Instructional Resources

Instructional FAQs

• How can I be assured that it is safe to teach in a classroom?

  The College is following all State of New York, Monroe County Health Department, and CDC guidelines for maintaining a safe working environment. In addition, facilities is working hard to ensure a safe classroom environment.

  Adjustments to the classroom environment includes:

  • Reduction in seating density to ensure 6-foot of clearance in every direction
  • Installation of clear, polycarbonate shields in front of the classroom lectern
  • College distribution of masks and face shields to all instructors
  • Campus-wide requirement for face coverings to be worn by everyone, unless alone in an enclosed office or bedroom or outdoors in an environment where social distancing is easily attainable.

  For more information on steps the College is taking please see our Health & Safety guidelines

• How am I going to teach all of the students in the class if class capacity is so limited?
  To maintain six feet of clearance in every direction for students in a classroom, capacity of most of our classrooms are limited to roughly 1/3 of their usual capacity. Such a restriction means that instructors will need to create cohorts or groups (for example A, B, and C groups) within the class, with group A attending class in-person on Monday, group B on Wednesday, etc. On the days that a student does not attend class in-person, she/he will attend remotely through synchronous distribution of the class via a technology option available in the classroom. Furthermore, recording the class session and making that recording available on Blackboard will allow students to view the class session asynchronously.
• Will technology be available in the classrooms to accommodate synchronous instruction?

  Yes, the College is investigating the addition of webcams and microphones to classrooms to facilitate live streaming classes synchronously.

• What if I have or a member of my household has an underlying health condition that compromises immunity – will I still have to teach an in-person class this fall?
  For now, the College is approaching this through the ADA accommodation process. Faculty members should go to this website to begin the process of seeking accommodation. Human Resources is working on another, more refined process through which one can request accommodation for the purposes stated above. Please be on the lookout for when that process is announced.
• What is the maximum size of a face-to-face class? 
  A face-to-face class can not contain more than 50 people at one time. Any sections larger than that should utilize A/B or A/B/C scheduling.  

Classroom Guidance for Instructors

This guide is intended to serve as a tool to assist all instructors in setting up, facilitating, and planning their course for both classroom and online instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Schedule a 1:1 Appointment for Instructional Support

ASIS is available to assist with instructional design services and technology support. Set up an appointment for personalized support. 

Trainings & Workshops

The ASIS team makes sure instructors can get the training and support they need to use Blackboard and other learning technologies.

Blackboard Resources

Make Blackboard a successful platform for your students. These guides will help you create & edit assignments, navigate grading, create content, and more. 

Learn more about Blackboard Collaborate

Additional Resources for Instructors

Kaltura Personal Capture

Kaltura Personal Capture offers users the ability to capture both screen and camera. Use it for video assignments, assessments, feedback, demonstrations and more. 

Top Hat

A web-based software to help educators create a more interactive and engaging learning environment. Take attendance, administer polls, games and quizzes, and share lecture notes. 

SUNY Resources

View the full SUNY Knowledge base. 

Last Updated 10/27/20