Resources for Faculty
Whether you’re developing a new online course, enhancing classroom instruction, or exploring innovative teaching strategies, our resources are designed to support you at every step. Together, we’re expanding Rice University’s impact, connecting learners worldwide while fostering dynamic, inclusive education.
Working with Our Team
Our Process
Creating a digital learning experience is a lot like creating an in-person learning experience, but with some key differences and additional considerations. The Rice Digital Learning team partners with faculty and instructors to envision and develop learning experiences that meet the needs of online learners, help learners achieve learning outcomes, and capture the uniquely Rice pursuit of education. Bring your ideas—we’ll help bring them to life.
Propose
Have an idea? Tell us about your goals, motivation, audience, and timeline so we can provide the best options for creating the learning experience you envision.
Together we’ll decide on the scope and direction of your project.
Kick-off
After a proposal is approved, project coordination begins. A dedicated design and production team is assembled and the instructor meets with their team to share their vision and goals.
This is the official start to your project.
Design
During the Design Phase, instructors collaborate with their team to plan a learning experience that fosters engagement and aligns with the course learning outcomes.
You’ll make decisions about presentation style, assessment types, and learner interactions with the instructor, their peers, and the content.
Produce
Once a plan is established, production begins. The instructor and team create assets, film videos, and build the content into the learning platform.
You’ve imagined it, now it’s time to create it!
Test
Before a learning experience goes live, it is thoroughly tested for functionality and accessibility to ensure a seamless experience for learners.
We’ll make sure everything is working as it should before opening it to learners.
Launch
The content opens to learners. The instructor supports learners throughout the learning experience and the team supports the instructor with critical updates.
We’re here if you need us.
Preparing for Your Filming Sessions
After your prototype session, you will have a clearer sense of the production assets you will need for your upcoming filming sessions. These might include scripts, slide decks, talking points, a set of graphics, a lightboard layout, or a combination of all of these. The steps below are a reminder of the filming preparation process, but you’ll be coordinating closely with your course team throughout the process and they’ll help guide you.
Create
Develop your materials, at least in rough draft form. You might come back to this step a few times to make edits as you practice.
Practice
Try delivering your script or talking points alongside your slides and graphics. Make sure everything flows the way you want it to and make adjustments as needed. Using Zoom to record gives you or your TA a way to review the presentation for accuracy and flow.
Polish
Deliver your content to your course team so they can prepare it for filming. We will edit your slides and graphics for consistency and accessibility, prep your scripts or talking points for filming day, and ensure a cohesive look for the content.
Rehearse
The team will share your edited materials for your review and so you can rehearse before filming. Approve the edits the team made and practice your final presentation.
Schedule
Once your materials are back to you, it’s time to schedule studio time. Work with your video producer to schedule your shoot.
Film
You’ve done a lot of work to prepare for this day. You’re ready for this!
Filming Day Reminders
Studio Guidelines
- Please be punctual! We allocate studio time based on your booking and dedicate staff to assist you.
- Be ready to roll! Make sure you've completed steps 1-6 of "Preparing for your filming sessions."
What to Wear
Look sharp! We usually recommend business casual. We can agree or disagree on styles but, for the most part, we can't argue if somebody looks sharp or not.
Be yourself, flubs are okay.
- Connect with your learners by being authentic. Your personality makes the learning experience richer.
- Handle mistakes naturally, just as you would in the classroom.
How to Find Our Studio
Address
Bioscience Research Collaborative
6500 Main Street, MS-650 Houston, TX 77030-1402
Parking
If you are driving, the parking entrance is located on Dryden Rd at the rear of the building. If your parking permit gives you access to either the Central Garage (located beneath McNair Hall) or Cambridge Office Building (COB), then your access card should work here at the BRC as well. If not, you will need to use a credit card to enter.
Navigating the BRC
- From the garage, take the elevators to the 2nd floor. If you enter the BRC from the 1st floor, take the lobby stairs or elevators located across from the security desk to the 2nd floor.
- Studio: Once on the second floor, follow the posted signs to classroom 283; this is where the studio is located.
- Room 202: Once on the second floor, follow the posted signs to room 202.
