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Blended and Online Learning: Teaching Tools FAQs

This guide is intended for faculty teaching web-enhanced, hybrid and online courses at the post-secondary level.

Molloy-supported Technology for Faculty

Support for Technology Tools

To provide faculty with the resources needed to design and facilitate online and hybrid courses, Molloy provides access a learning management system (LMS) called Canvas, as well as several additional integrated tools. On this page, faculty can find a description of Molloy-supported tools, along with answers to frequently asked questions. Faculty are welcomed to contact the Office of Blended and Online Learning at CourseDesign@molloy.edu to meet with an instructional designer who can answer questions about any of these resources. 

Canvas FAQs

Canvas

Canvas logo

What is Canvas? 

Canvas is Molloy's comprehensive learning platform designed to support online or blended learning with features that enhance student learning and connect digital tools for instructors and students to use in one place. Canvas facilitates collaborating with peers, setting up various group activities, connecting to library resources and leveraging various external tools. Canvas support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

How can I get training at Molloy in the use of Canvas? 

Technology Learning Services (TLS) provides training and resources. For support in applying those tools to teaching best practices, the Office of Blended and Online Learning (BOL) offers various resources, including consultations with an instructional designer, workshops, and professional development courses. 

Canvas Assignments 

How is the Assignment tool typically used? 

When planning an assessment, this tool is ideal when student work should be submitted solely to the faculty member. 

What kind of submissions does it allow? 

Assignments can be set up to accept typed text, attached files, media recordings, URLs or student annotation. It can also be set up to integrate Molloy-supported tools, such as Turnitin and VoiceThread. 

Canvas Discussions 

How is the Discussions tool typically used? 

The Discussion tool can be used as a learning activity or a formal assessment. As an assessment, Discussions are best used when you want students to see each peer submissions and interaction is desired. As a learning activity, Discussions provide students with an asynchronous opportunity to interact and apply the topics of the current module, in preparation for a future assessment.  

What kind of submissions does it allow? 

Discussions can be set up to accept typed text, attached documents, and audio or video submissions. It can also integrate Molloy-supported tools, like VoiceThread. 

Canvas Quizzes 

How can I deter cheating during online exams in Canvas? 

Canvas offers many options to deter cheating during online quizzes and exams.  

  1. Shuffling answers (note: if you use "Both A and B" or "All of the above" responses, then this option should remain unchecked). 
  2. Shuffling questions (note: this is only applicable in New Quizzes). 
  3. Setting a time limit for the exam. 
  4. Showing one question at a time and lock questions after answering. 
  5. Not allowing multiple attempts. 
  6. Setting available from and to dates. 
  7. Creating and using a Question Bank

Can I set a time limit for my exam? 

Yes, when you set up your Classic Quiz, you may select the option to limit the number of minutes for your exam. 

Can I provide one or more students additional time to take an exam? 

Yes, through the moderate Classic Quiz feature, you can provide additional time to one or more students who require it. 

How do I make an exam available for a limited amount of time? 

There is an option for Classic Quizzes that allows you to limit the amount of time the quiz is available for student access. For example, you can provide as little as a few hours or a week for students to access the exam. 

What are New Quizzes? 

New Quizzes is a redesign of the Quizzes assessment tool with an easier-to-use quiz builder. The previous quiz builder has been renamed "Classic Quizzes." Instructure has a guide outlining the new features in New Quizzes and a brief video

Can I convert Quizzes made in Classic Quizzes to New Quizzes? 

Yes, for now. From the Quizzes section of your course, find the quiz you wish to convert. Click the three dots, then click "Migrate." Migration will take some time, and you will receive an email when migration is complete. 

Studio FAQs

Canvas Studio

Canvas Studio

What video can I present with Studio? 

Studio allows faculty to record themselves, screen capture their lectures or present externally recorded video content. 

Can I include a quiz with my Studio lecture? 

Yes, you can add a graded or ungraded quiz to your video, which populates as a column in your gradebook. Information on adding a quiz to a video is available by visiting this page from Canvas Community

Does Studio provide closed captions available for my students? 

Yes, Studio will auto-generate captions for any video file you create or import; however, it is expected that captions be reviewed and edited for accuracy. If you have already edited captions in another program, you can upload the transcript from that program to override the auto-generated captions. Learn more about generating captions for your Studio videos on the Canvas Community page, How do I create captions for media in Canvas Studio

What if I need help using Studio? 

Canvas Studio provides the same 24x7 support, available by live chat or phone (1-844-408-6455). You can find both contacts by clicking the Help icon in the left navigation. 

Panopto FAQs

Panopto

Panopto logo

What is Panopto and what is happening to it? 

Panopto is a screen capture video recording platform that Molloy faculty have used to create video content for their courses. As of December 31, 2024, Molloy's account with Panopto will close, resulting in the deletion of any video files they are presently hosting. Faculty will need to either migrate any Panopto recordings in their account to another platform or prepare to create updated replacements. 

How do I move my Panopto recordings into the new platform?  

Go to your Panopto Recordings page and click the download symbol for each recording you wish to save. An mp4 video file will save to your computer. 

What about my captions?

When the videos are uploaded to the new platform, new auto-generated captions will be created. If the captions in Panopto were already edited for accuracy, then download the transcript file from Panopto and upload it into the new platform. 

What if I require assistance with this migration? 

For training and support in closing out use of Panopto, faculty can contact TLS at tls@molloy.edu. Faculty can also work with an instructional designer from BOL at CourseDesign@molloy.edu to discuss options for new recordings and selection of alternate video platforms. 

Can I use Panopto for class lectures? 

Yes, you can record yourself, your screen, as well as a PowerPoint, by using Panopto

Can I change what I am sharing after I begin recording? 

Once recording begins, you cannot change your recording sources such as your webcam or screen. 

Can I include a quiz with my Panopto lecture? 

Yes, a quiz can be added that is graded or ungraded. Information on adding a quiz to a video is available by visiting this article from Panopto. 

Does Panopto have closed captions available for my students? 

Yes, Panopto offers captions for videos, but faculty should review and edit the captions for accuracy. BOL recommends starting with a transcript before recording class lectures, which allows you to easily edit captions and upload the transcripts to ensure accessibility standards are upheld in your courses. Learn more about generating captions for your Panopto videos on their How to Add Captions into Video webpage

Where can I learn more about Panopto? 

Visit the Panopto support page for more information. 

Proctorio FAQs

Proctorio

 Proctorio logo

What is Proctorio? 

Proctorio is an online proctoring tool integrated into Canvas. 

What are the system requirements for Proctorio? 

System requirements are found on Proctorio’s websiteA webcam and microphone may be required, depending on the directions for the exam. 

What platforms does Proctorio work on? 

Proctorio works on desktop and laptop computers running Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge browsers, including Macs and Chromebooks. Proctorio will not work in Safari or Firefox browswers or on mobile devices like phones or tablets. 

How does Proctorio work? 

Students have to install a Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge extension to take an exam with Proctorio. They can remove the extension after the exam, but they will be required to reinstall it if they take another proctored exam. 

How do I proctor an exam using Proctorio? 

After creating your exam with the Classic Quizzes tool, check the “Enable Proctorio Secure Exam Proctor” box. 

Should I include information about Proctorio in my syllabus? 

Yes, it is recommended to mention any technical requirements including proctoring of exams in your syllabus. Since Proctorio relies on certain conditions to accurately proctor, students may need to prepare or acquire the necessary technology to take a proctored exam, 

How do I adjust the exam settings? 

Once you’ve selected the checkbox to have Proctorio proctor your exam, click the “Proctorio Settings” tab. 

Can I proctor an exam without requiring a webcam? 

Yes. We suggest enabling the "Verify Desktop" and "Record Screen" functions in Proctorio to do. This will confirm screen recording is enabled, then record the students' web browser, showing if they visit any other websites during their exam. 

Are there any specific quiz settings I should use with Proctorio? 

Proctorio recommends displaying all questions at once, rather than one at a time. If the test taker has a slow internet connection, displaying one question at a time could result in a delay in the exam and an unwanted loss of time. 

Does Proctorio support New Quizzes? 

At present, New Quizzes do not reliably work with Proctorio. Please use Canvas’ Classic Quizzes for exams using Proctorio. 

What type of support does Proctorio offer for faculty and students? 

Proctorio offers 24/7 live chat for questions, issues, or any other concerns for both faculty and students. Students can access the live chat function during the exam by clicking the shield icon present during their exam. 

How can my students stop getting removed from the exam when notifications appear on-screen? 

Students need to change their notification settings to prevent notifications from appearing and conflicting with Proctorio. 

Where can I find more information on Proctorio? 

You can watch the Introduction to Proctorio video provided by the Blended and Online Learning team, and answers to frequently asked questions, support resources, and other information are available on Proctorio’s support page

Zoom FAQs

Zoom

Zoom logo

What is Zoom? 

Zoom is a video conferencing tool where instructors and students can meet online at the same time to interact in academic activities such as classroom lectures, student presentations, screen sharing, and discussions. 

How do I access a Zoom account? 

You can begin using a free account right away or request a Pro/Licensed account by reaching out to Technology Learning Services at tls@molloy.edu.

What is the difference between a free and a Pro licensed account? 

For a free account, there is a time limit on classroom meetings, currently capped at 40 minutes, though there is no limit to the number of 40-minute sessions you can schedule in a row. A Zoom Pro account has no time limit and can support groups of up to 100 participants. 

Can participants share their screens while using Zoom? 

Yes, participants can share their screens during a Zoom session if the host enables them. The host faculty can share slides, videos, documents, shared files, etc. Students and guest speakers can also share presentations. 

Am I required to record my meetings to evidence class has met? 

No, you do not have to record your Zoom sessions. If you do record a session, ask your students for permission. 

What is the difference between a local and a cloud recording? 

A local recording stores the video file on your computer, where a cloud recording provides you with a link to easily share with your participants. 

Can students work in groups while in a Zoom meeting? 

Yes, you can use breakout rooms in your Zoom meeting. You can manually add students to breakout room groups, randomly place them or allow students to self-select. More information can be found at Getting Started with Breakout Rooms

What technology do students need to participate in a Zoom meeting? 

A microphone and speakers will allow students to participate through their device’s audio, and a webcam (camera) would be needed for video participation. 

Can I create polls in Zoom? 

Yes. Polls need to be created in advance of your scheduled meeting. Zoom has a tutorial for setting up and using polls available on their Support website

Can I use Zoom for advisement appointments? 

Yes, you can use Zoom for scheduled advisement appointments with students. We recommend you activate a Waiting Room. The Waiting Room feature allows you to control when a student joins the meeting. As the meeting host, you can admit students one by one or admit them all at once. 

How can I add additional security to my Zoom meetings? 

Zoom has information on improving meeting security available on their website

Where can I get more information on Zoom? 

Visit the Zoom Help Center for more information.

VoiceThread FAQs

VoiceThread

 VoiceThread logo

What is VoiceThread? 

VoiceThread is an asynchronous interactive engagement tool that provides an easy-to-use online learning and discussion space for you and for students. 

Does VoiceThread integrate into Canvas? 

Yes, it is a Molloy-supported tool readily available in Canvas. To activate it in your course, go to the Modules page and add it as one of the External Tools to any module (you can keep it unpublished if you do not want students to see it). 

What are “Individual VT, Course VT, and VT Home?” 

When VoiceThread is activated in your course, you need to designate the tool as either an “Individual” VT (showing a single VoiceThread that you specify), the “Course VT” (showing an overview of the VoiceThreads in only that course), and “VT Home” (showing all VoiceThreads that you have created in all courses). 

How do I set up a VoiceThread in my Canvas course? 

There are two types of VoiceThreads you can create, both graded and ungraded. To learn how to create a VoiceThread, follow the steps outlined in this support article from VoiceThread

What sort of files can be uploaded to VoiceThread? 

The following formats can be uploaded: 

  • Images: JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP. 
  • Audio: MP3, WAV 
  • Video: MOV, WMV, AVI. For best results, use H.264 encoding. 
  • Text: DOC, DOCX, PDF, ODT, XLS, XLSX, ODS 
  • Presentation: PPT, PPTX, ODP, PDF 

Is there training available for VoiceThread? 

VoiceThread has a collection of pre-made tutorials available directly from on their website. Also, see our Faculty Development page for some recorded webinars.