December 6

MOQI Webinars for Spring Semester 2018

MOQI Webinar LogoAre you looking for professional development opportunities without needing to leave your office? MOQI has just the thing for you. Check out the list of FREE webinars  scheduled from January through April. Review the list, find something of interest, and register today.  The MN Quality Online Initiative (MOQI) promotes quality course design through professional development and statewide collaboration. 

Wed. January 10, 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.

Register for webinar: https://mnquality.eventbrite.com
Wed. January 24, 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
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: Professional Development, Uncategorized | LEAVE A COMMENT
November 15

Some Highlights of the November 28th MR3 Update

Just a few highlights from the update. Some are new features, others are fixes to issues experienced by on-campus users.

– HTML Accessibility Checker. (new feature)

  • An accessibility checker is now available within the HTML Editor for use within Content, Widgets, Quizzes, Assignments, Calendar, and any other tools where an instructor or student can access the HTML Editor.
  • The accessibility checker is available on the HTML Editor bar. After you add content to the HTML Editor, you can click the checker to ensure that the HTML page conforms to WCAG and Section 508 accessibility standards.
    • location of the new accessibility checker in the D2L WYSIWYG editor

– Assignment folders available as release conditions again! (fix)

  • This is a fix. Since the last update it has not been possible to use any of the Assignment folder conditions as a release condition. With this release this bug has been squashed!

– Long Answer (LA) question renamed Written Response (WR) (change)

  • The Long Answer (LA) question type (Quizzes, Surveys) has a new name: Written Response (WR). Nothing about the functionality of the question type has changed.

– THE ICONS ARE BACK!!! (update)

  • Previously, icons displayed in Content to help users distinguish between content file types (for example, an icon for a video topic or an icon for a discussion topic). Now, icons reflecting the Daylight look and feel are re-introduced in Content. These icons are visible in the main Table of Contents view, the Module Content view, and the Table of Contents fly-out menu when viewing a topic or activity.
    •  

– Quizzes – shuffle question order at quiz level (new feature)

  • To discourage cheating in quizzes, instructors can now shuffle the order of all questions in quizzes or specific groups of questions (sections) in quizzes. For example, an instructor could shuffle questions 1-10 in a quiz, or shuffle questions 3-10 (grouping those questions into a section) and retain the order of questions 1-2 at the start of the quiz.
  • When editing a quiz in the Quizzes tool, a new option to Shuffle order of questions at the quiz level displays in the Quiz Questions section. When creating a new section to group specific questions in a quiz, a new option to Shuffle order of questions in this section is visible in the Display Options section.
    •  
  • Once the shuffle option is selected, a shuffle icon appears next to each affected question in the quiz.
    •  

– Hide Assignment folders (new feature)

  • Instructors can now set the visibility state for draft content within assignment submission folders in Content and Assignments. When content is in a draft state, it is not visible to learners in Brightspace Learning Environment.
  • When instructors have set the visibility to draft, the hidden icon appears in the instructor view of the assignment.

 

The full release notes: MR3 Release Notes and Fixed Issues (PDF)

Category: Product Watch, Professional Development, Uncategorized | 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
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
March 28

Special Interest Group: Learning Spaces and Instructional Technology webinars and Campus Tour

Special Interest Group (SIG) is again organizing a series of free and open to anyone Learning Spaces and Instructional Technology  webinars. What is new is that they have prepared a Learning Space Tour at Hennepin Technical College on April 8. You can register for these events here: http://mnquality.eventbrite.com

Special Interest Group Learning Spaces and Instructional Technology webinars March AprilSpecial Interest Group Campus Tour

Category: Accessibility in Online Learning, Course Design, Online Teaching Pedagogy, Professional Development, Quality Matters | LEAVE A COMMENT
February 17

8 MOOCs that Support Technology in Teaching

online_livingroom 011An article written by Dian Schaffhauser on Campus Technology website has listed 8 MOOCs that can help faculty learn more on technology use in classroom (“8 MOOCs for Better Technology-Enhanced Teaching”). These professional development opportunities are, of course, open and offered through different universities. They are offered at different times, are self paced, and you can take what interests you the most from them. I will list them as they appear in the article.

1) Instructional Design Service Course: Gain Experience for Good    (starts February 22; runs 12 weeks; requires 2-3 hours of work per week, Canvas platform, Description: Learn how to create open educational resources (OER) for people in adult basic education programs.)

2) Becoming a Blended Learning Designer    (starts February 22; runs for 5 weeks; requires 2-3 hours of work per week, canvas paltform, Description: This MOOC will talk you through the Blended Learning Toolkit, a free, open resource for institutions that want to develop or expand their blended learning programs.)

3) Teaching with Tablets  (February 29, 2016; runs for 5 weeks; requires about 3 hours of work per week, Blackboard platform, Description: Intended for educators from elementary school through higher ed, this MOOC will cover the use of iPads and other tablets for teaching and learning.)

4) Accessibility: Designing and Teaching Courses for All Learners  (February 22, 2016; runs 6 weeks, Canvas, Description: Your chance to gain the knowledge and skills to design inclusive learning experiences, especially for students with disabilities.)

5) Disability Awareness and Support  (Timeline: Self-paced, Coursera, Description: Advance your understanding of accessibility issues in education, including legislation, universal design and assistive technologies.)

6) Prior Learning Assessment for Educators and Industry (February 22; runs 3 weeks; requires 2 hours of work per week, Canvas, Description: This course will teach you how to develop policies and articulations for credit for prior learning (CPL), explain the use of portfolios and assessments and introduce you to existing credit “crosswalks” and assessment resources.)

7) Blended Learning Essentials: Getting Started (March 7; runs for 5 weeks; requires about 4 hours of work per week, FutureLearn platform, Description: This UK-produced course covers multiple practices and pedagogies to help participants learn how to use blended or hybrid tools and technologies “with confidence.” The “getting started” session is followed by an additional series on “embedding the practices.”)

8) Leaders of Learning (May 2016; runs 6 weeks; requires 2-4 hours of work per week, edX platform, Description: Richard Elmore, a professor of educational leadership in the Harvard Graduate School of Education, takes participants on a tour of the “shifting landscape of learning.” You’ll explore how learning is changing in a digital culture.)

Category: Accessibility in Online Learning, Course Design, Online and Distance Education, Online Teaching Pedagogy, Open Educational Resources, Professional Development | LEAVE A COMMENT
November 24

NCDAE Accessibility Resources

photocredit: ncdae.org NCDAE Cheatsheets screenshot

 

National Center on Disability and Access to Education (© NCDAE) has developed a list of resources that can help with accessibility. If you wonder how to make your documents more accessible, you can find tips for Word, PDF, PowerPoint, and Excel files. You can also find some resources on Adobe and Web content issues. They are on the NCDAE website, and they call them Cheatsheets.

Click here to access these great accessibility resources.

Category: Accessibility in Online Learning, How Does It Work?, Online Teaching Pedagogy, Open Educational Resources | LEAVE A COMMENT