TAs can play an integral role in the management of remote courses. In face-to-face classes, TAs may already been engaged in grading assignments, monitoring discussion boards, presenting lessons, and interacting with student groups. These activities can continue in a remote teaching environment. Instructors should provide specific instructions for how TAs can continue to perform duties in this time of transition.
TAs can contribute to your courses and help students.
What do Tech online teaching experts have to say about engaging TAs? Drs. Joel Sokol, Polo Chau, and Mike Schatz offer their advice as well as tips on managing your time and providing effective student feedback in a remote instruction environment.
Engaging Students
- Weekly announcements should include instructions for when and how students should contact the TAs for assistance.
- TAs can increase instructor presence in the virtual environment by monitoring discussion boards, coaching student responses, and providing feedback.
- TAs can create and monitor student groups in the Canvas Groups.
- TAs can host virtual office hours using the BlueJeans tool in Canvas.
Grading
- Load rubrics into the Canvas SpeedGrader to help TAs grade student work efficiently and fairly.
- GradeScope allows grading of handwritten, digital, and code assignments.
Developing Resources
Transitioning to remote teaching requires an investment of time. TAs may be able to identify videos, simulations, and other web tools that can be used to enhance content delivery.
Delivering Content
TAs who lead lab, recitation, or studio sections will deliver live lectures remotely via BlueJeans or video record lessons using Kaltura. Additional training is available for both of these Canvas-based tools.
Helping with Canvas Questions
TAs may be called on to provide additional assistance in managing the course via Canvas. Consult the Canvas help page for guidance.
