Digital Learning packages for students

For subjects in Canvas – subject co-ordinators can create a Module in Canvas with the suggested resources below; this can then be zipped and sent as an email attachment. 

For UTSOnline subjects, a zip package is the best option: see the Technology Guide.

The module/package would contain the following elements:

• Subject outline
• Audio file (with a photo of yourself) of up to 4 minutes duration– this recording should introduce yourself and what the subject is about and why it’s relevant to the students
  or
  2-minute video (the LX.Lab media team can help you record these, or reduce the size of your existing files)
• Transcripts of audio or video recordings should be included, and can be produced with LX.Lab media support.
• Reading or readings for the first week, with a brief overview as to why they are chosen and the big question(s) that the reading addresses or short case studies, problems, activities that students can do on their own etc, depending on the subject, with a similar overview on why these are important (these will likely be the same ones that on-campus students will do in class but need a bit of extra written guidance for students who are accessing them online.)
• A short series of questions on the reading (or case studies or other material) that invite students to reflect or make connections with the key concepts and ideas. You may also invite them to send the answers back to the subject co-ordinator via email or post to UTSOnline or Canvas. A general response can be provided to this in Week 2, when you can also provide feedback on the case studies, problems etc. 

Additionally it is suggested to ask students if they would mind sharing their email address with other students in China, and offer to broker a WeChat group for them to connect, or to connect via Teams or email.

Email template for students receiving a study package

Dear <Student name>

I hope you, your family and your friends are safe and well. I am looking forward to working with you this session in <subject x>. 

Attached to this email, you will find the study package for our first week of <subject x>. This package contains <the subject outline and reading list, a short video/audio, some key readings, and some guiding questions>. Suggest the Academic be very explicit about what they want the student to do in which order eg 1. Watch the Welcome video or listen to welcome audio 2. Read through the Subject Outline and send any questions you may have to me via email. 3. Read the article(s)/readings provided and associated questions. (answer the quiz questions or send me your thoughts in response to the questions).

To allow me to monitor your progress through the subject, <please write short 300 word responses to the guiding questions> and return this to me <in a Word document> directly via email by <date> . Suggest new working above to replace this?

As mentioned in my previous email, the details in the Subject Outline regarding class dates and assessment tasks are likely to be different for you, as we are working flexibly to ensure you are able to continue your study with us. We will continue to communicate our plans with you as we confirm the details.  

If you experience any difficulty accessing these materials, or wish to speak with me directly, please contact me via email in the first instance and we may be able to set up an online meeting. My online office hours are <Monday and Wednesday 10.30am – 12.30pm AEST>.

Finally, could you let me know if you would be interested in connecting with other students affected by the travel restrictions in this subject? If you are interested, I will share your email address with other students who have also expressed an interest, and we may be able to create a study group via Microsoft Teams or WeChat.

Once again, I look forward to working with you this session.