Virtual programs are a great way to make sure students have an opportunity to connect
with your department and access to the resources your department provides, even if
they are not on campus. When planning virtual programs, it's important to consider
the needs of students (specifically online students), the goals and outcomes established
by your department, and the technology (and technical knowledge) required to successfully
execute your program. Here are some steps to get you started planning virtual programs
for your department.
Knowing what you want students to get out of your program will help determine the
best modality and technology to use for your virtual program. Start by creating learning
goals and outcomes for your program, then design activities to help students get to
those outcomes.
Synchronous Programs
Synchronous programs require students to participate at a specific time and interact
in “real time”. Examples of synchronous programs include live streaming and video
conferencing.
Asynchronous Programs
Asynchronous programs allow students to go at their own pace and engage with materials
and resources on their own time. Examples of asynchronous programs include videos
and online courses.
The Eagle Access Card Swipe system is used campus-wide to track student participation
and engagement and is the best way to track virtual program participation for current
UNT students and employees. Students will sign in on their device with their EUID
and password. Once they sign in, they'll be redirected to the link for your virtual
program. If you need help getting set up as a Card Swipe user or if you have questions
about the Eagle Access Card Swipe system, you'll need to reach out to DSAassessment@unt.edu.
Your website is great place to share more information about your program. You can
include a description of your program so participants know what to expect. It's also
good to include contact information in case participants run into issues or have additional
questions. Program webpages are usually active for multiple years, so it's important
to update them each time you plan to host your program so you can catch any outdated
information, and program/registration links. Establish Goals and Outcomes for Your
Program
UNT's online event calendar is a comprehensive, university-wide event marketing calendar
managed by University Brand Strategy and Communications. Adding virtual events to
the UNT calendar is an important step to make sure students are aware of opportunities
to connect with your office virtually. When you add your events to the UNT Calendar,
the information automatically filters out to other webpages such as the DSA Virtual
Programs and Resources Page.
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Visit calendar.unt.edu and log in with your EUID and password.
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Click the green Submit and Event button.
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Fill in your program details.
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Under location select virtual or hybrid experience.
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Under Dial-In Instructions use your program's Card Swipe link as the Stream URL.
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If you have a page for your program on your website, enter it in the Event Website
space under Additional Details.
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After you submit your event USBC's calendar management team will edit and approve
your event (this can take up to 7 days).
It's important to assess the effectiveness of your program. Have a plan in place to
measure if students achieved desired outcomes by participating in your program. Program
assessments can provide valuable feedback to improve the quality and effectiveness
of your virtual programs.
University of North Texas 
