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The Center for Teaching, Learning, and Professional Development (CTL&PD) offers a wide variety of programs, interactive organizations, self-help materials, group and 1-on-1 mentoring and collaboration opportunities through its staff, and facilities, all designed as part of our ongoing dedication to being an integral resource to faculty in support of their varied career needs related to teaching, research, scholarship, and self-development.  As CUNY transitions to the new LMS, D2L Brightspace, trainings are being made available via webinars and "Ask Me Anything" zoom sessions.

Email us at CTLPD@csi.cuny.edu if you have any further questions.

The physical space of the Center for Teaching, Learning, & Professional Development is located in the 1L building and consists of two rooms: the Faculty Center Lounge (1L-203), and the Training Lab (1L-208). The Faculty Center Lounge offers a flexible space for seminars, social gatherings, or a tranquil space to simply relax. The Training Lab is a space providing access to computers, scanners, and other amenities to design, create, and implement course materials for used. The Training Lab also serves as a help desk for faculty and staff.

  • Community members can reserve the Faculty Center Lounge (1L-203) for special events by submitting a request here

Virtual Drop-in Center:

The Drop-in Center is an online chat space designed specifically for faculty to come and ask questions pertaining to online course pedagogy, Brightspace, Blackboard, and any other academic technology items you need assistance with.

  • Need help setting help creating a communications strategy for your online or hybrid course?
  • Need help creating and/or deploying tests in Brightspace or Blackboard?
  • Unsure how to create assignment submission links or collect and review papers, assignments, or other assessment items?
  • Have another question? 

If so, stop by the Virtual Drop-in Center.  The hours are posted in the weekly schedule. All sessions are staffed by one of the Center's Instructional Design and Learning Management System (LMS) Specialists.

There is no sign-up needed.  Simply check the calendar of sessions located HERE and click on the links provided.  Access links open approximately 10 minutes before the start of the session dates and times listed on the weekly calendar. Once clicked, Blackboard Collaborate will appear at the top of the screen. It will show the specific training session you are joining and offer a place for you to type your name (please enter both your first and last name). Select Join Session after typing your full name.

Respondus LockDown Browser™ is an online proctoring tool that increases the security of test delivery in Blackboard (Bb).

Unlike previous remote proctoring solutions evaluated by CUNY, Respondus LockDown Browser simply restricts what students can access on their computers during online Brightspace quizzes, tests and examinations. The Lockdown Browser does not modify the browser on the student’s computer, but rather installs a separate program that displays a custom browser and creates an environment in which students are unable to print, copy, go to another URL, or access other applications on their devices. Respondus LockDown Browser DOES NOT: include real-time or recorded remote proctoring via video, access user content on the computer or record user activity for later inspection or use by CUNY.

After attending an Information session, if you determine that Respondus LockDown Browser is suitable for your examination(s) you will be provided the resources needed to successfully activate and utilize the Respondus LockDown Browser within your CSI course(s) on Brightspace and obtain usage training for your students.
 
PLEASE NOTE, that while the Respondus Lockdown Browser tool is available for use at CSI, it should be noted in the course description and course syllabus notes, thereby allowing students the ability to make an informed decision about enrolling in courses using the tool. As a result of these notification requirements, students cannot be compelled to agree to use of the Lockdown Browser at this time and if used alternative access to assessments must be provided as per the guidance provided by CUNYs Office of General Counsel regarding this matter:

"The Office of Legal Affairs (OGC) has reviewed the Terms and Conditions of several online testing application services and it is OGC’s guidance that faculty cannot compel students to accept the corresponding tools’ “Terms and Conditions” and that in the event students do not accept the terms, faculty must provide students reasonable assessment accommodations to demonstrate they meet the course learning requirements."

When in doubt please refer to the University's Guidance on Academic Continuity available here: Remote Proctoring Solutions

Additional information and technical specification items for Respondus LockDown Browser: 

CUNY Information Systems (CIS) has worked with the CUNY Learning Management System council to integrate the Respondus LockDown Browser within Blackboard. Respondus LockDown Browser is available in Blackboard at CSI.

Respondus LockDown Browser only operates on devices meeting the following specifications (iPhones and Android devices are not supported):

  • Computer running Windows 8 or later operating system  (Windows 10 S is not supported)
  • Mac running macOS 10.12 – 11.1
  • iPad running iOS 11.0 or later (iPhone not supported)
  • Chromebooks 

Note that CUNY has not licensed or implemented the Respondus Monitor solution that is often combined with Respondus LockDown Browser in marketing materials, product descriptions, product support pages and training—please ignore all references to Respondus Monitor and webcams/video.  

See the Respondus LockDown Browser FAQ Resources web page for additional Respondus information and training resources. 

Email FacultyCenter@csi.cuny.edu for training on how to utilize this academic resource!