When you are hired to teach a LIVE-stream course at the University of Regina you are not alone! You are part of team:

• Instructor (you!)
• Instructional designers that help with teaching within this new learning environment. Contact email: flexible.support@uregina.ca
• UR LIVE administrative & student support. Contact email: ur.live@uregina.ca & phone number: 306-585-5804
• Teaching assistants
• And many more people behind the scenes such as assistant instructional designers, graphics media designers, distance education librarians uread@uregina.ca, Flexible Learning Division staff, and a variety of other Centre for Continuing Education areas.

Instructional Designers

Most likely the first person who will contact you is an instructional designer assigned to the course.  This person will be able to coach you through the process of getting a LIVE course ready and can advise on the following:  course development considerations, copyright considerations, zoom video conferencing and UR courses for this mode of instructional delivery. They can also put you in contact with other areas of the university for additional technical supports needed depending on the course development choices (for example UR courses training or proctored exam supports).

The initial point of contact you can expect is an instructional designer who will be assigned to your course. This dedicated professional will provide guidance and support throughout the process of preparing your LIVE course. They possess expertise in various areas and can offer valuable advice on aspects such as course development considerations, copyright guidelines, utilizing Zoom video conferencing, and leveraging UR Courses for this mode of instructional delivery.

Additionally, the instructional designer can connect you with other relevant departments within the university to access additional technical support based on your specific course development choices. This may include resources like UR Courses training or proctored exam supports. Rest assured, the instructional designer will serve as your primary resource and help facilitate a seamless and effective course development experience.

UR LIVE Administrative Support

Another essential member of the team is the UR LIVE administrative support person. This individual plays a crucial role as your direct connection to the students, providing comprehensive support services for them. Their responsibilities include sending out welcome emails to students, furnishing instructors with class lists and enrollment details, and monitoring off-campus students to ensure their correct registration in the appropriate location. If requested, they can organize a dedicated “Test Your Equipment” session for students to ensure they are prepared and equipped for the course. Count on the UR LIVE administrative support person to be a valuable resource in facilitating effective communication and providing assistance to both instructors and students throughout the course.

Teaching Assistants

Considering the substantial class sizes associated with LIVE-streamed courses, it is crucial for you to focus primarily on teaching. To provide additional support, the Flexible Learning Office offers increased funding for teaching assistant (TA) hours. Requests for these additional hours are made through your faculty in consultation with our office.

In the LIVE-streamed classroom, you may encounter an active student population of 100 or more, with questions and comments flooding the chat section within Zoom. Here, your TA plays a pivotal role in moderating this dynamic activity and ensuring smooth interactions. If you require assistance, UR LIVE is ready to attend your first class until you can coordinate effectively with your teaching assistant, allowing for efficient management of the large class size within Zoom. More guidance on this will be provided in due course!