- Using YouTube to Support Online Instruction, Ken Haley at Paris Junior College
- Strategies for Successfully Teaching Math Online, Carrie Naughton at Inver Hills Community College
- Expanding the Discussion Board, LindaLee Massoud at Mott Community College
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Instructional Technology Council Newsletter
Check out the latest from the Instructional Technology Council's Newsletter.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Last Call for Conference Proposals
Southeast Regional Conference • May 30–June 1, 2012 • Tampa, Florida
The deadline is closing in for you to submit a proposal to speak at the Southeast Regional Conference, "The Way Forward...Engaging Technologies, Relationships and Communities." Help create an innovative and informative program, make valuable contacts, gain personal recognition, and promote your institution's achievements.
Submit your proposal by December 7.
The context of higher education today requires strategies and support to engage across campus, with local communities, and within and across disciplinary and global boundaries.
It's our intentional engagement with technologies, relationships, and communities that ensures not just effective technology planning and procurement but also the necessary services and support for IT—from teaching and learning to administrative processes.
Effective collaboration and engagement in all of these contexts challenge us to move beyond the boundaries of our assumed technical proficiencies to develop the skills and processes that are necessary to build and sustain stronger organizations that can achieve the critical organizational mission and goals of the academy.
Don't forget: Submit your proposal by December 7.
The deadline is closing in for you to submit a proposal to speak at the Southeast Regional Conference, "The Way Forward...Engaging Technologies, Relationships and Communities." Help create an innovative and informative program, make valuable contacts, gain personal recognition, and promote your institution's achievements.
Submit your proposal by December 7.
The context of higher education today requires strategies and support to engage across campus, with local communities, and within and across disciplinary and global boundaries.
It's our intentional engagement with technologies, relationships, and communities that ensures not just effective technology planning and procurement but also the necessary services and support for IT—from teaching and learning to administrative processes.
Effective collaboration and engagement in all of these contexts challenge us to move beyond the boundaries of our assumed technical proficiencies to develop the skills and processes that are necessary to build and sustain stronger organizations that can achieve the critical organizational mission and goals of the academy.
Don't forget: Submit your proposal by December 7.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Using the Blog and Wiki Tools in Blackboard for a Group Project
Athena Smith, Sociology Instructor at the Brandon Campus, uses blogs and wikis successfully in her courses. Here, Athena shares two social sciences group projects that utilize the Blog and Wiki tools in Blackboard.
The word “wiki” means “fast” in Hawaiian and refers to a technology that allows participants to edit a page. The fact that students may edit each other’s work and have their own contributions edited encourages them to write with more attention to detail, accuracy, reason and proper documentation. Possible projects may evolve along the following lines:
PROJECT ONE
First Step takes place on a blog:
There is an island in the Pacific with a few natives and plenty of natural resources. You have requested to move there for the next 30 years with a few people that you may choose to start a new society. There are 15 people on the applicants’ list. You may choose only 6. Explain your choices by posting comments on the blog. The 9 top choices will be shifted into the Wiki section, where you can add/edit justifications for eliminating three and keeping the 6 final choices.
In the Blog we can watch the students explain their choices. The discussion brings to surface preconceived notions, life goals, latent prejudices, thinking processes. The students may comment to each other’s choices, approving, disapproving, adding new details, debating. During this step, students are free to repost with new choices. Once the blog closes after one or two weeks, the professor picks the top 9 choices and moves the discussion in the Wiki section.
Second Step takes place in the Wiki
Here the students are in charge of the game. They are free to edit each other’s contributions in order to approve or disapprove of a choice. Eventually, we will observe certain choices being deleted, with the approval of the majority of the students. The students are asked to evaluate and interpret from a sociological angle the basis for the final choices.
PROJECT TWO
First Step takes place on a blog:
Have the students read a provocative article (the one I used most recently was Dutch rethink Christianity for a doubtful world
The students are asked to write a letter to Rev Klaas Hendrikse. In the blog they start exchanging opinions about the ideas of Mr. Hendrikse. They comment to each other and debate. The blog closes after one or two weeks and the Wiki opens.
Second Step takes place in the Wiki
The professor is posting an outline of the letter that comprises the most prevalent points made by the students’ contributions on the blog. The students are asked to add/edit until they come up with a final version approved by the majority.
How do you use Blogs and Wikis in your class? Share in the comments area below.
The word “wiki” means “fast” in Hawaiian and refers to a technology that allows participants to edit a page. The fact that students may edit each other’s work and have their own contributions edited encourages them to write with more attention to detail, accuracy, reason and proper documentation. Possible projects may evolve along the following lines:
PROJECT ONE
First Step takes place on a blog:
There is an island in the Pacific with a few natives and plenty of natural resources. You have requested to move there for the next 30 years with a few people that you may choose to start a new society. There are 15 people on the applicants’ list. You may choose only 6. Explain your choices by posting comments on the blog. The 9 top choices will be shifted into the Wiki section, where you can add/edit justifications for eliminating three and keeping the 6 final choices.
- A lawyer who has become wealthy through malpractice lawsuits
- A politician who has fought for universal health care
- A politician who wants to increase defense spending
- A CEO of a financial institution
- An Honors graduate student who makes money by selling drugs
- A former prostitute who now lives off the income from a beauty shop she opened with her savings
- A former athlete who insists on carrying his gun
- A drug dealer who has had successful business around the globe having bribed scores of international politicians
- A 60 year old homeless lady
- A paraplegic 12-year old boy
- A young swimmer who won an Olympic medal
- A gay clergyman who served in poor areas helping the destitute
- A woman heart surgeon
- Last year’s Miss Universe
- Your father who left your mother when you were two and never paid child support
- Your 95 year old mother
In the Blog we can watch the students explain their choices. The discussion brings to surface preconceived notions, life goals, latent prejudices, thinking processes. The students may comment to each other’s choices, approving, disapproving, adding new details, debating. During this step, students are free to repost with new choices. Once the blog closes after one or two weeks, the professor picks the top 9 choices and moves the discussion in the Wiki section.
Second Step takes place in the Wiki
Here the students are in charge of the game. They are free to edit each other’s contributions in order to approve or disapprove of a choice. Eventually, we will observe certain choices being deleted, with the approval of the majority of the students. The students are asked to evaluate and interpret from a sociological angle the basis for the final choices.
PROJECT TWO
First Step takes place on a blog:
Have the students read a provocative article (the one I used most recently was Dutch rethink Christianity for a doubtful world
The students are asked to write a letter to Rev Klaas Hendrikse. In the blog they start exchanging opinions about the ideas of Mr. Hendrikse. They comment to each other and debate. The blog closes after one or two weeks and the Wiki opens.
Second Step takes place in the Wiki
The professor is posting an outline of the letter that comprises the most prevalent points made by the students’ contributions on the blog. The students are asked to add/edit until they come up with a final version approved by the majority.
How do you use Blogs and Wikis in your class? Share in the comments area below.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Look What’s Happening in iStream This Month!
Focus on Community College Global Learning for Worldwide Markets
INNOVATOR SPOTLIGHT - A Virtual Event Showcasing National Award-Winning Innovations!
You are invited to attend the second annual Innovator Spotlight virtual event honoring the League’s outstanding innovations and the 2011 Innovation of the Year Award Winners. These innovations represent significant achievements at member colleges and the continuing renewal of the spirit of innovation and experimentation upon which the League was founded. In collaboration with Teaching Colleges and Community (T.C.C.) and Learning Times, join us February 15, 2012, for this exciting one-day online event for just $75 per person—with a maximum of only $400 for full college registration. Register today!
INNOVATOR SPOTLIGHT - A Virtual Event Showcasing National Award-Winning Innovations!
You are invited to attend the second annual Innovator Spotlight virtual event honoring the League’s outstanding innovations and the 2011 Innovation of the Year Award Winners. These innovations represent significant achievements at member colleges and the continuing renewal of the spirit of innovation and experimentation upon which the League was founded. In collaboration with Teaching Colleges and Community (T.C.C.) and Learning Times, join us February 15, 2012, for this exciting one-day online event for just $75 per person—with a maximum of only $400 for full college registration. Register today!
- Project Highlight
Anne Arundel Community College sparks international interest with the Global Giving Market. - Partner Spotlight
Rio Salado College partners with Pearson to offer students textbook bargains. - Conference Presentations
The 2011 STEMtech conference keynotes are posted and ready for viewing. - Publications - Leadership Abstracts
Looking for a great read? Check out The Nature of Innovation in the Community College. - Innovative Educators
Don’t miss Leadership Development for Students: How To Be An Effective Leader In A Changing World - NROC
Catch the NROC member and iStream subscriber exclusive webinar for November: Individualized Learning: Using Data to Track Student Success. - 10 Questions
Andy Meyer, Vice President for Learning at Anne Arundel Community College, shares the development and success of AACC’s Global Giving Market.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Congratulations to HCC's NISOD Award Nominees
Congratulations to HCC's 2012 NISOD Award nominees:
Vote for the winner: http://citt.hccfl.edu/nisod/vote.cfm
Voting will close November 9, 2011, so don't delay!
- Richard Gaspar
- Robert King
- Susan Miletta
- James Wysong, Jr.
Vote for the winner: http://citt.hccfl.edu/nisod/vote.cfm
Voting will close November 9, 2011, so don't delay!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Present at the Southeast Regional Conference
Southeast Regional Conference
May 30 - June 1, 2012
Tampa, FL
Among all of the techniques, philosophies, and innovative ideas shared at last week's EDUCAUSE annual conference, two key concepts from the upcoming Southeast Regional Conference program were continuously reinforced:
The continuous evolution of technologies and relationships are critical to forward progress in our community. Partnering with you, our peers in the southeast, we will build a program for the Southeast Regional Conference based on effective strategies and techniques that engage across campus, with local communities, and within and beyond disciplinary and global boundaries.
Play an active part in this important higher education IT conference — submit a presentation proposal.
Your thoughts and expertise will challenge us to move beyond the boundaries of our technical proficiencies and develop the skills and processes necessary to build and sustain stronger organizations that can ultimately achieve the critical organizational mission and goals of the academy.
May 30 - June 1, 2012
Tampa, FL
Among all of the techniques, philosophies, and innovative ideas shared at last week's EDUCAUSE annual conference, two key concepts from the upcoming Southeast Regional Conference program were continuously reinforced:
- Higher education IT is never stagnant.
- Relationships are key to the success of any program.
The continuous evolution of technologies and relationships are critical to forward progress in our community. Partnering with you, our peers in the southeast, we will build a program for the Southeast Regional Conference based on effective strategies and techniques that engage across campus, with local communities, and within and beyond disciplinary and global boundaries.
Play an active part in this important higher education IT conference — submit a presentation proposal.
Your thoughts and expertise will challenge us to move beyond the boundaries of our technical proficiencies and develop the skills and processes necessary to build and sustain stronger organizations that can ultimately achieve the critical organizational mission and goals of the academy.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
MyHCC (Blackboard): New Messages Indicator is Here!!!!
The messaging feature in MyHCC (Blackboard) has been updated and improved. There is now an indicator to let you know you have messages! When you enter the system and click on the Blackboard Courses tab you should see a notification of any unread messages within the course.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Going Digital in the Classroom: E-text Initiative
By: Michael Johnson
Library Coordinator/ Librarian South Shore Campus HCC
Daytona State College recently held a conference on e text books called “Going digital in the Classroom: E-text initiative” This grant funded project employed 4 different models on acquiring course materials in a fashion other than the traditional purchase at College Book store Estimates of up to 80 percent savings were put to the test.
The researchers began by doing a literature review of other attempts by colleges to move to digital materials. The research did not find any schools that had adopted this practice on a college wide basis.
Rising Costs, availability and the static nature of print textbooks were all sighted as an impetus to strive toward a new model. Some of the advantages of an e text model would be daily or weekly updated to the material, cost savings and a less of chance of editors avoiding controversial issues in the texts
The first model was a Print based rental model. Highlights included:
The Second model was a Netbook model. Highlights included:
The third model was an E-book model. Highlights included:
The next model was rental Book club run as a traditional student club. Highlights included:
The presenting panel took Questions from the audience in an effort to expand the nuances of each plan.
For example the issue of highlighting and note taking ability of some of the newer e-book models was seen as a boon to students who used these methods in their studies
Infrastructure issues plagued the Ebook model with students attending class with dead batteries and minimal power outlets available in the classrooms.
The Rental of textbooks model that was run by the library seemed at odds with the nature of libraries. I.e. that there is no cost using a library. In addition the model would make library staff have to handle and account for monies that were collected. The storage of the moneys and who or where it would be spent was not clear. Lost / Damaged textbooks would result in a hold on a student record that will need an administrator to place and remove holds on student records. Traditional library materials processed using a LMS would have these functions automated.
The Student run Book club model was the overwhelming favorite of the students surveyed. Its ease of use and confidence level was noted by students. The other models all still suffered from all the problems associated with technology. The pitfalls of hardware and software as well as classroom support were all problems that were experienced. Getting everyone of the same page with the technological requirements needed planning and a single strategy. This can be difficult with many different agendas. The students I questioned had the latest in software and were somewhat savvy in computers. . They mentioned a sold wireless system as being key to implementing some of the models.
Notably absent were the book publishers and Book stores who profit off of the traditional system of purchase and buy back policies.
The research/ Seminar was helpful in its trailblazing efforts to tackle these issues but a good deal of work remains to be done.
Finally students have taken these matters in their own hands and created sites like Library Pirate.
These sites offer free downloads of textbooks organized outside of school parameters and the legality of these sites in up in the air.
Library Coordinator/ Librarian South Shore Campus HCC
Daytona State College recently held a conference on e text books called “Going digital in the Classroom: E-text initiative” This grant funded project employed 4 different models on acquiring course materials in a fashion other than the traditional purchase at College Book store Estimates of up to 80 percent savings were put to the test.
The researchers began by doing a literature review of other attempts by colleges to move to digital materials. The research did not find any schools that had adopted this practice on a college wide basis.
Rising Costs, availability and the static nature of print textbooks were all sighted as an impetus to strive toward a new model. Some of the advantages of an e text model would be daily or weekly updated to the material, cost savings and a less of chance of editors avoiding controversial issues in the texts
The first model was a Print based rental model. Highlights included:
- Textbook Rental at College Library
- Semester Rental Price $35-$15
- Return Text to the Library at the End of Semester
- Students who did not Return Textbooks were held Responsible for the Full Book Price
The Second model was a Netbook model. Highlights included:
- Smaller, lighter version of laptop
- Netbook issued to student on the first day of class
- Student Netbook agreement
- Acceptance form
- Purpose of device is to allow access to the e-textbook
- Netbook return at the last day of class or by appointment with College HelpDesk
The third model was an E-book model. Highlights included:
- Access code purchased at College Bookstore
- Access online
- 180,360, or 540 days purchase term
- Model dependent on student’s computer access
- Inability to markup, highlight, or reference during class without personal computer
The next model was rental Book club run as a traditional student club. Highlights included:
- Overwhelmingly favorable reception
- Substantial cost savings at the student-level
- Opportunity to take more classes per term
- Ease and efficiency of the rental process
- Confident that books will be available
- Students “adapted” their approach to studying in lieu of writing in the book
- Social networking, making contacts, skill development
- Concerns about quality of used books.
The presenting panel took Questions from the audience in an effort to expand the nuances of each plan.
For example the issue of highlighting and note taking ability of some of the newer e-book models was seen as a boon to students who used these methods in their studies
Infrastructure issues plagued the Ebook model with students attending class with dead batteries and minimal power outlets available in the classrooms.
The Rental of textbooks model that was run by the library seemed at odds with the nature of libraries. I.e. that there is no cost using a library. In addition the model would make library staff have to handle and account for monies that were collected. The storage of the moneys and who or where it would be spent was not clear. Lost / Damaged textbooks would result in a hold on a student record that will need an administrator to place and remove holds on student records. Traditional library materials processed using a LMS would have these functions automated.
The Student run Book club model was the overwhelming favorite of the students surveyed. Its ease of use and confidence level was noted by students. The other models all still suffered from all the problems associated with technology. The pitfalls of hardware and software as well as classroom support were all problems that were experienced. Getting everyone of the same page with the technological requirements needed planning and a single strategy. This can be difficult with many different agendas. The students I questioned had the latest in software and were somewhat savvy in computers. . They mentioned a sold wireless system as being key to implementing some of the models.
Notably absent were the book publishers and Book stores who profit off of the traditional system of purchase and buy back policies.
The research/ Seminar was helpful in its trailblazing efforts to tackle these issues but a good deal of work remains to be done.
Finally students have taken these matters in their own hands and created sites like Library Pirate.
These sites offer free downloads of textbooks organized outside of school parameters and the legality of these sites in up in the air.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Thoughts on e-Text Symposium
By: Teresa Galloway
English Preparatory Writing , English Composition, Film, and SLS, Plant City campus
The e-text symposium held at Daytona State College was very interactive and informative. I enjoyed mingling with the book representatives and the faculty/administration from the surrounding colleges. All agree that making available quality instruction at the most affordable cost is our goal.
I have not used an e-text either in my classroom or while my taking courses at University. I had presumed that it would be a difficult at best to obtain the software/technology to do so. One major advantage that the book representative told me is that a student can purchase an entire text or only certain necessary chapters. This would be beneficial for students usually must a gigantic text that the instructor only uses a portion of the material. Some texts are used for two semesters: Liberal Arts Math is one example. The student may purchase the first portion during the first semester and purchase the second portion the next semester. This would break the hefty price tag into two parts—a benefit for most.
Another “eye-opener” the book representative gave me is that my students do not need a specific apparatus to view the e-text. The student could use certain type of phones or the lab/home computer to access the information. The student only needs to purchase an affordable, one-semester e-text at a dramatic savings to the price of a paper text.
Three of the classes I teach will be partially online in Spring, 2012. My plan is to offer the student the option of the paper text or the e-book. This way, the student can weigh the price for each and how it fits into his or her budget.
The colleges have an opportunity to offer the latest technology to our students. Bookstores will soon be a source for e-readers along with textbooks. The colleges will be able to offer discount prices for the readers because the colleges will then order in bulk. The paper text may not go away, but it is certainly being overcome by the e-text.
English Preparatory Writing , English Composition, Film, and SLS, Plant City campus
The e-text symposium held at Daytona State College was very interactive and informative. I enjoyed mingling with the book representatives and the faculty/administration from the surrounding colleges. All agree that making available quality instruction at the most affordable cost is our goal.
I have not used an e-text either in my classroom or while my taking courses at University. I had presumed that it would be a difficult at best to obtain the software/technology to do so. One major advantage that the book representative told me is that a student can purchase an entire text or only certain necessary chapters. This would be beneficial for students usually must a gigantic text that the instructor only uses a portion of the material. Some texts are used for two semesters: Liberal Arts Math is one example. The student may purchase the first portion during the first semester and purchase the second portion the next semester. This would break the hefty price tag into two parts—a benefit for most.
Another “eye-opener” the book representative gave me is that my students do not need a specific apparatus to view the e-text. The student could use certain type of phones or the lab/home computer to access the information. The student only needs to purchase an affordable, one-semester e-text at a dramatic savings to the price of a paper text.
Three of the classes I teach will be partially online in Spring, 2012. My plan is to offer the student the option of the paper text or the e-book. This way, the student can weigh the price for each and how it fits into his or her budget.
The colleges have an opportunity to offer the latest technology to our students. Bookstores will soon be a source for e-readers along with textbooks. The colleges will be able to offer discount prices for the readers because the colleges will then order in bulk. The paper text may not go away, but it is certainly being overcome by the e-text.
Monday, October 17, 2011
FIPSE : Fund for the Improvement of Post Secondary Education
By: Sherry Hickman
Online Instructor, Biological Foundations, MacDill, Ybor and SouthShore Campuses
I was very interested in attending the FIPSE : Fund for the Improvement of Post Secondary Education 2011 E-Text Symposium, held on October 7, 2011, at Daytona State College. I wanted to interact with publishers' reps who sell online textbooks. I wanted to see what information was gleaned by the FIPSE study on e-texts. I wanted to hear what the Daytona State College students had to say about the use of online texts.
I teach an online course in non-majors biology (BSC 1005C) and we have used an e-text for the past three semesters. We moved to an e-text for few reasons: instant access to the text online after purchase, access to the text online from anywhere in the world (some of our HCC students are in the military and are deployed to locations around the world), cost savings, and environmental concerns.
When we were using a paper text, the materials cost approximately $225: course access fee, lab access fee and paper text price. With our new format using the e-text, the cost to the student is approximately $90.
Since we are teaching biology, which includes man's impact on the environment, attention to reducing our impact on the environment was of concern. The online format of our class models "best practices" in protecting our environment. We do not commute to campus, we do not use paper for our text, we do not ship textbooks, we do not need a building to house our class.
The FIPSE study echoed a lot of the concerns I hear from my students about using e-texts . Some students love the e-text. Some prefer a paper text. In our class, we make the paper text available to the students through the HCC bookstores and the publisher. Of course students know how to find used texts through outlets such as Amazon and half.com. Those students who like the feel and "readability" of the paper text are welcome to purchase a paper text for an additional fee.
The FIPSE study included questions about supplying students with laptops or e-readers to access their texts. Personally, I do not see the need for the colleges to supply the hardware to access the e-text. Many students have computers at home; virtually all schools have computers for students to use for free. Many e-texts have the ability for the student to print the pages they might require.
Another issue is the updating of material in textbooks. It is rather simple in an e-text. A new edition of a paper text is expensive; old texts are "wasted", students are frustrated when they cannot sell their text back at the end of the semester. These problems do not exist with an e-text.
Some people think if we go to all electronic books the paper books will "go away." This is easily solved by "print on demand" which is used by many publishers right now.
E-text? I am sold on the idea and the practice. It is working for me and my students.
Online Instructor, Biological Foundations, MacDill, Ybor and SouthShore Campuses
I was very interested in attending the FIPSE : Fund for the Improvement of Post Secondary Education 2011 E-Text Symposium, held on October 7, 2011, at Daytona State College. I wanted to interact with publishers' reps who sell online textbooks. I wanted to see what information was gleaned by the FIPSE study on e-texts. I wanted to hear what the Daytona State College students had to say about the use of online texts.
I teach an online course in non-majors biology (BSC 1005C) and we have used an e-text for the past three semesters. We moved to an e-text for few reasons: instant access to the text online after purchase, access to the text online from anywhere in the world (some of our HCC students are in the military and are deployed to locations around the world), cost savings, and environmental concerns.
When we were using a paper text, the materials cost approximately $225: course access fee, lab access fee and paper text price. With our new format using the e-text, the cost to the student is approximately $90.
Since we are teaching biology, which includes man's impact on the environment, attention to reducing our impact on the environment was of concern. The online format of our class models "best practices" in protecting our environment. We do not commute to campus, we do not use paper for our text, we do not ship textbooks, we do not need a building to house our class.
The FIPSE study echoed a lot of the concerns I hear from my students about using e-texts . Some students love the e-text. Some prefer a paper text. In our class, we make the paper text available to the students through the HCC bookstores and the publisher. Of course students know how to find used texts through outlets such as Amazon and half.com. Those students who like the feel and "readability" of the paper text are welcome to purchase a paper text for an additional fee.
The FIPSE study included questions about supplying students with laptops or e-readers to access their texts. Personally, I do not see the need for the colleges to supply the hardware to access the e-text. Many students have computers at home; virtually all schools have computers for students to use for free. Many e-texts have the ability for the student to print the pages they might require.
Another issue is the updating of material in textbooks. It is rather simple in an e-text. A new edition of a paper text is expensive; old texts are "wasted", students are frustrated when they cannot sell their text back at the end of the semester. These problems do not exist with an e-text.
Some people think if we go to all electronic books the paper books will "go away." This is easily solved by "print on demand" which is used by many publishers right now.
E-text? I am sold on the idea and the practice. It is working for me and my students.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Thoughts on e-Texts
By: Jason Turner
Instructor, Advanced Water Treatment, Plant City Campus
On October 7, 2011, Daytona State College hosted a conference on e-Texts and how they may be useful to college students. Daytona State recently participated in a pilot study where they had some courses taught only using e-Texts and had some of the instructors and students discuss their feelings about this method of delivery. While other people can give you some of the facts and figures, I wanted to give my impressions and opinions about how HCC could use e-Texts in the future.
Many of us teach from books that are large, expensive, and become outdated within a few years. Students complain that they are not able to return books to the bookstore after the semester is over because the book is not going to be used again or the version has been updated or just because the bookstore has too many copies already. Some also complain that they only use part of a large book and should not have to buy the entire book. This is where e-books come in to play.
One thing I learned is that some e-book publishers allow students to pay only for sections they need. This would help in classes like mine that use large books as well as in literature classes where only a few of the stories and poems are used. The students then would not have to carry heavy books, but the bookstore would also not need to stock as many of the larger books that take up retail space that could be used for other items. The bookstore could even be the contact point for the e-books so they will not lose all of their revenue.
Another advantage to both students and the bookstores is that when new versions of books are printed (especially in the science and computer fields), neither the students nor the bookstore will have copies of books they cannot sell back. They will have access only to the newest and most up-to-date information to stay ahead of the curve in an ever-changing world. This concern was specifically addressed at the conference by a Computer Engineering student who said that what he learned as a Freshman was already outdated now that he is a Junior.
Although it may take some work for HCC in the beginning, I think the College would benefit from using e-Texts for some classes. We could start where students could get both physical books and e-Texts for classes where the publishers already have package deals. Many textbooks already come with computer codes where students can access online portions that may either repeat information or even enhance what is in the book. Some even give the option for professors to add their own notes and additions that only the students have access to.
Instructor, Advanced Water Treatment, Plant City Campus
On October 7, 2011, Daytona State College hosted a conference on e-Texts and how they may be useful to college students. Daytona State recently participated in a pilot study where they had some courses taught only using e-Texts and had some of the instructors and students discuss their feelings about this method of delivery. While other people can give you some of the facts and figures, I wanted to give my impressions and opinions about how HCC could use e-Texts in the future.
Many of us teach from books that are large, expensive, and become outdated within a few years. Students complain that they are not able to return books to the bookstore after the semester is over because the book is not going to be used again or the version has been updated or just because the bookstore has too many copies already. Some also complain that they only use part of a large book and should not have to buy the entire book. This is where e-books come in to play.
One thing I learned is that some e-book publishers allow students to pay only for sections they need. This would help in classes like mine that use large books as well as in literature classes where only a few of the stories and poems are used. The students then would not have to carry heavy books, but the bookstore would also not need to stock as many of the larger books that take up retail space that could be used for other items. The bookstore could even be the contact point for the e-books so they will not lose all of their revenue.
Another advantage to both students and the bookstores is that when new versions of books are printed (especially in the science and computer fields), neither the students nor the bookstore will have copies of books they cannot sell back. They will have access only to the newest and most up-to-date information to stay ahead of the curve in an ever-changing world. This concern was specifically addressed at the conference by a Computer Engineering student who said that what he learned as a Freshman was already outdated now that he is a Junior.
Although it may take some work for HCC in the beginning, I think the College would benefit from using e-Texts for some classes. We could start where students could get both physical books and e-Texts for classes where the publishers already have package deals. Many textbooks already come with computer codes where students can access online portions that may either repeat information or even enhance what is in the book. Some even give the option for professors to add their own notes and additions that only the students have access to.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Student Perception vs. Faculty/Staff/Admin. Needs
By: Robert J. King, M.Div., Th.M.
Adjunct Professor of Religion & Philosophy (Ethics) H.C.C.-Dale Mabry and MacDill A.F.B.
At the 2011 E-Text Symposium, held October 7th at Daytona State College, and as funded through FIPSE (Fund for the Improvement of Post Secondary Education), keynote speaker Matt Drugan, a sales manager for a major educational publisher, shared some quite illuminating statistics concerning technological usage for higher education. Consider the following:
What should we as higher educational leaders make of such a startling gap? Is this simply a product of differences in "generational perception," lack of exposure to the full panoply of technological advances on the part of higher educational administrators or are other dynamics at work?
Similarly, in citing the importance of various educational technologies, a similar gap was evident. Again, consider the following:
As an educator whose very first exposure to full-time college and university teaching (2004 - current) has come within mixed models ranging from a small liberal arts college in the Midwest to major online innovators in higher education (e.g. the Apollo Group, parent company of University of Phoenix) to state college and community college approaches to private research university adult extension learning, what Drugan shared should come as no surprise. Whereas on one campus of a community college where I teach I have full access to a Smart Board, state-of-the-art equipment, etc. (granted, a military-affiliated campus) at another campus, the room still comes "fully equipped" (sarcasm) with chalk boards, PC's that are several years antiquated (e.g. running on Windows Vista), and with modest "middle-tier" classroom technological support "sandwiched" in between in a majority of classrooms, offices, computer labs, etc.
Therefore, in order for the U.S. to not slip any further behind the E.U., Asian Pacific Rim nations, etc., significant re-orientation of higher educational institutional support is necessary. Sure, private for-profit higher education will likely still lead the way in technological innovation, but public institutions of higher education should make it a budgetary and human resources priority to maintain both the computer infrastructure and well-trained faculty members otherwise U.S. higher educational superiority will continue to wane.
Signed,
Concerned Online and Face-to-Face Humanities Professor
Adjunct Professor of Religion & Philosophy (Ethics) H.C.C.-Dale Mabry and MacDill A.F.B.
At the 2011 E-Text Symposium, held October 7th at Daytona State College, and as funded through FIPSE (Fund for the Improvement of Post Secondary Education), keynote speaker Matt Drugan, a sales manager for a major educational publisher, shared some quite illuminating statistics concerning technological usage for higher education. Consider the following:
- 92% of high school students stated that "technology on campus" was a major factor in deciding where to attend; 87% of currently enrolled college students also stated that technology was a priority in considering college selection.
- 22% of higher educational administrators stated that improving technology is a priority.
What should we as higher educational leaders make of such a startling gap? Is this simply a product of differences in "generational perception," lack of exposure to the full panoply of technological advances on the part of higher educational administrators or are other dynamics at work?
Similarly, in citing the importance of various educational technologies, a similar gap was evident. Again, consider the following:
- Faculty viewed wireless internet access as important at a rate of 78%, digital content at a rate of 72%, and virtual learning at a rate of 48%.
- Students, however, viewed wireless internet access as important at a rate of 87%, digital content at a rate of 66%, and virtual learning at a rate of 53%.
As an educator whose very first exposure to full-time college and university teaching (2004 - current) has come within mixed models ranging from a small liberal arts college in the Midwest to major online innovators in higher education (e.g. the Apollo Group, parent company of University of Phoenix) to state college and community college approaches to private research university adult extension learning, what Drugan shared should come as no surprise. Whereas on one campus of a community college where I teach I have full access to a Smart Board, state-of-the-art equipment, etc. (granted, a military-affiliated campus) at another campus, the room still comes "fully equipped" (sarcasm) with chalk boards, PC's that are several years antiquated (e.g. running on Windows Vista), and with modest "middle-tier" classroom technological support "sandwiched" in between in a majority of classrooms, offices, computer labs, etc.
Therefore, in order for the U.S. to not slip any further behind the E.U., Asian Pacific Rim nations, etc., significant re-orientation of higher educational institutional support is necessary. Sure, private for-profit higher education will likely still lead the way in technological innovation, but public institutions of higher education should make it a budgetary and human resources priority to maintain both the computer infrastructure and well-trained faculty members otherwise U.S. higher educational superiority will continue to wane.
Signed,
Concerned Online and Face-to-Face Humanities Professor
Monday, October 10, 2011
Upcoming Conferences
Sloan International Conference on Online Learning
Orlando
November 9-11
Website: http://sloanconsortium.org/aln
DevLearn
ELearning Guild
Las Vegas
November 2-4
Website: http://www.elearningguild.com/DevLearn/content/1941/devlearn-2011-conference-and-expo---home/
2012 Community College Futures Assembly
University of Florida
Orlando
January 28-January 31
Website: http://futures.education.ufl.edu/
19th Georgia Conference
On College &
University Teaching
Friday & Saturday
February 3-4, 2012
Conference Web Site:
http://www.kennesaw.edu/cetl/conferences/gaconf/2012.html
SALT: New Learning Technologies Conference
Caribe Royale Hotel
Orlando, Florida
February 15-17, 2012
http://www.salt.org/fl/orlandoP.asp
A Dream Deferred: The Future of African American Education
April 26-7, 2012
The Westin Bonaventure
Los Angeles, CA
http://dreamdeferred.collegeboard.org/?ep_ch=PR&ep_mid=9171556&ep_rid=38999497
7th International Conference on Supplemental Instruction
San Diego
May 30 – June 1
Website: http://www.umkc.edu/cad/si/ic2012/registration.shtml
ISTE
San Diego
June 24-June 27
Website: http://www.isteconference.org/ISTE/2012/program/
Orlando
November 9-11
Website: http://sloanconsortium.org/aln
DevLearn
ELearning Guild
Las Vegas
November 2-4
Website: http://www.elearningguild.com/DevLearn/content/1941/devlearn-2011-conference-and-expo---home/
2012 Community College Futures Assembly
University of Florida
Orlando
January 28-January 31
Website: http://futures.education.ufl.edu/
19th Georgia Conference
On College &
University Teaching
Friday & Saturday
February 3-4, 2012
Conference Web Site:
http://www.kennesaw.edu/cetl/conferences/gaconf/2012.html
SALT: New Learning Technologies Conference
Caribe Royale Hotel
Orlando, Florida
February 15-17, 2012
http://www.salt.org/fl/orlandoP.asp
A Dream Deferred: The Future of African American Education
April 26-7, 2012
The Westin Bonaventure
Los Angeles, CA
http://dreamdeferred.collegeboard.org/?ep_ch=PR&ep_mid=9171556&ep_rid=38999497
7th International Conference on Supplemental Instruction
San Diego
May 30 – June 1
Website: http://www.umkc.edu/cad/si/ic2012/registration.shtml
ISTE
San Diego
June 24-June 27
Website: http://www.isteconference.org/ISTE/2012/program/
Friday, October 7, 2011
Using Google+ Hangouts for Teaching
Google+ is the newcomer of the social media explosion. Aiming to marry the substance of real-world interactions with an online platform, Google+ uses Circles, Hangouts and Huddles to bring users together.
The Hangout feature can be a useful tool in education, as teachers can use the service to conduct virtual classrooms. A teacher can teach up to ten virtual classrooms at a time. Those ten receiving classrooms can each relay the stream to ten more classrooms each!
Interested in learning how to use Google+ Hangouts for teaching? Click here.
The Hangout feature can be a useful tool in education, as teachers can use the service to conduct virtual classrooms. A teacher can teach up to ten virtual classrooms at a time. Those ten receiving classrooms can each relay the stream to ten more classrooms each!
Interested in learning how to use Google+ Hangouts for teaching? Click here.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Blended Learning Toolkit
Blended Learning Toolkit has some great resources for faculty. The toolkit, hosted by UCF, features tips, tools and information across a variety of topics including course development, design principles and student success strategies.
This is a site that you'll definitely want to bookmark!
Click here to access the Blended Learning Toolkit.
This is a site that you'll definitely want to bookmark!
Click here to access the Blended Learning Toolkit.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
2011 EDUCAUSE Conference
The 2011 EDUACAUSE Conference is almost here!
Early-Bird discounts end September 20. Register by the deadline to receive the best conference and hotel rates.
Don't miss your chance to experience the following:
• Over 400 Program Sessions
• Nearly 4,000 Higher Education IT Colleagues
• More Than 260 Company Exhibits
• Unlimited Networking Opportunities
• Early-Bird Savings of $80 per Person
Visit the conference website for more information.
Early-Bird discounts end September 20. Register by the deadline to receive the best conference and hotel rates.
Don't miss your chance to experience the following:
• Over 400 Program Sessions
• Nearly 4,000 Higher Education IT Colleagues
• More Than 260 Company Exhibits
• Unlimited Networking Opportunities
• Early-Bird Savings of $80 per Person
Visit the conference website for more information.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Using Announcements to Enhance Student Communication
Blackboard's Announcement Tool can help you direct your students' attention to specific course items. This PDF Tutorial uncovers how effective Announcements can enhance course communication.
Click Here to Download the Announcement Tutorial.
Click Here to Download the Announcement Tutorial.
Submit Your Teaching Materials and Win Big!
The 2011 Educators' Choice Awards will recognize and reward Adobe Education Exchange members who submit the most innovative teaching and learning materials. Your fellow members will choose the winners of the Awards by rating one another's work, so impress your colleagues and compete for valuable prizes by submitting your best projects, lesson plans, curricula, and tutorials. For inspiration and examples, join or sign in to browse the resources on the Adobe Education Exchange.
The application deadline is: October 14, 2011
The application deadline is: October 14, 2011
Academic Databases and Online Videos
Academic Databases
On the Library's page on the HCC website, you will find a listing of academic databases. These can be sorted by 'Subject,' 'A-Z' and by 'Most Used.'
Click here to access the database listings.
Online Videos
FMG on Demand is an online video database that can be accessed from home or a classroom computer. FMG on Demand contains hundreds of videos on anything from Anthropology to World Languages.
Click here to get started with FMG on Demand
On the Library's page on the HCC website, you will find a listing of academic databases. These can be sorted by 'Subject,' 'A-Z' and by 'Most Used.'
Click here to access the database listings.
Online Videos
FMG on Demand is an online video database that can be accessed from home or a classroom computer. FMG on Demand contains hundreds of videos on anything from Anthropology to World Languages.
Click here to get started with FMG on Demand
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Cite 2012 Conference
The Cite Conference will take place April 10-13, 2012 in Orlando, FL.
This annual conference focuses on best practices for creation of online courses and/or programs, ideas for education innovation and insights into collaborative learning.
Dr. Mark Milliron, Deputy Director of Postsecondary Improvement for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, will serve as the the Keynote Speaker.
Click here for more information.
This annual conference focuses on best practices for creation of online courses and/or programs, ideas for education innovation and insights into collaborative learning.
Dr. Mark Milliron, Deputy Director of Postsecondary Improvement for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, will serve as the the Keynote Speaker.
Click here for more information.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Cross Cultural Perspectives: Teaching and Learning in a Global Society
The University of Alabama, College of Arts and Sciences, presents:
Cross Cultural Perspectives: Teaching and Learning in a Global Society
Monday, November 14 - 8am - 6pm
This is a one day symposium on effective communication skills for multicultural environments. Keynote speakers include:
Dr. Carol Archer
Intercultural Communications Specialist
Author of The Toolkit for Culture and Communication
Dr. Arthur Dunning
UA Vice Chancellor for International Programs and Outreach
Crossing the Communicative Ocean: Diverse Identities in Education
Dr. Rebecca Oxford
Professor of Language and Culture
Cross Cultural and Linguistic Borders: Crisis, Resilience and "Hot Cognition"
For more information click here
Cross Cultural Perspectives: Teaching and Learning in a Global Society
Monday, November 14 - 8am - 6pm
This is a one day symposium on effective communication skills for multicultural environments. Keynote speakers include:
Dr. Carol Archer
Intercultural Communications Specialist
Author of The Toolkit for Culture and Communication
Dr. Arthur Dunning
UA Vice Chancellor for International Programs and Outreach
Crossing the Communicative Ocean: Diverse Identities in Education
Dr. Rebecca Oxford
Professor of Language and Culture
Cross Cultural and Linguistic Borders: Crisis, Resilience and "Hot Cognition"
For more information click here
Thursday, July 21, 2011
The Best and Worst of Times: An HCC Faculty Member attends Blackboard World
by Dr. Rebecca M. Mills
Associate Professor of English, Brandon Campus
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness…”(1) I hope Charles Dickens won’t mind if I borrow one of my favorite opening lines from The Tale of Two Cities to describe my recent experience at the Blackboard World 2011 conference in Las Vegas.
It was the best of times: thanks to the CITT, I was able to attend and help co-present a poster about HCC’s current training model entitled, “Faculty Trained in the Blackboard Learn Platform AND Distance Learning Teaching Strategy is Icing on the Cake: A Three-Tier Training Approach.” The poster session went off without a hitch, and the rest of conference proved to be very interesting and useful to me.
It was the worst of times: I found out that my job as a full-time faculty member is almost obsolete. On Thursday, July 14th, I attended a session lead by Zach Johnson, the Senior Director of Blackboard Developmental Education. I thought I might hear about some best practices or new techniques to help online developmental students be more successful, but what I heard was a sales pitch. I guess this is where I entered the ‘epoch of incredulity,’ although it was also where I realized how naïve I was.
Blackboard Developmental Education is one of the latest frontiers for the company, and for a mere $800 per student per course, Blackboard believes it can “narrow the achievement gap in the new millennium” whilst making a pretty penny for itself, partnering with K12 Inc. Blackboard provides the instructors, the curriculum, the 24/7 technical support, and the analytic reports to educational institutions and claims to be able to do so “at least 30% less than that of traditional delivery.”(2)
At the end of the pitch, my head was spinning, and I had several questions. I put up my hand and asked how much Blackboard instructors get paid, but I got an evasive answer. Mr. Johnson said the instructors received competitive pay in whatever market courses were offered. I asked if full-time college employees could teach the courses, and the answer was, no, but they could be campus-appointed mentors. Then I asked how he dealt with strong faculty unions to which he answered that he had done quite a bit of mediating between faculty and administration in the past year (I interpreted his answer to mean that union opposition was not a problem for Blackboard). My last question was about how he could claim success in the long term. Did the Blackboard developmental students transfer and graduate at higher rates than other students? Mr. Johnson conceded that Blackboard Developmental Education was only in its second pilot semester, but he was already singing its success-rate praises from the roof. I would rather wait for the evidence, but I had already asked so many questions that he moved on to someone else.
Perhaps Blackboard Developmental Education is the answer to help struggling students. I certainly suspect the company’s shareholders will do well with this new product, but I hope students will, too. It is a truth universally acknowledged (sorry Jane Austen)(3) that Blackboard is a force with which to be reckoned in online education today. No longer merely a Learning Management System, the company has moved in on developmental curriculum, so I am wondering how long before Blackboard sets its sights on college-level curricula as well. I just hope I can make it to retirement before I become completely superseded by the behemoth…oops, I mean Blackboard.
(1) Dickens, Charles, A Tale of Two Cities (1859)
(2) “Blackboard Developmental Education,” Handout, blackboard.com/deved, 1997-2011
(3) Austen, Jane, Pride and Prejudice (1813)
Associate Professor of English, Brandon Campus
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness…”(1) I hope Charles Dickens won’t mind if I borrow one of my favorite opening lines from The Tale of Two Cities to describe my recent experience at the Blackboard World 2011 conference in Las Vegas.
It was the best of times: thanks to the CITT, I was able to attend and help co-present a poster about HCC’s current training model entitled, “Faculty Trained in the Blackboard Learn Platform AND Distance Learning Teaching Strategy is Icing on the Cake: A Three-Tier Training Approach.” The poster session went off without a hitch, and the rest of conference proved to be very interesting and useful to me.
It was the worst of times: I found out that my job as a full-time faculty member is almost obsolete. On Thursday, July 14th, I attended a session lead by Zach Johnson, the Senior Director of Blackboard Developmental Education. I thought I might hear about some best practices or new techniques to help online developmental students be more successful, but what I heard was a sales pitch. I guess this is where I entered the ‘epoch of incredulity,’ although it was also where I realized how naïve I was.
Blackboard Developmental Education is one of the latest frontiers for the company, and for a mere $800 per student per course, Blackboard believes it can “narrow the achievement gap in the new millennium” whilst making a pretty penny for itself, partnering with K12 Inc. Blackboard provides the instructors, the curriculum, the 24/7 technical support, and the analytic reports to educational institutions and claims to be able to do so “at least 30% less than that of traditional delivery.”(2)
At the end of the pitch, my head was spinning, and I had several questions. I put up my hand and asked how much Blackboard instructors get paid, but I got an evasive answer. Mr. Johnson said the instructors received competitive pay in whatever market courses were offered. I asked if full-time college employees could teach the courses, and the answer was, no, but they could be campus-appointed mentors. Then I asked how he dealt with strong faculty unions to which he answered that he had done quite a bit of mediating between faculty and administration in the past year (I interpreted his answer to mean that union opposition was not a problem for Blackboard). My last question was about how he could claim success in the long term. Did the Blackboard developmental students transfer and graduate at higher rates than other students? Mr. Johnson conceded that Blackboard Developmental Education was only in its second pilot semester, but he was already singing its success-rate praises from the roof. I would rather wait for the evidence, but I had already asked so many questions that he moved on to someone else.
Perhaps Blackboard Developmental Education is the answer to help struggling students. I certainly suspect the company’s shareholders will do well with this new product, but I hope students will, too. It is a truth universally acknowledged (sorry Jane Austen)(3) that Blackboard is a force with which to be reckoned in online education today. No longer merely a Learning Management System, the company has moved in on developmental curriculum, so I am wondering how long before Blackboard sets its sights on college-level curricula as well. I just hope I can make it to retirement before I become completely superseded by the behemoth…oops, I mean Blackboard.
(1) Dickens, Charles, A Tale of Two Cities (1859)
(2) “Blackboard Developmental Education,” Handout, blackboard.com/deved, 1997-2011
(3) Austen, Jane, Pride and Prejudice (1813)
Monday, July 18, 2011
Dr. Craig Hardesty Wins Blackboard Exemplary Course Award for MAC 1105 College Algebra
Congratulations to Dr. Craig Hardesty, winner of a Blackboard Exemplary Course Award for MAC 1105 College Algebra!
According to Dr. Hardesty, the My College Algebra course has been designed to be as visually appealing and user friendly as possible. His goal was to make sure anyone logging on for the first time would know exactly where to go and what to do. While incorporating “Why College Algebra?” as a “real-world” theme, he has attempted to consistently use a variety of visual aids, videos, websites, careers, and discussions illustrating applications of the course concepts that surround us every day. Believing strongly that students need to see their online professors as real people with whom they can connect, he has also incorporated as much of himself as possible through use of a personalized orientation video series, video lectures, weekly video summaries of all assignments, etc.
Click here to read the full article.
Click here for a list of all exemplary course winners.
According to Dr. Hardesty, the My College Algebra course has been designed to be as visually appealing and user friendly as possible. His goal was to make sure anyone logging on for the first time would know exactly where to go and what to do. While incorporating “Why College Algebra?” as a “real-world” theme, he has attempted to consistently use a variety of visual aids, videos, websites, careers, and discussions illustrating applications of the course concepts that surround us every day. Believing strongly that students need to see their online professors as real people with whom they can connect, he has also incorporated as much of himself as possible through use of a personalized orientation video series, video lectures, weekly video summaries of all assignments, etc.
Click here to read the full article.
Click here for a list of all exemplary course winners.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Is there an announcement you wish to make at our upcoming Fall Faculty In-Service?
The planning committee is preparing an “Announcement Presentation” to recognize current administrative initiatives at Hillsborough Community College. Your message will be shown prior to the General Session to all attendees and post the event to the college on the CITT website.
There will be no time during the General Session to have each dean present announcements. This is a great opportunity to communicate the services available to faculty and students at your campus and within your programs. Join us in using this medium to collectively improve our communication, and enhance the impact of HCC in the community.
You can email your announcement, including any images, video clips, and links to the planning committee, attention Lauretta O’Dell at lodell@hccfl.edu. The committee will take care of the rest.
There will be no time during the General Session to have each dean present announcements. This is a great opportunity to communicate the services available to faculty and students at your campus and within your programs. Join us in using this medium to collectively improve our communication, and enhance the impact of HCC in the community.
You can email your announcement, including any images, video clips, and links to the planning committee, attention Lauretta O’Dell at lodell@hccfl.edu. The committee will take care of the rest.
College-Wide Fall Facutly In-Service Agenda
8:00 - 8:45
Registration and Breakfast (AFC) – Cafeteria
8:45 - 10:15
General Session
Introduction/Welcome
Faculty Highlights and Initiatives Video
eTextbook Presentation
President’s Speech and Q&A
10:30 - 11:45
Concurrent Sessions
12:00 - 1:00
Lunch (FUSA), FUSA Updates, Tenured Faculty
Recognition, and New Faculty Welcome
1:15 - 2:30
A.A. and A.S. Information
2:45 - 4:30
Cluster Meetings
Registration and Breakfast (AFC) – Cafeteria
8:45 - 10:15
General Session
Introduction/Welcome
Faculty Highlights and Initiatives Video
eTextbook Presentation
President’s Speech and Q&A
10:30 - 11:45
Concurrent Sessions
12:00 - 1:00
Lunch (FUSA), FUSA Updates, Tenured Faculty
Recognition, and New Faculty Welcome
1:15 - 2:30
A.A. and A.S. Information
2:45 - 4:30
Cluster Meetings
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Important Dates For Your Calendar
College-Wide Fall FT Faculty In-Service: Thursday, August 18, 2011 at Dale Mabry Campus
Campus Fall FT Faculty In-Service: Friday, August 19, 2011
College-Wide Adjunct In-Service will be held in January, 2012
Campus Fall FT Faculty In-Service: Friday, August 19, 2011
College-Wide Adjunct In-Service will be held in January, 2012
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Cool Teachers
Chris Haskell and Barbara Schroeder, faculty members from Boise State University, host a weekly podcast called "The Cool Teachers."
Recent topics include: The importance of patience in teaching older students new technologies and a 3D Game Lab Tool.
Check out the Cool Teachers Podcast: http://coolteachers.org/.
Recent topics include: The importance of patience in teaching older students new technologies and a 3D Game Lab Tool.
Check out the Cool Teachers Podcast: http://coolteachers.org/.
Create a Free Online Form that Exports to Excel
Google Forms is a component of Google Documents that allows you to create a free web form. Consider using Google Forms to make:
After your form is created, click the 'email the form' button to distribute it. Participants answers will be captured to a Google Documents - Spreadsheet, that can be exported as an Excel file. From Excel, you can manipulate the data just as you normally would.
What else would you use Google Forms for?
- Quick surveys
- Contact Questionnaires
- Quizzes
After your form is created, click the 'email the form' button to distribute it. Participants answers will be captured to a Google Documents - Spreadsheet, that can be exported as an Excel file. From Excel, you can manipulate the data just as you normally would.
What else would you use Google Forms for?
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Visit CITT Website for Latest NISOD Newsletter
The May issue of NISOD's Hook Em' Up newsletter is now available. Click here to read it. Included in this issue:
- Sign NISOD’s College Completion Pledge!
- Online Summer Course Taught by Vincent Tinto
- Learn More About National Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS)
- Community College Week: Moving Towards Completion on Initial 2011 Projects
- Lehigh Carbon Community College and Monster.com: A Partnership for Student Success
- SunGard Higher Education: Early Intervention System Empowers Students While Freeing up High-Touch Staff Resources
- Top Ten Finalist of the Community College Week-NISOD Student Essay Contest
- Governors State University: A Pioneer in Distance Education
Monday, April 25, 2011
Check out the New NISOD Newsletter
You can read the latest issue of the NISOD newsletter here.
In this month's issue, you will find information on the NISOD's new YouTube Channel, the upcoming conference, Cuyahoga Community College's new Hospitality Management Center and lots more!
In this month's issue, you will find information on the NISOD's new YouTube Channel, the upcoming conference, Cuyahoga Community College's new Hospitality Management Center and lots more!
Monday, April 18, 2011
The Top 100 Tools for Learning
The Centre for Learning and Performance Technologies' website features lists of the top online tools for learning. Some of these products are freeware while others boast an education discount.
Some really innovative applications made the lists. For example, there is a software called Yugma that functions as a web-conferencing, online meeting and desktop sharing tool. Another stand-out is Diigo, a social annotation tool that allows the user to clip, highlight and sticky-note web pages and then share with others.
Check out the lists here:
The Top 100 Tools for Learning - 2007-2010
The Top 100 Tools for Learning - 2011 (this list is currently being built)
Do you already use any of these applications or, are you going to start using any? Comment below to share how you plan to use these!
Some really innovative applications made the lists. For example, there is a software called Yugma that functions as a web-conferencing, online meeting and desktop sharing tool. Another stand-out is Diigo, a social annotation tool that allows the user to clip, highlight and sticky-note web pages and then share with others.
Check out the lists here:
The Top 100 Tools for Learning - 2007-2010
The Top 100 Tools for Learning - 2011 (this list is currently being built)
Do you already use any of these applications or, are you going to start using any? Comment below to share how you plan to use these!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Manipulating the Blackboard Navigation Panel
Curious about how to manipulate the Blackboard Navigation Panel?
Check out this short video for info on how.
Check out this short video for info on how.
Colleges Aren’t Keeping Up With Student Demand for Hybrid Programs, Survey Suggests
From the Chronicle of Higher Education
By Marc Parry
Students want hybrid programs that blend online and face-to-face experiences. But colleges don’t seem to be providing enough of them to meet the demand.
That’s one message that emerges from the results of a national survey of more than 20,000 current and prospective adult students that were just released by Eduventures, a consulting firm.
The finding is notable because blended education has been hot lately. In 2009, the U.S. Education Department released a report praising it. And this year, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is pouring millions into supporting it.
But the Eduventures survey found a gap between supply and demand: 19 percent of respondents said they were enrolled in blended programs, while 33 percent of prospective students listed that format as their preference.
The report on the survey, which is not available free online, questions whether some students are being “forced” into studying entirely online because of a lack of hybrid programs.
“Schools have jumped on the online bandwagon, and students end up with this rather unnuanced choice between more-or-less wholly on ground and more-or-less wholly online, when many of them actually want something that’s a more nuanced combination of the two,” says Richard Garrett, a managing director at Eduventures.
Mr. Garrett argues that offering that nuanced combination makes sense because of broader trends in online education. As wholly Web-based learning grows more popular, providing it becomes riskier for lesser-known nonprofit colleges. That’s because it pushes them into a highly competitive national market. Increasingly, he says, the opportunities to draw in online students will be local.
“There’s a strong rationale for many nonprofit schools that lack national brands to use a form of hybrid to get the best of both worlds—to play to consumer interest in online but tack onto it some kind of high-value, on-ground, institution-specific, face-to-face component that allows them to differentiate in an otherwise very commoditized market,” he says.
That isn’t a new idea. Some universities have been working on it for years, in part through a program that the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation created to help colleges attract local students online.
By Marc Parry
Students want hybrid programs that blend online and face-to-face experiences. But colleges don’t seem to be providing enough of them to meet the demand.
That’s one message that emerges from the results of a national survey of more than 20,000 current and prospective adult students that were just released by Eduventures, a consulting firm.
The finding is notable because blended education has been hot lately. In 2009, the U.S. Education Department released a report praising it. And this year, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is pouring millions into supporting it.
But the Eduventures survey found a gap between supply and demand: 19 percent of respondents said they were enrolled in blended programs, while 33 percent of prospective students listed that format as their preference.
The report on the survey, which is not available free online, questions whether some students are being “forced” into studying entirely online because of a lack of hybrid programs.
“Schools have jumped on the online bandwagon, and students end up with this rather unnuanced choice between more-or-less wholly on ground and more-or-less wholly online, when many of them actually want something that’s a more nuanced combination of the two,” says Richard Garrett, a managing director at Eduventures.
Mr. Garrett argues that offering that nuanced combination makes sense because of broader trends in online education. As wholly Web-based learning grows more popular, providing it becomes riskier for lesser-known nonprofit colleges. That’s because it pushes them into a highly competitive national market. Increasingly, he says, the opportunities to draw in online students will be local.
“There’s a strong rationale for many nonprofit schools that lack national brands to use a form of hybrid to get the best of both worlds—to play to consumer interest in online but tack onto it some kind of high-value, on-ground, institution-specific, face-to-face component that allows them to differentiate in an otherwise very commoditized market,” he says.
That isn’t a new idea. Some universities have been working on it for years, in part through a program that the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation created to help colleges attract local students online.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Daytona State College Offers Free Conference
Matter of Life & Death
Suicide Prevention Conference for Educators
Daytona State College is proud to present a FREE day and a half conference for Educators and for anyone who works with young people on June 2 & 3, 2011. It will be held at the News-Journal Center in quaint, downtown Daytona Beach, Florida. Our Key Note Speaker will be nationally known suicide researcher, Dr. Thomas Joiner, from The Florida State University. We will also be offering several suicide prevention workshops where you will receive practical suicide prevention strategies to implement on your campus or with your organization. For more information or to register on-line please check out our webpage at: http://www.daytonastate.edu/projectspeak/MatterofLifeandDeath.html
Suicide Prevention Conference for Educators
Daytona State College is proud to present a FREE day and a half conference for Educators and for anyone who works with young people on June 2 & 3, 2011. It will be held at the News-Journal Center in quaint, downtown Daytona Beach, Florida. Our Key Note Speaker will be nationally known suicide researcher, Dr. Thomas Joiner, from The Florida State University. We will also be offering several suicide prevention workshops where you will receive practical suicide prevention strategies to implement on your campus or with your organization. For more information or to register on-line please check out our webpage at: http://www.daytonastate.edu/projectspeak/MatterofLifeandDeath.html
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Dr. Jessica Olney Shares Her Notes from the STEMtech Conference
Jessica Olney, PhD, Physical Science Instructor at the Ybor Campus, attended the STEMtech Conference, 10/31-11/3, 2010 in Orlando. Since her return from the conference, Dr. Olney has been utilizing new technology in her classroom. She uses Prezi and Google Apps, as well as other online and software resources. Dr. Olney plans on offering suggestions to the Sustainability Council regarding sustainability outreach for the campus, college and community based on information that she gathered the first day of the conference.
Overall, Dr. Olney felt that attending the conference was worthwhile. She gained a lot of information from the first session that she attended, as well as from the keynote speakers and roundtable discussions. She also enjoyed speaking with the vendors in the exhibit hall.
The STEMtech Conference is put on by the League for Innovation. Click here to find information on this past year's conference. Dr. Olney was sponsored by CITT to attend the conference.
Overall, Dr. Olney felt that attending the conference was worthwhile. She gained a lot of information from the first session that she attended, as well as from the keynote speakers and roundtable discussions. She also enjoyed speaking with the vendors in the exhibit hall.
The STEMtech Conference is put on by the League for Innovation. Click here to find information on this past year's conference. Dr. Olney was sponsored by CITT to attend the conference.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Constructing Better Multiple Choice and Essay Tests
Finals are just around the corner, which means it's the time of the semester to start constructing the final exam! Tired of using the same questions semester after semester? Want to create a new exam? Unsure of where to start? Or, do you want to review your current exam's questions?
Why not check out CITT's latest tutorial: Constructing Better Multiple Choice and Essay Tests.
Created in conjunction with Dr. Rick Hansen (Brandon Campus), this self-paced tutorial guides the user through creating multiple choice and essay questions, and also provides an overview on testing issues.
So, need a few tips on brushing up those distractors? How about tips on objectives that are well suited to essay questions? This tutorial will explain it all!
Why not check out CITT's latest tutorial: Constructing Better Multiple Choice and Essay Tests.
Created in conjunction with Dr. Rick Hansen (Brandon Campus), this self-paced tutorial guides the user through creating multiple choice and essay questions, and also provides an overview on testing issues.
So, need a few tips on brushing up those distractors? How about tips on objectives that are well suited to essay questions? This tutorial will explain it all!
Webcast: Using Wikis in the Classroom
Interested in Using Wikis in Your Course? Not sure how to implement them? Want to learn how your HCC colleagues are using them?
Watch this webcast to see how Steve Holub and Stephanie O'Bryon are successfully using wikis in their Mass Communications and Nursing courses.
In the comments section below, feel free to share ideas on how you would incorporate a wiki into your course.
Watch this webcast to see how Steve Holub and Stephanie O'Bryon are successfully using wikis in their Mass Communications and Nursing courses.
In the comments section below, feel free to share ideas on how you would incorporate a wiki into your course.
Monday, March 21, 2011
12th Annual Narrowing the Gulf Conference
The 12th Annual Narrowing the Gulf Conference is quickly approaching. For more information and to register, go to www.spcollege.edu/central/ossd/conference. This year, for the third time, we are partnering with FL-AHEAD and St. Petersburg College’s Critical Thinking Institute to bring you an exciting line-up of presentations covering the issues facing students with disabilities and other underrepresented students.
The conference will be held March 31-April 1, 2011 at:
St. Petersburg College
EpiCenter
13805 58th Street N
Largo, Florida
The conference will be held March 31-April 1, 2011 at:
St. Petersburg College
EpiCenter
13805 58th Street N
Largo, Florida
Thursday, March 3, 2011
The TED Conference Expands its Reach into Education
The TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) Conference, known for short talks on technology and society, is expanding its reach into education.
The Ted-ED conference will feature FREE online educational talks, submitted by professors and enhanced by the Ted-ED team. In addition to the talks, participants are encouraged to join the discussion on the Ted-Ed Brain Trust. The discussion topic focuses on how to reform teaching using the videos and other technology.
The Ted-ED system is slated to open early next week.
More information on the Ted-ED Conference
Ted-ED Conference Website
Taken from the Chronicle of Higher Education
The Ted-ED conference will feature FREE online educational talks, submitted by professors and enhanced by the Ted-ED team. In addition to the talks, participants are encouraged to join the discussion on the Ted-Ed Brain Trust. The discussion topic focuses on how to reform teaching using the videos and other technology.
The Ted-ED system is slated to open early next week.
More information on the Ted-ED Conference
Ted-ED Conference Website
Taken from the Chronicle of Higher Education
Adobe Offers Free Online Events!
Adobe offers free online seminars about using Adobe software in education! See below for dates and descriptions of this month's events:
Acrobat ePortfolios for Career and Technical Education
Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at 10am Pacific
Electronic Portfolios are an essential component for assisting lifelong learners as they develop new skills and demonstrate their understanding. Career and technical curriculum projects pose additional challenges, as students need to share and present rich media collections to demonstrate their proficiency. Each portfolio artifact can be easily integrated into collaborative environments to provide unmatched reflective thinking and threaded discussion environments. Please join Acrobat Specialist Steve Adler as he demonstrates how authors can quickly design, assemble, and share their best work with Acrobat Pro X and the free Adobe Reader X.
Adobe Education Exchange Spotlight : Float! A global collaborative project for digital arts classes
Thursday, March 17, 2011 at 10am Pacific
Adobe Education Exchange Spotlight : Float! A global collaborative project for digital arts classes Description: Float! is the second global project from the Student Creative, inviting students and teachers to interact in a global photography challenge. In our current project, inspired by photographer Phillippe Halsman's iconic Jumpology series, students use high speed photography to create a moment of magical realism in their own communities. Join Adobe Education Leaders Matt Cauthron, David Gran, and Mike Skocko to learn about this unique global project and how you can get involved.
For future Adobe webinars, as well as information on live events and OnDemand seminars, visit the Adobe Website.
Acrobat ePortfolios for Career and Technical Education
Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at 10am Pacific
Electronic Portfolios are an essential component for assisting lifelong learners as they develop new skills and demonstrate their understanding. Career and technical curriculum projects pose additional challenges, as students need to share and present rich media collections to demonstrate their proficiency. Each portfolio artifact can be easily integrated into collaborative environments to provide unmatched reflective thinking and threaded discussion environments. Please join Acrobat Specialist Steve Adler as he demonstrates how authors can quickly design, assemble, and share their best work with Acrobat Pro X and the free Adobe Reader X.
Adobe Education Exchange Spotlight : Float! A global collaborative project for digital arts classes
Thursday, March 17, 2011 at 10am Pacific
Adobe Education Exchange Spotlight : Float! A global collaborative project for digital arts classes Description: Float! is the second global project from the Student Creative, inviting students and teachers to interact in a global photography challenge. In our current project, inspired by photographer Phillippe Halsman's iconic Jumpology series, students use high speed photography to create a moment of magical realism in their own communities. Join Adobe Education Leaders Matt Cauthron, David Gran, and Mike Skocko to learn about this unique global project and how you can get involved.
For future Adobe webinars, as well as information on live events and OnDemand seminars, visit the Adobe Website.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Microsoft Office 2010 Preview Videos
Interested in upgrading to Office 2010? Want to check out the new features before taking the plunge?
Visit Microsoft's website to get oriented with the updates and changes to each Office product. Watch videos to find commands, learn more and decide if you're ready to make the switch.
Already using Microsoft 2010? Use the comments section to post a review about the user interface/experience and offer tips!
Visit Microsoft's website to get oriented with the updates and changes to each Office product. Watch videos to find commands, learn more and decide if you're ready to make the switch.
Already using Microsoft 2010? Use the comments section to post a review about the user interface/experience and offer tips!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
CITT Instructional Design Services
CITT offers instructional design services to all HCC faculty. Please review our Instructional Design Services Timeline for more information.
Faculty Spotlight - Diorah Nelson and Shelly Stein
The Speaking FIG created by Diorah Nelson and Shelly Stein
The Speaking FIG is a Faculty Interest Group which serves as a platform for collaboration among faculty members interested in developing public speaking activities and exercises for their students.
Faculty Interest Groups (FIGs) are a relatively new concept to HCC. The idea is to connect faculty using Wikis--an interactive online medium for collaboration. After we presented a Faculty In-Service workshop on how to assign and assess classroom speeches, the enthusiasm and interest from the faculty attending prompted our development of this project. The Speaking FIG aims to bring together innovative ideas and share experiences to address ongoing challenges. Our to do list for this year is to:
Join us to browse or to become a member. For access to our FIG, contact Shelly Stein or Diorah Nelson. Member contributions earn faculty development time!
The Speaking FIG is a Faculty Interest Group which serves as a platform for collaboration among faculty members interested in developing public speaking activities and exercises for their students.
Faculty Interest Groups (FIGs) are a relatively new concept to HCC. The idea is to connect faculty using Wikis--an interactive online medium for collaboration. After we presented a Faculty In-Service workshop on how to assign and assess classroom speeches, the enthusiasm and interest from the faculty attending prompted our development of this project. The Speaking FIG aims to bring together innovative ideas and share experiences to address ongoing challenges. Our to do list for this year is to:
- Create a learning resource center of ideas, assignments, exercises, model student videos, and other instructional material.
- Develop a clearinghouse for information and links on faculty interests such as communication apprehension.
- Encourage discussion on communication-related issues.
Join us to browse or to become a member. For access to our FIG, contact Shelly Stein or Diorah Nelson. Member contributions earn faculty development time!
Diorah Nelson is a faculty member at the Plant City campus. Shelly Stein is a faculty member at the Ybor City campus.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
New CITT Tutorial: Adding and Assigning Grades in HawkNet
- Not sure whether to give a student an "F" or an "FX"?
- Know when to assign a student a "WN"?
- Have questions about adding and assigning grades in HawkNet?
For the answer to these questions + many more, check out CITT's new tutorial Adding and Assigning Grades.
Learn More About Blackboard Training
Want to learn more about the Blackboard training courses? View this brief video for an overview.
Other features of Blackboard training include the following:
Other features of Blackboard training include the following:
- All training courses include tips, strategies, and best practices for facilitating successful distance learning courses
- Beginning Fall 2011, all courses, on ground and online, will receive a Blackboard course shell
- beginning Spring 2012, Blackboard will replace Campus Cruiser for web enhanced and hybrid course delivery
Blackboard Learn 9.1 is Here!
HCC’s new learning management system, Blackboard Learn 9.1, deploys College-wide in August, 2011.
CITT Faculty Professional Development and the Blackboard Implementation Training Committee are pleased to announce comprehensive training to prepare faculty to facilitate all levels of distance learning course offerings including including web-enhanced, hybrid, and fully online courses. Training courses include:
Don't Delay - Register Today
Training begins March 1st. To register here for Blackboard training.
CITT Faculty Professional Development and the Blackboard Implementation Training Committee are pleased to announce comprehensive training to prepare faculty to facilitate all levels of distance learning course offerings including including web-enhanced, hybrid, and fully online courses. Training courses include:
- Tier 1 Training: For all faculty who teach using the Blackboard LMS; designed for those who teach pre-designed web-enhanced, hybrid, or online courses (20 hrs)*
- Tier 2 Training: For all faculty who design and develop web-enhanced, hybrid, and online courses (20 hrs)* Upon completion of Tier 2 training, a Blackboard course shell will be made available to begin developing your Fall 2011 courses.
- Tier 3 Training: Optional training of advanced Blackboard functions and multimedia (available Fall, 2011)
*A pilot test of the training revealed that actual time for course completion is 12 – 15 hrs. Training completers receive 20 hours of professional development per course.
Don't Delay - Register Today
Training begins March 1st. To register here for Blackboard training.
**If you are teaching web-enhanced, hybrid, or online courses this Fall, please register for training right away. If you are not using the LMS until Spring, 2012, please do not register until May.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Use a Prezi for your Next Presentation
Tired of using the same PowerPoints in your course? Want to spice up your lectures?
Consider using a Prezi for your next presentation. Prezi is a web-based, zooming, presentation editor. But, what else is a Prezi? Check out this short YouTube Video to learn more:
So, ready to make your next presentation a Prezi? Check out the Prezi website www.prezi.com.
Consider using a Prezi for your next presentation. Prezi is a web-based, zooming, presentation editor. But, what else is a Prezi? Check out this short YouTube Video to learn more:
So, ready to make your next presentation a Prezi? Check out the Prezi website www.prezi.com.
- The "Your Prezis" tab is where you initially sign up for the Prezi site. When you sign up, select "Student/Teacher licenses." This will allow you all of the benefits of the "Enjoy" package, for FREE!
- The "Learn" tab offers a plethora of tutorials on how to use Prezi (everything from Getting Started to Advanced features).
- The "Explore" tab allows you browse popular Prezi presentations.
Register Now for the EduComm Conference
EduComm is higher education's premier technology, leadership and strategy conference. The EduComm conference is June 13-15, at the Hilton - Walt Disney World. For more information, or to register, please visit http://educommconference.com/.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
21st Century Classroom Tutorials
Teaching in a 21st Century Classroom this semester? Do you have questions, or are you confused about how to operate the equipment?
Check out the Tutorials page of the CITT website for a host of 21st Century Classroom Tutorials.
Available Tutorials:
Check out the Tutorials page of the CITT website for a host of 21st Century Classroom Tutorials.
Available Tutorials:
- 21st Century Classroom Equipment
- 21st Century Classroom Help Guide
- Control Panel Video
- Document Camera Video
- Workshop Manual
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Congratulations to Professor Matt Werhner for being Published in the Journal of Geoscience Education
Professor Werhner's article A Comparison of the Performance of Online versus Traditional On-Campus Earth Science Students on Identical Exams was published in the November 2010 Journal of Geoscience Education.
Abstract
In this paper I compare the performance of online versus traditional on-campus students on identical exams in an earth science class. The number of college level distance learning classes offered online continues to increase as they offer greater scheduling flexibility to students, they appeal to students who like to work independently, and allow colleges to increase enrollment without building new classrooms. Hillsborough Community College (HCC) is a two year urban community college in Tampa, Florida. An online earth science class was first offered in Fall 2005. Most students enrolled in Earth Science are non-science majors fulfilling a science requirement for graduation and both online and on-campus classes average about 30 students. As this is a traditional earth science course it covers topics in geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. This material is divided into four units with an exam at the end of each unit. The exams are short answer, predominantly multiple choice with diagram identification and contain about eighty to ninety questions. All classes used the same study guide and textbook and all of the classes in this study were given exactly the same exams. This process was repeated over four semesters from Fall term 2005 to Spring term 2007. Statistical analysis comparing exam grades indicates that there was no significant difference in student performance on exams between the online and on-campus students...Click here to read the entire article.
Professor Werhner is the Faculty and Program Manager in the Physical Science Department at the Dale Mabry Campus.
Abstract
In this paper I compare the performance of online versus traditional on-campus students on identical exams in an earth science class. The number of college level distance learning classes offered online continues to increase as they offer greater scheduling flexibility to students, they appeal to students who like to work independently, and allow colleges to increase enrollment without building new classrooms. Hillsborough Community College (HCC) is a two year urban community college in Tampa, Florida. An online earth science class was first offered in Fall 2005. Most students enrolled in Earth Science are non-science majors fulfilling a science requirement for graduation and both online and on-campus classes average about 30 students. As this is a traditional earth science course it covers topics in geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. This material is divided into four units with an exam at the end of each unit. The exams are short answer, predominantly multiple choice with diagram identification and contain about eighty to ninety questions. All classes used the same study guide and textbook and all of the classes in this study were given exactly the same exams. This process was repeated over four semesters from Fall term 2005 to Spring term 2007. Statistical analysis comparing exam grades indicates that there was no significant difference in student performance on exams between the online and on-campus students...Click here to read the entire article.
Professor Werhner is the Faculty and Program Manager in the Physical Science Department at the Dale Mabry Campus.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Great Website
The website 21 Things for the 21st Century Educator offers 21 technology tips that every educator should know. View the list of tips in the right hand column and click on them for further explanation.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Happy New Year, from CITT
Wishing everyone a productive and successful spring semester.
Remember to use the resources on the CITT website. Here, you can find a plethora of useful information such as tutorials, tech-tips, ideas on best practices, and news about the Blackboard implementation, among other things.
Also, don't forget to become a follower of this blog!
Happy 2011!
Remember to use the resources on the CITT website. Here, you can find a plethora of useful information such as tutorials, tech-tips, ideas on best practices, and news about the Blackboard implementation, among other things.
Also, don't forget to become a follower of this blog!
Happy 2011!
Have a Burning Question? Ask it on the Chronicle of Higher Education Forums
- How do you deal with a student who skips the first class?
- What do you do about an outstanding student who doesn't follow the directions on a final project?
- Have questions about your tenure track?
- Are you a dean or department chair with questions?
The Chronicle Forums (hosted on the Chronicle of Higher Education website) can be an excellent place to anonymously post these types of questions. Employees in higher education use these forums to ask and answer a myriad of questions, covering everything from dealing with issues in the classroom to travel for conferences and academic purposes.
Give it a try! Browse the forum, ask your question and then check out the other fantastic resources on the Chronicle's website.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Congratulations to Dr. Germroth - NISOD Award Winner
Peter Germroth, was the recipient of the greatest amount of votes from the HCC Community for his contribution to teaching excellence.
Peter will receive sponsorship to attend the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Conference, in Austin Texas, May 29 - June 1, 2011 by the Center for Innovative Teaching and Technology - Faculty Professional Development (CITT-FPD)
In keeping with our mission of teaching excellence that promotes student success, CITT congratulates the 2011 NISOD EXCELLENCE AWARDS RECIPIENTS and salutes their commitment to high performance and extraordinary service to their students, their college, and their communities.
Please join us in congratulating Hillsborough Community College’s 2011 NISOD Excellence Awardees:
NISOD welcomes the participation of all awardees at the 2011 NISOD annual International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence.
Click here to learn more about all awardees and their commitment to excellence in education.
Peter will receive sponsorship to attend the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Conference, in Austin Texas, May 29 - June 1, 2011 by the Center for Innovative Teaching and Technology - Faculty Professional Development (CITT-FPD)
In keeping with our mission of teaching excellence that promotes student success, CITT congratulates the 2011 NISOD EXCELLENCE AWARDS RECIPIENTS and salutes their commitment to high performance and extraordinary service to their students, their college, and their communities.
Please join us in congratulating Hillsborough Community College’s 2011 NISOD Excellence Awardees:
- Peter Germroth
- Paul Flaherty
- Denys Harasymiak
- Robert J. King
- Michele Martinez
NISOD welcomes the participation of all awardees at the 2011 NISOD annual International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence.
Click here to learn more about all awardees and their commitment to excellence in education.
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