Setting Up eClass

If you are new to using eClass, you may appreciate some orientation to key eClass tools and functions. This self-paced eClass 101 course contains a series of lessons which demonstrate the main functions of eClass using videos and examples.

If you need support regarding the technical use of the eClass features, please consult eClass 101 or contact IST.

For support adapting your teaching strategies to an online format, please contact ctl@ualberta.ca and request a consultation. Note: Consultations may be held virtually.

eClass: Key Tools and Functions

eClass Quizzes

Evaluating Students Online

In eClass, the Quiz tool can be used as a course exam.

Pedagogical Recommendations

  • Quizzes can consist of automatically graded questions or essay questions (which require instructor grading). We recommend the use of both types of questions on an exam.
  • Give students explicit instructions on exams as they may not be able to ask any questions during the exam.

Preventing Academic Misconduct

One of the biggest concerns many instructors have when using online exams is that students may be able to easily cheat. While no type of exam is completely misconduct proof, there are ways to design online exams to minimize these opportunities. Some examples include:

  • adding an honesty check to your exam;
  • shuffling the question order during an exam;
  • randomizing question selection;
  • limiting access to quizzes by adding a password and giving specific time windows for completion;
  • using eClass’ academic integrity feature, ExamLock (which is built into eClass);
  • using a remote proctoring service;
  • considering giving open-book or take home exams;
    • Unlike some closed-book exams, open-book exams typically do not use memorize or recall type questions (since students have these answers in front of them) but, instead, tend to rely on questions that ask students to apply their knowledge or synthesize what they have learned to answer complex questions.
    • If you would like assistance (or advice) regarding converting your closed-book exams to an open-book or take-home exam, please contact ctl@ualberta.ca to book a consultation (which may occur remotely).
  • If your class is a manageable size, having students write their open-book exam while having Zoom open, with their microphone and video on. This is only practical if you have a manageable class size.

Instructions on how to execute many of the non-linked options above can be found on IST's help pages (Knowledgebase).

eClass Gradebook

IST's Deliver Online support page provides instructions on eClass Gradebook.

As the grade tool in eClass, Gradebook allows you to manage and organize a collection of grades for your courses. Items that have been assessed using an eClass activity will be added to Gradebook automatically.

  • Gradebook Setup
    Learn how to set up Gradebook to suit your preferences. From setting letter grade boundaries, to using custom scales and calculating course totals, we’ll guide you through the process.
  • Gradebook Display
    Gradebook features a variety of display and formatting options for students to view their grades. Control visibility, toggle between display options and more.
  • Importing Grades
    If your students have completed an offline activity, it’s possible to import their grades into eClass for publishing.
  • Exporting Grades
    Learn how to use eClass to prepare a spreadsheet that can be imported directly into Bear Tracks.
  • Adding Grade Items
    This article will explain how to manually add a grade item that is not tied to an Activity.
Office Hours

Set up virtual office hours when you will meet with students. You could connect using your webcam, share your computer screen or collaborate using Google Docs. It is not recommended that you give students your personal phone number.

Recommended Platforms

Pedagogical Recommendations

  • Keep the link to the video chat room you’re using for your students in a central place on your course eClass page. The main factor to consider when holding office hours or conferences with students via video chat is your accessibility as an instructor. Make sure they know how to find your “office” (just as you might offer them directions to your office on-campus).
  • Encourage students to share their screen with you. Screen sharing is possible not just for the instructor in Google Meet and Zoom, but for students too. Help your students navigate towards a screen sharing option so they can show you their written work on their screen.
eClass Gamification Features

If you have questions about how to use any of the eClass features below, contact the central eClass team at eClass@ualberta.ca for support.

Templates

eClass Template

CTL has built an example eClass course which demonstrates one possible approach instructors can take to set up their course. CTL has also provided downloadable template along with instructions about how to install it into eClass. It is recommended you install this template into a blank course or your eClass sandbox. The template is similar to the example course. However, some informational text and video examples have been removed for ease of use.