Relevant to: Students, Faculty, Staff.
Introduction
The following information details aspects of the mode of study called Virtual Study Group. Students interested in learning in real-time virtual study will benefit from this article as it defines what Virtual Study Group is, shows how a student can search and locate courses of this mode, discusses what they can expect from a virtual study group, details how they can prepare for it, and introduces how they can interact in-class. Watch our Virtual Study Groups video for more information.
What Are They:
Virtual Study Groups are instructor-led courses consisting of a combination of asynchronous activities and scheduled virtual synchronous meetings. Information regarding days and times of scheduled synchronous meetings is shared in advance of the first day of classes and is included in the term guide (see below).
How to find virtual study group sections offered:
· Accessing the Term Guide.
Important note: these steps will not register you for the courses you are searching for. For help in how to register for courses, please consult the Student Registration Quick Guide.
Go to Registration and Course Offerings.
Select Browse Term Guide and select the desired term.
Locate the search field Mode of Study and select Virtual Study Group. Searching this one detail will bring up every Virtual Study Group offered in the term selected.
What to Expect:
· Recurrent real-time sessions via Microsoft Teams.
· Some instructors may use our LMS to store resources/documents and to accept assignment submissions.
· Students will be able to interact with peers and a faculty member both live an asynchronously.
· Real-time access to the instructor.
· Consistent schedule. Live session can be weekly or biweekly.
How to Prepare:
· Make sure you have a working laptop, desktop, or pad with working video/audio capabilities.
· If you do not have a working laptop, desktop or pad, (and you are a degree-seeking student) check out our Laptop Loan Program.
· Ensure having access to reliable internet at home, work, local library, or one of our Empire locations.
· Download and set up Microsoft Teams. Test it before the term begins.
· Consider using a headset or headphones for better audio experience.
· Identify the space from where you will join the virtual session. Alternatively, test using the blurred or virtual backgrounds if you are uncomfortable with your personal space being shown.
To achieve this in Microsoft Teams, click Camera.
Select More background effects.
Select your desired background effects. You can preview each by first selecting Preview. Or approve your selection by clicking Apply and turn on video.
How to Prepare (continued):
· Check whether your instructor will make use of the LMS for your virtual study group section.
· Clear your schedule on the dates you have live sessions with your virtual study group.
The term guide shows the meeting times for Virtual Study Groups. The below example indicates the course meets Thursdays from 6 PM to 7:50 PM.
You can also locate meeting times of registered courses in the Student Profile.
See registered courses in the bottom right of the profile page and click on the CRN.
Then, Select Instructor/Meeting Times and click the carrot to toggle the information. The below example meets Wednesday 12PM to 1:30PM.
In-class expectations:
· Use the hand feature to add yourself to the queue.
· Use the chat to share comments and questions.
· Come ready to class to participate, ask questions, or share about progress on your independent work.
· Join 5 minutes prior to the beginning of the class and test audio/video.