It's a common scenario for students and faculty alike: you're diving into a new semester at Ohio University, and a tool called Top Hat pops up. What exactly is it, and how do you make the most of it? Think of Top Hat as a dynamic digital classroom assistant. For students, it's a way to actively participate in lectures, respond to polls, engage in discussions, and even have attendance tracked, all from the devices you already use – your laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Instructors, on the other hand, can leverage it to create a more interactive learning environment.
One of the neatest features is its integration with CarmenCanvas. This means your enrollment in Top Hat courses can be streamlined, and your scores can seamlessly transfer to your Carmen gradebook. So, no more juggling multiple platforms for your grades!
Getting started is usually straightforward. You can access Top Hat through your web browser, or if you prefer, there are dedicated apps for both Android and iOS devices. And for those moments when you're on the go or perhaps facing a connectivity hiccup, you can even respond to prompts via SMS texting. If you find yourself struggling to connect, trying an alternative method like a different network connection or SMS is a good first step. If the problem persists, it's always best to let your instructor know.
Now, what happens when you hit a snag? Ohio University offers a robust support system for Top Hat. For immediate, Top Hat-specific issues, reaching out directly to Top Hat support is often the quickest route. They're available by phone from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern time at 888-663-5491, or you can submit an online ticket through their support portal. For those unique situations where you're using Top Hat as an OHIO user, there's a dedicated help ticket for attendance tracking issues.
Beyond direct vendor support, OHIO IT provides valuable resources. Their self-training materials are fantastic for getting those just-in-time answers and learning at your own pace. You can explore their documentation for guidance on common questions and discover more advanced functionalities. If you're a more experienced user looking to tackle specific technology needs, OHIO IT consultations are available. Just select 'General Help' when scheduling your session.
For faculty, Top Hat is another tool in the educational toolkit, alongside resources like eMedley and Panopto. The university provides specific guides and resources for faculty to design engaging activities and assessments using Top Hat, ensuring it complements the broader curriculum and teaching strategies. It's all about enhancing the learning experience, making it more accessible and interactive for everyone involved.
