Here are some frequently asked questions from our engineering faculty.
Questions
Answers
How can I post a Zoom recording to Canvas automatically?
The best way to post Zoom recordings to Canvas is to use the Zoom LTI within Canvas.
When you use the LTI and enable cloud recording, the recordings will automatically post on a separate tab on the same Zoom page. Then, enrolled students can easily access the Zoom meeting links and recordings from within the Canvas course. This makes sharing Zoom recordings effortless and keeps recordings organized in a central location.
First, enable the Zoom LTI by adding it to the navigation menu. Navigate to Settings, then go to the Navigation tab at the top of the page. Drag Zoom to the top of the page or click the three dots to enable it. Don’t forget to click “Save” at the bottom of the page.
Lastly, click the Zoom LTI option that has appeared in the navigation menu. This will initialize the LTI and link your account. Now, you can easily schedule single or recurring meetings within Canvas using the interface on the Zoom LTI page. Don’t forget to check the box in your meeting settings to enable Zoom to record your meetings automatically.
Once you’re finished, students will find scheduled meetings and recordings by clicking “Zoom” in the navigation menu.
How can I foster a sense of connection and engagement with my students when not meeting in person?
Here’s a list of ideas; choose the best methods for your situation.
- Email your class regularly or use the Announcements feature in the LMS. Regular communication establishes a connection between you and your students, thus fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment. Provide timely updates about the course, assignments, and changes in the schedule, keeping students informed and reducing confusion and anxiety.
- Engage in virtual office hours. Be available for students to speak with you. Create a system for students to request one-on-one appointments to ask questions, seek clarification, and discuss course material and grades. This personal interaction can help build rapport.
- Provide timely feedback. Providing personalized feedback on major assignments or regularly throughout the course shows the student their work is seen and matters. It doesn’t have to be lengthy; even short comments can positively impact the student experience.
- Host optional live sessions. Host interactive live sessions for more in-depth discussions or Q&A sessions. This real-time interaction can create a more engaging online learning experience. Also, provide recordings for students who cannot attend.
- Seek feedback from students. Seek feedback from your students through surveys or polls to understand their needs and concerns. Don’t wait until the end of the course to hear from them! This shows you value their input and are committed to improving their experience.
- Utilize Discussion Boards. Create online discussion boards where students can engage in course-related discussions, share insights, and ask questions. Participate in these discussions to maintain an active presence.
- Share video messages. Record short video messages in order to deliver important updates, encourage motivation, and provide a personal touch to your communication.
- Make module intro videos. Help drive students’ interest in each module by creating introductory videos. In these videos, highlight the connections between modules and topics to real-world scenarios. You can also add a connection to your experience or a related case in the field.
- Introduce yourself. Create personal and professional bio videos to introduce yourself and help students get a sense of who you are.
- Assign group projects or collaborative assignments. Encourage collaboration among students by assigning group projects. This fosters interaction and consequently helps create a sense of community.
- Record interview videos with experts in the field. You can use Zoom or the eSAIL Studios to record interviews. Bringing the perspective of an expert in the field is a great way to keep the course fresh and relevant.
By implementing such techniques, you can enhance the online learning experience for you and your students, making it more engaging and connected.
How do I edit my Zoom recordings?
If you record Zoom sessions locally, then you will receive an MP4 file you can edit in any video editor. Zoom cannot edit these files. If you don’t have a video editor on your computer, then try using My Mediasite’s.
- Once you upload the MP4 and it finishes processing, select “Edit Video.”
- Then, drag your mouse to select sections to cut.
- Edit the start time on the left or edit the end of the video on the right.
- When you’ve highlighted everything to cut, select “Commit to Current” in the Commit menu at the top, and your edits will be saved. The Commit Job menu on the right shows you its progress.
- Once complete, it will automatically update your video in the catalog.
At this point, there are no more steps you need to take to get your changes to your students.
Chunking Videos by Topic
If you want to break up your lecture into smaller pieces, or chunks, so students can view your lecture by topic, select “Commit to New.” Then, you can create new, smaller videos based on your cuts without changing the original video. Be sure to add new, descriptive titles for each smaller video.
Please note: Chunking videos by topic can significantly help students with slow and/or spotty internet connections.
See So You’ve Made a Zoom Recording…Now What? for more information about handling your Zoom recordings.
Splicing videos into several chunks requires using an app, such as Camtasia. It would be better to enable optimization for 3rd party video editor in Zoom Settings > Recording if further edits are required.
Need something else?
If your question is not listed here, please email us at eSAIL@tamu.edu to request help.
