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Online teaching tools

We may use this space for sharing our ideas, experiences, questions, and answers as we get prepared to online teaching.  Please use the comments area for this purpose.

Questions to our administrators (who seem to left us to ourselves):

1. Which software solutions are available at SIU? Are new purchases considered?
2. Are there docu-cameras available?  Where?  Would SIU buy some for Math Dept? Should we buy our own for preparation videos at home? 
3. Same question concerning other software.  How to record and edit videos?  Can they be posted on personal blogs?  Elsewhere? (I run a blog for every class.)   Etc., etc.
4. Can we get a professional help (training and Q&A session)  that will address our specific math teaching needs?  For instance in Nc 356 for all math instructors, some time at the beginning of the next week.
5. Is there a chance that the final exams can be taken in May on campus? That would be a great deal! It would solve the major headache-inducing problem.

For now, potential software to consider: 

• ZOOM:  A good short intro.
• ECHO 360:  Short intro video for SIU users.   
                        See also this 12-part tutorial.
                        Also, on Universal Capture.
                        Center for Teaching Excellence - SIU
• CANVAS:  Yet another system

Whiteboards for research communication

• Whiteboard -- simple, free
• Webwhiteboard - more complex (colors, etc)
• Awwap - very popular among researchers
• Ziteboard -- also more complex
• Scribblar -- advanced (great for math tutoring) but paid 

How to make your own  videos:

• A  drawing/writing software, e.g., OpenBoard:  See here a tutorial.  Download here.  
• A screen recording software (like OBS,  CamStudio, or Free Cam).  
• And video editing (OpenShot looks good)
• For precise writing, you will need a writing tablet, e.g.,  Wacom (~$70)

PDF Scanners

• Notebloc

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