Tips for Using Top Hat to Engage with Your Students
Top Hat is an active learning platform that allows instructors to conduct polls, track attendance, host discussions, present slides and assessments for interactive learning. Students can submit responses using their mobile device, tablet, laptop, or SMS. No more “clickers” or subscriptions to purchase! Access to the Top Hat active learning platform is FREE for all VCU students enrolled in at least one credit-bearing course with a “student” affiliation.
Top Hat Textbooks
Instructors have the option to adopt a Top Hat textbook for their course. Please note that if you select a textbook and list it as required, your students will have to purchase a key to access the course. If the textbook is listed as optional, students may access the course without purchasing a key.
Getting Started
To get started, visit https://success.tophat.com/s/categoryhome/Professor. When creating your course(s), you will be prompted to select your school. Be sure to select “Virginia Commonwealth University”. If VCU is not selected, your students will be charged for a Top Hat subscription.
Canvas
Top Hat also integrates with Canvas, VCU’s learning management system. Visit https://support.tophat.com/s/article/Professor-LTI-Setup-Canvas for information about using Top Hat with Canvas, and how to sync grades.
Support
For more information about Top Hat, visit go.vcu.edu/tophat. For assistance contact Top Hat Support (phone, ticket, or chat) or view the educator knowledge base. Check the VCU training site for any upcoming Top Hat faculty workshops. Direct your students to https://bit.ly/vcu-tophat-students for information and support.