Frequently Asked Questions for Online Synchronous Teaching and Learning

What technology will faculty be using for their live virtual meetings? Webex Teams, Webex Training or Zoom?
The College's supported systems include Webex Meetings, although faculty are free to use Zoom with vendor provided support, if preferred.

Who will set up the virtual meeting sessions for classes? Do the faculty have to create Webex rooms for each CRN and then communicate that with their students, or is that being done by OLAT or ITS?
Faculty should set up their own virtual meeting sessions for their classes. This should not be handled by OLAT or ITS. However, via the help desk, support can be provided to assist faculty members with the process. Instructors can create a meeting in their Webex account and will need to communicate the URL of the virtual meeting room to their students, as each will be unique to the CRN or the meeting itself. Or faculty can create meetings using the Webex Meeting tool in Brightspace.

Where should faculty and students be directed for support? 
Faculty and students should always go to the Tri-C help desk for support to ensure they are routed to the right Tri-C team based on the issue they are encountering. Students should also contact their instructor regarding any issues.

How will students be instructed to access the virtual meeting rooms before the first day of class?
Faculty will have to direct students via an email or their online course site regarding how to access the course’s virtual meeting room. Faculty can refer to the Webex student page and the web conferencing page for information.

Are students being provided with requirements for headsets and microphones?
Online classes at Tri-C have always required headsets and microphones. Students are directed to visit the Attending a Web Conference page, Technical Requirements page, and online bookstore.

Can virtual lecture sessions can be recorded? Do faculty need student permission if video streams are being shared?
Yes, virtual lecture sessions can be recorded. It is recommended that cameras not be required for the entire session due to bandwidth issues. The link to the recording should be placed in the online course site so that viewing is restricted to class members only. Also, faculty can set the recording preferences to “content-only view,” in which no participant video is recorded. For more information visit our FERPA and Online Class Recordings page.

Are webcams and microphones going to be listed as required course materials?
Not on the bookstore site, but in the syllabus.

How will students know what technology they need for their classes, since they cannot access the online classroom until the night before the course starts?
Students may or may not know what technology is needed for their courses, just like they may or may not know what textbooks are required. However, they should have the minimum equipment required for all online classes, which is listed on the Technical Requirements page.

• Will faculty tell them?  Faculty should notify their students via email prior to the start of a course.