NMC Beyond the Horizon > The Hybrid Experience - Register Now!

In this online event, panelists will explore how the hybrid approach is fostering independent learning and collaboration, as well as cultivating more channels of communication among students and instructors. Panelists will reveal how the integration of online tools also provides instructors with the ability to track student success and engagement, rearranging face-to-face instruction around more active, hands-on activities.

• Date: April 20, 2016
• Time: 1:00-2:00 PM
• Place: Google Hangout
• Register for Webinar

The cost is $125. If you plan to participate, please let me know. I have a limited number of Coupon Codes.

The Panelists:

• Moderator: Rodney Murray (University of the Sciences)
• Terra Graves (Washoe County School District)
• Cathy Littlefield (Peirce College)
• David Schönstein (Smart Sparrow)

This online event is a program of the NMC Personalized Learning Initiative (PLI), supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Through the NMC PLI, the NMC is working to scale the adoption of innovative personalized learning practices and solutions in US higher education. In this series of online events, the NMC convenes key influencers and leaders in the field to move the most innovative ideas and solutions from the foundation’s vast network of grantees and partners into practice. Learn more at go.nmc.org/pli.

Paul Halpern Presents "Edge of the Universe"

Chat with Paul Halpern, Professor of Physics at USciences and the author of 13 popular science books, about the frontiers of scientific knowledge about the universe. It will be your chance to ask him questions about dark matter, dark energy, the holographic principle, time travel, dark flow, black holes, the fate of the cosmos, or anything else you've wondered about the universe.


MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
This live and interactive discussion of modern ideas in cosmology will be available on Thursday, December 6, from 3:00PM – 4:00PM EST on Shindig (a new video chat platform for giving online readings, talks or interviews in front of an online audience).


For more information on Paul's book, please visit: http://edgeofuniverse.com

National Distance Learning Week - November 7-11, 2011

Register to attend

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2011
Time: 1 - 2:00 pm (ET)
Topic: Online Learning - Will the growth continue?
Presenter:
Todd A. Hitchcock, USDLA Board Member
Senior Vice President, Online Solutions & Business Development, Pearson

Over the past decade, the growth in students taking online courses in K-12 and Higher Education has outstripped the increase in the number of students enrolling in traditional programs.  We know the numbers and we know the 'whys' but the question is, will this trend continue and if so, what will the enablers be?  Join this webinar to explore a number of potential enablers and to discuss what the next 'big thing' could be to spur the growth in online learning or disrupt it.


TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2011
Time: 1-2:00 pm (ET)
Topic: Learning Styles: Do they really matter?
Presenter:
Dr. Jolly T. Holden, USDLA Chair Emeritus
Advisory Board Chair, American InterContinental University

The recurring debate concerning the efficacy of learning styles and their impact on learning outcomes has been reflected in the literature for the past 60 years. Research has not overwhelmingly supported the premise that learning styles are a useful variable when designing instruction for adult learners. Since the goal of designing instruction is to attain the desired learning outcomes, the question one must answer is: Do learning styles really matter? In this his lively webinar, learning styles will be defined and differentiated from learning modalities, and based upon the research, why learning styles are not useful variables when predicting learning outcomes.
   
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2011
Time: 1-2:00 pm (ET)
Topics: Virtual Worlds / Mobile Learning
Presenter:
Dr. Keysha Gamor
Virtual World Consultant

This webinar will explore the new mobile learning environment and how it is changing the way the world learns and interacts in a global multi-billion dollar education and training market. In addition, it will provide an overview of virtual worlds while examining popular virtual world applications.  This session will also help you to frame an understanding of virtual worlds and their appropriate application.


THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2011
Time: 1-2:00 pm (ET)
Topic: Developing, Maintaining, and Growing a State Chapter
Presenters:
Ken Conn
USDLA Board Member and Senior Vice President for State Chapters
Director of Houston Education, Data Projections

Louis Stricoff
Executive Director, PA/DE/NJ Distance Learning Association
Business Development Manager
Emantras/MOBL21

Janet Major
USDLA Board Member and Arizona Distance Learning Association - Past President
Technical Coordinator Arizona Telemedicine Program
Distance Program Coordinator, BioCommunications
The University of Arizona Health Sciences Center

As the title states, this session will focus on developing, maintaining, and growing a state chapter of the United States Distance Learning Association.  You will have the opportunity to learn with various state chapter leaders who will share their experiences.


FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2011
Time: 1-2:00 pm (ET)
Topic: Brain-based Learning
Presenter:
Dr. Nish Sonwalkar, (Sc.D.MIT)
USDLA, Director of Research
The International Center for Distance Learning Research and Praxis (ICDLRP)

This webinar will explore how the brain is comprised of billions of neurons (brain cells) connected with trillions of "synaptic" connections between the neurons. Recent research indicates that learning happens in a human brain when a group of neurons are able to form a network passing information between them in the form of electro-chemical signals. Brain-based learning has the potential to enable curriculum content to be adapted to individualized learning pathways ensuring an increase in learning effectiveness and efficiency as well as improvement in student engagement and evaluation measurements.

Register to attend

Blackboard Collaborate is Coming!

		See Blackboard Collaborate 11 in action ...  Register for a webinar today!   Dear USciences Faculty, By combining the best of Elluminate and Wimba technology, Blackboard Collaborate™ 11 delivers a next-generation collaboration platform designed for education that includes a new user-driven interface design, web conferencing and enterprise instant messaging integration, voice authoring, and much more. See for yourself. Check out one of our upcoming webinars, "Blackboard Collaborate 11: Better Together." July 19 at 9am and 3pm EDT (GMT-4) July 21 at 10am and 6pm EDT (GMT-4) July 25 at 11am EDT (GMT -4)  What's New New collaboration solutions that provide a wide spectrum of collaboration Customer-driven development that improves the user experience Education platform built for the academic enterprise Learn how you can build a better education experience with Blackboard Collaborate.  Register now. Sincerely, Your Blackboard Collaborate Team

Engage and Learn with Next Generation Learning Challenges this Summer

Click for More Information

This summer, you're invited to join your colleagues and Next Generation Learning Challenges for a "Summer Learning Series" – a schedule of webinars dedicated to the transformative role that technology can play in fostering student success with solutions designed to improve college completion.

The Series

No advance registration is required to participate. Each hour-long webinar is free and open to the public and session archives will be posted on the NGLC homepage the following day.
Topic: Disrupting College
Speaker: Louis Soares, Director of the Postsecondary Education Program, Center for American Progress
Date: Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET

Topic: Blended Learning at the University of Central Florida
Speaker: Thomas Cavanaugh, Assistant Vice President, Distributed Learning
Date: Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET

Topic: The Gamification of Education
Speakers: Steve Ritter, Carnegie Learning; Chris Sprague, OpenStudy; and David Gibson, SimSchool
Date: Thursday, July 28, 2011
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET

Topic: The Open Learning Initiative
Speaker: Candace Thille, Director, Open Learning Initiative
Date: Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET

Topic: Using Openness to Bridge to Success
Speaker: Patrick McAndrew, Institute of Educational Technology, The Open University
Date: Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET

How to Join

Each webcast will be hosted inside the NGLC Adobe Connect webconferencing room. To join, simply enter the URL and select "Enter as a Guest," type in your name and affiliation (e.g., John Doe, American High School), and click "Enter Room."

Academic Tech Webinar: Adding Panopto Recordings to Angel

Join us for a Webinar on April 22   View introduction to Panopto by USciences' CIO,  Dr. Mark Nestor when he was at Miami Dade College Lecture capture is already an important component of classroom technology at USciences. Lecture capture allows instructors to record what happens in their classrooms and make it available electronically through our LMS. We use Mediasite in the major lecture halls. This Webinar is on using Panopto to capture video, audio, and your desktop computer screen (e.g., web sites, applications, PowerPoint slides). The big difference is that we now have a license to use Panopto in any classroom not served by Mediasite. You can even create learning modules in the comfort of your own office. Lecture capture systems offer important benefits:     * an alternative when students miss class     * an alternative when the instructor misses class     * an opportunity for students to review course content     * a way to create content for hybrid or online courses Educational Objectives: Learn ...     * Overview of Panopto, including two types of recorders (5 min)     * Download Panopto Recorder from Angel (5 min)     * Record screencast and Powerpoint presentation (10)     * Panopto Editor (15 minutes)     * Q&A (10 minutes) Tune in and win a Logitech USB Headset. Title: Academic Tech Webinar: Adding Panopto Recordings to Angel Date: Friday, April 22, 2011 Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EDT After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar. System Requirements PC-based attendees Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server Macintosh®-based attendees Required: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/505140171

Blackboard Collaborate Distinguished Lecture Series

Blackboard Collaborate is the name of the new online classroom system to be based on Elluminate and its former competition, Wimba, which were both bought by Blackboard earlier this year.

"Formed by the union of industry leaders Wimba and Elluminate, Blackboard Collaborate delivers open, education-focused collaboration solutions that enhance learning, reduce costs, and improve outcomes by enabling anywhere, anytime, instruction, meetings, and help."

Here are links to archives of excellent presentations that are of interest to faculty who would like to learn more about teaching online.

The 10 Biggest Myths About Synchronous Online Teaching 
by Ted Bongiovanni and Roseanna DeMaria
New York University, School of Continuing and Professional Studies

Building Campus Community and Conducting Staff Training Instantly with Pronto 
by Eric Kunnen of Grand Rapids Community College and
Jenny Jones of Holmes Community College

Increasing Enrollment Using Wimba Classroom
by Rick Bebout, West Virginia University

Blackboard Collaborate is scheduled to debut this summer. Though the above webinars were recorded with Wimba Classroom, the new Blackboard product will be based on the Elluminate infrastructure. Sign up for a trial of Elluminate Live.

National Distance Learning Week

Free Webinars: November 8-12, 2010

The purpose of National Distance Learning Week (NDLW) is to generate greater awareness and appreciation for distance learning, including K-12, Higher Education, Corporate and Military, while recognizing leaders and best practices in the field.

Register for these free webinars

MONDAY

Event: Integration of Virtual Education
Date: November 8, 2010
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
This webinar will explore how the use of related information, communication, and educational technologies are being used to support and improve Pre K-12 / home school based learning and student achievement.

Event: Higher Education
Date: November 8, 2010
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
This webinar will explore a broad range of issues related to the institution's/unit's practices and procedures as new global campuses become the norm and the traditional education landscape transforms.

TUESDAY

Event: Blending Learning
Date: November 9, 2010
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
This webinar will explore the economy of scale and power of blended learning which is derived from its "elasticity:" the ability to integrate a variety of synchronous and asynchronous media allowing the instructional designer to attain the most appropriate blended learning solution. Download your FREE copy of the USDLA Instructional Media Selection Guide for Distance Learning authored by Dr. Jolly Holden and Dr. Philip Westfall.

Event: Measuring Effectiveness
Date: November 9, 2010
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
This webinar will educate organizations on how to measure effectiveness and report. This will include discussions on showing the real value for your talent programs. Explain how your hard work benefits your company, in real dollars. Benchmark your company's programs against those in your industry, or in all industries. Improve your bottom line by understanding and using the talent in your organization, and streamlining your processes.

WEDNESDAY
Event: Virtual Worlds
Date: November 10, 2010
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
This webinar will provide an overview of virtual worlds while examining popular virtual world applications.  This session will also help you to frame an understanding of virtual worlds and their appropriate application.

Event: Professional Online Educator - Faculty Preparation for Excellence in Online Teaching
Date: November 10, 2010
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The role of the educator has undergone a paradigm shift in order to keep pace with mainstream acceptance of online teaching at primary, secondary, and post-secondary institutions of learning. Educators, administrators, and education organizations and institutions recognize the need to verify that pre-service teachers, traditional classroom teachers, and novice online teachers can affect a meaningful transfer of knowledge in myriad online learning environments. In this session, learn how online teaching skills will address a growing market need and the desire of educators, administrators, and education organizations to ensure quality online instruction. 

THURSDAY

Event: About USDLA Membership and How You Can Get Involved!
Date: November 11, 2010
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
This webinar will explore the United States Distance Learning Association, which is a non-profit organization formed in 1987 and is located in Boston, Massachusetts. USDLA promotes the development and application of distance learning for education and training and serves the needs of the distance learning community by providing advocacy, information, networking and opportunity. Distance education and training constituencies served include pre-k-12 education, higher and continuing education, home schooling, as well as business, corporate, military, government, and telehealth markets.

FRIDAY
Event: Brain-based Learning
Date: November 12, 2010
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
The brain is comprised of billions of neurons (brain cells) connected with trillions of "synaptic" connections between the neurons. Recent research indicates that learning happens in a human brain when a group of neurons are able to form a network passing information between them in the form of electro-chemical signals. Brain-based learning has the potential to enable curriculum content to be adapted to individualized learning pathways ensuring an increase in learning effectiveness and efficiency as well as improvement in student engagement and evaluation measurements.

Event: Mobile Learning
Date: November 12, 2010
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
With the number of mobile phones approaching 5 billion subscribers globally, mobile learning has the potential to deliver effective education and training to these busy workers.  This webinar will provide some examples and insight into this globally expanding market.

Teaching & Learning Rhythms: Tools to Enhance Student Engagement

Mark your calendar!

Date: Thursday, October 14, 2010
Time: 1:00 PM
Place: FOW 120 (Mayes College, 4100 Woodland)

Join us for this live Magna Publications Webinar:

In Teaching & Learning Rhythms: Tools to Enhance Student Engagement, multiple teaching award winner Alex Fancy of Mount Allison University will train professors and instructors in how to capture that elusive flow when teaching seems effortless and students are excited and eagerly involved in learning.

This video online seminar will cover:

• Ways to resolve ongoing issues of “flow” in the classroom
• Finding the right balance between information and reflection, repetition and variation, and low and high energy in your classroom
• Engaging students as “co-managers” of learning
• Shaping rhythms to provide a sense of engagement
• Teaching as a dramatic performance and energy exchange
• Analyzing your course structure with attention to short and long-term rhythms
• Why rhythm and balance are essential to shaping classroom communities
• The six-act approach to teaching
• Ways to manage a disengaged student
• Working with natural ebbs and flows in the teaching dynamic
• Centering yourself in the college classroom
• Mindfulness and reflection on your teaching process

You will also receive a brief white paper outlining the theory behind this recommended approach to teaching, along with 100 questions for self-assessment of your teaching performance.

About the presenter
Alex Fancy is a long-time professor in the Modern Languages and Literatures Department at Mount Allison University in Canada. He has been recognized for his award-winning teaching across campus, regionally, and nationally.

Who should attend?
This seminar is designed for faculty members and educational developers at all levels and in all types of post-secondary institutions. It is also appropriate for administrators with a special interest in encouraging teacher reflection and self-assessment.

Next Generation Learning Challenges

From Educause...

This fall, campuses will welcome the largest freshman class in the nation’s history. But the journey from freshman year to diploma is not necessarily an easy one. Many students must juggle work, family, and financial responsibilities with coursework. Others will struggle to keep pace with the rigor of college courses.

How can we leverage today’s IT tools to smooth the path toward college completion?

How can tools like open courseware, analytics, or blended learning be more successful?

Next Generation Learning Challenges (NGLC) is a new effort to identify and scale technology-enabled approaches that dramatically improve college readiness and completion. EDUCAUSE invites you to participate in a “Back to Campus” series of webinars focusing on the underlying challenges in college readiness and completion and IT’s role as an enabler of change.

Upcoming Webinars

Topic: Deeper Learning and Engagement
Speaker: Bryan Alexander, Director of Research, National Institute for Technology in Liberal Education (NITLE) 
Date: September 21, 2010
Time: 2:00 p.m. ET

Topic: The Future of Assessment and Learning 
Speaker: Valerie Shute, Associate Professor, Educational Psychology and Learning Systems, Florida State University 
Date: October 1, 2010
Time: 3:00 p.m. ET

Topic: Open Educational Resources
Speaker: David Wiley, Associate Professor, Instructional Psychology and Technology, Brigham Young University
Date: October 6, 2010
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET (12:00 noon CT, 11:00 a.m. MT, 10:00 a.m. PT)

How to Join

Each webcast will be hosted inside an Adobe Connect webconferencing room at http://educause.adobeconnect.com/nglc. To join, simply enter the URL and select "Enter as a Guest," type in your name and affiliation (e.g., John Doe, University of the Sciences), and click "Enter Room."

Once inside the room, audio will be provided through your computer speakers and presentation slides will advance on your screen. You can interact with fellow attendees and presenters using the chat feature inside the room.

Each web seminar is free and open to all, but virtual seats are limited. Attendance is first come, first served. Each session will be recorded and archived for later viewing.

Technical Requirements

Whether you've participated in an NGLC online event before or you're joining for the first time, please run the Adobe Acrobat Connect Connection Test before the event. View the Adobe Connect technical requirements.

Note: If you experience difficulties during the web seminar, you can listen to the audio via a toll-free conference call line at 877-944-2300, access code 99269#.

For more information, please visit http://nextgenlearning.com/news/upcoming-events/articles/upcoming-events.

Online Seminar: "Online Group Work: Making It Meaningful and Manageable"

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!  Please join us for this online seminar.

Date: Thursday, August 12, 2010
Time: 1:00 - 2:00 PM EDT
Place: Woodland 117

Register Now!

Collaborative assignments often elicit a negative reaction among undergraduate students. But in the eyes of potential employers and in academics, they are vitally important. With the increasing popularity of online courses, instructors need to have clear, effective methods of creating, implementing, and grading group projects. Group projects are not “one size fits all,” but applying proven techniques can make them a “win-win.”

Change the perception and the results with Online Group Work: Making It Meaningful and Manageable. When explained, implemented, and graded effectively, online group projects can be among students’ most satisfying and valuable academic experiences. This 60-minute audio online seminar covers every element of the process.

Attendees will learn about...

• Teaching students HOW to work in asynchronous groups

• Creating assignments that meet academic needs and function within the online framework

• Changing the perception of group work by increasing student investment, and getting the virtual classroom to “buy-in”

• Streamlining structure and supervision to manageable levels

• Showing students efficiencies in group work, allowing better use of cognitive energy

A Crucial Topic

The seminar is designed for faculty, course designers, instructional technologists, online administrators, and others involved in the online course experience. Get an in-depth look at the Web 2.0 tools vital to the online group project experience. Attendees will have access to checklists, rubrics, additional readings, and guidelines for every step.

Experienced presenter

Dr. Jean Mandernach

Dr. Jean Mandernach is a true innovator in online instruction. Her research and published work focuses on enhancing student learning through new assessment techniques and teaching frameworks. She currently serves as professor of Psychology and Online Learning at Park University.

Bring questions
Have questions about online group work? Be sure to bring them to this live seminar for the opportunity to receive a response from our expert.

Academic Tech Webinar Series: Google Docs

	Join us for a Webinar on June 3 The University has recently rolled out Google Apps for Education. This optional resource will give all faculty, students and staff a state-of-the-art communication and collaboration platform to supplement our existing infrastructure. This webinar will concentrate on how to use Google Docs. Docs gives us the ability to share and collaboratively edit documents compatible with Word, Excel and PowerPoint from any web browser, any time and any place. All content resides in our own protected domain and requires a login and password. Educational Objectives: attendees will learn how to:     * Create and upload documents compatible with MS Office (.doc, .xls, .ppt)     * Create Forms that can be used to collect data that fill in your Google spreadsheet     * Collaboratively edit documents and drawings in real time     * Share large data files with colleagues on or off campus     * Embed documents and presentations in Angel courses and community groups Title: Academic Tech Webinar Series: Google Docs Date: Thursday, June 3, 2010 Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar. System Requirements PC-based attendees Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP, 2003 Server or 2000 Macintosh®-based attendees Required: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/224849075

Going Google at USP - Preview

Join us for a Webinar on April 23

The University of the Sciences is rolling out Google Apps for Education on April 29. This optional resource will give all faculty, students and staff a state-of-the-art communication and collaboration platform to supplement our existing e-learning infrastructure. We will have the ability to share and collaboratively edit documents compatible with Word, Excel and PowerPoint. We can create unlimited Wiki websites (Sites in Google parlance) and stream videos from our own private branded YouTube-like site. All content resides in our own protected domain and will require a login and password. Content is not exposed to the public through search engines.

Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/149845666

Title: Academic Tech Webinar Series: Going Google at USP Preview Date: Friday, April 23, 2010 Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EDT Where: Your Desktop After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

Organizing Blended Courses for Optimal Student Engagement

Mark you calendar! Join us and participate in this Academic Tech Webinar Series event.

Despite the growing acceptance and recognized benefits of online education, many instructors and students discover they miss the dynamics of a face-to-face class. A blended course, which combines traditional class time with online learning elements, has emerged as a powerful solution that provides the best of both worlds.

When done correctly, a blended (or hybrid) course leads to more productive in-class time and more engaged learning outside of class, ultimately improving learning outcomes. Plus, as an added bonus, blended learning provides much-needed relief for overbooked classrooms at a time when most capital improvement projects have been put on hold.

Faculty Focus invites you to join Dr. Ike Shibley of Penn State for a live video seminar guaranteed to inspire you to think more creatively about how to use blended course delivery to get students actively involved with their course material.

Date: Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Time: 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

Where: Griffith Hall Room 110-C

In Organizing Blended Courses for Optimal Student Engagement, Dr. Shibley will address the unique pedagogical challenges of blended learning, and the proven strategies and technologies he uses with his students.
This online seminar will cover:

• Effective blended techniques before, during and after class
• Using clickers to create a more active classroom
• Ways to reach higher levels of Bloom’s taxonomy with clicker questions
• How to write quiz questions that encourage students to rehearse material
• Best methods to increase engagement through blended course design
• How blended learning makes assessment easier

There’s never been a better time for blended learning. Sign-up for this strategy-filled seminar today!

Supplement Classroom Learning with Screen Capture Software

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Join us to view this webinar by Dr. Dave Yearwood, who has conducted numerous workshops for college faculty at the national and international levels. Associate Professor and Chair of the Technology Department at the University of North Dakota, Dr. Yearwood’s research interests focus on ways faculty members can infuse presentations and other technologies into coursework to connect and engage students, enhance understanding, and promote dialogue leading to critical examination of course content. According to the program…

Instructional technology can–and should–be changing the way college faculty conduct classes. Today, students can access course information remotely, around the clock. Are faculty members at your institution taking full advantage of this fact? If not, it may be time for a skills upgrade. Even the most talented faculty need help to stay current with the latest advances in instructional technology. The growing availability of portable multimedia devices and the proliferation of Course Management Systems make the time right for college instructors to begin to integrate audio and video teaching and learning modules to create more engaging–and more effective–courses.

Date: Thursday, January 21, 2010
Time: 1pm to 2:30pm
Place: Rosenberger 102

USP Faculty are encouraged to Register Online

During this live, interactive seminar, participants will learn:

• How technology can free up class time for higher order learning activities
• Easy ways to become your students’ 24/7 personal tutor
• Where to access recommended technologies
• How to create supplemental and remedial course materials
• Strategies to encourage students to take a more active role in their education
• Innovative ways to increase out-of-class engagement with course material
• How to develop compelling portable media presentations for easy student access
• The benefits of providing short audio-video content for your students
• Surprising ways to include students in recorded content
• Where faculty members can obtain needed technical assistance
• And more

Webinar: The Future of ANGEL

At these webinar sessions, Blackboard will provide an update on the promises that were made at Angel Users Conference in May ‘09 and will provide some additional detail about organizational influences the ANGEL and Blackboard teams have had on one another. Then, they will focus on the road ahead for ANGEL clients such as USP. They will share how they have been listening to client concerns and what their current plans are for ANGEL 8.0 and beyond.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010, 11:00 am EST - Register Now!

Thursday, February 11, 2010, 2:00 pm EST - Register Now!

Thursday, February 18, 2010, 1:00 pm EST - Register Now!

You will receive email confirmation with all information needed to participate.

Creatively Engaging Online Students: Models & Activities

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Join us to view this recorded webinar by Dr. Curt Bonk, Professor of Education, Indiana University. According to the program...

Dr. Bonk addresses growing concerns about a lack of engagement in the online classroom. Student dissatisfaction, apathy and, increasingly, attrition threaten to derail the progress of online education at many schools. During this presentation, you’ll discover how to address those problems, and how to build proven engagement-boosters into your online programs.

Date: Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Time: 1pm to 2pm
Place: FOW 110, 4101 Woodland Building

USP Faculty are encouraged to Register Online

• Learn how to address student learning preferences online.
• Discover ways to motivate students in online environments.
• Take home a minimum of a dozen ideas you can use in your classrooms and programs.
• Get the facts on two unique ways of thinking about teaching and learning in online environments.
• Hear about a wealth of low-risk, low-cost, low-time activities.
• Create a vision of what you would like your classroom to be, and develop a plan to achieve it.
• See how to use the “R2D2 model” for thinking about diverse learning needs.
• Understand how the example you set online can help (or harm) your students.
• Learn to build peer and expert feedback into your online classes with techniques like critical friends and cross-institutional mentoring.
• Find out how to successfully prepare students for the rigors of online learning.

Educause 2009 News: Future of Angel and More!

In observance of National Distance Learning Week, I'll be reporting on my experience attending Educause 200 in Denver last week. Attend this webinar and learn about the future of Angel now that Blackboard is in control. I'll also touch on other news of interest including Blackboard's new mobile solution, e-portfolios, Moodle, Google Wave and more.

Tune into the next episode in our Academic Technology Webinar Series on Friday, November 13, at Noon. University students, faculty and staff can register on our Campus Portal or Angel Learning System.

E-Textbooks: Are We There Yet?

Is this the year of the e-book? Almost everyone has heard of the Amazon Kindle by now and more news about e-book readers seem to come out every day. Barnes and Noble is about to launch their own e-book reader (Image Via Gizmodo). Amazon is releasing a new Kindle for use in Europe. Sony has been in the e-book game for years and continues to release new models, e.g., a wireless model is due this holiday season. However, the most popular e-book reader may already be in your pocket -- the iPhone.

While most e-book news tends to be focused on the readers, how about the e-books themselves or, more important for academia, e-textbooks? It's one thing to flip through black and white novels on a monochrome Kindle and another to do research and take notes using a library of colorful large format textbooks on a portable electronic device. When will our students trade in their 40 pound backpacks for a thin, light weight, colorful e-book reader? Are we there yet?

Find out by tuning into the next episode in our Academic Technology Webinar Series on Friday, October 23 at Noon. Get the details on our Campus Portal or Angel Learning System.

Blogging at the University of the Sciences and Beyond

Blog is a shorthand term that means “Web log”, an online, chronological collection of personal commentary and links. It's very easy to create and use blogs anywhere there is an Internet connect. This form of Internet publishing has become an established communications tool and an alternative to mainstream media publications.

Attend our Academic Tech Webinar Series on blogging on Friday, October 9. You "attend" from the comfort of your own office via GoToMeeting webinar software. You'll be able to view my PC's desktop and hear me as I present, demonstrate and answer your questions. You can participate via a PC headset (highly recommended), phone, or just "lurk and learn" while eating your lunch. If you don't have a headset and don't want to make a toll call, you can ask questions using text chat.

• Learn about the history of blogging
• Learn how to find, subscribe and read blogs
• Learn how to setup a free personal blog using Blogger and Feedburner
• Learn how to contribute to the USP Experts blog
• Learn how to setup a blog on Angel
• Learn the benefits of blogs in education and research
  

Find out more and register on our Campus Portal or Angel LMS.