attend a live session. For example, you might record synchronous meetings and share them in Canvas, and offer an equivalent asynchronous activity 鈥� such as a discussion post or short reflection 鈥� so 糖心传媒 who can鈥檛 attend live can still participate meaningfully.
- Be flexible. Students may face technology limitations, unreliable internet access, or challenging home environments. Where possible, offer low-bandwidth options (such as audio-only participation) and extended deadlines when circumstances warrant.
- Set clear expectations. Specify deadlines, required lengths, and how work will be assessed.
- Stay present. Even asynchronously, check in regularly. Respond to discussion posts, send encouragement, and answer questions promptly.
- Leverage what you know. Adapt familiar in-class activities rather than creating something entirely new.
Quick Links for Faculty
Need Help?
- Canvas 24/7 Support 鈥� Phone #: (877) 241-4253, Live Chat: Within Canvas, click the Help button on the left menu, then click the Chat with Canvas Support (Faculty) link.
- EdTech Instructional Technology & Design Support 鈥� Send an email to help@hofstra.edu to be connected with a member of the EdTech team. Messages are monitored during standard business hours, and a team member will respond as soon as possible.
- Contact the Center for Excellence in Learning, Teaching and Assessment (CELTA) at CELTA@hofstra.edu for support with remote teaching strategies and pedagogical assistance.
- Service Now Knowledge Base Tutorials: and
Books and Other Resources for Remote Teaching
- Libguide for Online Teaching:
- Bean, J. C., & Melzer, D. (2021). Engaging ideas : the professor鈥檚 guide to integrating writing, critical thinking, and active learning in the classroom (Third edition). Jossey-Bass.
- Bowen, J. A., & Watson, C. E. (2024). Teaching with AI : a practical guide to a new era of human learning. Johns Hopkins University Press.
These resources were developed in collaboration with the Center for Excellence in Learning, Teaching and Assessment, the Senate Committee on Education and Research Technology, Distance Learning Advisory Committee, and EdTech.
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