Teaching with Technology

Getting Started

Making Decisions

Before deciding to use a specific technology with your students, think about these questions first: 

1. What are my learning goals? Using technology should be connected to a clear instructional purpose. If a technology does not have a direct impact on your course goals, think twice about adding it to your course. 

2. Will the use of this technology add value to my class? Every new technology that you introduce to your students requires your students to spend time and energy learning how to use the technology before reviewing your course content. Minimize the number of new technologies that your students use in your course. Technology is a tool to enhance learning. Technology alone will not solve instructional problems. 

3. Is this technology supported by UNCG? UNCG provides support for a number of technologies. If your student experiences a technical issue with any technology supported by UNCG, your students can get assistance from 6Tech. If the technology that you are using is not supported by UNCG, the instructor will need to provide that support. Here is a list of the technology tools supported by UNCG.

Choosing the Right Tool

Once you know your specific needs for the technology that you want to use, then you need to decide which tool is the best fit. Remember less is more when it comes to technology. Try using a tool that students already know and have access to whenever possible.  For a full list of tools available at UNCG, visit the ITS Learning Technology website.

Canvas (Learning Management System)

All courses regardless of modality have an assigned Canvas site. Students are automatically populated into the Canvas site. Canvas offers a variety of tools: 

• Pages are used for content such as text, audio, video, hyperlinks and more. To learn more about how Canvas Pages work, use this resource. 
• Assignments allows students to submit text, images, documents, audio/video files, and links. Speed Grader allows instructors to use a grading rubric, text/audio/video comments, make annotations on student submissions or share attachments. To learn more about how Canvas Assignments work, use this resource.  
• Quiz allows students to answer questions with text, images, audio, or video elements. To learn more about how Canvas Quizzes work and question types, use this resource.  
• Discussion allows students and instructors to have asynchronous conversations over a period of time. Students can post text, images, audio/video, and links. To learn more about how Canvas Discussions work, use this resource.  
• Studio allows both instructors and students to create videos either using a webcam or screencast in Canvas. Studio videos can be used for lectures, course announcements, quizzes, assignments and discussions. To learn more about how Canvas Studio works, use this resource. 

Microsoft 365

• Outlook is our email client. You can log into outlook at outlook.office.com. 
• Teams is our online meeting software. Teams can be used for both one-on-one and class meetings with students.
• Microsoft 365 provides access to additional tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, OneNote and Forms. 

Learn more about how to use Microsoft 365 or watch for training sessions on the UNCG workshops calendar.  

Additional software Options

Panopto is a software-based, lecture-capture solution that enables UNCG faculty to record lectures for their students. Panopto’s lecture capture software simultaneously records and synchronizes video, audio, slides, screen capture, electronic whiteboards, and more. Additionally, formal lectures, campus events, classroom activities, and informal presentations can all be recorded from a home or office. 

Production Suite at 1100 West Market Street at the UTLC provides instructors options of a range of multimedia production services from DIY podcast and lightboard videos to producing high-quality course materials. Options include a Lightboard studio, Podcast studio and Media studio.  

Adobe Creative Cloud is a set of applications and services from Adobe Systems that gives users access to a collection of software used for digital photography, graphic design, video editing, and web development, as well as some optional cloud services including online storage. 

Respondus LockDown Browser is an application that prevents students from accessing other websites, tools, and resources while taking online tests and quizzes. Respondus Monitor uses the student’s webcam to create a recording of the student’s behavior while they’re taking the test. For more information and support visit the 6tech Respondus knowledge base article for students and 6tech Respondus knowledge base article for faculty.

Instructional Technology Support

If instructors need assistance either choosing the right technology, implementing the technology in your course or supporting your students’ use of the technology, there are a number of options available.

Academic Technology Specialists (ATS)

Every school at UNCG has assigned one or more ATS personnel to work directly with instructors to learn and use educational technology.  

Find your ATS 

ITS Learning Technology

The Learning Technology Consultants (ITCs) offer both one-on-one and group consultations ranging from quick tutorials to in-depth instruction on ITS-supported software at UNCG.  

The Learning Technology Consultants (ITCs) offer both one-on-one and group consultations ranging from quick tutorials to in-depth instruction on ITS-supported software at UNCG. Connect with Learning Technology.

ITS 6Tech

6Tech support for all UNCG approved software and technology.  

• Walk in support is in the Jackson Library. Learn more about their services here. 
• Instructors can call 6Tech directly at 336-256-8424. Calls are answered Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm. 
• Instructors can email 6Tech at 6tech@uncg.edu. Sending an email to 6Tech opens a help desk ticket that you can follow. 

Supporting Students

Implementing new technology in a course requires instructors to take extra steps to ensure that students have a seamless experience to minimize their frustration and delay in reviewing the content and completing activities in your course.  

Best Practices for Introducing New Technologies

• Explain to students why you are using a specific technology. Don’t assume that students will just understand why you are using specific tools in your course.  
• Provide both text and video directions on how to use the technology. Don’t assume that students will just figure out how you want students to use it.  
• Determine the ease of access of this new technology. Can students equally access and utilize all forms of technology?  
• Think about accessibility issues upfront. Can students with disabilities use the full capabilities of the new tool? If you don’t know, reach out to your school’s ATS to help you determine accessibility needs.  
• If you are using publishing software, make sure that your students know what to do if they encounter technical problems. 6Tech will not be able to troubleshoot student publisher software issues. Give students both an email address and phone number of a contact to solve technical issues.  

Technological Support for Students

Share with students how to get technical assistance both on the course syllabus and in the Canvas course. Students can reach out to 6Tech for technical help.  

• Walk in support is in the Jackson Library. Learn more about their services here. 
• Students can call 6Tech directly at 336-256-8424. Calls are answered Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm. 
• Students can email 6Tech at 6tech@uncg.edu. Sending an email to 6Tech opens a help desk ticket that you can follow.