eTECH GUIDE TO TEACHING ONLINE
Arkansas Tech University
About ATU’s Online Students
Who they are – The idea of a typical college student may conjure up images of an individual in
their late teens to early 20's, not long out of high school and maybe living away from home for
the first time. While that image may be true for many of our on-campus students, it is the
exception in the online environment.
Many of ATU's online students are returning to college after being out of the classroom for ten
or more years. Most are enrolled in three or more courses and are new to the online learning
environment. They find balancing work, family and going back to school a challenging
adventure.
Making the online experience personal is important. A student who feels insolated is much
more likely to drop a course than a student who feels connected to the university and a part of the
class. Responding quickly to questions and concerns is important. Students should expect a reply
to emails within 24 hours. Instructors who are flexible and interact with students are vital to the
success of the program and the individual student.
Where they are– Most are not on campus. While the majority of our online students live in
Arkansas, we have students from across the nation and around the world. Work schedules as well
as time zones differ from student to student. Scheduling tests or class activities in a timeframe
with short availability may not work well for all students.
What challenges to expect– Online technology complicates the learning process. If a student is
putting more energy into working with the technology rather than learning the content, they need
assistance. Yet, some students can be fearful of asking questions; feeling that if they are having
technical difficulty or don’t understand the assignment that it is somehow their fault. Monitor the
progress of your students. Ask if they are having problems– either understanding the assignment
or working with the technology.
Technical assistance (for you and your students) is available 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week.
Simply call our campus support center at 479 968-0646 or 866 400-8022 or email campus
support at campussupport@atu.edu . Encourage your students to ask for help.
Problems or questions– If you encounter non- technical issues please contact your department
chair or our office so that we may support your efforts.
The Instructor’s Role
The course design is already in place. Although a major role of the instructor involves
grading, the instructor’s contribution to the course is critical for student success. Instructors
should guide students through the course and the various assignments, providing timely feedback
and reassurance. Thus, the instructor participates in the class and is interactive with the students.
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Also, the instructor should make slight modifications in the course calendar as appropriate for
the current semester.
Tech E-Mail
Arkansas Tech University’s e-mail can be accessed by simply using a web browser and/or you
can download mail into an e-mail program such as Microsoft Outlook. To access a TECH e-mail account
from any location, simply login to OneTech from http://onetech.atu.edu/ (shown here).
How to Login:
Your OneTech ID will be used to login to most, if not all of the systems on campus, including
computer systems, the OneTech portal, Blackboard, and e-mail. Your OneTech ID will be your first
initial combined with your last name. If you have a common last name, then your ID might end in a
number as well. For example, if your name is John Doe your OneTech ID is jdoe and your e-mail
address is jdoe@atu.edu. You would also log into campus computers using jdoe as your username. If
you have never logged into your Tech email before, the initial password is your six-digit birth date
followed by Atu. (MMDDYYAtu). For more information on using OneTech go to the OneTech resource
page located at http://www.atu.edu/cservices/onetech/ .
Introductory E-mail to Students
A week before the course, send out an e-mail to those students enrolled. You can find a
list of these students on OneTech (http://onetech.atu.edu). Use the template e-mail that is
included under the “Instructor Resources” button on the eTECH website
(http://www.atu.edu/etech) . You will need to alter the information on the template. Instructions
for updating the template are also available at the same location.
Please keep checking for new students and be sure that they, also, are sent the
introductory e-mail.
Syllabus
Before the semester begins the instructor should locate the syllabus in the Blackboard
course and update the syllabus to reflect the current semester. The instructor’s contact
information should be easy to locate within the syllabus.
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Course Calendar
The instructor should locate and change the assignment due dates in the course calendar
to fit the current semester. While a course may be designed for assignments to be due at 11:59
p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, the instructor should feel free to change the due dates of the
assignments. For example, an instructor could choose to have assignments due on 11:59 p.m. on
Tuesdays and Thursdays. Additionally, to facilitate student learning, due dates should be
consistent throughout the semester--- e.g., always Monday and Wednesday, or Tuesday and
Thursday, etc.
The instructor should not alter the arrangement of what is due---i.e., if Quiz 4 and a post
are due on a given day, then these items should be due on the same day. However, work days
(“Work on such-and-such---NOTHING DUE”) can be inserted or removed to work around
significant holidays. The ATU “Academic Calendar” and “Exam Week Schedule” are useful in
preparing the course calendar and are available at the following site:
http://www.atu.edu/academics/facultyresources.php
When scheduling, instructors should allow time at the end of the semester for grading so
that final grades can be turned in on time (again, the Exam Week schedule can be found at the
link above).
Once the syllabus and Course Calendar have been updated, they should be
uploaded to Blackboard. (Note: In most courses these documents reside in the ‘Course
Information’ menu item.)
Due Dates
After the Course Calendar has been reworked, the instructor should change due dates on
Blackboard to correspond with the Course Calendar. Instructors will have to make changes for
the following:
1. Quizzes. Set the start and finish date for each quiz. You should include notes that
describe the quizzes---when they are available, time limits, what is covered and the
point value of the quiz.
2. Exams. Set the start and finish date for each exam. You should include notes that
describe the exams---when they are available, time limits, what is covered and the
point value of the exam.
3. Assignments. Set the start and finish date for each assignment. You should include
notes that describe the assignment ---when they are due, what is expected, how it will
be graded and the point value of the assignment.
4. Discussion. Set the start and finish date for each discussion. You should include
notes that describe the discussion ---when they are due, what is expected (length of
posts and number of posts, quality, interaction with other students, etc.), how it will
be graded and the point value of the discussion. Instructors may choose to make the
discussion boards unavailable after the deadline. Doing so allows the instructor to see
what posts were turned in on time. However, if the instructor makes the discussion
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boards unavailable, availability should be reinstated as soon as possible after grading,
so that students can read their classmates’ comments.
Grading Obligations
The instructor’s primary job is to complete grading in a timely and fair fashion. Grading
should be completed and entered into Blackboard as soon as possible.
Minor Assignments. ---discussion posts, blogs, wiki, etc. Grades should be based on
whether or not the student fulfilled the assignment instructions. In general, comments are always
desirable; but are especially necessary when full credit is not given. Withholding comments and
grades until all students have posted their reflections encourages critical thinking.
Quizzes. Blackboard automatically scores and posts the grades for objective quizzes.
Instructors must manually grade subjective quizzes.
Major Assignments. Instructors should acquaint themselves with the assignment rubric
or detailed assignment instructions to use as a basis for grading. When entering grades in the
Grade Center (in the “Control Panel”), Instructors should use the “Quick Comment” function to
insert comments and points earned for each grading area.
NOTE: When writing comments, it is a good idea to balance criticism with praise.
E-Mail Obligations
Instructors should check e-mail daily and respond to student questions within 24 hours.
It is always better to send a response indicating that an issue will be “looked into,” rather than to
send no response at all.
Some messages will be questions about technology that are more properly directed to the
ATU Computer Services Help Desk. Instructors can refer students to the Help Desk at 479-9680646 or 866-400-8022 or campussupport@atu.edu
Blackboard IM
Faculty, students and staff are now able to instant message through a secure system
linked to the Blackboard database. The Bb IM program requires a one-time download and
configuration on your computer. Once installed, Bb IM can run on your desktop without opening
Bb or your browser. Students are able to instant message, audio chat and/or video chat with
classmates and instructors. Additionally, users are able to use screen sharing to discuss papers or
websites. To download and install the Bb IM program on your computer:
 Login to Blackboard.
 Open your Blackboard course.
 Select ‘Tools’ in the Menu.
 Follow the online instructions for creating a username and downloading the program.
 Once downloaded, open ‘Bb IM’ and login. (You do not have to have Blackboard
open to use IM.)
Note: The number of ATU Blackboard IM users is growing rapidly. You should expect your
students to be using this technology.
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Announcements
Announcements can be posted using the “Announcements” function under “Course
Tools” on the Control Panel. Announcements should be brief but address the issue. Consider
using the ‘email announcement’ option that posts the announcement and sends it as an email to
students. This option sends the information directly to the student in email, yet posts the
information as an announcement for easy reference inside Blackboard. Why post an
announcement? Announcements can be sent:
 After major assignments to discuss common problems or successes.
 After an assignment to make sure that students are on track for upcoming
assignments.
 As a pep talk to encourage students.
 As a reminder before an important due date.
 To clarify instructions.
 To address an identified technical problem.
Late Assignments
Late assignments should not be accepted. This is especially true for discussion posts and
quizzes, which carry less weight. However, with weightier assignments, if a student gives an
instructor advanced warning---especially when computer troubles are involved---then it is best to
give the student the benefit of the doubt.
Technical Issues
It is not the instructor’s responsibility to be a computer expert. The instructor should not
hesitate to contact the ATU Computer Services Help Desk with technology questions (479-9680646 or 866-400-8022. The Help Desk can also be reached via email at techsupport@atu.edu).
The instructor should also refer students to this service. Tech’s Computer Services Help Desk is
open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A few issues sometime arise, though, that can be handled by the instructor. Here are
some common troubles:
1. A student claims to have been kicked out of the quiz---often after answering only a
portion of the questions. This can be corrected by coordinating with the student a
make-up time. Once the time has been determined, the instructor can make the test
available again for a limited period, allowing for 2 attempts instead of 1. While the
test will be available to all students---not just the one who needs the re-take---the
students tend not to notice the renewed availability.
2. A test has been completed but does not appear as a score in the Grade Center. Usually,
this is because the student started the test before the deadline, but finished after.
Through Grade Center, the instructor can look at the test attempt and manually grade
the test or reset the test if needed.
Other issues may arise; but those listed above are particularly common. If in doubt, an instructor
should contact the Help Desk.
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Tegrity
Tegrity is a lecture-capture system that integrates with the Blackboard system. Tegrity
can be accessed at the following site: http://atu.tegrity.com
Instructors should access the site and familiarize themselves with the technology. Instructors use
their OneTech username and password for access to the site. Any previously recorded lectures
associated with the class will be available under “Classes.”
Note: If students will be recording Tegrity videos for assignments the “Allow student recording”
box (under ‘Settings’) should be checked before the semester begins. Student recordings will
appear under the “Student Recording” tab.
Recording Official Grades
Self-Service Banner is used for the submission of official grades to the Registrar’s
Office.
Mid-term Grades:
Instructors are required to submit midterm grades for all freshmen and sophomore
students (59 or less earned hours). Refer to the University Calendar for the exact due date for
the current semester. Instructions to recording Mid-term grades:
1. Log-on to OneTech.
2. At the ‘Welcome’ tab, open the ‘Banner Self-Service’ folder.
3. Open the ‘Faculty and Advisors’ folder.
4. Click ‘Midterm Grades’.
5. Select the ‘Term’ from the drop-down box and click the ‘Submit’ button (be sure to
select the appropriate term).
6. Select the ‘Course’ from the drop-down box and click the ‘Submit’ button (Note: only
courses with students eligible for midterm reporting will be available).
7. Using the drop-down boxes in the ‘Grade’ column, select the appropriate grade for
each student.
NOTE: Do NOT enter information in the Last Attend Date or Attend Hours fields.
8. Select the ‘Submit’ button at the bottom of the page to record the grades.
NOTE: Large classes may contain more than one page.
9. After submitting grades for page one, click on the second set of records to access page
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two. (Example: Record Sets: 1–55 56-59). After recording grades for page two,
‘Submit’ those grades. Note: You must click ‘Submit’ on each page.
10. After selecting the ‘Submit’ button, you will be returned to the top of the roster. You
will get the following message: “The changes you made were saved successfully.” Please
verify that you have recorded a grade for each student.
11. To enter grades for another course, click CRN Selection in the menu bar at the bottom
of the screen.
Final Grading:
Instructors are required to record final grades for all students enrolled in their course.
Instructions for recording final grades:
1. Log-on to OneTech.
2. At the ‘Welcome’ tab, open the ‘Banner Self-Service’ folder.
3. Open the ‘Faculty and Advisors’ folder.
4. Click ‘Final Grades’.
5. Select the ‘Term’ from the drop-down box and click the ‘Submit’ button (be sure to
select the appropriate term).
6. Select the ‘Course’ from the drop-down box and click the ‘Submit’ button.
7. Using the drop-down boxes in the ‘Grade’ column, select the appropriate grade for
each student. NOTE: Please enter information in the Last Attend Date or Last Attend
Hours ONLY if the student received a grade of “F”, or has never attended.
8. Select the ‘Submit’ button at the bottom of the page to record the grades.
NOTE: Large classes may contain more than one page.
9. After submitting grades for page one, click on the second set of records to access page
two. (Example: Record Sets: 1–55 56-59). After recording grades for page two,
‘Submit’ those grades. Note: You must click ‘Submit’ on each page.
10. After selecting the ‘Submit’ button, you will be returned to the top of the roster. You
will get the following message: “The changes you made were saved successfully.” Please
verify that you have recorded a grade for each student.
11. To enter grades for another course, click CRN Selection in the menu bar at the bottom
of the screen.
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Incompletes As per the Faculty Handbook (pg. 74):
A grade of “I” may be recorded for a student who has not completed all the requirements
of a course only in situations where the student has an illness or other circumstances beyond the
student’s control, and has completed seventy-five percent of the course requirements. If a grade
of “I” is assigned the instructor will complete an “Incomplete Grade Contract” setting a
reasonable time limit within the following semester in which the work must be completed. The
incomplete grade contract is to be signed by both the instructor and student. Beginning the first
summer term, 1990, and thereafter, a grade of "I" will not be computed in the gradepoint
average for the semester recorded; however, the "I" will be automatically changed to a grade of
"F" for grade and grade-point purposes at the end of the next regular semester (fall or spring)
unless course requirements are completed and the final grade is reported before the end of the
semester. A grade of "I" recorded prior to the first summer term, 1990, will be computed as an
"F" for grade-point purposes until the "I" is removed. The change of a grade of "I" to a
permanent grade is accomplished by written notification from the instructor to the Registrar.
No grade other than "I" may be changed after it is recorded except if an instructor finds that a
grade has been erroneously reported. In such instances the instructor may correct the grade by
submitting a Grade Change Request form with an explanation of the change to the Vice
President for Academic Affairs.
Note: If you have any questions or concerns in regard to grades or any university policy and/or
procedure please contact your department head for guidance.
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