Site visits since 2008:
Description:
Scene: Student asks, “Why did you grade me that way,” or “You never told us that we would be graded on grammar.” Enter: Rubrics, scoring tools that clearly define assignment components with descriptions of levels of performance for each part. As we know, grading may be considered one of the most time consuming, frustrating, and sometimes dreaded aspects of teaching. Learning the basics of designing rubrics can help faculty save time grading and students in preparing assignments. Workshop participants will create their own rubric that can be adapted for any assignment or task. Advanced registration is required.
Description:
Join Faculty Development staff for a three-hour campus photo excursion. This workshop is geared towards beginning photographers. The first hour will be spent in the classroom learning about the features of digital cameras and best practices for using photos in course websites and Blackboard courses. Participants will then visit various campus locations, taking sample shots, and return to the lab to download and critique the photos. Please be prepared to bring your own equipment, including camera, owner's manual and fully-charged batteries. Advance registration is required.
Prerequisites:
Participants must bring a digital camera.
Duration:
3 hours
Description:
This hands-on workshop will demonstrate the mechanics of capturing video content from either analogue or digital formats, editing (including arranging video clips to order, adding titles, transition, music, and narration). This workshop will prepare participants to compile video clips from original formats to more efficient CD or DVD formats enhancing usability and transportation. Participants should be familiar with Windows and are recommended to bring video clips they would like to work on. Advanced registration is required and seating is very limited.
Duration:
3 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills
Description:
Learn the basics of creating and developing a course in Blackboard, NIU's Web Course Management System. Participants will get an overview of course layout and navigation, have an opportunity to place materials in a sample course, and also get assistance with requesting their own Blackboard courses. Participants who wish to request their courses during the workshop need to have an active NIU AccountID. [For information about NIU AccountIDs used in Blackboard, contact ITS Customer Support: helpdesk@niu.edu or 753-8100.] Workshop prerequisites: knowledge of Web browsing and basic computing skills. Advanced registration is required.
Duration:
3 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills; basic Web navigation skills
Description:
This hands-on workshop is a follow-up to the Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard workshop; we will cover the specifics of developing a course in Blackboard, including personalizing course navigation, setting up a materials-delivery structure and creating discussion areas. Participants will work in their own Blackboard courses and should bring to the session any course materials they want to upload or work with during the workshop. Files need to be on a flash drive (readable in a USB port) or on CD. Prerequisites: basic computer skills and attendance at the Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard workshop or previous experience using Blackboard. Advanced registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills; Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard or previous experience using Blackboard
Description:
Open lab provides an excellent opportunity for faculty and staff to ask specific questions about Blackboard and other teaching-related technologies. Staff from Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center will be on hand to individually address your questions. We cannot provide an overview of Blackboard at this session, but will be happy to answer specific questions about using Blackboard and other instructional technologies. No advanced registration required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
None
Description:
This two-hour hands-on workshop will cover the steps to basic audio capturing using a microphone and capturing audio from a CD player. This will include the use of common tools found on the Windows platform as well as some specialized audio capture software. Also covered will be some basic instructional design issues as well as strengths and limitations of the software tools. Participants should bring a music CD to the workshop . Participants will be using Microsoft recorder. Advanced registration is required and seating is very limited.
Duration:
2 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills; Participants should have a good understanding of the Windows directory structure including saving and accessing files.
Description:
Now that NIU has adopted the eInstruction® CPS personal response system (clickers), faculty can use this technology in conjunction with Blackboard to create an interactive learning experience. Faculty can use CPS in the classroom to engage students and provide them with instant feedback. Student assessment results can then be uploaded to Blackboard. This workshop is designed to explore the instructional possibilities of the CPS clicker system and its integration with Blackboard. Advanced registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills.
Description:
"A picture is worth a thousand words." "See it this way." "Here's the whole concept." Our brains are wired to take in complex information and make meaning of that information, especially when that information is presented visually. Concept maps can visually represent large amounts of data, provide a holistic representation of a concept, show connections and relationship among data, and enable you to plan and make choices by creating a road map of where you are going and where you have been. By integrating visuals with text, concept maps create a bird's eye view of the subject being presented, constructing a visual approach to communication. This hands-on workshop will provide practical and immediate applications in your courses. Advanced registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
None
Description:
This workshop will demonstrate the process of creating PDFs in order to facilitate online distribution of course material. This introductory workshop will provide hands-on opportunities to practice creating PDFs from scanners, application programs, as well as from Adobe Acrobat Professional. This software offers ease of use, flexibility, and low cost. An added advantage to learning about PDF files is that they are compatible with Blackboard Course Management System. No previous experience with scanning is necessary. Advanced registration is required.
Duration:
2 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills.
Description:
One great advantage to having an electronic syllabus is that students can keep current with course activities and policies without continuously having to request information from the faculty member. This hands-on workshop will assist faculty in creating an electronic version of their syllabus and discuss the practical formatting of the document for distribution online. We will be discussing uploading the document to Blackboard. Please bring a syllabus (draft or final version) with you. Files need to be on a flash drive (readable in a USB port) or on CD as the computers in the lab facility used for training do not have floppy or zip drives. Advanced registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills
Description:
Blogs are powerful web-based communication tools allowing for online journaling and collaboration, making it possible for anyone with basic computing skills to easily share information online. This hands-on workshop provides participants an opportunity to practice posting and commenting to a blog as well as creating their own blog. We will discuss the pedagogical implications and limitations of this online communication tool. Advanced registration required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills; basic Web navigation skills
Description:
Wikis are powerful web-based spaces that allow students to collaborate, share resources and build community learning environments. This hands-on workshop provides participants an opportunity to practice posting materials to a wiki and to create their own learning environment. We will discuss the pedagogical implications and limitations of this online resource. Advanced registration required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills; basic Web navigation skills
Description:
Presentation format is important, whether online or in the face-to-face classroom. Faculty have developed many strategies for engaging students in the traditional environment, but often struggle with how to present online “lecture” materials that capture students’ attention. This session is an overview of what makes online lectures engaging and provides hands-on opportunities to create a simple online lecture. Participants are invited to bring content with them on a USB device (thumb or jump drive) if they wish to begin creating an actual lesson. Advanced registration required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills; basic Web navigation skills
Description:
Its not necessary to be a graphic designer or an artist to create great looking PowerPoint slides. However, it helps to know fundamental design and presentation principles to better relay your intended message to your audience. In this interactive workshop we will first evaluate the effectiveness of an existing PowerPoint presentation using a visual design appraisal checklist. Workshop participants will then create their own presentations following sound design and presentation principles. Bring existing work for a friendly critique. Experience using Microsoft PowerPoint is required. Advanced registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
None
Description:
A number of important factors should be considered when designing or revising a course: what to teach, the methods and strategies used to teach, and how to make certain that learning is actually taking place. Approaching these factors and asking questions such as “What content can I cut?” and “What are the most effective ways I can incorporate activities,” can lead to organized and meaningful instruction. Participants will create a list of tips and techniques that can be immediately used as they develop or revise a course. Advanced registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
None
Description:
Providing and receiving feedback is known to enhance teaching and learning. But how (and why) do we choose the most appropriate form of feedback for any given situation? In this workshop we will discuss different forms of feedback, compare formative and summative feedback, and strategize which forms of feedback work best in different learning environments. Advanced registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
None
Description:
NIU is currently equipping many of its smart classrooms with SMART™ Interactive Pen Displays (IPD) which allow users to display, annotate and capture on-screen electronic material such as PowerPoint slides, video clips, and multimedia content. For example, users can simultaneously write on a projected PowerPoint slide, save the file, and then send it to others. Using Interactive Pen Displays as an instructional resource requires careful consideration of those features that would effectively support your teaching. This workshop is designed to explore the possible pedagogical possibilities of IPDs and to illustrate ways in which you can utilize a number of its tools and features such as screen shade, magnifier, pointer, and screen capture. Advanced registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
None
Description:
Learning objects (or electronic course components) can enhance a lesson and provide additional perspectives on a topic. Many faculty lack the time and resources to create their own learning objects but have found great online resources and repositories. This workshop will walk participants through the process of locating existing learning objects and linking them to their Blackboard courses (or webpage). Prerequisites: basic online search skills. Advanced registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic online search skills.
Description:
Have you ever wanted to liven up the classroom but didn’t know how? This workshop is designed for those who are interested in ways to involve students beyond basic classroom discussion. Come and explore the use of ice breakers and games to promote group cohesiveness, trust, and meaningful playfulness in the classroom. Several techniques will be presented that encourage students to begin thinking critically and developing reflective skills. Learn how to integrate low risk, inexpensive, quick, and adaptable games and ice breakers in your courses to inform and motivate your students. Advanced registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
None
Description:
Do you struggle to keep track of all your favorite Web sites and other online resources? Would you like to share the links to your favorite online resources with your colleagues or students? A new social bookmarking feature in Blackboard allows for the storing, classifying, sharing and searching of links through the practice of folksonomic tagging. This online session will introduce the social bookmarking capabilities in Blackboard and will explore several practical applications for implementing social bookmarking activities in the classroom. Advanced registration is required.
Duration:
1 hour
Prerequisites:
None
Description:
Blackboard communities have most of the same features and functionality as Blackboard courses but are meant to be used for NIU activities other than courses scheduled through Registration and Records. NIU departments, organizations, committees, and communities can request a Blackboard community from ITS for a fee for the purpose of communication, collaboration, and/or training. This hands-on session, open to faculty, staff and graduate teaching assistants, will provide an overview of Blackboard community tools and features. Advanced registration is required.
Duration:
2 hours
Prerequisites:
Knowledge of Web browsing and basic computing skills
Description:
Do you struggle to keep track of all your favorite websites and other online resources? Have you ever lost your folder of Internet bookmarks from your Web browser or wished you could access them from ANY computer? Would you like to share the links to your favorite online resources with your colleagues or students? Social bookmarking is a technique of storing, classifying, sharing and searching links through the practice of folksonomic tagging. This hands-on session will introduce the popular social bookmarking tool del.icio.us and explore several practical applications for implementing social bookmarking activities in the classroom. Advanced registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Knowledge of Web browsing and basic computing skills
Description:
Using PowerPoint to present course content has become standard practice in many classrooms today. Whether you advocate the use of PowerPoint or bemoan its pervasiveness, it is important to follow principles that make these presentations more meaningful. First we will discuss defining goals for using PowerPoint in the classroom followed by hands-on strategies to design and build an effective presentation. Familiarity with PowerPoint is required. Advanced registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Familiarity with PowerPoint.
Description:
Graphics can add interest, illustrate concepts and processes, clarify concepts, and communicate complex content. Word and PowerPoint have a very powerful graphics editor built right into the program that you can use to prepare visually pleasing and effective instruction. Come and explore some of the basic tips and tricks that can make adding simple graphics to a document. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
2 hours
Prerequisites:
Experience using Word and PowerPoint is required.
Description:
This hands-on workshop will highlight/review the assortment of different multimedia tools faculty can use to enhance their teaching skill set. Topics will include video/audio capture/editing, streaming video, integrating digital images to enhance PowerPoint presentations, short focused tutorials, multimedia integration into Blackboard, CD/DVD burning, developing portable e-portfolios. Participants should have a good understanding of the Windows directory structure including saving and accessing files. Advanced registration is required.
Duration:
2 hours
Prerequisites:
A good understanding of the Windows directory structure including saving and accessing files.
Description:
This session will combine discussion with some demonstration of how to deter cheating in the online academic environment. We will present some features in Blackboard that might help deal with cheating and welcome input from participants on strategies they have discovered for reducing student dishonesty. No advance registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills
Description:
If you have taught online, currently teach online, or want to learn more about online course development opportunities at NIU, please join your colleagues for an informal monthly discussion concerning aspects of online teaching and learning. Co-sponsored by Liberal Arts and Sciences External Programming. An Internet connection will be available. No advanced registration required. Plan to bring a lunch and join the emerging conversations. No advanced registration is required.
Duration:
1 hour
Prerequisites:
None
Description:
Delivering presentations is a way of life in higher education. It's also true that some presentations can be improved upon through careful planning and preparation, using just a few, simple strategies and techniques. We will discuss (and perform) practical ways to further develop your skills and increase your confidence when facilitating and presenting in the classroom, at conferences, in meetings, and other situations where you are a key presenter. Advanced registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
None
Description:
Good instruction does not (and should not) come without careful planning. Storyboards can assist with the development and organization of your instruction by visually outlining all of the elements including lecture, discussions, multimedia, and activities. The planning begins with a series of questions that address what you want the students to learn, what the students already know, what content will be covered, and what activities will be used. The next step is to visually communicate your ideas through outlines, sketches, and diagrams. The completed storyboard acts as a visual map of your instruction that helps organize sequence and highlight content, methods, and strategies and how they fit into the big picture of the entire semester. Bring ideas or a syllabus to begin creating your own storyboard. Advanced registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
None
Description:
Lately you’ve been thinking about whether or not to incorporate PowerPoint as part of your strategic course planning. Research is divided on the effectiveness of this ubiquitous software: some say that PowerPoint is wonderful while others bemoan its pervasiveness. This workshop will take a middle ground approach to see how PowerPoint can be used to enhance instruction. We will review basic but critical design elements, identify different ways to integrate PowerPoint throughout the semester, and learn how to create dynamic PowerPoint presentations that augment and transform your instruction to engage your students. Advanced registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic knowledge of PowerPoint.
Description:
Learn how to use Word's Track Changes feature to review and annotate documents such as term papers and take-home tests. As you edit/review a document, Track Changes will keep track of the changes you make in different color font and allow you to add comments to the document. You have the ability to print the document with all revision marks and comments or even send the document electronically. This feature is great for correcting student papers or editing other types of documents. Experience using Microsoft Word is required. Advanced registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Experience using Microsoft Word is required.
Description:
Research has shown that using visuals in teaching can positively affect learning. Visual literacy is defined as the ability to interpret and generate images for communicating ideas and concepts. This workshop will provide an introduction to visual literacy and include activities that can be immediately applied in the classroom. A variety of visual media will be available to illustrate concepts that support visual learning. Experience using Word is required. Advanced registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Experience using Microsoft Word is required.
Description:
This workshop will cover a host of web accessibility issues. The focus will be to encourage instructors to conceptualize their course to be "student centered," an approach that seeks to accommodate diverse learner needs. This introductory workshop will present "W3C Guidelines," and seek to raise awareness on critical issues that should be addressed when developing a course website. While not a hands-on workshop, participants will review websites that represent varying degrees of accessibility. No previous experience with web design is necessary. The topic of this workshop is sure to garner great interest so please register early. Advanced registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
None
Description:
Locating what you want on the Internet can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. You know it is there, but how do you find it? Thousands of web pages are created each day! Search engines permit you to perform key work searches, but not all search engines are alike. Google has references to over six billion web pages, but what do you do when Google doesn't find what you need? This hands-on session offers many practical solutions for finding the information you are looking for on the WWW and will assist you in implementing search strategies for the students in your class. Advanced registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills; basic Web browsing skills
Description:
his resident feature of the Microsoft XP operating system provides users with a basic but useful video- editing program for novices. This workshop will provide an introductory hands-on session that will enable attendees to capture and edit video using MS Movie Maker. Issues to be discussed include the pedagogy of using video for instructional purposes, the range of video capture devices, saving in different video file formats, and several editing techniques. Previous experience with video editing software is not required. Advanced registration is required.
Duration:
2 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills
Description:
Instructional goals are broad, generalized statements about what is to be learned. Instructional objectives, on the other hand, are focused measurable statements which will help you and your students reach your goals. When written well, instructional goals and objectives will assist in identifying course content, help organized your instruction, and best of all, help students achieve your expectations. In this workshop, we will review the characteristics of instructional goals and objectives and practice writing these two important components of successful instruction. Please bring a course syllabus to the workshop for a friendly critique of your stated objectives. Advanced registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
None
Last Updated: 04/28/2008
