Virtual Teaching During Disruptions

Your Personal Room

One of the easiest ways to host a meeting via WebEx is by utilizing your "personal room" as the meeting space URL. Every employee at Marian University has a personal WebEx room where they can easily host a meeting. The meeting link to your personal room will be the following structure:

https://mu.webex.com/meet/MUusername

To find your Meeting URL, open your Webex client and select the Meetings tab.  Your URL will then be visible in the top left corner, which can be copied or sent to students via outlook or Canvas. Don't assume students know how to easily access WebEx. Share this URL via multiple methods to accommodate students. For example, send the meeting link via email and a Canvas announcement. 

WebEx Resource Guide

Students don't always know how to use WebEx or may need extra support. Please share this WebEx guide with your students when communicating your virtual classroom information with them. 

Communicating your expectations regarding WebEx is critical when teaching virtually.  Please consider the following best practices: 

• Share Connection Details Early and Often: Provide the WebEx meeting link, date, and time in multiple places, such as a Canvas announcement and an email reminder.
  • Example: “We’ll meet virtually on WebEx on [date] at [time]. Use this link to join: [WebEx link]. Please test your connection beforehand.”
• Share WebEx Guide with Students: Don't assume students know how to access and properly use WebEx.  Share this WebEx guide with your students and ensure there are clear instructions on how to access the WebEx space. 
  • Example: “To join the WebEx meeting, click the link, allow the browser to access your microphone, and select ‘Join with Audio.’ If you have any trouble, visit the WebEx troubleshooting guide [link].”
• Set Expectations for Participation: Explain what you expect during the session, such as using cameras, muting microphones, or engaging in chat discussions.
  • Example: “Please mute your microphone unless speaking, and feel free to use the chat feature for questions. Cameras are encouraged but not required.”

Incorporating best practices for leading virtual class sessions ensures a more engaging, organized, and accessible learning experience for students. Thoughtful planning, interactive elements, and clear communication help maintain students' focus and participation, even in an online environment. Additionally, using tools like recording features and chat functions provides flexibility for students facing technical or personal challenges, supporting equitable access to course content during disruptions.

• Plan an Interactive Agenda: Structure your session with a mix of activities — brief lectures, polls, breakout rooms, or discussions — to keep students engaged.
• Start with a Quick Tech Check: Begin by ensuring students can hear and see you. Invite anyone experiencing issues to use the chat or troubleshooting guide.
• Consider Recording the Session: Consider recording virtual sessions and share the recording link for students who couldn’t attend.
• Encourage Participation: Use WebEx’s chat, polling, or hand-raising features to involve students and gather feedback.
• Be Mindful of Screen Fatigue: Keep sessions concise and build in breaks for longer classes. Aim for shorter, focused content delivery followed by interactive discussions or activities.
• Summarize and Follow Up: Conclude the session by recapping key points and outlining next steps. Send a brief follow-up message or post notes on Canvas for reinforcement.