This Course Preparation page provides information on classroom technology, teaching support services, Canvas resources, attendance tools, and other important technology updates for instructors preparing for the upcoming semester.
Please complete the Faculty Teaching Technology Preparation Survey by Monday, August 18th.
Regular Teaching Faculty and Instructors -- Key Action Items:
- Fill out the Faculty Teaching Technology Preparation Survey.
- Scan this article for any content that you may want to review.
- Pay particular attention to the section Reminders and Updates.
WHCP Instructors -- Key Action Items:
- Reach out to your WHCP Course Coordinator or Course Head for guidance.
- Do NOT fill out the Faculty Teaching Technology Preparation Survey. You'll get help via your course coordinator.
- Scan this article for any content that you may want to review.
Classroom Tech Training & Open House
Whether you are teaching in a Wharton classroom for the first time, need a refresher, or plan to bring your own device to your classes, we encourage you to attend one of our Classroom Technology Open House sessions:
Upcoming Open House Sessions
- Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | JMHH G65 and G50
- Friday, August 21, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | JMHH G65 and G50
During these sessions, you can:
- Review classroom technology capabilities
- Practice using classroom equipment
- Test presentations and course materials
- Ask questions of Academic Computing staff
If you are unable to attend an Open House session, share your availability in the Teaching Technology Preparation Survey and we will coordinate an individual training session.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Recommendations
Testing your device in advance allows you to verify these critical elements of teaching technology:
- classroom connectivity
- presentation settings
- audio/video functionality
- polling software
- Zoom integration
- adapters and other technology requirements before your first class meeting
Faculty who plan to teach using their personal laptop or device are strongly encouraged to attend a Classroom Technology Open House session or schedule an individual training appointment prior to the start of the semester.
Canvas & Study.net Requests
Use the Courseware Request Form to request:
- Canvas course sites
- Study.net course packs
- Courseware consultations
- Additional instructional technology support
Submission Requirements: Submit a separate request for each course.
Reminders and Updates
Poll Everywhere
Poll Everywhere remains a supported polling solution for instructors and is a good way to boost classroom engagement. See our PollEverywhere article for best practices and to get familiar with the software.
Poll Plugin Reminder: The Poll Everywhere PowerPoint plugin is no longer installed on Wharton classroom computers. This change was implemented to improve PowerPoint stability and classroom reliability.
Network Drive Access
Network Drive Reminder: Automatic departmental network drive mappings are no longer available on classroom computers.
If you depend on departmental network drives and need assistance transitioning to a cloud-based workflow, please contact: support@wharton.upenn.edu
aPlus+ Attendance
aPlus+ Attendance is Wharton's platform for:
- Attendance tracking
- Student absence requests
- Classroom video requests
- Attendance reporting
Faculty
- aPlus+ Attendance App for Canvas
- aPlus+ Check-in Process 2 minute - (Video)
- Accessing aPlus+ Attendance in Canvas (Instructors)
Students
Classroom Location Validation
Location Validation helps verify in-person attendance by automatically performing a brief camera sweep of the classroom during a recording session. For instructions on enabling, disabling, or managing Location Validation settings, please see the appropriate section in our Attendance article.
AI Tools at Wharton
ChatGPT @ Wharton
Wharton has partnered with OpenAI to expand access to ChatGPT within the Wharton community. Faculty interested in learning more about available AI resources, classroom use cases, and guidance should contact Wharton Client Support Services (CSS).
Questions?
Contact: Wharton Client Support Services (CSS)
Email: support@wharton.upenn.edu