Remote Teaching and Collaborating Resources for Faculty

Use these devices and services while off-campus:

• TXST laptop (if available); personal laptop or desktop computer

Web browser and system requirements for Canvas, Zoom, and Microsoft 365 (including Teams)

NOTE: Some academic departments may require software and apps specific to its discipline. Depending on the software, your computer may need to have more stringent requirements than those listed above.

• Webcam with microphone
• Secure Internet connection
  • Minimum bandwidth is 600 kbps (up/down) and recommended is 1.5 mbps (up/down). Go to speedtest.net to check your speed.
  • Broadband minimum for mobile devices is 3G or 4G/LTE.
• Smartphone, tablet, or telephone (for Duo)

Install these software tools and apps (if needed):

• Adobe Acrobat DC
• Adobe Creative Cloud apps
• Anti-virus software for Windows and Mac
• Canvas Teacher app
• Code42 CrashPlan (backup TXST-owned computers)
• Duo Mobile app
• Firefox web browser
• Google Chrome web browser
• LastPass password management
• LinkedIn Learning app
• Microsoft 365 (includes Outlook and Teams)
• Texas State Mobile app
• Zoom online meetings
• Also see our software catalog

NOTE: Some software may only be available to install and use on your TXST computer. From your personal computer, remote to your TXST computer to access that software (requires a VPN connection).

Make sure your devices and tools are ready to be used:

• Power on and update your laptop or desktop to the latest operating system for Windows and Mac.
• Ensure your TXST computer is encrypted.
• Setup your office computer for remote access.
  • If you plan to remote to your office computer, make sure it is always powered ON.
• Setup TXST VPN (only needed to access specific services).
• Forward your office phone to your Teams phone number.
• Sign up for TXST Alerts.
• Sign up for Employee Mobile Phone Discounts.
• Bookmark the IT Service Dashboard.

Attend a training session offered by ITAC, ODEL, and Faculty Development:

• Training sessions hosted by ITAC, ODEL and Faculty Development
• Training sessions offered by ITAC training
• On demand ITAC training:
  • Getting Started with Zoom
  • Zoom for Faculty
  • Canvas Basics
• Join Zoom sessions from the Information Security Office
• TXST Working Remotely (Canvas self-paced course)
• See these LinkedIn Learning courses
  • Learning to Teach Online
  • Teaching with Technology
  • Microsoft 365 for Educators
  • Microsoft Teams for Education
  • Learning Canvas

^Back to Top

Test drive these tools so you'll be comfortable using them away from campus:

• Schedule and join a Zoom meeting.
  • Set up virtual office hours.
  • See best practices for online meetings.
  • Consider using a TXST-specific Zoom Virtual Background.
  • Be on the lookout for Zoom Bombers. Protect and lockdown your Zoom sessions.
  • Learn how Zoom is supporting teaching and learning during COVID-19.
• Record a lecture using Zoom or YuJa Recording Studio.
• Upload a recorded video to YuJa.
• Use Microsoft Teams for Windows or Mac and chat with colleagues, share files, and meet online.
  • Make a departmental or school-wide agreement that you will use Teams as your collaboration and chat platform of choice.
• Send and receive email using Outlook for Windows or Mac.
• Access your confidential and sensitive files via WebFiles (UDrive, Department Share).
• Access public and working files via Microsoft 365 (OneDrive or SharePoint).
• Check your voicemail.
• If you forwarded your office phone, call your direct line to make sure the forward is in place.
• Remote to your computer at your desk (requires a VPN connection).
• Test connections to other software, databases, or tools you use on a regular basis.

Go fully paperless by making these part of your daily practices no matter where you work:

• Store working and teaching files in SharePoint or OneDrive.
• Store files containing sensitive or confidential information in your UDrive or Department Share.
• Convert all paper forms into Gato website forms or Adobe Sign forms.

^Back to Top

Being prepared ahead of time will help you work and teach flawlessly while away from campus. Now, you're ready to work from virtually anywhere!

• Meet and collaborate with colleagues and students via Zoom or Teams.
• Work in real time with others on public working documents via OneDrive or SharePoint.
• Work on and store confidential and sensitive documents via UDrive or your Department Share Drive.
• Send and receive email via Outlook for Windows or Mac.
• Send and receive chat messages via Teams.
• Send sensitive and confidential documents to colleagues using TXST File Transfer.
• Send secure short messages to a colleagues or students using OneTimeLink
• Send and receive documents for signature via Adobe Sign.
• Email students through Outlook or Canvas.
• Use additional IT services available to TXST Faculty.

^Back to Top

Consider using these tech teaching tools and strategies in your remote classes:

• Establish early how you will communicate with students: TXST Email or via Announcements (Canvas).
• If using Canvas, have students review and update their notification settings to ensure they are receiving timely messages.
• Establish virtual office hours in Zoom.
• Make your syllabus available digitally in Canvas.
• Share course documents and information in Files (Canvas).
• Allow assignments to be submitted digitally via Canvas.
• Use Zoom to conduct live class sessions.
• Consider recording your lecture using YuJa or a Zoom recording, and delivering links to students via Modules in Canvas.
• Assign LinkedIn Learning courses (or single videos) to your students, and where applicable, have them turn in the exercise files associated with that course OR submit a certificate of completion for the entire course.
• Conduct online discussions using Discussions in Canvas.
• Use Zoom Breakout Rooms to facilitate smaller class discussions and group collaboration.
• Have students record presentations using simple technology (mobile phone or computer or via Zoom), upload it as a student submission via YuJa, and include a link to the recording via a Canvas Assignment.
• Ask students to submit a script or PowerPoint of their presentation in lieu of delivering a recorded version via Assignments in Canvas
• Have students complete quizzes via Quizzes in Canvas.
• Give students a timed or un-timed take-home exam and submit it via Assignments in Canvas
• Have students use the University Writing Center's Webcam appointment option to receive remote assistance with writing.
• Direct students to the Student Learning Assistance Center's Online Writing Lab for writing assistance.
• Use the Turnitin plagiarism checker in Canvas for students submitting written assignments.
• Use Gradebook (Canvas) or Speedgrader (Canvas) to grade student work and offer feedback.
• Use Adobe's fantastic Distance Learning Resources site for ideas on student engagement.
• Keep up with University Libraries remote resources and library access.

Also see the Office of Distance and Extended Learning Teaching Continuity Guide.

^Back to Top