Increase in COVID Numbers
Over the past several weeks the number of COVID-19 cases and students needing to quarantine have been increasing. Fortunately, these cases have not been connected to structured UNW activities or classrooms. An email message went out to students this afternoon encouraging them to finish the semester Eagle Strong. We have all worked so hard to get through this year. I pray that we will be able to finish our semester healthy.
Preparing for Finals
Anticipating your Student Needs
With the rise in COVID numbers mentioned above, it is wise for us to think about the potential impact this might have on finals week. As was the case in the fall, you may also find that some students need to enter isolation or quarantine during these final weeks, which would likewise require them to complete their courses virtually. We realize this may be very challenging in some courses. If possible, we would like to help our students finish the semester rather than having to take an incomplete grade (I). Also, if you are teaching a hybrid class this semester, it may be necessary for you to develop an online final since the classroom space may not be able to hold your entire class together.
If you are planning to offer an online final exam, please remember to follow the Spring 2021 Traditional Undergraduate final exam schedule. If you are administering an online final exam in Moodle, please schedule the availability of the exam to conclude the same time as is listed on the final exam schedule. We do not want students to have multiple exams scheduled at the same time.
OLO is Here to Help
The Online Learning Office (OLO) is available to help any faculty who might need assistance with setting up finals in Moodle or thinking through other final assessment ideas. As you prepare your finals, you may want to use one of these strategies to improve the integrity of your assessments.
- Consider setting an open date and close date for the quiz or exam along with a time limit
- Shuffle/randomize answers in a quiz or exam
- For assignments, enable Urkund to analyze papers for similarity to internet resources
The Online Learning Office has created a resource for academic integrity options with additional options. You may also contact the Online Learning Office directly to discuss ideas relevant to your testing setup. If you identify any courses for which virtual exams cannot be offered, please contact your department chair for assistance in brainstorming a solution. Thanks in advance for doing all you can to help our students complete the semester successfully.
Post-COVID Learning Environments
Several discussions were held this past week to get feedback
You are invited to join me, along with your faculty colleagues, for my Provost Coffee Hour on Friday, May 7th, at 1:30 to discuss this important topic.
Board of Trustees Updates
Fall 2019 - Spring 2020 Assessment Update - Janet to fill in the text.