ITRC Faculty Showcase of Learning Objects

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Showcase of Learning Objects

Low Threshold Applications (LTA): An LTA is an application of information technology to a teaching/learning activity that is reliable, accessible, easy to learn, non-intimidating and (incrementally) inexpensive in terms of money, time, and stress.

Every LTA is based on some technology that is "accessible" , and available commercially at low-cost (including "freeware" and "shareware") to teachers and learners, or available from "open source/open course" collections of instructional and professional development resources.

  1. Questionmark's complimentary white paper, "Delivering Computerized Assessments Safely and Securely," will help you match an assessment to the most appropriate technology, techniques and physical environment for its delivery. Click here for this valuable resource today.

  2. Google has a function which allows for searching within a particular website and having the results of that search show up on Google's page.This is extremely helpful and significantly reduces one's search time. In order to search within a site through Google all one has to do is go to Google's site and in the search bar enter the subject of the search then "site:domain" (domain being the website address).

    For example, if I was looking for information about student technology assistants (STAs) on TLT Group's website I would simply type this is the Google search box: "STA site: www.tltgroup.org " and only hits from within the TLT Group website would be returned.

  3. Xanedu: An online "collection of digitized content, online CoursePack editing tools, research applications and assistance, copyright clearance services, ... print production options, and expert CoursePack development support." CoursePacks can be available to students online and/or in hard-copy versions.

  4. GradeKeeper: Organizing, calculating grades. "Gradekeeper is powerful, easy to use gradebook software for Windows and Macintosh. Gradekeeper is as easy to use as your paper gradebook. You can record grades and attendance for the entire school year. You can add students, assignments, and scores to your gradebook by just clicking and typing. But Gradekeeper does so much more. Once you try Gradekeeper, you'll throw away your paper gradebook! Gradekeeper works together with StarQuiz (to make it easier to give tests and quizzes and have the results automatically added to your gradebook) and Edline (to make it easy to give parents and students secure access to grades and other information online)."

  5. Web Magic Showcase: Sandy Cobb demonstrates and explains several of the HOT Web Technologies available for enhancing static sites. If you are thinking of building a Web site, or updating a current one, this showcase may help you decide which of these dynamic options you may want to include. This site was developed with Impatica to create streaming media that are compatible with Blackboard.

  6. Penn State Faculty Development Web Site: To assist you, our approach was to create a "course", called Faculty Development 101, and offered in an on-line environment. While a "student" in FACDEV 101, you will have the opportunity to experience learning at a distance in a delivery environment which may be similar to one you will use to author or instruct your own course. Lessons are constructed around competencies vital for all distance educators, and will include opportunities for interaction with other faculty members new to the World Campus team.

  7. Depaul Instructional Technology - Faculty Showcase highlights with streaming video the efforts of several DePaul faculty members who are using technology in various disciplines and in different ways. The Showcase reflects how their methods have enriched their students' learning.

 

Low Threshold Applications

Characteristics:  [Note:  Each LTA has some technological components and some components that are techniques of teaching and learning.]

  1. Low Incremental Cost:Low hardware, software, technological infrastructure incremental cost;  [Low dollars, time, stress, ...] based on using technology applications that are "almost ubiquitous",  already essential for the academic discipline, and inexpensive.

  2. Easy to Learn and Access:  Based on using technology applications and teaching/learning techniques that are already known or easy to learn -- and easily accessible to faculty and students involved.

  3. Not Intimidating:   Faculty and students do NOT perceive the LTA as requiring major re-adjustment in their roles or in their lives.  The LTAs are based on technology applications and teaching/learning techniques that do not intrude into the classroom OR that are already familiar within or outside of usual course work.

  4. Observable Positive Consequences :  Anecdotal testimony from some peers and colleagues of the faculty and students confirm desirable results from similar efforts.  Or formal studies show that positive outcomes are associated with the activity.

  5. Reliable : Teachers and learners can rely on the technology underlying a particular LTA. LTAs work as expected most of the time, especially when used during class time that cannot easily be extended or re-scheduled. NOTE: This reliability may depend as much on the quality and robustness of the technology infrastructure of the particular college or university as on the LTA technology itself.

 

Instructions for Popular Low Threshold Applications:

  1. Converting Powerpoint presentation to "Printer-friendly" PDF format
  2. Strategies for Avoiding "Cut and Paste" Plagiarism
  3. Plagiarism Detection Programs:

  4. Creating a Grade Book in excel
  5. Grading Templates in Excel
  6. Tracking Changes in Microsoft Word Documents
  7. Use the Reviewing Toolbar for Digital Editing
  8. Creating Type-able Forms in Microsoft Word for Data Collection
  9. Tips for More Effective Google Searches
  10. Creating Electronic Reserves in Blackboard
  11. Multimedia Tools for Teaching and Learning
  12. Using Instant Messenger to Communicate with Students

 

Reuseable Learning Objects

  1. Learning Objects and Teacher Friendly Tools
  2. SoftChalk
  3. Using Adobe Acrobat Excgange to make all kinds of things printer-friendly (web page, PowerPoint presentations, Syllabi, Concept Maps)
  4. Sound Forge Studio (Sonic Foundary) for inserting voice narrations slide by slide.
  5. Merlot
  6. Use of Non-English Characters, Non-English Keyboards in WindowsXP, to create accents and directly in Blackbard. The World Wide Web Consortium maintains a list of all character encodings supported by the Internet. You can find this information at the following URL: http://www.w3.org/International/O-charset.html

 

Technology Enhanced Exhibits

Below is a copy of an article that appeared in the " Personal Tech" section of the San Jose Mercury News. It's all about museum exhibits augmented and extended by technologies and wireless access. Peter Samis from SFMOMA is quoted several times, as the new SFMOMA handheld project is one of the museums featured here--and note IBM's major collaboration with the Egyptian government and museum in Cairo. Vancouver is launching a major handheld wireless community cultural and educational initiative, called the Mobile MUSE Project, with initial funding from Heritage Canada.

 

Documentation

Microsoft Applications

  • Microsoft Office and Windows XP Purchase Quickguide for Faculty and Staff [PDF, 4 pages, 2,098k]
    Faculty and staff are entitled to reduced-rates for Windows XP and Microsoft Office XP applications. Instructions for acquiring each application, as well as the Usage Agreement Form are located here.

Blackboard QuickGuides

  • Blackboard Quickguide for Faculty [PDF, 2 pages, 128k]
    This is an overview for faculty on how to get started with the Blackboard system at DePaul.

  • Getting Started with Blackboard for Faculty [PDF, 3 pages, 161k]
    This is an overview for faculty on how to set up their Blackboard courses.

  • Blackboard Quickguide for Students [PDF, 2 pages, 138k]
    This is an overview for students on how to get started with the Blackboard system at DePaul.

Blackboard System Info

  • Blackboard System Requirements [PDF, 2 pages, 142k]
    This is a list of the computer requirements and plug-ins needed to use the Blackboard system.

  • Blackboard Functionality List [PDF, 1 page, 63k]
    This is a comprehensive list of all the functions available in Blackboard, paired with descriptions.

  • Known Issues with Blackboard
    This is a list of known conflicts and issues with the Blackboard system at DePaul. Where possible, it includes the resolution for the issue. If you are experiencing problems, please review this list.

 

Manuals

  • Blackboard Reference Guide [PDF, 10 pages, 396k]
    A step-by-step guide on how to set up your Blackboard course.

  • Exchanging Files in Blackboard [PDF, 3 pages, 108k]
    This explains how to use the digital dropbox to exchange files between individual students and faculty.

  • Blackboard Gradebook [PDF, 6 pages, 260k]
    This explains how to use the Blackboard Gradebook to manage your grades.

  • Exporting Your Blackboard Gradebook [PDF, 1 page, 92k]
    This explains how to export your gradebook to a file on your hard drive. It is good practice to export gradebooks containing data at the end of each quarter.

  • Creating an Assessment in Blackboard [PDF, 38 pages, 1.9mb]
    This is a guide to using quizzes or surveys in Blackboard.

  • Creating Assessment Pools Blackboard [PDF, 1 page, 66k]
    This is a guide to using assessment pools to manage questions in Blackboard.

  • Using Respondus [PDF, 6 pages, 350k]
    This is a guide to using Respondus, a powerful software application that enhances the functionality and usability of Blackboard's quiz and survey tools.

  • Collaborative Tools in Blackboard [PDF, 3 pages, 155k]
    This discusses how to use different Blackboard features for the interactive task you want to accomplish.

  • Virtual Classroom in Blackboard [PDF, 5 pages, 58k]
    This explains how to effectively use Blackboard's synchronous chat room in your course.

  • Change the Appearance of Buttons in Blackboard [PDF, 1 page, 84k]
    Instructors change the appearance of the buttons within their course by entering the Control Panel, choosing Course images, and then choosing button style. The instructor can then choose the button style from the gallery of buttons.

  • Add a Banner to you Blackboard Course [PDF, 1 page, 72k]
    Instructors change the appearance of the buttons within their course by entering the Control Panel, choosing Course images, and then choosing course banner. The instructor can then upload an image of their choice.

  • Using HTML in Blackboard [PDF, 7 pages, 55kb]
    This is a Quickguide on advanced formatting in Blackboard using HTML (hypertext markup language).

  • Add Multimedia to your Blackboard Course [PDF, 2 pages, 108k]
    This is a Quickguide on how to integrate audio into your Blackboard course by downloading or creating these files.

  • Using MARS to record directly on CD [PDF, 7 pages, 469 k]
    This is a Quickguide on how to use ITD's Mobile Audio Recording Station (MARS) to record directly on a CD.

  • Using MARS 2 to record directly on MiniDisc [PDF, 5 pages, 374k]
    This is a Quickguide on how to use ITD's MiniDisc Mobile Audio Recording Station (MARS-2), to record digitally on MiniDisc.

 

Faculty Lab Help Guides

  • PDF vs. RTF vs. HTML [PDF, 1 page, 145k]
    Recommendations on when and why to use the PDF format vs. other formats and avenues.

  • Scanning Photos and Graphics [PDF, 1 page, 274k]
    Scan color or black and white photos, drawings, or other types of graphic from original photographs, magazines, or hand-drawn items.

  • Scanning Slides [PDF, 2 pages, 445k]
    Scan single or multiple slides using slide adapters.

  • Scan to PDF [PDF, 1 page, 226k]
    Instructions on how to scan a page of text as a single image. This image maintains the integrity of the page design.

  • Save or Print to PDF [PDF, 1 page, 128k]
    Use Adobe Acrobat to save Powerpoint handouts or other original files in PDF format. Users will need the free Adobe Reader to open these files.

  • Saving files or folder to a CD [PDF, 1 page, 322k]
    Save large files or a folder to a writable CD.

  • Capturing Video with Adobe Premiere 6.5 [PDF, 8 page, 1.0mb]
    Basic steps to capture and edit video segments using Adobe Premiere.

  • Creating Online Forms [PDF, 4 pages, 230k]
    Guide to the 'Form' tab in Dreamweaver - use as a guide when building an online form for QuickData.

  • Transferring Files [PDF, 4 pages, 334k]
    Use SSH to set up your condor account or to send files to either condor or the streaming media server.

 

Groupwise E-mail

  • Groupwise Faculty Quickguide [PDF, 2 pages, 144k]
    An overview of using Groupwise for e-mail.

  • Using Groupwise Calendar [PDF, 2 pages, 212k]
    An in-depth look at how to manage scheduling with Groupwise calendar functionality.

 

Impatica for PowerPoint

  • Impatica for PowerPoint [ PDF, 140kb]
    This quickguide provides basic instruction on how to Impaticize PowerPoint files.

  • Impatica Files and Blackboard [PDF, 181kb]
    This quickguide provides instructions on saving and uploading Impatica files for use on Blackboard.

 

Integrating Technology

  • Planning for Technology in Your Course [PDF, 3 pages, 160k]
    This resource provides a sample course planning timeline that will facilitate you in the planning of your course(s).

  • Course Design Considerations [PDF, 2 pages, 73k]
    This resource provides a handout with questions and space to answer questions that will help you plan your course(s).
  • 10 Easy Steps to Creating Your Online/Hybrid Course [PDF, 3 pages, 132k]
    This resource provides a list of ten (10) easy steps to get you started in creating the online component(s) of your course(s).

  • Problems and Cases [PDF, 2 pages, 92k]
    This article explores, techniques and examples of problem based learning.

  • Games and Simulations [PDF, 2 pages, 100k]
    This article explores the experiential learning techniques of games and simulations.

  • NetMeeting setup [PDF, 3 pages, 130k]
    NetMeeting is a point-to-point video teleconferencing solution. These are instructions on how to setup the solution and connect it to a directory server.

  • The Beauty of the Italian Vatican Basilicas and other Quicktime VR Exhibits. QuickTime allows you to import a variety of sound files and convert them to MPEG-4 AAC so you can include music on your websites, videos or slideshows. The converted AAC files not only sound great, but they also use much less space than the original file. Here's how to convert an audio file:

    • Step 1: Launch QuickTime. Select Import from the File menu, choose the audio file you want to convert and click Open.
    • Step 2: Select Export from the File menu. A Save As dialog will appear.
    • Step 3: Choose Movie to MPEG-4 from the Export pull-down menu. Click Options. Click the Audio tab. Choose settings appropriate for the file type. Click OK. Click Save.

    Learn how to convert video, audio, graphics and animation files into QuickTime movies on page 19 of the QuickTime Users Guide (PDF).

 

Instruction Builder

  • Instructional Builder Student Guide [PDF, 1 page, 110k]
    These are student instructions for the Instruction Builder application.

 

QuickData 2

  • How to build an on-line form [PDF, 4 pages, 230k]
    This describes how to create an online form or survey using Dreamweaver MX.

  • How to build an on-line form using Quick Data Wizard [PDF, 2 pages, 339k]
    These are instructions for the Quick Data Wizard.

 

Respondus

  • Using Respondus [PDF, 6 pages, 350k]
    A guide to integrating Respondus with Blackboard to create powerful and easy-to-manage assessments.

 

Turn-it-In

  • Getting Started with Turn-it-in [PDF, 2 pages, 143k]
    This gives a basic overview of the Turn-it-In system

  • Turn-it-in In-depth Tutorial [PPT, 17 slides, 1.33mb]
    This is an in-depth tutorial on the Turn-it-In system.

 

Using Audio and Video

  • Video Hints [PDF, 2 pages, 101k]
    Taking into consideration the time commitment, copyright and bandwidth issues associated with using online video, the instructor must balance the problems of using video with the benefits.

  • Capturing Video with Adobe Premiere 6.5 [PDF, 8 pages, 1mb]
    This is a guide to retrieving and editing video from a tape, DVD or camera using Adobe Premiere.

  • Transferring Files [PDF, 4 pages, 334k]
    This gives instructions on how to use SSH to upload files to your Streaming Media and/or Condor account.

  • Add Multimedia to Your Blackboard Course [PDF, 2 pages, 108k]
    This is a Quickguide on how to integrate audio into your Blackboard course by downloading or creating these files.

  • Using MARS to record directly on CD [PDF, 7 pages, 469 kb]
    This is a Quickguide on how to use ITD's Mobile Audio Recording Station (MARS) to record directly on a CD.

  • Using MARS 2 to record directly on MiniDisc [PDF, 5 pages, 374k]
    This is a Quickguide on how to use ITD's MiniDisc Mobile Audio Recording Station (MARS-2), to record digitally on MiniDisc.

 

Using Library Resources

  • Using Library Resources [PDF, 2 pages, 188k]
    This is a quickguide on how to link to images in the Library Image Collections from your Blackboard course site.

 

Using a Website

  • Dreamweaver Tutorials
    Directions on how to put your web pages, images and other files onto Condor for public viewing using SSH.

  • Transferring Files [PDF, 4 pages, 334k]
    This gives instructions on how to use SSH to upload files to your Streaming Media and/or Condor account.

 

Student Technology Training

Agendas

  • Campus Connection Agenda [PDF, 1 page, 270kb]
    Agenda for Campus Connection training.

  • Blackboard Agenda [PDF, 1 page, 271kb]
    Agenda for Blackboard training.

  • Introductory Microsoft Word Agenda [PDF, 1 page, 270kb]
    Agenda for Introductory Microsoft Word training.

  • Advanced Microsoft Word Agenda [PDF, 1 page, 272kb]
    Agenda for Advanced Microsoft Word training.

  • Introductory Microsoft Excel Agenda [PDF, 1 page, 270kb]
    Agenda for Introductory Microsoft Excel training.

  • Advanced Microsoft Excel Agenda [PDF, 1 page, 271kb]
    Agenda for Advanced Microsoft Excel training.

  • Microsoft PowerPoint Agenda [PDF, 1 page, 270kb]
    Agenda for Microsoft PowerPoint training.

  • Introductory Microsoft Access Agenda [PDF, 1 page, 270kb]
    Agenda for Introductory Microsoft Access training.

  • Advanced Microsoft Access Agenda [PDF, 1 page, 270kb]
    Agenda for Advanced Microsoft Access training.

QuickGuides

  • Campus Connection Quickguide [PDF, 5 pages, 1.3mb]
    Directions on how to utilize the different services that are offered within the Campus Connection web page.

  • Blackboard Quickguide [PDF, 2 pages, 537kb]
    Directions on how to utilize the different features of the Blackboard course system.

  • Introductory Microsoft Word Quickguide [PDF, 5 pages, 1.4mb]
    Directions on how to utilize basic Microsoft Word functionality.

  • Advanced Microsoft Word Quickguide [PDF, 4 pages, 1.1mb]
    Directions on how to utilize advanced formatting and table creation functions in Microsoft Word.

  • Introductory Microsoft Excel Quickguide [PDF, 9 pages, 2.8mb]
    Directions on how to utilize basic Microsoft Excel functionality.

  • Advanced Microsoft Excel Quickguide [PDF, 5 pages, 546kb]
    Directions on how to utilize advanced formulas, functions and charts in Microsoft Excel.

  • Microsoft PowerPoint Quickguide [PDF, 8 pages, 2.2mb]
    Directions on how to utilize Microsoft PowerPoint functionality.

  • Introductory Microsoft Access Quickguide [PDF, 9 pages, 3mb]
    Directions on how to utilize basic Microsoft Access functionality.

Integrating Technology

  • Enhancing Your Course
    This section addresses planning for technology and applying appropriate strategies.

  • Copyright Concerns
    This section addresses common issues when incorporating copyrighted materials.

  • Using Library Resources
    This section explains how to efficiently and effectively integrate digital library resources.

  • Using Audio and Video
    This section explains the available options for audio & video production using ITD resources.

  • Using a Website
    This section explains process of creating a website for use at DePaul.

  • Video Conferencing
    This section explains how to setup video conferencing solutions.