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.
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Performing a Quality Matters Self-Review

Last revised: 2/6/2025 by HRB.

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.
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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.

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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.

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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.

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Online Proctoring with ProctorU

Last revised 10/11/2024 by SW

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 endorses to uphold academic integrity in remote assessments, allowing faculty to have similar levels of security as in-person exams.

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Using a Token Economy to Promote Equity & Learning

Last updated 11/1/2024 by KK

Overview

A token economy or late bank system allows instructors to provide deadline flexibility to students, eliminating the need for instructors to adjudicate excuses. This type of structure flexibility enhances student learning, reduces stress, and promotes equity.

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Types of Videos for Online Teaching & Learning

Last updated 10/18/2024 by KK

Overview

Videos can be used for a variety of purposes in online courses, and different set-ups are required to achieve these goals. This article will review the types of videos used in online courses and provide examples.

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Collaborative (Group) Learning Online

Last revised 9/12/2024 by jap

Overview

Collaborative learning, also known as group learning, is an opportunity for students to develop higher-order cognitive skills, promote connections and community, and engage with different perspectives. To facilitate student collaboration online, it requires designing the activity as well as selecting the best technology to connect students.

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University Modes of Instruction

Last revised on 08/07/2024 by DTM.

Overview

The Registrar hosts the official definitions and guidance on Course Modalities. CETL provides additional explanations, teaching considerations, and visual guides on their Teaching and Course Modalities page. Faculty should be aware of the official course modalities and the implications for online teaching and learning.

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