CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE IN LEARNING, TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT
for Hofstra Faculty
Whether you’re teaching a fully online course, navigating a hybrid format, or shifting to remote instruction due to campus closures or unexpected circumstances, this guide offers practical strategies to keep your students engaged and learning.
Before You Begin: Communicate Clearly
Let students know what to expect. Post an announcement in Canvas as soon as you know class will be remote. Include:
- How class will be held (live session via Zoom or asynchronous activities in Canvas)
- What students need to do and by when
- How to reach you with questions
- Clearly communicate access details for Zoom sessions: Post the Zoom link in Canvas and/or email it to students in advance of each session to ensure all students can easily join.
Tip
Use Canvas Announcements and inform students that they can enable notifications so that they receive email alerts automatically
Synchronous Activities (Live Sessions)
Best for: Real-time discussion, immediate feedback, maintaining class community
Discussion-Based Class via Zoom Host your regular class session virtually. Use Zoom’s breakout rooms for small group discussions, then reconvene to share insights. This works well for seminars, case studies, or problem-solving sessions. Learn how to create a Zoom meeting in Canvas.
Live Q&A or Review Session Rather than lecturing, open the floor for questions. Have students submit questions in advance through a Canvas discussion or use Zoom’s chat and polling features during the session.
Think-Pair-Share Online Pose a question, give students 2 minutes to think, send them to breakout rooms in pairs for 3–5 minutes, then bring everyone back to share responses with the full group. Learn how to create a Zoom breakout room.
Tip
First time using Hofstra Zoom? Go to Hofstra Zoom and login with your Hofstra credentials (SSO) to activate your account!
Collaborative Problem-Solving Share your screen with a problem, case, or scenario. Work through it together as a class, asking students to contribute steps or solutions via chat or unmuting. Learn how to Share your screen in Zoom.
Asynchronous Activities (Flexible Timing)
Best for: Accommodating different schedules, deeper reflection, students with connectivity challenges
Discussion Board Prompt Post a thought-provoking question in Canvas Discussions. Require students to post an initial response and reply to at least one classmate. Set a clear deadline (e.g., initial post by Wednesday, replies by Friday). Learn more about how to create a Discussion.
Video Mini-Lecture + Reflection Record a brief 10–15 minute video covering key concepts (use Zoom/Kaltura, VoiceThread, or your phone). Pair it with a short written reflection or quiz in Canvas to check understanding.
Reading or Media Analysis Assign a reading, podcast, or video. Have students complete a structured response: What’s the main argument? What questions does it raise? How does it connect to course themes? Learn more about how to create a Module in Canvas and Add Items.
Peer Review Activity Have students submit a draft or short assignment, then assign them to review a classmate’s work using criteria you provide. This builds critical thinking and reduces your grading load. Learn more about how to create a Peer Reviewed Assignment.
Concept Mapping Ask students to create a visual map showing relationships between key concepts from the unit. They can use free tools like Google Drawings, Canva, or even paper and a photo upload. Learn more about how to create an Assignment.
- Keep it simple. One well-designed activity is better than several rushed ones.
- Design with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in mind.
- Provide multiple ways for students to engage with content, demonstrate their learning, and stay motivated.
- Offer choices for how students complete assignments (e.g., written response, short video, or audio recording).
- Design with flexibility from the start to support all learners.
- Consider the needs of students with disabilities, English language learners, and those with caregiving responsibilities.
Account for students navigating different time zones or varied living situations.
Designing with flexibility from the start supports all learners — including students with disabilities, English language learners, students with caregiving responsibilities, and those navigating different time zones or living situations. - Offer asynchronous alternatives. Not every student will be able to attend a live session. For example, you might record synchronous meetings and share them in Canvas, and offer an equivalent asynchronous activity — such as a discussion post or short reflection — so students who can’t attend live can still participate meaningfully.
- Be flexible. Students may face technology limitations, unreliable internet access, or challenging home environments. Where possible, offer low-bandwidth options (such as audio-only participation) and extended deadlines when circumstances warrant.
- Set clear expectations. Specify deadlines, required lengths, and how work will be assessed.
- Stay present. Even asynchronously, check in regularly. Respond to discussion posts, send encouragement, and answer questions promptly.
- Leverage what you know. Adapt familiar in-class activities rather than creating something entirely new.
Quick Links for Faculty
Need Help?
- Canvas 24/7 Support – Phone #: (877) 241-4253, Live Chat: Within Canvas, click the Help button on the left menu, then click the Chat with Canvas Support (Faculty) link.
- EdTech Instructional Technology & Design Support – Send an email to help@hofstra.edu to be connected with a member of the EdTech team. Messages are monitored during standard business hours, and a team member will respond as soon as possible.
- Contact the Center for Excellence in Learning, Teaching and Assessment (CELTA) at CELTA@hofstra.edu for support with remote teaching strategies and pedagogical assistance.
- Service Now Knowledge Base Tutorials: Canvas LMS and Zoom
Books and Other Resources for Remote Teaching
- Libguide for Online Teaching: https://libguides.hofstra.edu/c.php?g=1273009&p=9338987
- Bean, J. C., & Melzer, D. (2021). Engaging ideas : the professor’s guide to integrating writing, critical thinking, and active learning in the classroom (Third edition). Jossey-Bass. Hofstra Library ebook Link
- Bowen, J. A., & Watson, C. E. (2024). Teaching with AI : a practical guide to a new era of human learning. Johns Hopkins University Press. Hofstra Library ebook Link
These resources were developed in collaboration with the Center for Excellence in Learning, Teaching and Assessment, the Senate Committee on Education and Research Technology, Distance Learning Advisory Committee, and EdTech.
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