Learning in the Time of Coronavirus

Updated March 18, 2020

On March 11, 2020 University of Detroit Mercy announced that we are moving to virtual instruction in order to protect the health of the campus community. On this page, students will find resources to help them manage this transition. Any Detroit Mercy student is welcome to contact me with questions or concerns they might have.

Quicklinks

Detroit Mercy Resources

Technology Resources

Learning Resources

Health Resources

Message from Prof. Harrison

Above are hyperlinks to a number of resources I hope you will find helpful, and below I have outlined 7 easy steps to gain access to Online Classrooms with the Blackboard Collaborate tool.  The bigger challenge for many of us will be learning how to concentrate and manage our time during this time of stress. This is the best guide I have found to adjusting your study habits during COVID. If you find other resources that you find helpful send them to me and I will share them on this page!

Virtual Office Hours

For my current students, I will be available through our Online Classroom on Tuesdays from 2:00 to 4:00 and by appointment. Just call or email me and we’ll set up a time to meet virtually. If you cannot access our Blackboard course we can also talk by phone. Any student at the university is welcome to contact me with questions or concerns they might have and we can talk by phone or video chat.

Blackboard Collaborate in 7 Steps

  1. It takes just a few minutes to gain access to Blackboard Collaborate. Give yourself a few minutes before class starts to get logged in and ready to go.
  2. Blackboard works most efficiently on Firefox and Chrome browsers. You can also use the Blackboard app downloaded on your phone, although it might be difficult to see documents and websites shared through Collaborate.
  3. If you are using a computer, it will help to have a headset or earphones/earbuds with a microphone (most computers have an internal microphone that will do the job). If you do not have a microphone you can still be present for class sessions and use the “Chat” function to communicate.
  4. Try to find a reasonably quiet place for online class sessions. If you have a lot of noise around you, the ambient sound entering your computer’s microphone can make it difficult for others to hear. You can easily mute your microphone if there is background noise that you can’t control.
  5. Before class begins, log on to Blackboard like normal, and then click on the Online Classroom/Blackboard Collaborate link or access Collaborate through Tools. Blackboard Collaborate will ask you to test the microphone and video camera on your computer.
  6. Once you have completed your audio and video tests, you will arrive at the Blackboard Collaborate page. Click into that day’s session. You can also dial into the session via the phone number listed in the session. If you can’t access the internet let your instructor know in advance so they can text or email you the dial-in number.
  7. Once you are all the way into the session, unmute your microphone so everyone can hear you. Since everyone’s voice is amplified, keep quiet; if you have to talk to someone in the room with you, mute your mic first so you don’t disturb the rest of the class. If you want to ask a question or make a comment, click on the icon of the little guy with the raised hand. Whether you make your video feed available is up to you, although it is nice to see each other. You’re now ready for class!