January 25

FREE MOQI Webinars

MOQI Webinar Logo

The Minnesota Online Quality Initiative (MOQI) is offering free webinars throughout spring semester.  The variety of topics such as, using discussion boards to increase engagement, accessibility, Universal Design (UDL), learning objectives, assessment, and using MediaSpace to record lectures are sure to be of interest. Best of all, it’s free. Review the list and register for a webinar today.

Wed. February 14, 2018

Noon – 1

 MOQI Webinar: Increase Student Engagement Using Discussion Boards
In this webinar, you will be introduced to several, easy to implement discussion techniques that can be used for any class to increase student engagement.

Participants will be introduced to ways you can engage your students with icebreakers to get to know each other, team building, introduce new technologies, hands-on experience with the discussion tool.

Participants will also learn how to structure a debate online to increase student critical thinking skills and deepen their knowledge on course topics, incorporate scenario based learning as an effective way for students to apply what they are learning to realistic situation and participants will learn how to create a discussion board in which students can become the expert on a course topic requiring them research, apply concepts and examples. Templates, assignment directions and examples will be provided.

After this webinar you will be able to

1.     Discuss techniques for increasing engagement using the discussion board

2.     Utilize planning worksheets and templates to implement discussion board concepts

3.     Increase student engagement with discussion boards

Register for webinar: https://mnquality.eventbrite.com
Wed. February 21, 2018

Noon – 1

MOQI Webinar: Accessibility, UDL, and You
In this webinar, participants will learn the difference between the accessible course design and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).  They will review the important role faculty play in designing courses that are accessible and inclusive. Principles of UDL will be introduced.

Participants will learn about how to create accessible course content using Word, PowerPoint, Mediaspace, and D2L Brightspace files.  Handouts and guides will be provided.

After this webinar, you will be able to:

1. Explain the difference between and main concepts of accessible course design, accommodation, and Universal Design Learning principles.

2. Identify several strategies for implementing UDL principles in your own course.

3. Create accessible course content including course documents (Word, PowerPoint, PDF), video captioning in Mediaspace, and content pages in Brightspace.

Register for webinar: https://mnquality.eventbrite.com
Wed. February 28, 2018

Noon-1

 MOQI Webinar: Learning Objectives: What, Why, Where, & How

Well-written learning objectives establish the foundation upon which courses are designed and delivered.  They form the basis for the instructional materials and assessments that are included in the course. Learning Objectives serve as an implied contract between the instructor and student by defining what is to be taught and what is to be learned, so communicating these objectives clearly is a crucial step in assuring an effective learning experience.

This session will review best practices for creating and sharing measurable learning objectives in your online or blended course.

Register for webinar: https://mnquality.eventbrite.com
Wed. March 7, 2018

Noon – 1

 MOQI Webinar: The ABCs of Assessments

Assessment, Evaluation, and Testing are often used interchangeably.  What do we mean when we talk about formative assessment, summative assessment, aligned assessment, and evaluation?  Is that the same as testing?

Assessment is a crucial part of any course because it allows your students to demonstrate mastery of the learning objectives.  But how do you know what type of assessment to choose?

Register for webinar: https://mnquality.eventbrite.com
Wed. March 21, 2018

Noon-1

 MOQI Webinar: Lights, Camera, Action…Recorded Lectures

This session will feature practical information and skills needed to produce high-quality and polished recorded lectures. In addition to a review of PowerPoint fundamentals and design, participants will learn what makes a clear and engaging recorded lecture, how to fine-tune delivery, what to capture and best practices from the broadcast industry and on-air presence. This session will focus on the pedagogy of recorded lectures not the technology. Templates and handouts for producing recorded lectures will be provided.

After this webinar you will be able to:

1.     Describe PowerPoint design elements: theme, images, accessibility features, and use of master templates.

2.     Create a video outline for instructional videos.

3.     Utilize a planning document to produce effective recorded lectures.

4.     Apply broadcast industry best practices for recorded lectures.

Register for webinar: https://mnquality.eventbrite.com
Wed. March 28, 2018

Noon – 1

 MOQI Webinar: Accessibility, UDL, and You

In this webinar, participants will learn the difference between the accessible course design and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).  They will review the important role faculty play in designing courses that are accessible and inclusive. Principles of UDL will be introduced.

Participants will learn about how to create accessible course content using Word, PowerPoint, Mediaspace, and D2L Brightspace files.  Handouts and guides will be provided.

After this webinar, you will be able to:

1. Explain the difference between and main concepts of accessible course design, accommodation, and Universal Design Learning principles.

2. Identify several strategies for implementing UDL principles in your own course.

3. Create accessible course content including course documents (Word, PowerPoint, PDF), video captioning in Mediaspace, and content pages in Brightspace.

Register for webinar: https://mnquality.eventbrite.com
Wed. April 4, 2018

Noon – 1

 MOQI Webinar: Mediaspace for Recorded Lectures

In this webinar, participants will learn how to capture a lecture using Mediaspace as well as how to integrate their lectures into D2L Brightspace. This webinar will focus on the technical aspects of recording lectures including audio levels, camera composition, capturing web camera and PowerPoint presentations, editing, machine-close caption the video and share this in D2L Brightspace. Step-by-step guides will be provided.

After this webinar you will be able to:

1. Utilize Mediaspace to record lectures including web camera and presentations.

2. Share recorded lectures in D2L Brightspace.

Register for webinar: https://mnquality.eventbrite.com
Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Noon – 1

 MOQI Webinar: Tips to Improve Navigation, Usability, and Organization in your Online or Blended Course

This session will introduce you to different ways to create and organize your course content to improve the learning experience for your students. Tips will include different content creation strategies to improve accessibility and usability. Several different course organization approaches will be shared that will streamline the learning experience for your students including how to link other Brightspace and external tools into your course content area.

Register for webinar: https://mnquality.eventbrite.com
Category: Accessibility in Online Learning, Course Design, Online and Distance Education, Online Teaching Pedagogy, Professional Development | LEAVE A COMMENT
August 4

MN eLearning Summit Resources

Image credit: https://cceevents.umn.edu/minnesota-elearning-summit

 

After an excellent gathering at Normandale college, many presenters have shared their handouts or presentations (new tab).

One of my personal favorites was the presentation on accessibility or specifically how to accessify your digital instructional materials (opens in new tab) , by Sara Shoen and Ann Fandrey from the U of M. In addition to their presentation they also provide a handout with core skills to be addressed on the path to accessible documents, presentations, emails, website, and videos.

 

Category: Accessibility in Online Learning, Professional Development | LEAVE A COMMENT
June 20

Meeting Web Content Accessibility Standards

D2L Brightspace Community Website has great resources to offer. This link offers tips on web content accessibility. I am listing some important recommendations below:

  • When possible, use HTML topics to create your course content. D2L provides accessible HTML templates to streamline the content creation process. If you need to use other file formats, such as video files, choose formats that are recognized by most browsers or offer the material in multiple formats.
  • Use a simple layout that does not use tables or columns to organize information. When information is organized simply, it is easier for students to read and understand. Simple layout is also easier for assistive technology devices to interpret and present, and for mobile and handheld devices to resize.
  • Do not use color to convey meaning. If you want to show how concepts relate to each other, use a combination of size, color, and text labels.
  • Use headings to communicate the relationships between sections. Use Heading 1 for the title, Heading 2 for major sections, Heading 3 for subsections, and so on. If headings are used correctly, screen reader users can quickly search a page by heading and participants with cognitive disabilities can understand how sections and content relate easier.
  • Make sure each heading, item, and file name are unique.
  • Include alternative text descriptions (alt text) for all graphics. Use double quotes (null) as the alt text if the object is a decorative element that does not add meaning to the topic. If the graphic is a link, begin the alt text with “Link to”. The HTML Editor in Brightspace Learning Environment automatically prompts you to include alt text when you insert an image.
  • Ensure that there is a strong contrast between the text and the background colors in your course materials.
  • If you create PDF files from Microsoft Word or another word processor, format titles and sections using heading so they are correctly tagged in the PDF.
Accessible Page example with different headings and colors

From: https://www.pcc.edu/resources/instructional-support/access/documents/OnlineAccessibilityHandbook-loRes.pdf

Category: Accessibility in Online Learning, Course Design, Universal Design for Learning UDL | LEAVE A COMMENT
March 29

3Play Media Upcoming Webinars

webinar: Quick Start to Captioning

Quick Start to Captioning

March 30, 2017 at 2pm – 2:30pm ET

Watch this webinar to learn the basics of how to add closed captions to online video to make it fully accessible, searchable, and SEO-friendly. This webinar covers Section 508 and ADA accessibility compliance, creation of closed captions, explanation of caption formats and video player compatibility, as well as an overview of automated workflows and integration with lecture capture and video platforms.
Register now!

Webinar: Who Should Be Involved in Your Campus' IT Initiative

Webinar: Who Should Be Involved in Your Campus’ IT Initiative

April 4, 2017 at 2pm – 3:00pm ET

In this webinar, Rob Carr, the Accessibility Coordinator at Oklahoma ABLE Tech, will present on the various jobs and responsibilities that are required in implementing a well-rounded accessibility program. He’ll also provide you with the necessary tools to begin conversations for a campus-wide accessibility initiative.
Register now!

webinar: 15 Years After an OCR Suit

15 Years After an OCR Suit: NC State’s Accessibility Refresh

April 13, 2017 at 2pm – 3pm ET

In 1999, NC State University resolved a suit from the Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR). But what does accessibility at NC State University look like 15 (actually 17) years later? In this session, Grey Reavis (University IT Accessibility Coordinator) and Rebecca Sitton (Assistive Technology Coordinator) will look at how they are creating a proactive strategy to address the current risk areas on campus.
Register now!

webinar: How the University of Maryland Implemented a Campus-Wide IT Accessibility Plan

How the University of Maryland Implemented a Campus-Wide IT Accessibility Plan

April 20, 2017 at 2pm – 3pm ET

In this webinar, Ana Palla-Kane (IT Accessibility Specialist) and Susan Johnston (Instructional Designer) will dive into the design and implementation of their IT accessibility plan, providing an inside look into the University of Maryland’s own strategies and structure. They will discuss the specific steps taken by the Division of IT in designing and implementing the plan, as well as provide insight into first-year successes and challenges.
Register now!

 

webinar: Captioning the 3Play Way

Captioning the 3Play Way

May 18, 2017 at 2pm – 2:30pm ET

Join us to learn more about 3Play Media’s closed captioning process, services, tools, and standards. In this webinar, Chief Revenue Officer and co-founder Josh Miller will address how 3Play Media can help make your videos fully accessible, searchable, and more engaging for all viewers.
Register now!

 

Category: Accessibility in Online Learning, Universal Design for Learning UDL | LEAVE A COMMENT
October 18

Recorded SIG Webinars

The Minnesota Online Quality Initiative team has updated their list of video resources from the past webinars hosted by the Special Interest Group.

You will find the recording link along with the presenter and webinar description. This is a great opportunity in case you have missed a live webinar but are still interested in the topic. Here are some of the archived recordings:

  • Self-Assessment of Discussions
  • Ten Steps Closer to an Accessible Course
  • Time-Saving Tips for Stressed Out Instructors
  • Just-in-Time Teaching

Just click on the link provided above and choose the title of your interest. Majority of the recordings are about 45 minutes long.

Don’t forget, there is also a Google drive folder with various resources (in Word, PDF, or PPT).

Finally, you can always register for the upcoming webinars here.

Image credit: minnesota.qualitymatters.org

SIG Learning Spaces and Instructional Technology

Category: Accessibility in Online Learning, Online and Distance Education, Open Educational Resources | LEAVE A COMMENT
September 22

D2L Brightspace eLearning Webinars

Mark your calendars! Every Tuesday, starting next week, D2L Brighspace experts and users will share their stories on various topics, ranging from accessibility, to gamifying your course, to Quality Matters.

Below is the list of upcoming webinars (click here to register):

  • Sep 27, 3:00 PM ET : York Technical College and Accessibility: The How and the Why of It
  • Oct 4, 3:00 PM ET : Jazzing Up Online Assessments
  • Oct 11, 3:00 PM ET : Maximizing Brightspace Tools to Create a Gamified Online Learning Environment
  • Oct 18, 3:00 PM ET : What’s Your Story(line)? Developing Engaging Learning Experiences by Extending the Content Tool
  • Oct 25, 1:00 PM ET : Setting The Tone In A Brightspace Course With QM Standard One

 

However, you can always explore past webinars as well, since there is pool of recorded webinars on D2L Brighspace Resources page.
d2l-resource-library
Category: Accessibility in Online Learning, D2L Tip of the Month, Open Educational Resources, Quality Matters | LEAVE A COMMENT
September 13

Free Accessibility Webinars by 3Play Media

Both online and on ground classes can always use more tips on how to make them more accessible. 3Play Media, a leader in captioning and accessibility support, provides complimentary webinars that can help institutions with accessibility requirements. Below is a list of the upcoming webinars:

  • webinar: National Research Results: How & Why Do Students Use Closed Captioning?

    National Research Results: How & Why Do Students Use Closed Captioning?

    September 15, 2016 at 2pm – 3pm ET

    In this webinar, Dr. Katie Linder, the head researcher on the project, will present for the first time on the findings of a national study of over 2,500 students. She will take a close look at how students use and perceive captioning and transcription at their institutions (beyond the need for accommodation).
    Register now!

  • webinar: Captioning the 3Play Way

    Captioning the 3Play Way

    September 20, 2016 at 2pm – 2:30pm ET

    Join us to learn more about 3Play Media’s closed captioning process, services, tools, and standards. In this webinar, Chief Revenue Officer and co-founder Josh Miller will address how 3Play Media can help make your videos fully accessible, searchable, and more engaging for all viewers.
    Register now!

  • webinar: 2016 Legal Update on Digital Accessibility Cases

    2016 Legal Update on Digital Accessibility Cases

    September 29, 2016 at 2pm – 3pm ET

    This webinar will be presented by Lainey Feingold, a nationally recognized disability rights lawyer and pioneer of Structured Negotiation known for negotiating landmark accessibility agreements. In the Fall of 2016 the American Bar Association is publishing Lainey’s book, Structured Negotiation: A Winning Alternative to Lawsuits. Her presentation will analyze key cases, government agency activity, settlements, and other developments in digital accessibility through September 2016.
    Register now!

  • webinar: Words of Experience: Developing an Electronic and Information (EIT) Accessibility Policy

    Words of Experience: Developing an Electronic and Information (EIT) Accessibility Policy

    October 6, 2016 at 2pm – 3pm ET

    You recognize the need for an electronic information technology (EIT) policy at your college or university, but now what? In this webinar, the Johns Hopkins University (JHU) EIT Accessibility Team reveals how they successfully went about planning, designing, and implementing an accessibility policy at their institution.
    Register now!

  • webinar: National Research Results: How Colleges Nationwide Are Handling Captioning

    National Research Results: How Colleges Nationwide Are Handling Captioning

    October 12, 2016 at 2pm – 3pm ET

    Earlier this year, the Oregon State University Ecampus Research Unit conducted two nationwide research projects on closed captioning in higher education. In this webinar, Dr. Katie Linder, the head researcher on the project, will present for the first time on the findings of the institutional survey. Katie will take a close look at the results from over 50 colleges and universities nationwide, focusing on the challenges of and solutions for captioning.
    Register now!

  • webinar: An Architect of the ADA on Its Application to Modern Technology

    An Architect of the ADA on Its Application to Modern Technology

    October 20, 2016 at 2pm – 3pm ET

    In this webinar, one of the architects of the ADA, Bobby Silverstein, will discuss his perspective on the development of the ADA, as well as on its application to modern technology, the Internet, and accessible workplace technology.
    Register now!

  • webinar: Quick Start to Captioning

    Quick Start to Captioning

    December 8, 2016 at 2pm – 2:30pm ET

    Watch this webinar to learn the basics of how to add closed captions to online video to make it fully accessible, searchable, and SEO-friendly. This webinar covers Section 508 and ADA accessibility compliance, creation of closed captions, explanation of caption formats and video player compatibility, as well as an overview of automated workflows and integration with lecture capture and video platforms.
    Register now!

Category: Accessibility in Online Learning, Open Educational Resources, Professional Development, Universal Design for Learning UDL | LEAVE A COMMENT
April 26

Brightspace Minnesota Connection Follow-up

Photo credit: www.brightspace.com

Photo credit: www.brightspace.com

As promised, we are giving the highlights from the Brightspace Minnesota Connection conference two weeks ago.  You can find the links to presentations, photos, and videos from various breakout sessions here. Topics varied from D2L Brightspace tools and pedagogical applications, to flipped classrooms, widgets, accessibility, and many more! Enjoy!

Category: Accessibility in Online Learning, Course Design, D2L Tip of the Month, Future Trends, How Does It Work?, Online Teaching Pedagogy, Open Educational Resources, Professional Development | LEAVE A COMMENT
March 29

Brightspace Minnesota Connection Conference (formerly known as D2L Ignite)

Friday, April 15, 2016
8am-4pm (Central Time)

Normandale Community College
9700 France Ave S
Bloomington, MN

Brightspace Minnesota Connection is your opportunity to connect with your peers and D2L staff, exchange product feedback, share effective practices, and network with other Brightspace users. Connection will showcase teaching and learning within Brightspace, and sessions will feature topics such as effective practices in instructional design, technology integration, and administrative management. This event is sponsored by D2L, along with Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and St. Catherine University.

Register for Brightspace MN Connection Conference
Registration Rate: $95 USD
Presenters Rate: $50 USD
Group* Discount Rate: $75
*For groups of 5 or more, use discount code: GROUP20

Special Guest Keynote
Kenneth Chapman is the Vice President of Market Strategy for Desire2Learn (D2L), creator of the Brightspace learning management system. He and his team work closely with information management system groups and EDUCAUSE to research grant opportunities and explore new learning innovations. In one such project, Mr. Chapman helped design a gaming and simulation builder that lets instructors easily create engaging learning activities using online course content. Mr. Chapman has held a number of roles within D2L since 2002, including head of Research and Development. Several D2L patents are attributed to him. He earned dual bachelor’s degrees from the University of Guelph: one in Mathematics and Statistics; the other in Computing with a marketing specialization.

Category: Accessibility in Online Learning, Course Design, Online Teaching Pedagogy, Professional Development | LEAVE A COMMENT