In response to the COVID-19 situation, Ferris State University is developing resources
to keep the learning experience as consistent as possible, while also keeping students
and faculty safe. Below you will find a wide-range of tools, guides and information
to make your transition to online learning as smooth as possible.
Stuck? Contact the eLearning team at (231) 591-2802 or [email protected]. The eLearning email will be monitored Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Campus Updates
For the latest information on the COVID-19 situation, head to our coronavirus news hub. Answers to frequently asked technology questions can be found on the IT Solution
Center's FAQ.
Resources for Faculty & Staff
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Taking Your Computer Home
Through the duration of the COVID-19 disruption, ITS will support faculty taking their
computers home, as long as they work with ITS. This includes both laptops and desktop
machines. You must submit a ticket or call ITS at (231) 591-4822 to initiate this process.
Temporary-Use Laptops
The IT Solution Center has temporary laptops available for use. Please submit a work
order via the Self-Service Portal or call the IT Solution Center at (231) 591-4822 and include any special software
requirements you may have.
Requests for temporary use laptops will be prioritized to faculty to assist with online
instruction needs.
VPN Instructions
You can find full directions on connecting to the University's virtual private network
on the IT how-to page.
Webcam Checkout
eLearning will be providing webcams for checkout. Contact eLearning at [email protected] or (231) 591-2802.
ITS also has webcams available for checkout. Submit a ticket via the Self-Service Portal or call (231) 591-4822.
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Temporary Laptops for Students
If your students are in need of a laptop, the IT Solution Center has laptops available
for them to use while the University is closed. Students should head to the Self-Service Portal (they will need to log in with their MyFSU username and password) and click on the
Temporary Laptop Request icon in the top left corner.
Laptops will be shipped to the students.
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Teaching Effectively During Times of Disruption from Stanford
This resource from Stanford University includes information on Canvas and Zoom and provides a wealth
of information on setting up and managing your course online. This document may be
information overload, but it is an excellent resource.
Ferris Online Learning Tool Guides
We've assembled a collection of training and guides to help you succeed with online instruction. Guides on subjects including, Canvas,
Calendly, Zoom, and emailing students. This will be updated continuously.
Hoonuit Canvas Training
Head to Hoonuit for Canvas training for students and instructors training (MyFSU login required).
Canvas Support Library
Canvas has a wide-ranging library of support videos that will guide you through most questions.
3 Online Basics
Rhonda Kessling created this fantastic overview of three online teaching tools, Zoom, Canvas assignments, and Canvas pages.
Focus First on Process, Not Content
Tracy Russo's guide to focusing on the process when teaching online during the coronavirus situation.
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Zoom Training
Zoom can be used to meet one on one or as a group. You may schedule a time for Zoom training with Ashlee Mishler or check our Tools & Guides page for help with basic operation, screen-sharing, breakout rooms, in-session polls
and other features.
Zoom also offers weekly webinars for students and instructors learning how to use their
platform. You can sign up for one on their website.
Calendly Training
When Calendly is integrated with Zoom, it can be used as a powerful way to make appointments
and schedule live class time remotely. Schedule an appointment with Ashlee Mishler to receive an account and training.
YouTube
YouTube is a great way to share lectures and course materials with your students.
Find our YouTube guides on the online learning tools page.
3 Online Basics
Rhonda Kessling created this fantastic overview of three online teaching tools, Zoom, Canvas assignments, and Canvas pages.
Focus First on Process, Not Content
Tracy Russo's guide to focusing on the process when teaching online during the coronavirus situation.
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Canvas
eLearning has developed guides for instructors and students using Canvas. Head to
our Tools & Guides page to explore them.
Zoom Training
Zoom can be used to meet one on one or as a group. You can find Zoom help on our Tools & Guides page. You may also schedule a time for Zoom training with Ashlee Mishler.
ITS Support
VPN Instructions
You can find full directions on connecting to the University's virtual private network
on the IT how-to page.
Microsoft Teams
Teams is available for download from Microsoft. Microsoft has also provided this training document. Teams is also available through the web at office.com.
If the University is closed, Ferris ITS will provide the following support:
- Support for Blackboard servers
- Remote support of required services provided by IT Solution Center
- Support of interactive/collaboration tools including Microsoft Teams and Blue Jeans.
- Will provide instructions to faculty regarding:
- VPN connectivity (for both Windows and Mac devices)
- Remote desktop connection (with on campus desktops)
- Work with faculty to loan laptops as needed
- Work with HR to provide training for the required IT tools.
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Start With FLITE
- The catalog of online databases is a great place to search for content.
- eLearning continues to assist faculty and departments in making digitized versions
of textbooks available.
- Faculty needing alternative electronic readings to replace or supplement print content
should contact Fran Rosen for assistance at [email protected].
Cengage
Cengage is offering free unlimited subscriptions, providing you and your students with access
to all Cengage ebooks and platforms.
JSTOR
The online database JSTOR has expanded access until June 30, 2020. Make sure to login with your Ferris credentials.
JoVE
Jove is providing free access to JoVE Core (video textbook), JoVE Science Education (video
library), and Lab Manual (designed for introductory biology lab courses).
Project MUSE
The online database Project MUSE has made scholarly content from many of its publishers available for free. You will
need to use your MyFSU credentials to login.
Sage Knowledge
Access to Sage Knowledge, including Sage Video and Sage Research Methods Video, ebooks, and ereference books
is available until June 28, 2020.
University of Michigan Press
The University of Michigan Press has opened access to its full collection of ebooks.
VitalSource
Students can access many online textbooks and the APA Publication Manual through VitalSource.
Wiley - Free Access to Courseware
Wiley is offering free access to their courseware for the duration of the spring semester.
Request access by completing the form on their website.
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The Educational Counseling and Disabilities Services (ECDS) Office will remain closed
through March 27, 2020. Instructors with scheduled tests, quizzes and/or exams for
a registered student with approved accommodations need to arrange for alternate testing
methods.
Alternative testing options include:
- Adjust time individually in Canvas and/or Blackboard to assist students with approved
accommodations for extra time. Please refer to the eLearning team for assistance at
[email protected].
- Assist students requiring a reader through the use of:
- Microsoft Teams - Student will need to enable Microsoft Teams for a virtual reader
from ECDS. ECDS staff will need a copy of the test to read to the student.
- Use of Kurzweil - PDF will need to be sent to [email protected] with a test transmittal for verification and time of test; ECDS will upload to Kurzweil
and send information to student. Please contact ECDS for installation username and
password.
It is important to make sure course content is accessible. Consider how to best apply
captioning for any lectures using available captioning software available through
Canvass / Blackboard. For assistance, contact FCTL at [email protected] and (231) 591-3826.
If you have any further questions regarding any other items, please contact the Educational
Counseling and Disabilities Services Office at [email protected].
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Main Campus Advising
Students will receive an email through their Ferris email account with instructions
for contacting their main campus advisor.
Statewide and Online Advising
Students enrolled online or at an off-campus location should continue to schedule
advising appointments via Ferris.edu/ScheduleNow. All appointments will be conducted via phone or video conference.
If you do not have a Calendly account, please schedule an appointment with Ashlee Mishler for account setup and training.
Emailing Your Students
Check out the eLearning guide to emailing students in your classes on our Tools & Guides page.
Tutoring
All students will continue to have access to tutoring assistance. The process of initiating
an appointment remains unchanged. Students request an appointment through TutorTrac
in MyFSU and tutors will engage with students virtually.
Writing Assistance
Students continue to enjoy writing assistance virtually through FSU’s Writing Center.
Additional information is available at the Writing Center's webpage.
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The FCTL is available to assist faculty and academic programs during the COVID-19
situation with the following:
- Designing and converting course content, learning activities, assessment and feedback,
and other aspects of teaching and learning for an online setting.
- Accessibility of course content.
- Recording and preparing audio, video and documents.
- Assistance with Blackboard, Canvas, Microsoft Teams, Zoom and other technology.
- Support in creating an inclusive learning environment, including using elements of
Universal Design for Learning and maintaining a positive, connected sense of community.
Head to the FCTL webpage to learn more.
FCTL staff are available to meet one-on-one, in groups, or virtually. Reach out them
them at [email protected] or (231) 591-3826.
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Free Science Resources for Lab Courses
This live document includes links to free resources.
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Teaching in the Context of COVID-19
This document contains wide-range of resources created by faculty from Dartmouth and CUNY for online
teaching during the COVID-19 situation.
Online Learning Consortium Resources
The Online Learning Consortium has published a wealth of helpful information on their website regarding moving and managing courses online.
Remote Teaching Resources
An extensive list of the resources being offered by more than 300 colleges and universities created by staff at DePaul
University.
Focus First on Process, Not Content
Tracy Russo's guide to focusing on the process when teaching online during the coronavirus situation.
The latest news on the Ferris response to COVID-19.
