Teaching Online

This page includes a quick reference of information that may be helpful for designing, developing, and facilitating online. Please connect with your assigned CTET program liaison for specific course needs. If you are unsure of who to contact or need immediate assistance, please contact CTET Studio.

Workshops

The table below lists our upcoming workshops designed to support faculty and staff in the design, development, and facilitation of online learning. All workshops are delivered fully online and are available free to RRU faculty and staff. Contact us for the discount code. For a complete list of all our workshops, please visit the CTET page on the RRU Professional and Continuing Studies (PCS) website.

Workshop descriptionUpcoming offerings
Getting Started with Collaborate Ultra (Online): Focused on learning how to use Collaborate Ultra and developing technical proficiency using Collaborate Ultra tools and moderator controls. This 90-minute workshop is delivered synchronously online.
Teaching with Collaborate Ultra (Online): Focused on developing skills for teaching interactively online using Collaborate Ultra. This workshop is delivered synchronously online in two 90-minute sessions.
  • May 21 & 28, 1:30-3:00pm PST (register via PCS)
  • August 27 & September 3, 1:30-3:00pm PST (register via PCS)
Facilitating Learning Online (FLO): Focused on developing teaching skills for online learning. This course is delivered online over 5 weeks. 
  • June 1 - July 5 (register via PCS)
  • July 6 - August 9 (register via PCS)
  • August 24 - September 27 (register via PCS)
  • October 26 - November 29 (register via PCS)
WordPress Getting Started (Online): Designed to introduce faculty and staff to build and edit in WordPress. Learn to work with themes, build a website, and navigate editing tools. This workshop is delivered online over 3 hours. 
Grading in Moodle (Online): Designed to support instructors and program staff to develop proficiency in grading in Moodle. Learn best practices and different ways of grading assignments and grade items in Moodle. This course is delivered online over 3 weeks. 
Moodle: Getting Started (Online): Focused on the basics of navigating around a Moodle course for new users. This workshop is delivered online over 2 hours.
  • August 6, 10:00am - 12:00pm PST (register via PCS)
Moodle: Editing & Enhancing Online: Focused on learning how to build and edit a Moodle course for users with basic Moodle navigational skills. Learn how to add and edit Moodle activities and resources. This workshop is delivered online over 3 weeks. 
  • September 14 - October 4 (register via PCS)

Self-study resources

The following self-study resources are available on our Open Education Resources (OER) instance of Moodle and are freely available for all to access:

1-1 & small group training

In addition to our workshops and self-study resources, CTET can also offer 1-1 and small group sessions on a by-appointment basis. These can be done fully online if required. To request a by-appointment session, please email facdev@royalroads.ca. 

Virtual classes & meetings

There are two web conferencing platforms supported at Royal Roads University, Collaborate Ultra and BlueJeans. Both can be used for online meetings. For a detailed comparison of Collaborate Ultra vs. BlueJeans, please see this Crossroads article.

Collaborate Ultra (CU)

Collaborate Ultra is the recommended tool for all teaching and learning activities because it is optimized for teaching and learning, integrated with Moodle, and fully supported by CTET. The following resources may be helpful for instructors and staff using Collaborate to support online learning:

Collaborate Ultra rooms can also be created outside of Moodle. If you would like a Collaborate room for meetings, please contact CTET Studio.

BlueJeans

BlueJeans is managed by Media Support Services (MSS) and can be used for meetings. For online teaching, Collaborate Ultra is recommended.

Other tools for creating engaging learning

MyMedia

MyMedia is a Moodle-integrated tool that allows users to create, manage, and share webcam recordings, audio recordings, narrated presentations (voice-over-PowerPoint), screen recordings, and video quizzes. Users can also save and share YouTube videos. Watch a short video about MyMedia.

Padlet

Padlet is a tool that provides a space to gather and share ideas and can be used for brainstorming, discussions, collaboration, and more. Users can add text, images, videos, and other media. Padlet can be integrated into Moodle.

Moodle to the Max

Moodle to the Max (login required) is a Moodle page highlighting different ways to use Moodle's in-built tools to creating engaging learning experiences. 

DIY educational technologies

In addition to CTET-supported tools, there are a number of do-it-yourself (DIY) tools that can be used to create engaging learning experiences. In most cases, these tools are easy-to-use and freely available online. Note that in some cases, sign-up may be required. Explore an interactive list, researched and curated by our team: Other DIY educational technologies (interactive page on CTET website)

Supporting student well-being

Learning is a socially constructed experience. Online learners can sometimes feel isolated, especially during times of social distancing. By supporting student well-being, we support their learning. Consider the following strategies for supporting your students:

Community 

  • Update your Moodle profile with a picture and encourage students to do the same.
  • Initiate regular (e.g. weekly, bi-weekly) web-conferencing meetings to connect with students in real time.
  • Spend time during virtual meetings checking in with students’ well-being.
  • Take care of yourself. Share with students how you are maintaining your own well-being, e.g. through healthy eating and activity.
  • Create a community space in Moodle using Padlet or a forum and encourage students to share pictures and other non-course related updates.

Communication

  • Add a video to your course where you speak to the changing situation and your response.
  • Reach out to students individually through phone or email to see how they are doing.
  • Make yourself available for office hours via Collaborate Ultra with a few different meeting times.
  • Record all web-conferencing meetings for students who aren’t able to attend.
  • Consider adding a course Q&A forum where students can ask questions and find answers to others’ questions.
  • Commit to timely response to students’ questions.

Learning activities

  • Include students in decision making, where possible (e.g. choosing between two readings, assignment options, etc.).
  • Stick with what is familiar for you and your learners.
  • Simplify and avoid introducing complex new tools.

Assessment

  • Provide students with a chance to practice and receive feedback on assessment that requires the use of Collaborate or MyMedia (e.g. presentations).
  • Be flexible on assignment due dates.
  • Break down complex assignments to smaller pieces.
  • Abandon assignments that may create unnecessary stress.

Student support

RRU Student Services is providing the following support services to students during the period of social distancing:

  • Students can contact Counselling Services. 
  • Weekly online group to support students and share tips for getting through this challenging time. Join from noon to 1 p.m. PDT every Thursday from March 19 to April 30 via Collaborate Ultra.

Additional resources

Below is a list of internal and external articles/resources that may be of interest to faculty and staff looking for information in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. We will endeavor to keep this list up to date.