Technology

Summer

Students will need access to a laptop or tablet and access to reliable internet. A phone, tablet, and/or webcam is recommended for video discussions. We will use three technologies for learning in NEU 300: on Microsoft Class Teams, Flipgrid, and Desire 2 Learn (D2L).

Disclaimer

As you read through the syllabus, you will encounter a number of tech terms that may not (yet) be familiar to you. Words like Channel and Tab refer to specific places in the Class Team. Don’t get concerned if this seems like a lot to take in right off the bat! We will use the beginning of the semester to get used to navigating the course. There are How To documents once you get into the class. You can start by reviewing the Technology Terminology page on the digital syllabus. No one is going to lose points because they are struggling with the technology. I am very excited about the Class Teams setup, and I think it provides an active and engaging learning space for our course!

Desire 2 Learn (D2L)

Screenshot of D2L homepage; decorative image.

D2L will be used for the following course components:

  • Gradebook

RECOMMENDATION: Forward your D2L email to your MSU Account

Microsoft Class Teams

Microsoft Class Teams is a tool that is a part of the Office 365 suite of apps made available to all MSU students, staff, and faculty.

Class Teams will be used for the following course components:

  • Scheduling and organizing of assignments (Problem Sets, Synthesis Questions, Learning Reflections, Exams)
  • Distribution of all handouts (Checklists, Learning Objectives, Case Studies)
  • Flipgrid discussions
  • Answer videos
  • Informal collaborative chat space with classmates
  • Private chat with me and Nikhil

All announcements, updates, and other information will be shared through the Class Teams. It is recommended that students review their notification settings to make sure announcements are not missed. The mobile app does a great job of alerting when there are new posts! For assignments, each student gets their own copy of the document.

Flipgrid

Flipgrid is a video sharing site that we will use for discussion forums. Students will be required to record at minimum audio, but preferably video as well. The main reason for a video discussion software is to help with building a Learning Community within the course. It’s too easy to never get to know your fellow students in an online course. This app will help prevent that!

Flipgrid discussions can be accessed through the Class Team or through the Flipgrid app for your phone or tablet.

I would love to see your face in your videos this semester. I believe it helps create a stronger sense of community in our digital learning environment. However, no one is required to record their face for any video submitted in this course. Want to always record your face? Thumbs up. Want to record your face some weeks and not others? Cool. Want to never record you face? No problem. Other video options include (but are not limited to)

  • Use the “Mic only” option in Flipgrid
  • Using effects in Flipgrid to add emojis, drawings, gifs, or pixelate your video and hide your face
  • Taking video of your notes
  • Taking video of your pets
  • Taking video of the outdoors
  • Covering your webcam and recording only audio
  • Recording your computer screen and a presentation

Technical Assistance

The first week will be learning how to navigate. I do not expect anyone to be an expert in these technologies! You will learn and succeed in the course!

If you need technical assistance at any time during the course or to report a problem, you can: