Assignments

The main challenge during a campus disruption is whether students have access to computers, as anyone needing access to specific software may not be able to use it remotely. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Require only common software: Students may not have access to specialty software located in on-campus computer labs. Software @ WFU provides an overview of items generally accessible to students, but keep in mind that they may be limited in what they can use in situations that keep them away from campus. Be ready with a backup plan for such students.
• Avoid emailed attachments: It may be easy to collect assignments in small classes via email, but larger classes might swamp your email inbox. Consider using tools better suited for this purpose (i.e. Canvas Assignments). Balance what is simplest for students with what is easiest for you to manage.
• State expectations, but be ready to allow extensions: Some students will undoubtedly have difficulties meeting deadlines. Make expectations clear, but be ready to provide more flexibility than you normally would in your class.
• Require specific filenames: It may sound trivial, but anyone who collects papers electronically knows the pain of getting 20 files named Essay1.docx. Give your students a simple file naming convention, for example, FirstnameLastname-Essay1.docx.