Designing Group Work for Meaningful Learning
Tuesday, September 1, 2009 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm
Research shows that students learn best when they are actively involved in the learning process. When effectively implemented, group work can be the catalyst to engage students in dynamic and meaningful learning environments. In this workshop, we will explore a number of different types of group structures, the benefits of group work and how to handle group work pitfalls. Advanced registration is required.
Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard
Thursday, September 3, 2009 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
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 and will have an opportunity to place materials in a sample course. Participants will be assisted with requesting their own Blackboard courses. Participants who wish to request their courses during the workshop need to have an active NIU Account ID. Advanced registration is required.
Blackboard II: Building Your Blackboard Course
Wednesday, September 9, 2009 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am
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 should be on a flash drive (readable in a USB port) or on CD. Advanced registration is required.
Effective Delivery Techniques: Little Things that Make a Big Difference
Thursday, September 10, 2009 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm
Presentations and lectures do not succeed entirely on the knowledge of the presenter. Sometimes it is the little things that make a big difference, like organizing content on the board or delivering content at the right pace. In this workshop, we will discuss delivery and presentation techniques that can help you reach and engage with your students. Advanced registration required.
Blackboard 8.0 Grade Center I: Basic Features
Friday, September 11, 2009 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am
With the recent upgrade of the Blackboard course management system to version 8.0, NIU faculty will see an entirely redesigned and newly named Grade Center. This hands-on workshop will review the significant changes in the layout and functionality of the Grade Center and will cover such topics as recording grades using inline editing, entering comments, sending email from the Grade Center, using interactive and non-interactive views, and customizing the default Grade Center look. Additionally, such topics as creating calculated grades, hiding, displaying and freezing columns, Grade Center searching and sorting functionalities will also be covered. Prerequisites: attendance at the Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard workshop or previous experience using Blackboard. Advanced registration is required.
Blackboard 8.0 Self and Peer Assessment
Tuesday, September 15, 2009 from 9:30 am to 11:00 am
This hands-on workshop covers one of the most exciting new features in Blackboard 8.0, the Self and Peer Assessment tool. This tool allows students to submit work through Blackboard which can then be evaluated by a random group of fellow students. Students may even reflect upon and evaluate their own work. This session will explore some practical applications for using Self and Peer Assessment in a course. Participants will experience the Self and Peer Assessment process and will create a Self and Peer Assessment in Blackboard. Prerequisites: basic computer skills and attendance at the Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard workshop or previous experience using Blackboard. Advanced registration is required.
Presidential Teaching Professor Seminar: "Incorporating the Iraq War into the NIU Classroom,”
by Dr. Jeffrey Chown (Department of Communication)
Wednesday, September 16, 2009, Capitol Room, Holmes Student Center
Refreshments from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm, Seminar from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Oftentimes the university curriculum is slow to respond to the need for information and perspective on important current events. Dr. Chown will detail his efforts to explore the Iraq War and its implications for documentary film theory. He will present clips from a student-produced documentary on NIU war veterans that originated in one of his seminars. No registration is no required. Everyone is welcome!
Introduction to Blackboard Communities
Friday, September 18, 2009 from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
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.
Blackboard 8.0 Grade Center II: Advanced Features
Tuesday, September 22, 2009 from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm
With the recent upgrade of the Blackboard course management system to version 8.0, NIU faculty will see an entirely redesigned and newly named Grade Center with many new advanced features. This workshop will briefly review the significant changes in the layout and functionality of the new Grade Center in Blackboard 8.0 and will then cover advanced topics of Grade Center management, such as smart views, grading schemas, downloading /uploading grades, and setting up grading periods. Additionally, such topics as managing categories, managing grading history/reverting grades, and creating grading reports will also be covered. Prerequisites: attendance at the Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard workshop or previous experience using Blackboard and attendance at the Grade Center I: Basic Features workshop. Advanced registration is required.
Scaffolding to Improve Learning
Wednesday, September 23, 2009 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm
Scaffolding is a teaching technique that provides temporary support to help students learn a concept until help is no longer needed. Scaffolding, also known as modeling or coaching, can take many forms such as presenting examples, giving explanations, and using advance organizers, all which gain from students’ existing knowledge of the material. This workshop will cover the principles of scaffolding and ways scaffolding can be used in the classroom. Advanced registration is required.
Blackboard Open Lab
Thursday, September 24, 2009 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, Adams Hall 323
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.
**NEW** Using Social Networking Technologies to Foster Student Collaboration
Tuesday, September 29, 2009 from 9:30 am to 11:00 am
Social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Ning, and LinkedIn provide faster and more engaging online communication, help students and educators stay together, and offer a number of unique ways for students to enhance their learning experience through active communication and exchange of ideas. This workshop will provide an overview the Facebook Blackboard Learn application and the LinkedIn social site, as well offer a hands-on instruction on how to create a social network in Ning and use Twitter to facilitate information sharing in a collaborative learning environment. Advanced registration is required.
**NEW** Timesaving Tips Using the New Blackboard Grade Center
**ONLINE** Wednesday, September 30, 2009 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
The redesigned Grade Center in Blackboard 8.0 provides not only an easier-to-use interface for posting grades and feedback for students but also numerous new features including smart views, grading periods, and calculated columns for more easily accessing, entering, sorting, and managing grades in Blackboard. This online workshop will share proven tips and best practices for configuring the Blackboard Grade Center that will save you time and make it easier than ever before to post grades and provide feedback to students. Advanced registration is required.
Please register online at http://www.facdev.niu.edu/facdev/forms/taprogreg.shtml.
Locations will be made available when you register. If you register for a program (except for those programs that already have registration and cancellation deadlines) and are unable to attend, please notify the Center at least two working days in advance so that those on the waiting list can be given the opportunity to attend that program. We request that participants have an active NIU AccountID and password before coming to workshops. Contact ITS (815-753-8100) for information concerning IDs. Contact sponsoring units for more information about their programs.
<< Previous Month | Next Month >> | Current Month | Year View
Last Updated: 09/18/2009