Keep Learning Remotely

The Office of Teaching and Learning supports all DU students to Keep Learning! Please refer to the suggestions below, check-out the selected resources, and visit the live links. DU is a community of teaching and learning, and we are here to support you as we embark on this remote learning journey together!

Keep Learning Remotely Tips

  • Create a schedule and pay attention to time zones
  • Stick to a daily routine and set goals for yourself
  • Stay disciplined, be structured and devote consistent blocs of time to the class, as if you were meeting in person, and hold yourself accountable
  • Get ready for the day as you would if you were going to class on campus
  • Minimize distractions by finding private space, close the door, ask roommates for space, silence notifications, block distracting websites, mute computer microphone, and silence cell phone
  • Create an email signature that includes your name, preferred pronouns (if you choose to share them), your academic majors, your year in school and how you learn best. This will help your instructors to know who you are and how to best support you. Here’s an example
    Jordan A. Smith
    (they/them/their)
    Natural Science and Mathematics
    Junior
    I learn best by asking questions and solving problems with my peers

Download our Student Guide: Adjusting Your Study Habits for Online Learning document for more tips!

Getting Ready for Online Class

  • Review your course syllabus
  • Make a list of questions you might want to ask your instructor about the class
  • Log in to Canvas and be sure to update your preferred name and pronouns
  • Recognize that some instructors may choose to have class synchronously, at your scheduled time, or asynchronously, for you to complete on your own time.
  • Check your email and Canvas announcements regularly for information from your instructor.
  • Communicate with your professor you might consider writing an introduction email to share with all your instructors
  • Engage with classmates, and don’t be scared to leverage your network!
  • Ask questions and request feedback
  • Professors are making proactive efforts to make certain that all accommodations are met. Please reach out to the DU Disability Services if you have any questions.

If you do not have access to stable and reliable internet consider: 

  • Comcast is offering Internet Essentials package for free for 60 days during the coronavirus outbreak. Additional information on Free Internet Essentials package.
  • Charter Communication announced it will offer free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a subscription. Get more information on Free Spectrum Internet.
  • Internet Essentials $9.95 a month with no contract
  • Verizon COVID-19 response: no special offers, but following the FCC agreement.
  • Sprint COVID-19 response: follows FCC agreement, provides unlimited data to existing customers, and, starting Tuesday, 3/17/2020, will allow all handsets to enable hot-spots for 60 days at no extra charge (I expect others will follow).
  • T-Mobile COVID-19 response: follows FCC agreement, plus unlimited data to existing customers, and, coming soon, will allow all handsets to enable hot-spots for 60 days at no extra charge (I expect others will follow).
  • Xfinity WiFi Hotspots Free for Everyone: Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi. Once at a hotspot, select the “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available hotspots and then launch a browser to connect.
  • NOTE: where possible, we recommend an average 25 Mbp. Zoom requires 1.5 Mbps and Kaltura minimum is 10 Mbps.

Software for Learning

  • Zoom
    • Zoom Support
      • Phone dial-in
        • US: +1.888.799.9666 ext2
        • AU: +61.1800.768.027 ext2
        • FR: +33.800.94.64.64 ext2
        • IN: +91.1800.050.2040 ext2
        • JP: +81.053.132.0070 ext2
        • NZ: +64.800.475.039 ext2
        • SG: +65.800.321.1249 ext2
        • UK: +44.800.368.7314 ext2
    • Pro plan subscribers will report support tickets to Zoom by:
      • Online submission via submit a request.
      • Chat live with our support team by visiting your account and selecting help in the lower right handcorner here.
  • Kaltura
  • DU IT support: Request help online or call 303-871-4700

Canvas support

  • See this link for resources.
  • Add the 24-hour Canvas Support Hotline for Studentsto your cellphone contacts: 1-855-712-9770

Take Care While Learning

Inclusive Online Communication

  • Use neutral greetings such as “Dear all” in emails, announcements, and during Zoom sessions.
  • Students can choose their preferred gender pronouns on Canvas, be sure not to assume someone’s gender based on their name.
  • Note that “They” is an acceptable and recognized singular pronoun (Merriam-Webster).
  • Check-in with your instructor and peers if an interaction doesn’t go as intended. Here are suggestions from Dr. Robin DiAngelo:
    1. “I’m really nervous/scared/uncomfortable saying this and/but…”
    2. “I’m afraid I may offend someone, and please let me know if I do, but…”
    3. “I’m afraid I may offend someone, and please let me know if I do, but…”
    4. “I’m engaged but just needing time to process this. What I am working on processing is _____.”

Additional Resources