February 28

Reminder: T4TL Workshop Today 2/28 and Tomorrow 3/1

Unleash Amazing Using Instructional Technology Tools 

Wednesday, Feb. 28 from noon- 1 in CH 106 OR Thursday, Mar. 1 from 3:30 – 4:30 in CH 106 OR use this link to join us remotely T4TL remote access.

Workshop Description:

Would you like to reach more students with the same email message, but you want it to feel more personal? Are you curious to know what other faculty are doing in the classroom with technology? Join the Technology for Teaching and Learning (T4TL) workshop to learn more about instructional technology tools.

  • Wednesday join Dr. Mark Petzold to hear more about how he uses D2L Intelligent Agents to reach out to his students without needing to create individual emails.
  • Thursday join Dr. Kannan Sivaprakasam to hear how he is using instructional technology tools like Respondus, LICEcap, Zoomit, and Clickers to engage his students in Chemistry.

We would love to see you in person, but if that is not convenient, please join us remotely to learn more.

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

 

October 5

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

What was updated in the post: Added Webinar Summary and Bloom’s Taxonomy Action Verbs handout (click Webinar Summary for document).

MOQI Webinar Logo

Awesome webinar provided yesterday through MOQI. Beth McMahon and Robin O’Callaghan presented on Learning Objectives over the lunch hour. Effective use of action-based facilitation, Beth designed the session to include a substantial amount of interaction which increased engagement and reduced the temptation to multi-task. It was great to see other SCSU representation at the event, Dr. Kate Mooney and Dr. Kristin Portz were also in attendance.

Webinar Summary:

What: Learning Objectives form the foundation of the course and provide students with your expectations of what needs to be done to meet the objectives. They also create a bridge to align course materials, instructional activities, and assessments.

Why: Learning objectives help both the student and instructor.

How: Use ABCDs of writing learning objectives when creating learning objectives.

Where: Put your learning objectives in a number of places throughout your course to help connect the dots for your students.

“Using learning objectives helps guide and direct students creating a state of expectations and avoiding leaving them in a state of wonder,” (Beth McMahon, 2017).

If you missed this webinar, don’t worry it will be offered again next semester.

July 6

2017 Minnesota eLearning Summit

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

 

This year’s MN eLearning Summit will happen August 2-3 in Normandale Community College. The program draft is already out and the HIED topics will range from online discussions, MOOCS, course development, telepresence classrooms, asynchronous courses, etc.

Registration is open and discounted for any MN State employee ($61.25 − Enter promo code C118 at checkout, by July 14).

Hope we see you there!

March 1

Books on Technology and Teaching and Learning

Nowadays, the majority of articles and news come to us instantly via blogs, websites, newsletters, online magazines. However, if you prefer to glance through books and have them as a manual while you are working on your courses, our library can offer plenty of good resources… and there is always the Inter-library Loan.

You can go to SCSU’s Center for Excellence in Teaching on the third floor of our library and loan them.

Below are a few recommended ones from the list, if you want to start thinking about facilitating an online course or building content for a future class:

  • Conquering the Content: A Step by Step Guide to Online Course Design, by Smith
  • Work by Palloff and Pratt (one of the books is The Virtual Student:A Profile and Guide to Working with Online Learners, there are a couple more)
  • E-Moderating, by Salman
  • Engaging the Online Learner: Activates and Resource for Creative Instruction, by Corrad and Donaldson
November 14

STAR Symposium 2017 – Call for Proposals

STAR Symposium photo credit to: https://mnqm.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/logo2.png

There’s still time to submit a proposal to present at the STAR Symposium! This is a state-wide conference focused on teaching and learning best practices. The all day conference is completely virtual – attend and present from your home or campus office. 

Call for proposals is open until November 21.  All presenters will receive training related to effective web-based presentation.

Share your Ideas

Do you have an innovative approach for engaging your students, managing your classroom, integrating best practices or collaborating for improvement? This is your opportunity to share the innovative work you’re doing at your institution, for your department and in your classroom! The STAR Symposium Planning Committee is seeking proposals  related to best practices and innovation related to teaching, technology, course design, faculty support, etc. for face-to-face, blended, and online courses and/or programs. Check this list for ideas for topics:

– Faculty Development and Support
– Course Design and Delivery
– Grading, Assessment and Feedback
– Student Engagement
– Technology Integration
– Measuring the Impact of Best Practices
– Other Innovations…

The committee is seeking both 50 minute and 25 minute presentations which will be offered concurrently. Individuals looking for information about the types of sessions offered last year are encouraged to review the STAR Conference Guide. (http://bit.ly/STARGuide16)

To submit your proposal, please complete this form. The conference planning committee will review all proposals and will contact everyone regarding the status of their proposal in December.

Registration is open!

Registration for the STAR Symposium is managed by Northland Community & Technical College. To register individuals or a group, use the STAR Symposium Registration Link (opens in a new window). The cost to attend the all-day conference is $50 (presenters pay $25).

June 8

ATT Summer Workshops: Updated Schedule

Summer Sessions Online Teaching Support

The Academic Technologies Team continues their series of workshops on How to get your course ready for online. Based on the attendance and input of attendees we have decided to exclude 2:30 pm sessions and to hold longer workshops that will focus on specific topics of faculty interest. Here is the full schedule with new time, room, and session details:

Date Session Description Time Place
Wednesday, June 8 Building Rubrics and Giving Feedback 11 am – 12 pm CH 455
Thursday, June 9 Essential D2L Plus Q & A Session 11 am – 12 pm CH 455
Wednesday, June 15 Intelligent Agents and Release Conditions 11 am – 12 pm CH 455
Thursday, June 16 Essential D2L Plus Q & A Session 11 am – 12 pm CH 455
Wednesday, June 22 Mediaspace Kaltura CaptureSpace Lite 11:30 am – 1 pm MC 206
Thursday, June 23 Essential D2L Plus Q & A Session 11:30 am – 12:30 pm MC 206
Wednesday, June 29 Quality Course Design 11:30 am – 1 pm MC 206
Thursday, June 30 Essential D2L Plus Q & A Session 11:30 am – 12:30 pm MC 206

We always hold an open door policy so should you need anything regarding online teaching pedagogy, D2L tools, best practices, Quality Matters™, or anything related to online course design and digital media we are available in our office, Miller Center 118.

For any further questions email att@stcloudstate.edu or call 320-308-2302.

Also, you can click below to view some of the topics we will cover:

Your Academic Technologies Team

 

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.)

December 10

Quality Matters Course Review Process FAQ

QM logoMinnesota has a statewide subscription to the internationally recognized quality assurance process Quality Matters. What is more, MOQI (Minnesota Online Quality Initiative) has put every effort to promote and help with this process throughout the MnSCU system.

This process is completely voluntary, yet we like to show how it can benefit both face-to-face and online  classes. Even if you do not want your course reviewed, just getting familiar with the QM rubric or having an internal review could benefit you. In this video, you can hear the answers to most frequently asked questions about the course review process from a MSU Mankato faculty member.

More stories can be found on the MOQI webpage here.