Dear Fall 2020 Teaching Fellow,
Harvard’s preparations for the fall term include confirmation that TFs teaching courses in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences have access to adequate technology for remote teaching. To ensure that you are prepared to teach, please review the minimum hardware and software standards established by Harvard University Information Technology (HUIT). If you determine that your equipment meets or exceeds these standards, no further action is needed.
If you require software, Harvard provides access to Microsoft Office, Adobe Reader, Zoom, and additional software that can be accessed through the FAS download page. Please note that operating system–specific browsers are installed automatically (Edge on Windows computers, Safari on Macs). Chrome can be downloaded from Google and Firefox can be downloaded from mozilla.org. It is important that you review and follow the personal device security guidelines, and that you maintain your operating system and software with upgrades and patches and follow hard drive encryption and computer firewall protocols.
If your equipment does not meet the minimum hardware and software standards, please complete the Teaching Fellow Equipment survey by Friday, August 14, 2020. The HUIT Service Desk will review your submission and will contact you with information about accessing equipment while you are teaching.
This may require that you pick up equipment from campus or receive a shipment of equipment at your remote location. After conversation with HUIT, you may be asked to submit reimbursement information for the purchase of pre-approved equipment. Please note that a variety of circumstances outside of Harvard’s control may result in delays and challenges in realizing this goal.
Some teaching fellows have very specific or exceptional hardware and software needs for delivery of remote instruction—for example, in music courses—which this process will not address. TFs in such situations should consult with the course instructor and/or the department associated with the course being offered.
Please contact the HUIT Service Desk with technology questions or problems.
