The UMass University Without Walls (UWW) office should be the “first stop” for help and guidance on how to offer an online class. We have found them very professional and extremely supportive.
Getting Started
The eLearning team offers training to instructors who will be teaching an online course through UWW. Once a course has been confirmed, instructors will receive information on when orientation & training sessions are available.
After instructors attend training, they have the opportunity to participate in optional workshops or consult with an instructional designer to assist them in developing their online course(s). Whether through training or instructional design, the eLearning unit prides itself on building a rapport with first-time faculty that culminates in a quality online course.
Instructional Design
Instructional designers are available to online faculty. Contact the IDEAS Team (Instructional Design, Engagement and Support) here: https://www.umass.edu/uww/resources/ideas
IDEAS is a team of instructional designers and technologists, faculty, media specialists, and instructional media consultants who seek to help others create transformative learning experiences and reach new audiences using proven strategies for excellence in online teaching and learning.
Contact the IDEAS team if you need assistance building out a new online course, updating an existing online course or would like to explore technology enhanced pedagogies to make your course more dynamic, engaging and interactive. Request a consult with an instructional designer.
For support with your instructional technology needs contact our very knowledgeable (and patient) staff in the Instructional Media Lab. Email us at instruct@umass.edu or drop-in to our daily Faculty Support Zoom sessions open Mon-Fri 10am-3pm.
Additional Support
UMass Online offers workshops on how to navigate Blackboard here: https://www.umass.edu/uww/IDEAS/webinars
The UMass Center for Teaching and Learning can provide personal consultations. See: https://www.umass.edu/ctl/consultations
For UMass Library Resources: https://www.library.umass.edu/about-the-libraries/covid-19-updates/
Online instructors may contact UWW’s eLearning Team during business hours (Mon-Fri, 9AM to 5PM EST) at facline@uww.umass.edu or call 413-577-3434 (choose option 2).
Also, 24/7 technical assistance (chat, email, phone, knowledgebase) is available to all students and faculty at supportcenter.embanet.com/uma.
Faculty and staff with general questions about Blackboard at UMass Amherst should email elearning@uww.umass.edu.
If you have students who need help, please encourage them to attend a virtual orientation or want to review resources for taking a course in Blackboard.
If you have students who seems to need help from the UMass Disabilities Coordinator, please don’t hesitate to contact them here: https://www.umass.edu/disability/faculty.
Hints
Submitting Assignments: Review the following video, instructions, and website to guide you through the process of submitting assignments. Keep in mind that you have multiple attempts this week to submit your homework as you learn how to submit an assignment, so don’t be afraid!
https://confluence.umassonline.net/display/UASO/Submitting+Assignments