Using Data to Inform Online Teaching

Last revised on 06/13/2025 by HRB.

Overview

HuskyCT (Blackboard) offers a range of analytics tools to monitor and enhance student progress. These tools provide insight in relation to student engagement, assignment completion, and overall course performance, enabling faculty to make data-driven decisions. Comprehending and leveraging these features allows instructors to identify trends, address potential issues, and create a supportive learning environment tailored to individual and class-wide needs. 

Helpful Hints:

  • Begin exploring the analytics tools early in the course to ensure smooth integration. 
  • Use these insights to proactively support students at risk of falling behind. 

Continue reading

Tips for Conducting Online / Remote Synchronous Sessions

Overview

Last Revised 04/23/25 by TJS

Woman sitting on bench watching an instructor write on a whiteboard.

Conducting remote live, remote, synchronous class sessions using video conference software -- such as WebEx, Teams, or Collaborate Ultra -- can be a daunting task (Boland & Major, 2021). Below are some tips and strategies for designing and facilitating online synchronous sessions, specifically in Online Synchronous (OS), Online Blended (OB), and In-Person Remote (PR) course modalities.

Read More

Using the eCampus HuskyCT Template

Using the eCampus HuskyCT Template

Last updated 03/25/2025 by cah

Overview

The eCampus HuskyCT template is an organized and student-friendly structure which can be copied into another HuskyCT site. The template requires editing and basic building skills in HuskyCT (Ultra Course View). Refer to the resources listed within this article for assistance with various aspects of HuskyCT.

Before building a course in HuskyCT, complete a Course Design Plan to map out the alignment of course components and ensure a structured framework. Once the Course Design Plan is complete, follow the steps to build the course in HuskyCT.

Read More

Using Student Preview as You Teach: What Do My Students See?

Last revised: 2/19/2025 by HRB.

Overview

The Student Preview feature in HuskyCT (Blackboard) allows instructors to experience their course exactly as a student would. This ensures that the course design, functionality, and content are as intended, helping to identify and correct potential issues before students access the course. You will begin by locating and selecting the “Student Preview” button near the top-right corner of the course site as shown in the image below.
Continue reading

Performing a Quality Matters Self-Review

Last revised: 6/16/2025 by KK.

Overview

As a subscribing Quality Matters (QM) institution, UConn encourages faculty to perform (at minimum) an “unofficial” QM Self-Review of their online and blended courses. This article details the steps for completing a QM “unofficial” Self-Review and where to seek further information and assistance.
Continue reading

Finding and Using Free Images

Last revised on 2/3/2025 by kk.

Overview

Without licensing (i.e., permission from the copyright holder), uploading copyrighted material to HuskyCT violates copyright law. Copyright issues often arise when it comes to using images in courses, as placing copyrighted images in documents and HuskyCT is considered unauthorized copying and distribution. Any images used in online courses must be licensed for this purpose. This post shows how to find, use, and cite free images that support learning in online courses legally.

Read More

Copyright in Online Courses: Using Free Content Legally

Last revised on 2/3/2025 by kk.

Overview

This article provides an overview of common concepts related to copyright in online courses and shares best practices for finding and using free educational materials.

Read More

Proctoring Options for Online Exams

Last revised 3/4/2025 by KK

Overview

UConn provides several proctoring solutions to help faculty administer online exams securely and effectively. These options are designed to accommodate different class sizes, course requirements, and testing scenarios. The three main proctoring options available for online faculty members include Respondus LockDown Browser + Monitor, Respondus LockDown Browser + Instructor Live Proctoring, and ProctorU. Each of these services offers different levels of proctoring, integration, and support.

Read More

Online Proctoring with ProctorU

Last revised 4/7/2025 by DSM

Overview

Maintaining academic integrity in all UConn courses, including online/blended courses, is important. Key concerns include ensuring that:

  1. The student enrolled in the course is the same individual completing the assessments (authentication).
  2. Assessment administration adheres to the faculty-prescribed rules (cheating deterrence and detection).

ProctorU is one of the online proctoring platforms UConn eCampus provides to uphold academic integrity in remote assessments, allowing faculty enhanced security for online exams.

Read More