Teaching Online: Getting Started

Welcome to online teaching at South Mountain Community College! Whether you're new to digital instruction or transitioning from in-person teaching, this page will guide you through the essentials to begin successfully.

What Does It Mean to Teach Online at SMCC?

Teaching online at SMCC means designing and facilitating courses in a digital environment that promote student engagement, equity, and success.

Instructors use tools like Canvas and Webex to deliver content, build community, and provide regular and substantive interaction (RSI). Teaching online requires intentional course design, timely communication, and adaptable strategies that meet diverse learner needs while upholding academic integrity and institutional standards.

1. Confirm Your Teaching Assignment:
   1. Contact your division chair to verify modality and course delivery expectations.
2. Gather Your Essential Supplies
   1. Computer Hardware:
      1. computer,
      2. monitors (two are ideal)
      3. camera,
      4. microphone,
      5. reliable internet
   2. Computer Software (varies by discipline):
      1. Web conferencing:
         1. Google Meet (easy to use, but limited functionality)
         2. Webex (has recording capabilities)
      2. Other
         1. Canva (not MCCCD supported)
         2. Google Suite
         3. Microsoft Suite
         4. Respondus
   3. Course Resources
      1. Curriculum: Access the most recent version of your course curriculum
      2. SMCC Course Student Learning Outcomes
      3. Syllabus Template
      4. Other resources, such as textbooks, sample syllabi, common assessments
3. Access Your Canvas Course Shell
   1. Access Canvas
   2. You should see courses you are teaching in the "Courses" tab (check the Unpublished Courses)
   3. Some courses have pre-designed course shells. (Check with your division chair and/or program coordinator).
   4. Courses without pre-designed shells will need to be developed. The CTL team is available to provide support throughout the design process.
   5. Email the Center for Teaching and Learning or visit the CTL located in the Learning Resource Center (LRC) for support.