Use a Virtual Whiteboard to Engage Students

Effective teaching often involves using a whiteboard to illustrate concepts, write equations, or draw diagrams. You can still use these techniques when teaching remotely by using the “Zoom Whiteboard”, which works on either a desktop computer or a mobile device. To get started, click on the “Share Screen” button on the Zoom tool bar and then click “Whiteboard.” To learn more about how this tool can enhance teaching and learning, tune in to the next Virtual FLC this Thursday at 10 a.m. where TLP will offer a 15-minute presentation on Zoom Whiteboard. We’ll cover the bullet points below as well as discuss creative solutions you may already be using.

  • Annotate, draw, and create as you teach on your shared screen
  • Allow students access to create content on the screen to increase their engagement
  • Save an electronic Whiteboard screen to a file
  • Use Zoom Whiteboard with your tablet stylus.

This Week’s Faculty Development Sessions

Additional Resources

  • TLP Webinars including Advanced Zoom training that cover Whiteboard use
  • Go Virtual Summer Institute – paid summer institute to convert existing classes into effective online or blended courses. Apply to be a participant, a faculty mentor, or both.

Join the New Zoom Social Hour

Starting tomorrow (4/22), FDEV will host a “Zoom Social Hour” every Wednesday at 3 p.m. for the rest of the semester. This is a space to just be yourself and connect with people while talking about anything on your mind…work-related or not. No guest speakers and no tech tools…just conversations with supportive peers about what you’re going through during this pandemic. All faculty are invited.

On Thursday (4/23), our topic for the Virtual FLC will be Faculty Wellness. Some of you may be feeling lethargic because there are no gyms to exercise in, or feeling depressed because of isolation, or just feeling achy because of your home office ergonomic setup. On Thursday at 10am, we will discuss strategies to nourish our overall well-being to stay healthy and motivated through this. All faculty are invited.

As a sidenote, if you’re struggling with anxiety, addictions, depression, relationships, or any other distress, you have free access to the LifeMatters program. You can call a counselor 24/7 at 1-800-367-7474. If they can’t help you, they can refer you for up to three free counseling sessions with a therapist if you choose. If you’re asked for a passcode, it is “csuchico”.

Virtual Assessment Strategies

In the next Virtual FLC (this Thursday, 4/16 at 10 a.m.), we will talk about how to authentically assess learning now that we’re all teaching virtually. Our guest, Ben Seipel from the School of Education, will share ideas about how we can do that online while remaining flexible and sensitive to students’ needs. Examples could include:

  • Give exams that are open-book/open-note/open-internet that include high-level thinking questions that are not searchable online. Just be sure students know your expectations about academic integrity.
  • Consider assessments that require students to solve a problem in the community, evaluate a situation and recommend a solution, analyze a case study, create something new like a concept map or e-portfolio, give a virtual presentation, or record a podcast with peers on a topic you assign.

Equity Minded Virtual Teaching

In a recent webinar on Equity-Minded Virtual Teaching (recording here), CSU faculty offered several pedagogical strategies for the transition to online instruction such as…

  • When possible, offer alternative assessment options and consider asking students to weigh in on how they would prefer to demonstrate their learning (write a paper, produce a video, create a PPT, take online quizzes, etc.).
  • Demonstrate an “authentic investment” in each students’ success.
  • Send positive and validating signals to students that “they belong at Chico State” and that “they can succeed.”

In this Thursday’s Virtual Faculty Learning Community (VFLC) from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m., we will spend the first 15 minutes discussing  equity and accessibility in online teaching. Jeremy Olguin (Director of the Office of Accessible Technology & Services) will join the conversation along with TLP staff. The remaining 45 minutes will be open to share ideas, ask questions, raise concerns, and connect with colleagues on any relevant topic. All faculty are welcome to join by clicking on this Zoom link at 10 a.m. on Thursday https://csuchico.zoom.us/j/5308985778 (you can also call in at 1-669-900-6833 and enter ID number 5308985778). Here is a summary of last week’s VFLC.

Additional Resources for you from TLP are on the Keep Teaching page including live webinars this week and next on leveraging tools in Blackboard, Zoom, and Proctorio.

Virtual Faculty Learning Community for you

Dear Chico State Faculty,

I want to acknowledge your extraordinary work during this pedagogical transition. To support your ongoing efforts, the Office of Faculty Development will host an optional “Virtual Faculty Learning Community (VFLC)” via Zoom on Thursday mornings from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. for the rest of the semester. This is a time for faculty to connect with one another, ask questions, share ideas, and raise concerns. We will spend the first 15 minutes discussing the most up-to-date resources and tools available to you. The remaining 45 minutes will be spent engaged in conversations about topics that you want to discuss with each other. Examples could include administering online final exams, maintaining a sense of community for students online, or staying healthy during this process. Bring your questions and ideas!

Sessions will be NOT be recorded but we will sum up any resources mentioned on the FDEV website. This VFLC is totally voluntary and there is no compensation. You are free to arrive late, leave early, or just be present for any portion of the session that your schedule allows.

-Josh