Technology for Pandemic Planning
(modified from the TLC session Beyond Blackboard)

Last updated June 12, 2007: This webpage will be updated on a regular basis to help keep faculty informed on tools available for communicating with their students in the event of a pandemic.

The following tools may be useful to faculty should an influenza pandemic occur. These tools focus on alternate means of communication electronic in the event that the pandemic also seriously effects the university's Information Systems department and the campus e-mail, Blackboard, and other servers are unavailable.

Faculty should also seriously consider obtaining an alternate e-mail address. Gmail is an excellent choice. In addition to Google's generous 2.8 GB of storage, they also provide an online calendar that can easily be shared with others. Google Docs & Spreadsheets is also a great way to collaborate online. See http://www.google.com/intl/en/options/index.html for more information.

Online Discussion tools

There are two types of online discussion:

Synchronous - discussions that take place in real time, for example class discussions or online chat discussion.

Asynchronous - discussions that take place whenever it is convenient for the participant, for example, an e-mail listserv or a threaded online discussion board.

The following table compares the two types of discussion:

Synchronous online discussion tools

AOL Instant Messenger - This is a chat program created by AOL used by many students. This program is convenient to use because it is installed on the WFU standard software load and students already know how to use it. If you would like "live" and interactive discussions outside of class, this is a good choice. You could also use it for online office hours. Note: there is a web-based version for those computers that do not have the program installed (e.g. campus computer labs, etc.).

Windows Messenger - also on the standard load and works like AOL Instant Messenger. More students seem to use AOL but many have accounts with both programs. Most chat programs will allow you to save a transcript of the chat session. This is possible with both AOL Instant Messenger and Windows Messenger.

New!
Trillian - a full featured chat client that will allow you to manage accounts in AOL Instant Messenger, MSN Messenger and ICQ among others.

iVisit Lite - Free video conferencing program. Webcams/videocams are not required to participate in discussion. Discussion through video audio and text chat are all possible.

Supplemental link: How to Effectively Use Chat in Your Online Course



Asynchronous online discussion tools

Majordomo listserv - this is the listserv tool offered by WFU that many have already used (e.g. bbinfo@wfu.edu, etc). To get a listserv for your class call the Information Systems Support Center at ext. 4357 (HELP) to request one. You will be able to choose the list name and owner. Within a few days you will receive an e-mail from IS stating that your list has been created with all the basic information you need to know. You may decided to ask your Instructional Technology support person to manage your list if you do not feel comfortable doing so. You will still be able to completely participate on the list and lead class discussions. There is also on online request form for listservs at: http://www.wfu.edu/technology/help/listserv/request.html

Bravenet Forum - This free message forum can be added to an existing website or webpage with no software to download. Advertisements will show up at the top of the page on your forum. This company also offers web site hosting, domains, and many other free web site tools. Example: used by Music faculty member Louie Goldstein - http://www.wfu.edu/~louieg/MUS183.htm (click on graphic at top of webpage).


Course Management Tools

Many faculty use Blackboard simply as a place to hold basic course information like the course syllabus and other course documents. These types of documents can also be e-mailed to students or the class listserv but they can also be linked from a webpage on the department's or faculty's website. Faculty that do not have websites can request that their ITG create a webpage on the department site or the ITG's website. If limited access is required, webpages can be password protected to allow anyone access with a valid WFU login or password or a unique login and password can be required. Faculty interested in creating a website should seriously consider doing so as soon as possible to promote their department's program and to prospective students and faculty.

Nicenet.org - A free online course management tool with no advertising. This is not as sophisticated as Blackboard but it is easier to use and has many similar features like - e-mail entire class, document and link sharing, discussion board and class schedule.

Yahoo Groups - Yahoo Groups can be used as simply a listserv or students can login to a course group online to read and post messages, share files, access a course calendar and chat. There is also a database function. This free service has advertisements.


Faculty Online Multimedia Projects

MERLOT - "MERLOT is a free and open resource designed primarily for faculty and students of higher education. Links to online learning materials are collected here along with annotations such as peer reviews and assignments." Source: http://www.merlot.org

This online database of online learning materials created by faculty, instructors and students can be searched by discipline. It is an important resource for faculty who are looking for existing online materials to supplement their courses or to promote their own developments.

Summary

There are many options for faculty interested in using free online resources for class discussion and course management. These are only just some of the tools available. Ask your ITG for more information and support.

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