September 2021

Technology Tools Updates

Canvas

Instructure releases updates to Canvas each month. August highlights include: 

• New Quiz: In the Build tab, a new Canvas-integrated feature enables users to print a blank Quiz and/or Print Key (with answers).
   
  
  
  This feature enables campus Disability Resource offices to better provide access to quizzes off-line for some students with disabilities who require accommodations.
• Rich Content Editor: The Accessibility Checker can now automatically indicate accessibility concerns in your content. You will need to enable this feature in the course Settings menu. In Feature Previews, change the state from disabled to enabled.
   
  

Look for the counter above the accessibility icon beneath the Rich Content Editor. Click it to be shown each accessibility issue alongside tools to quickly address them.

See the complete list of Canvas updates released on August 21,2021. The next Canvas release will be September 18, 2021.

Kaltura

Kaltura, the UMN storage platform for video and audio files. 

• In Canvas, the Kaltura My Media page has moved from the course navigation menu to the Account menu. In Canvas’ left global navigation, select Account, then select My Media (Kaltura). My Media is the library of Kaltura media that you own or manage. 
• All the Kaltura players have been updated. Improvements include fixes for accessibility issues when navigating chapters (see also: Manage Chapters and Slides and a chapter orientation video), better labeling of controls, and better support for 360 videos in Kaltura Video Quizzes.

See updated resources to help you request additional captioning services and create and manage video quizzes.

Make your synchronous Zoom recording useful

A flexible approach to teaching is vital this fall as COVID-19 continues to be a part of our daily life. We know that some students may need to connect to courses remotely or review content asynchronously online. Here are some tips to make the experience better: 

• Use the Zoom “Spotlight” feature to protect the privacy of session participants and focus attention on the relevant material.
• Create chapters in Kaltura or on YouTube to help students scan the video and find the content they need.

To see an example of both the Spotlight and Chapters features, review the Room and Zoom (video 59:37) session.

Instructor Takeaways: Teaching with Technology Retreat

59 instructors participated in the August Teaching with Technology Retreat representing disciplines from the sciences, humanities, professional schools and multiple campuses. See the key instructor takeaways from the sessions.

Canvas Gradebook: Set Up

Sept. 10, 2021 10:00 a.m.

ATSS consultants will demonstrate how to use assignments, discussions, and quizzes to set a course gradebook, how to grade using the Speedgrader and rubrics, and how to enable Canvas’ grade posting policy to hide and release grades. Register for Canvas Gradebook: Set Up.

Flexible Teaching: Explore Blended Strategies and Digital Tools

Sept. 23, 2021 1:00 p.m.

Whether you label your next teaching experience in-person, flipped, hybrid, hyflex, or online, it is possible to be thoughtful about how you blend your instructional strategies and learning environments so that they are engaging for learners and efficient for you. Register for Flexible Teaching: Explore Blended Strategies and Digital Tools.

MNLC presents: The 60-Year Curriculum

Sept. 23, 2021, from 2:00 – 3:00pm CT

Join the Minnesota Learning Commons for a presentation and discussion with special guests Dr. Christopher J. Dede and John Richards, editors of the book, The 60-Year Curriculum: New Models for Lifelong Learning in the Digital Economy. Register for: the 60-Year Curriculum.

Take an Assessment Deep Dive Video Series (CEI)

Create or redesign a comprehensive assessment plan that supports learning for all students in your course(s). Watch Assessment Deep Dive Videos.

UMN Canvas Learning Center (ATSS)

This digital resource is designed to provide you with easy access to fundamental Canvas information. Use the self-enrollment link to get started. 

UMN Self-help guides

These guides offer step-by-step instructions and extra guidance to help you complete your tasks.

• Zoom: Teach, Meet, and Learn with Zoom
• Canvas: Communicate with Students
• Canvas: Integrate Media Using Kaltura

Other Resources

• Teaching with Technology (recorded) webinars
• Teaching with Technology newsletter archive