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How can I use Third-Party Tools for Teaching?
This article was last updated .
The Office of Academic Innovation (OAI) consistently explores new teaching and learning platforms, applications, and resources to serve the PSU community. This article provides an overview of what tools are available, how new digital tools become available, and what to consider when deciding if a tool is right for your course.
What is the Digital Learning Environment?
The Digital Learning Environment (DLE) is the collection of PSU’s digital teaching and learning tools, including our central platforms and third-party tools. The central tools are available to all current PSU faculty and students.
Central tools in the digital learning environment are:
Canvas
Learning Management System
Canvas by Instructure is PSU’s learning management system (LMS). Canvas features may be used to support in-class, hybrid, or for fully-online teaching.
Google Workspace
Email, documents, and calendar (Google Docs, Gmail, Google Sheets, etc.)
In addition to Gmail, Google’s Workspace suite of applications include: Docs, Slides, Sheets, Drive, Forms, Jamboard, Classroom, Assignments (a plagiarism checker), and Calendar.
MediaSpace
Video editing and publishing
MediaSpace is where you can upload, create, and edit video and audio resources. Your Zoom recordings are also backed up there once you activate your account. Multimedia production support is available by request from OAI.
Zoom
Videoconferencing
Zoom is PSUs primary videoconferencing platform for teaching. All PSU faculty, staff, and students have an account. For full features, download the Zoom desktop “client” app and keep it updated.
Note: Faculty and students are not required to use these tools. However, opting to use the provided tools comes with distinct benefits, such as support from the Office of Academic Innovation and the Office of Information Technology (OIT).
What third-party tools are available to use in my Canvas course?
You can use the third-party tools listed in the DLE integration list. Some tools may only be available to specific colleges or departments, so be sure to check this list before requesting a new tool be added.
We welcome you to access an up-to-date list of 3rd party tools available for integration with Canvas. You must be signed in to your PSU account to access this list.
How do I request a new third-party tool?
To request a third-party tool to be integrated within the Digital Learning Environment, submit a request using the New Teaching Tool Request form.
Note: Please submit your request at least one term before you would like to use the tool to allow enough time for the review process.
What should I consider when using a third-party tool?
Security, Accessibility, and Data Privacy
When using a new tool, it’s important to think about security, accessibility, and student privacy. Staying up to date with technology is great, but you also need to follow PSU’s rules about keeping student records private. Tools that haven’t been checked for security and accessibility compliance could put student data at risk because there might not be an agreement in place to ensure FERPA requirements are met.
Tools that haven’t been reviewed for accessibility, usability, and support can also make things harder for students. OAI and OIT have formal processes for reviewing digital learning tools. They’ll work with you and the company that developed the tool to ensure they follow the rules and protect everyone’s data.
Note: If a tool hasn’t been reviewed for security and privacy, you should only use it if students are permitted to opt-out. If a student cannot participate fully in the course without the tool, contact OAI to discuss available alternatives in the DLE.
Affordability
Student costs for educational tools are rising, so it’s crucial to consider the price of any tool you want to use. Ask the developer how much the tool costs per student so you can share that information with students upfront. Try to keep costs low and use free alternatives when possible. We encourage you to visit PSU Library’s collection of information on Open Educational Resources. If you have questions about how to meet your teaching goals without adding extra costs, contact OAI for advice.
Student Support
If you introduce a new tool to your course, department, or college, it is your responsibility to manage supporting it. OAI and OIT staff are not guaranteed to know how to use the tool or have the necessary access to troubleshoot problems.
Here are some tips to help support your students:
- Look at the support materials on the tool’s website. You can usually find these by searching for “support” or “help.”
- Think about what questions students might have and prepare answers ahead of time.
- Add the tool’s support contact information to your syllabus.
- Try using the tool yourself before assigning it to students. This will help you foresee problems they might face and allow you to prepare to mitigate them in advance.
- Check if the company offers student support materials, like guides or tutorials. Sharing these resources can make things easier for everyone.
Student Experience
Make sure the tool is easy for students to use and won’t cause confusion. If the tool doesn’t have a “student view” feature, contact the tool’s developer to learn more about what students will see. You can also check user forums to find out what problems others have faced and whether they were able to get help.
If the support materials for students or instructors are not very good, be careful about using the tool. Addressing technical problems during the term can be stressful, especially if using the tool is required for graded activities.
If you decide to use the tool, start with low-stakes activities. Let students know it’s a “trial run” and share instructions and support resources with them.
Note: OAI and OIT are unable to help with third-party tools.
Consider how adopting this tool might impact the individual student across a program or degree. As more tools are adopted in various individual courses, be mindful of how many tools a student may be required to use for their other courses. Ask other faculty in your department what tools they use to meet the same objectives or contact OAI to assess currently available tools.