When a disruption changes your class plans, you can prepare for academic continuity by focusing on the next class meeting and the learning that is important to you and your students. Use familiar tools, give students one clear place to go for information, and offer a way to participate when they can reconnect. Follow current campus communications when deciding whether and how to move instruction online, and whether online means synchronous course meeting or asynchronous access.
Tell students what to expect
Post a Canvas announcement with the affected dates, how class will meet, where materials are located, what students should complete, and how to contact you. State when you will post the next update. Send the same message through your usual course email channel if needed.
Put the essentials in one Canvas module
Create a clearly named Module, such as “Class plan for [date].” Add a Page with brief instructions, then link readings, slides, any meeting or recording, and the assignment. Include the due date and expected effort. Publish the Module and its items, and check links and access in the Canvas Student View.
Google Drive (CI Docs) can help you upload or create course materials when needed. Open CI Docs through myCI, create a folder for the course, and use New to upload files or create a Google Doc or Slides presentation. Add a descriptive link to the file in your Canvas Module or Page. Check Share settings so students can open it with their CSUCI accounts. Use Viewer access for readings and Editor access only for collaborative work. A Canvas link does not automatically grant Drive access. Keep a downloadable copy available when possible.
Choose a workable way to participate
- For a live class, use Zoom through CI Learn if you already use it. Share the meeting link, time, and time zone in Canvas. Enable captions, share materials in advance, and provide an alternative for students who cannot join.
- For work students can do on their own schedule, pair a reading, worked example, or short recording with a focused task. A brief Canvas Assignment or Discussion can ask students to apply an idea or explain their reasoning. Give clear submission directions.
- If a recording would help, Panopto is available within CI Learn. Keep it short, check captions, and include a written summary. Before recording a live class, review the Zoom recording and privacy guidance linked in CI Learn On Demand.
Make materials easy to access
Use headings and lists in Canvas and documents, meaningful text for hyperlinks, and alternative text for instructional images. Choose readable font type and strong contrast, and avoid relying on color alone. Check automatic captions for accuracy and describe essential visuals. From an accessibility perspective, it is better to include text on a Canvas Page or an accessible document over an image (such as a screen shot) of text. Before publishing, use the Canvas Accessibility Checker for content on Pages and the Word Accessibility Checker for Word files. Review the results and check that instructions and materials are usable on a phone.
Plan for power and internet outages
Provide a text-based option that uses little data and downloadable materials when possible. Invite students to contact you when they can reconnect, and let them know how you prefer to be contacted (e.g., through Canvas messages). Consider flexible deadlines or an equivalent task when access is disrupted, and explain any changes clearly. Avoid making live attendance or camera use the only way to demonstrate learning during the disruption.
If your own connection fails, post an update as soon as you can.
Example Canvas announcement that you can adapt
You can adapt the following announcement for use in your course. Replace the bracketed text, choose the relevant class format, and delete unused options before posting.
Subject: Class plan for [course] on [date or dates]
Hello everyone,
Because of [wind or weather disruption], our class on [date or dates] will [meet on Zoom / complete an activity in Canvas]. Please start with the “[module name]” Module in Canvas.
Our focus is [learning goal]. Review [materials] and complete [activity] by [date, time, and time zone]. Submit your work through [Canvas Assignment or Discussion name].
If we meet live, join at [time and time zone] using [Zoom link or its location in Canvas]. If you cannot join, complete [alternative activity and where to find it] by [deadline].
If power or internet outages affect your participation, please contact me at [email or Canvas Inbox] when you are able. We can discuss [the flexibility or alternative you can offer]. A text-based version of the materials is available at [location].
I will post the next update in Canvas by [date and time]. Please also check current campus messages for university updates.
Thank you,
[Your name]
CSUCI resources and support
- TLi Knowledge Base. Search guides for Canvas, Zoom, accessibility, and teaching strategies.
- TLi Get Support. Current support options, help requests, consultations, and Canvas live support. Check this page for current availability.
- ITS Help Desk for students. Technology assistance for students.
- How do I manage my Canvas notification settings? Best if you plan to communicate with students via Canvas.
- Faculty Welcome CI Learn On Demand. Canvas basics, Zoom in CI Learn, Zoom best practices, and recording privacy guidance.
- CSUCI Google Drive and CI Docs resources. Access through myCI and find related how-to guides.
- Activate your CSUCI Zoom account and sign in. Instructions for activating Zoom through myCI and signing in with SSO.
- Keep Teaching During Campus Closure. TLi guidance on planning, communication, and alternatives to classroom instruction.
- CSUCI Panopto resources. Recording and sharing video within CI Learn.
