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UTM Quercus Self-Paced Modules

Register for the UTM Quercus Self-Paced Modules for Instructors by completing the form at the link below.
https://forms.office.com/r/n4PDG8c950

You will be added to the course within 1-2 business days and will receive an invitation to join on your Quercus Dashboard.

Course Setup

We encourage you to visit our Course Setup page for quick lists of Basic and Advanced tips.

Considerations and Suggestions

• KEEP IT SIMPLE! Like us, students may also experience disruptions due to family or other obligations.
• Consider how to better support student learning
  • Accessibility Services at UTM
  • CTSI - Accessibility Guidelines
• Think of your course content, assessments, and activities in terms of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles
  • Provide multiple means of representation (e.g., think +1 - if you have text add an image)
  • Provide multiple means of action & expression (e.g., think +1 - discussion board activity and written reflection)
  • Provide multiple means of engagement (e.g., think +1 - collaborative activity and self-assessment)
• Add an image to your account profile that will be used across all courses in posts that you make (e.g., Announcements, Discussion Board).
• Create visual interest by customizing the course card that students will see in their dashboards.
• Provide the most current announcement information at the top of the course Home page (opens an external page).

Information that can be shared with students regarding technology and Quercus

• Recommended Technology Requirements for Remote / Online Learning
• UTM Learn Anywhere

Microsoft 365

• As a U of T Faculty, Librarian, Staff or Student, you
• have access to M365 online tools by logging in with your UTORid and password.
• can download Microsoft 365 for Mac, Windows, iOS or Android for your personal computer / device –  https://onesearch.library.utoronto.ca/ic-faq-categories/office-365-proplus.

For faculty and staff managed computers that are set up by the UTM I&ITS Service Desk, please visit the UTM Service Desk in CCT0160 or give them a call at 905-828-5344 for support or email helpdesk.utm@utoronto.ca.

Quercus Overview

• Enable Course Tools in Quercus:  Some Quercus tools need to be enabled before you can access them from the course menu.
• Turn "ON" Email Notifications:   Keep communication lines open by ensuring your notifications are "ON", and also recommend that students leave their notifications on.  Announcements and email notifications support quick and direct communication with students.
• Quercus Gradebook - Set up your Gradebook so that student grades are hidden before you post them.  Use Points for assignments and quizzes.
• Ensure all course documents and materials are linked or posted through your course site (e.g., syllabus, readings, library links). You can do this in Quercus by uploading Files, creating Pages or Modules.
• End of Term Procedure:  When your course is over, follow these steps.

Prepare to Meet Virtually

• UTM Faculty, Staff and Students can also use Zoom (max. 300 participants) to meet online.
• MS Teams Video (max. 250 participants) can be used by faculty and staff.  A faculty / staff UTORid is required to set up the meeting and participants do not need to have a UTORid - https://easi.its.utoronto.ca/shared-services/office365/teams/ - look in the Get Help box.
• Prepare by downloading these useful tools:
  • Snagit - available to all faculty for free and can be used to record audio and on-screen presentations.
  • PowerPoint - part of the Microsoft 365 Suite that can be used to present content, record accompanying narration, and export in video format. This may be uploaded to a streaming option and embedded in your Quercus course.
• Use these streaming options to embed videos in your Quercus course:
  • MyMedia - a U of T platform for that can be used to store video and optionally limit sharing to the U of T community. Videos stored in MyMedia may be embedded in your Quercus course.
  • Microsoft Stream - part of the Microsoft 365 Suite that can be used to store video and to limit sharing to the U of T community
    Note: Videos are available to the entire university or must add individual students one-by-one if you would like to restrict to students in a course (not as user-friendly for large enrollment courses)​.
• Consider options for recording equipment:
  • Use a headset for better audio.
  • Use basic tools that you have available (e.g., webcam and microphone on your laptop or cell phone) and are viable options, but the results may not be optimal, so use a wired Internet connection when possible for a more reliable and stable online experience.

UTM Library

• Course Reserves and Syllabus Service

Credits:
Thank you to Alicja Wigglesworth and Maureen LaPier, Faculty of Arts & Science.
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