Week of January 22-26

2024

TLOS: Top 10 teaching tools, resources for faculty for a successful spring semester

The start of a new year is a time for resolutions, reflection, and fresh opportunities. In its Top 10 for the spring semester, Technology-Enhanced Learning and Online Strategies (TLOS) has collected updates on tools and processes, calls to action, and a chance for recognition of faculty accomplishments. As spring classes get underway, TLOS hopes the following topics will assist faculty and instructors in preparing for a successful semester.

Use Gradescope in your courses
Apply Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles
Be ready for Google storage and email changes
Leverage Zoom’s AI features
Request assistance with instructional media, video, and graphics
Try out the redesigned Canvas Discussion tool
Prepare for Kaltura media storage changes
Register for generative AI workshops
Transition to Google Assignments LTI 1.3
Submit an XCaliber Award nomination

For more information and descriptions of these resources, visit the TLOS Top 10 webpage or email TLOS for questions or to share an idea.

Equity and Accessibility: Include accommodation statement in university event notices

Virginia Tech is committed to ensuring that programs, services, events, and activities are accessible to those with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. With support from the Office of Equity and Accessibility, the goal is to proactively plan events free of physical, communication, or other barriers so all individuals may participate.

Accommodation statements: All institutional and departmental publications that describe or invite public participation or attendance in programs at the university, and all university-sponsored events held off campus, are required to contain a disability accommodation statement. The statement must be in the invitation or announcement of the event. It should provide an event contact, email, and phone number.
Response to accommodations requests: When responding to a request for accommodation, event planners should focus on the accessibility issue and the requested accommodation. Respond as quickly as possible to a participant requesting an accommodation because it may take several communications to work through the details of a particular request.

For more information and additional resources, read this campus notice or email the Office of Equity and Accessibility.

University Libraries: Submit your book, article for Virginia Tech Authors Recognition Event

The University Libraries will host a celebration of authorship, the Virginia Tech Authors Recognition Event, on February 26, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. in Newman Library. The annual event honors those who have written or edited a book in the previous year. Registration to attend is requested.

If you would like to know how to submit your book to be included in the celebration event or learn more about authors being recognized, visit the Virginia Tech Authors Recognition Event Libguide. The event will also recognize others who published articles with support from the University Libraries Open Access Subvention Fund.

Submissions must be received by February 1.

For more information, read this campus notice or visit the University Libraries event webpage. If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact the University Libraries events team at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Research and Innovation: Faculty feedback needed on postdoctoral recruitment, support

The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs in Research and Innovation seeks to make progress on its strategic plan to enhance the postdoctoral associate (postdoc) experience and ecosystem at Virginia Tech. Faculty feedback on postdoc support, including faculty’s thoughts and feedback on postdoc recruitment challenges and opportunities is desired.

Faculty who work with postdocs are encouraged to complete the Faculty Feedback on the Postdoc Experience Survey by March 1. The survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete and all questions in the survey are voluntary.

Faculty feedback and insights into these important areas are essential as we work to understand and enhance both postdoctoral recruitment and support at Virginia Tech.

For more information, read this campus notice. Questions may be emailed to Chris Smith, program administrator for Virginia Tech Postdoctoral Affairs.

ICYMI: Information for instructors using Google Workspace for their spring courses

For both faculty and students, Google Workspace will remain available for assignments that rely on My Drive, Docs, Sheets, Forms, Slides, Sites, or Groups. The Division of IT reminds faculty that effective January 16, students have a 5 GB storage limit. Because of this, a small percentage of students may temporarily have their Google access in a read-only status until they can bring their Google storage total under that limit.

Files shared with students will not be counted towards their storage totals unless they save a new copy of the file. Even if a student is in a read-only status for the rest of their Google Account, they will still be able to add to or edit a file shared with them.

To help students manage their storage space, IT recommends that faculty consider the anticipated file size for assignments that students will complete or submit using Google Workspace apps. If the file size of a completed assignment is expected to be large, directing students to upload to My Media, use their M365 apps, or complete the assignment through Canvas may be preferable to using Google My Drive.

For more information and support resources, visit the Google and Microsoft Services Changes website or contact 4Help. A number of online resources, tutorials, and FAQs are also available to assist faculty with managing documents and assignments in Google Workspace.

Additional Resources and Updates

Please submit a Google form or email Provost Communications for comments or recommendations to improve the Weekly Communications Update or to share faculty, staff, and academic program personnel information.

Visit the provost’s website frequently for new and updated university information. All members of the campus community should also read their VT News daily email for further important updates, notices, and resources.