BLACKBOARD TIMELINE OF 

EVENTS FOR WINTER 2012 AND SPRING 2013

October 9^th 

• 2012 Winter Intersession course shells available
•  Instructors who are teaching Winter sections will have access to previous Winter 2011 and 2012 course content

November 15^th

• Blank Spring 2013 course shells available to all instructors
• Only courses from Spring 2012 will be available for reuse at this time

December 15^th 

• Fall 2011 and Summer 2012 courses and content available for copy into Winter 2012 and Spring 2013 blank shells

December 17^th 

• Fall 2012 courses will be will be moved to the in-house system (completion scheduled for January 9th)

• DO NOT MAKE ANY CHANGES TO YOUR FALL 2012 COURSES, ANY CHANGES MADE WILL NOT BE COPIED OVER

• Faculty and students will still have access to their Fall 2012 courses for final exams, grades, assignments, etc. until December 22^nd

•  No work should be done by students for Fall 2012 incompletes or by faculty between Dec. 17^th and Jan. 9^th

December 19^th

•  Students will have access to new in-house system for Winter 2012 courses and Fall 2012 incompletes only  

• Students should now use the new Board of Regents (BOR) Help Desk

December 22^nd  

• Current Blackboard Learn hosted system will no longer be available 

• All faculty and students will be working in the in-house system

December 31^st

• Blackboard’s 24/7 help desk is no longer available

• New BOR Help Desk information is provided in college templates

January 9^th  

• All Spring, Summer, Fall 2012 content will be available in the new in-house system

Web 2.0 Tools: You Have Choices!

The MCC ETDL department is a big proponent of the idea that the use of technology in the classroom should always supplement valuable content. Meaning, flashy trends should never outstrip the information being presented. That being said, when a new trend is effective in presenting content we will promote it, especially when it is free!

 Alternatives to PowerPoint

Microsoft PowerPoint is a very useful, and ubiquitous, tool when it comes to presentations in the classroom. From student projects, faculty lectures, or staff presentations it seems like PowerPoint slideshows are the go to method for displaying information to an audience. However, PowerPoint does have its drawbacks. For example, it lacks a level of engagement with the audience. And in world where instant gratification and visual stimuli have become the norm, it might be time to look for alternatives to PowerPoint.

A different approach to slideshows might be Prezi, an online presentation maker which uses a visually dynamic method to help keep your audience engaged. Here is an example of presentation I made which gives a short overview of Prezi's capabilities:


 To view click on the PLAY button and then click the right arrow to advance the slides or select the "autoplay" button

 

 Sign up for your free Prezi education account here: Signup 

You will need to use your MCC.commnet.edu address to qualify for this account, wait for your confirmation email and start creating!

 

 If you would like more information or need assistance please contact the ETDL Sandbox

Embedding Educational Videos in Blackboard Learn

Although it is summer, it is never too early to begin thinking about the fall!

If you have already taken Blackboard Learn training at MCC, you might remember that Blackboard Learn has a built-in plugin that allows faculty to embed YouTube videos right inside their course. The benefit of embedding a video, as opposed to posting a link for students to follow, is that it ensures a student remains in their Blackboard Learn course rather than navigating to a new webpage, where they might become distracted. However, YouTube videos have some of their own problems, especially when it comes to searching for educational material. From questionable content and limited results, in both content and copyright laws, YouTube might not always be the best place to find educational resources.

The MCC Library is now providing a more reliable service, in the way of video content, to all faculty and staff with Films on Demand (FOD). FOD has hundreds of educational videos, which can be easily embedded within a Blackboard Learn course or projected in the classroom and is free to faculty and staff. What is great about FOD is that it allows a user to search for videos through  a standard search bar function, but also by subject topic or through FOD’s Special Collections series, which organizes videos by a wide range of publishers from NBC, The History Channel, PBS, TED Talks, and others. Don’t want to embed or show a whole half an hour video to your students? Unlike Blackboard’s YouTube plug-in, FOD allows for the embedding of videos to play by segment chapters, which starts the video directly at the chapter segment you want students to view.

The ETDL department has created a How To for embedding a FOD video in Blackboard Learn course, which you can read or download here: Films On Demand How To PDF

If you would like to know more about Films On Demand please contact the MCC Sandbox

Using Google Maps in the Classroom

Lots of people have used Google Maps to find directions, but did you know it can also be a powerful tool in the classroom? The use of Google Maps in the classroom creates an engaging atmosphere with students by merging ideas with visual representation. By signing up for a free Google account you can access the My Maps feature of Google Maps and create your own editable map. Here is an example of a quick map I created that explores the travels of Marco Polo. Click on any of the blue points to view the description, image, or video that I have added.

For a better representation of the map click here: Large Map





When you create a My Map you can add pictures and descriptions to locations, add hyperlinks, embed videos, and create your own emphasis of events through routes, lines, and shapes. Some uses of the My Maps tool in the classroom could be:

• In English you could show the history and progression of the Romantic literary period
• In Science you could create a visual representation of the spread of a pandemic or scientific idea
• In Social Science you could demonstrate the movements of ethnic groups
• In Geography you could create a map of land resources and waterways 
• In History you could show the movements of a battle or a route of conquest 

You can embed or link your own maps into PowerPoint slides, in your Blackboard Learn course, or through an extension with Google Earth for a 3D representation
Here is a Google created tutorial on how to easily create your own My Map:



 


If you would like more information or assistance in creating your own Google Map for the classroom please contact the Sandbox!

Show, Don't Tell: Technology in the Classroom

Kansas State University professor Michael Wesch is a major proponent for the integration of emerging technology in the classroom. He has hosted TED talks on enriching classroom experience through technology, was given an award by Wired magazine for his successful implementation of a modern classroom in the digital age, and named national professor of the year by the Carnegie Foundation. However, some faculty who have failed to duplicate his methods for success have questioned his approach to integration, which led professor Wesch to reexamine his ideas. This article follows Wesch’s story, from his initial success, to the reassessment of his methods, and finally to his own conclusion that technology used wisely and serves a purpose, is still a great tool for engaging students and enhancing learning. Wesch’s experience is a great reminder to all faculty, that technology is a only tool in the learning environment, and should serve a function and not merely act as a distraction.

The Chronicle of Higher Education article can be found here:  Professor Reboots

On a lighter note: Edudemic.com has put together an entertaining, and for some nostalgic, look at the evolution of technology in the classroom from 1650 all the way to 2010. Its an interesting glimpse at not only the history of  instructional technology, but also demonstrates that the integration of technology in the classroom is nothing new. This article enforces the idea that emerging technology is nothing to fear as it has been with us and will continue to evolve at a relative pace.
The Edudemic article can be found here:  Evolution of Classroom Technology

ETDL Quicksteps Demo Series

 The ETDL department will be hosting a half hour demo series this Spring regarding different types of technology. 

All Quickstep demonstrations will be held in Sandbox (LRC B130) and will start at 12:00 and end at 12:30 pm with time allotted for questions. The demonstrations DO NOT require registration.  Just drop-in, enjoy learning, and think about the ways you could incorporate new technology applications in your course!

 

ETDL Quicksteps Demo Series will cover:

Monday 3/26/12 with Tim Boto
Cool Presentations: From Mapping to Easy Video:  This tour of alternatives to PowerPoint will show how easy it is to create video slide shows and maps. Most of these web-based applications are free and can enliven presentations in the classroom, online or at a conference.

Monday 4/02/12 with Tim Boto
Films on Demand:  FOD hosts numerous educational films, which can be linked or embedded right into your Blackboard Learn Course.

Monday 4/09/12 with Tim Boto
Twitter in the classroom:  Twitter is a powerful tool that can send text messages to many people instantly via the Web or a mobile device. This session will explore ways to use Twitter to enhance student participation and work with short attention spans!

Monday 4/16/12 with Tim Boto
Social Bookmarking and Annotating:  Whether you are working at home, at school, or at any computer you can access your bookmarks, and annotate sites and information. You can also use these sites to help students conduct and document their research.

Thursday 4/26/12 with Tim Boto
Group conversations with Voicethread:  Online class discussions often lack interactivity and engagement. Voicethread is a tool to create online discussions around a document, video or a picture. Students engage in discussions with Voicethread by adding audio/text/webcam/doodle comments.

Monday 5/07/12 with Tim Boto
Screen capturing with Jing:  Sometimes it is easier to show rather than explain how to accomplish a task. Jing is a free screen-capturing program where you can record your computer screen. Show your students how to use special software or complete a class assignment using Jing.

Monday 5/14/12 with Tim Boto
Second Life Demo:  Take a tour of MCC’s SL campus and see how SL is being used in teaching and learning here and at institutions throughout the world.

Monday 5/21/12 with Tim Boto
Films on Demand:  FOD hosts numerous educational films, which can be linked or embedded right into your Blackboard Learn Course.

Tuesday 5/22/12 with Tim Boto
Social Bookmarking and Annotating:  Whether you are working at home, at school, or at any computer you can access your bookmarks, and annotate sites and information. You can also use these sites to help students conduct and document their research.

Wednesday 5/23/12 with Tim Boto
iTunes U: The iTunes U app gives students access to all the materials for a course in a single place. Right in the app, they can play video or audio lectures. Read books and view presentations. 

Thursday 5/24/12 with Tim Boto
Screen-capturing with Jing:  Sometimes it’s easier to show rather than explain how to accomplish a task. Jing is a free screen-capturing program where you can record your computer screen. Show your students how to use special software or complete a class assignment using Jing.

Friday 5/25/12 with Sarah Calvert
Getting to Know Windows 7:   The latest operating system, Windows 7, is coming to MCC.   It has already been deployed in some offices and classrooms.  In this demonstration session, we’ll explore the differences between Windows 7 and Windows XP and get acquainted with the new features.

Blackboard Learn Training Available at MCC

The Educational Technology & Distance Learning department is currently offering numerous training sessions and web based seminars (webinars) to help faculty in the transition from Blackboard Vista to the new Blackboard Learn course management system. Blackboard Learn will be implemented throughout the Community College System starting with the Fall 2012 semester. It is important that all faculty members become familiar and comfortable with Bb Learn now to ensure student success in the future.

Registration for training sessions offered at MCC is limited and filling up fast, so make sure you register early.

For upcoming training sessions currently offered at MCC, follow this link: MCC Training to view the ETDL Bb Learn training calendar. Before you begin registering for training session be aware that:

• Faculty who have not used Blackboard Vista in the past will need to first take the "Getting Started" workshop in order to familiarize themselves with the Bb Learn course management system.
• Faculty who have previously used Blackboard Vista will need to first take the "Transitioning to Bb Learn" workshop before registering for advanced workshops.

To view a list of all available training sessions and to register for workshops, click on this link: IITT Course Cart. From the Course Cart homepage click on the Launch button, enter your Banner ID credentials, and select the Blackboard Learn course that applies to your level of experience.

Webinars 

The ETDL Sandbox is also facilitating the Blackboard Innovative Teaching Series (BITS), which will demonstrate the effective use of Blackboard Learn to ensure efficient and worthwhile course management and implementation in order to promote student success. However, be aware that the BITS webinars will not replace the "Getting Started" and "Transitioning to Bb Learn" training workshops offered at MCC, they are only a supplemental series of webinars to assist Faculty in their knowledge of Blackboard Learn’s potential. The topics discussed will include:

• Wikis, Blogs, Forums, Journals—Which One Do I Use & Why?
• Real Examples for Using Adaptive Release
• Tips and Tricks for Utilizing Video and Media in Your Course
• Online Testing: How to Use Standard CMS Tools to Reduce Cheating
• What is My Role in the Online Classroom? Ways to Engage and Interact with Your Online Students  
• Why and How to Best Use Rubrics in Blackboard Learn 9.1
  
  

Registration for the BITS webinars is open to all MCC faculty and staff. Each webinar will be streamed in the Sandbox LRC B130, and runs an hour long with time allotted at the end for questions. Faculty interested in improving their knowledge of Blackboard Learn, and effective course management is invited to attend in person or to register and view from the convenience of their home or office computer.

Registration to view the BITS webinars in the Sandbox (LRC B130) is not required. If however, you choose to view the webinars from your home or office follow this link: BITS Registration to register.

For more information or assistance, please contact the ETDL staff (sandbox@mcc.commnet.edu)