Coronavirus: Towson University Releases Info On Distance Learning

From Towson University:

Posted March 16, 2020

As the world is dealing with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Towson University
is committed to keeping its community safe, while staying committed to is mission
of academic excellence.

In order to keep the campus community safe, and to help curtail the spread of the
virus, Towson University will transition classes to a distance-learning format when
the spring term resumes Monday, March 23. The university remains open, with modified
staffing, during spring break.

Read More: Information about Towson University and the Coronavirus

Teaching and learning at Towson University will continue as professors will continue
to hold classes that have been modified using a variety of formats. Towson University
email and Blackboard will continue to function so professors will stay in touch with
students using these and potentially other technologies.

TU faculty are using the spring break week to engage in webinar sessions to deepen
their understanding of Blackboard.

"The event went very, very well and we're so thrilled to be able to support our faculty,
many of whom sounded very relieved to have their questions answered," said Patricia
Westerman, Assistant Provost, Faculty Academic Center of Excellence.

Additional sessions are available through Blackboard.

Read More: Towson University's up-to-date communications about Coronavirus

If students have not done so already, they are encouraged to download or update the
Blackboard app onto their phone and other mobile devices. Students will also want
to save their electronic materials in multiple places (e.g., flash drives, laptops
and tablets). If students have questions about any of their courses, their best source
of information will be their professors. Students need to be sure they have their
professors’ email addresses.

Learn more about using the Blackboard Mobile App

If students already have a home computer with an internet connection, they can follow
these instructions in order to continue engaging in coursework. When signing into
Blackboard, using Firefox is the preferred browser. Chrome will also provide access
to most components of Blackboard.

Information on accessing distance learning options with Blackboard

• Login to Blackboard
• Navigate Available Courses
• Online Discussions
• Assignments
• Take a Test
• View Grades
• Contact Your Professor
• Additional Resources
• Using Collaborate Ultra
• Get Help with Blackboard Resources

Faculty may also elect to continue the course using other modalities as appropriate
for course content. Students can also contact Technology Support for online help via phone, chat or e-mail.

For more information, students, faculty and staff should continue checking their e-mails
for additional messages. The TU community can also stay up-to-date by following the
Towson University Twitter account.

This press release was produced by Towson University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.