EMC Workshops on the Go is a professional development series designed around a micro learning framework. The series provides focused learning of chunked content with reflection, hands-on exploration with a live learner support event. Instructional examples and resources were provided to introduce the tools and kick-start the ideation process to engage and promote active learning within your teaching. Workshop activities consisted of online readings and video content, independent work time and optional synchronous question and answer session. Specifically for the past two weeks we were focused on the Zoom features of: Stamps, Polling, Breakout Rooms and Remote Control. Participants are encouraged to take the additional step to create and share an artifact that they’ve made to exemplify their proficiency in at least two of micro learning topics presented during this series. Upon verification of their submission and sharing of their artifact workshop participants will be eligible for a completion badge.
Badges represent a professional development accomplishment. More than a nice graphic, badges provide metadata on what you have achieved to earn the badge. This perpetual badge with metadata provides an online portfolio of your achievements. No more printing, scanning, (shredding?) and organizing (losing?) of paper letters of completion. Though if you wish to print out a certificate Badgr does have a link to do that. Also no more forgetting assessment details of what you accomplished to complete the professional development either.
Why Badgr?
Badgr is a badge service that works with your UH Google account, so there is no need for you to manage username or password of another siloed account. Badgr also is based on Open Badges 2.0 protocols which allows you to download and move your badges if desired.
What if I am already using Credly for badges?
As of September 2020, Credly has transitioned to a new brand identity called Acclaim and is no longer a free service. Badgr uses Open Badging 2.0 standards, it is recommended that you download your Credly badges and upload them into Badgr.
How do I access my Badgr badge?
1. Visit Badgr.com or click on “Create Account” link in the email you received when you’ve earned a badge.
2. On the Welcome to Badgr page, select to Create Account with Google.
3. Check the box to acknowledge the Terms of Service and Continue.
4. On the Welcome to Badgr page, scroll down to View Backpack.
5. Click on the badge title to learn more about the badge, print your certificate or share a link to it.
Thanks for taking the time to visit our EMC Blog. If you have thoughts, questions, or feedback, please comment below. – Mahalo
“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care” – Theodore Roosevelt
Connect, engage, and learn about your audience by polling them. When you invite them to actively participate in your presentation and seek their input they are more likely to get more out of your presentation. Elevate your teaching with Zoom polling, you can pre-configure polling questions (step by step) or create polling questions on the fly (Polling icon in your session toolbar). Consider the benefits of collecting individual student names or make your poll responses anonymous. Lastly, you may decide to download your poll responses for later review. With pre-planning and little bit of practice, you can engage your audience with Zoom Polling.
Haven’t used the Zoom Polling feature yet? Learn more about Zoom Polling for Meetings to get started. We look forward to hearing about the creative ways to utilize Zoom Polling into your live sessions. Then, come to our optional Virtual Open Lab via Zoom on Thursday, December 2, 2021 at 1:00-2:00 p.m. to practice, ask questions, etc. You can also contact us (Educational Technologist) for help. Lastly, there will be an opportunity at the end of this 4-part microlearning series to earn a badge of achievement.
Thanks for taking the time to visit our EMC Blog. If you have thoughts, questions, or feedback, please comment below. – Mahalo
Thank you to those who joined us at Tech It Out Day 2021! The website has been updated with session recordings and presenter resources. We hope you enjoyed “kicking the tires” on the latest and greatest educational technology. It’s always a pleasure to connect with colleagues who are driving innovative teaching! Tech It Out Day.
For a number of years Leeward CC has maintained a type of technology classroom known as Smart Classrooms. Leeward Smart Classrooms are classrooms that have been enhanced with college supported teaching technologies such as an internet connected computer (Macintosh with the option to load virtual Windows operating system), computer projector with screen, amplified speakers and a laser pointer. The college has begun phasing out Smart Classrooms and shifting to Technology Enhanced Classrooms (TECs) which are built upon a sustainable infrastructure.
The TECs include a college supported, internet connected computer (Macintosh with the option to load virtual Windows operating system), a laser video projector with screen, amplified speakers and a laser pointer. What you may not see on the surface is the behind the scenes infrastructure (cabling, software and controllers) that enable future replacement and upgrades to individual components over a longer period of time.
Speaking of time, as you are probably aware at this moment much of our college courses are being delivered online. In planning for a future in which we will return to mix of online and in-person we may also experience growth in the hybrid delivery modality. In support of hybrid delivery the college has assembled “Hybrid Kits” and integrated them into the TECs. A TEC + Hybrid Kit is comprise of the TEC technologies with the addition of document camera, HDMI (input) capture card, a second web camera, a graphics tablet and a wireless lanyard microphone.
Learn more about these Hybrid Kit technologies and how they can integrated into your hybrid teaching below.
Document Camera
Looking for a way to capture an object or a simple demonstration to share online through Zoom or through a classroom projector in a socially distanced classroom, consider using the Elmo document camera. Document camera devices are a part of the Hybrid Kit installed in TECs, in addition a limited amount that are available for loan through EMC AV Services.
Document cameras:
Are flexible, high resolution, easy to use.
Can be used with Zoom online conferencing.
Can zoom in and to show small details of three dimensional objects.
Have a high quality camera for capturing printed text.
Capture handwriting and diagrams written on paper (analogous to using an overhead).
Expand your presentation possibilities, incorporate video from auxiliary devices. Share content from a connected external video source through your Zoom session. The Hybrid Kit includes an HDMI (input) capture card that will allow you to accomplish this. In addition to this a limited number of capture cards available for loan through EMC AV Services.
Step away from the lectern computer and be seen! Learn about our latest addition to the Hybrid TECs, a tripod mounted camera and microphone. Great for capturing wide shots (with audio) of your in-room audience or of yourself teaching with Zoom. In addition to this a limited number of field kits with these Zoom video recorders are available as well as a few auto tracking OBSbot web cameras, available for loan through EMC AV Services.
Tripod mounted camera:
Can be used with Zoom for online conferencing.
Can be re-positioned to capture different perspectives.
Hybrid TECs are now equipped with a Wacom One graphics tablet. Experience writing, drawing diagrams or annotating on the Zoom whiteboard using a tablet and stylus (Tablet is approximately 6″ x 3.7″, not wireless). In addition to this a limited number of larger wireless graphics tablets available for loan through EMC AV Services.
Clear and intelligible audio is very important to remote audiences. The Hybrid Kit includes a wireless lanyard microphone to support your movement throughout the classroom.
Have you heard of or been using Padlet in your online course? Padlet is a flexible, visual bulletin board service that can be easily shared or embedded into your online course. If you are not familiar with Padlet please take a moment to view this spring 2020 Tech Fun Friday presentation on Padlet to promote active learning (DE Guidelines 5.6) presented by the DE Committee and Donna Matsumoto. The presentation has a table of contents so you can jump around based on your interest.
Typically instructors use Padlet.com free service or seek out division funds for a paid plan, for this calendar year 2021 Leeward CC has a subscription to an Institutional Backpack paid version of Padlet. This will allow instructors an option go beyond the limit of 3 active Padlet boards as well as grow beyond the 10 MB memory limit to 250 MB. Another difference is that on the Leeward service students do not have accounts so their posts will show as anonymous, if a name is helpful, they could type their names into their posts.
The Educational Technology unit within the EMC has had a busy spring and summer, tasked with professional development for educational technology during the rapid switch of most instruction to remote learning in Spring 2020. Then immediately transitioning to rapidly developing and delivering a 12-week series of two-week professional development courses in a series called, CanDO PD (Classroom and Distance Online Professional Development), to assist instructors in preparing their courses for a flexible Fall 2020 course delivery.
A total of 90 faculty members participated (three from other CC’s) with a total of 265 registrations for CanDO courses/modules: Teaching Approaches 1 (repeated), Learning Outcomes, Assessments, Laulima Lessons, and Communicating. When surveyed, 100% (67) of the faculty agreed or strongly agreed that the resources provided were useful and that their experience in the module was excellent or good.
A participant responded, “I have enjoyed every module as it is useful and exactly the training I needed to prepare for online learning in a clear, concise, simple manner. The tasks are manageable and attainable – giving me a great feel for what it is like for the students as they go through this process (similar to the newness of this online experience for myself).”
If you haven’t had the chance to participate in the CanDO PD series, you’ll have another chance this semester, Fall 2020. Register today! See below for more information on each of the five two-week courses of the series. You can register for one, two, or all five!
Have you started down the path toward teaching a hybrid class? Which hybrid modality is your reality? Leeward CC recognizes two categories for hybrid design, pure Hybrid and Split Hybrid. Details on each modality can be found on the Leeward Course Modalities page. When planning for hybrid synchronous or asynchronous you can leverage best practices for online teaching and best practices for in person facilitation. This post focuses on the challenges related to Split Hybrid Synchronous situations that involve live classroom instruction with simultaneous online instruction. The following articles from Beth McMurtrie of The Chronicle of Higher Education “Your Questions around Hybrid Teaching Answered”, Part 1 and Part 2serve as a starting place for a few common questions and answers that arise. The reality of a Split Hybrid Synchronous course is that a portion of your class arrives in person to your classroom (socially distanced) and ready to learn, while the rest of your class simultaneously logs into your virtual classroom to join in the learning experience remotely.
Perhaps a good analogy is with someone spinning two basketballs, one on their left hand and one on their right. Keeping both balls spinning is vital, if one ball slows it will wobble and eventually fall. But how do you keep both balls spinning when both hands are busy and you don’t have assistance from the Harlem Globetrotters? Facilitating a great learning experience in class while simultaneously maintaining an equally engaging online experience takes practice, practice, practice (and planning).
Here are some things to consider for our Leeward CC classrooms: Laulima: Invest time into building your Laulima site to support your teaching. In fact experts in this type of teaching (HyFlex design) go so far as to recommend having a comprehensive online course site as the spine of your course. This investment benefits both in class and online learners. Both groups benefit from having copies of resources available online, a single location for turning in assignments and grading etc. Device: Strongly consider asking students that if they have a laptop it would be helpful to bring it to all in person meetings. If they don’t have a laptop chances are they have a smartphone or tablet (According to Educause data, the vast majority of students own mobile phones.) If they don’t have either inform them to plan ahead in order to borrow one from the Leeward CC Library (open Monday to Friday 8:00AM – 4:00PM during Fall semester) . Wireless: Inform students that our campus has wireless coverage in most classrooms and many outdoor seating areas. The campus wireless network is identified as LEE and student may sign into it with their UH Username and Password. Students are highly encouraged to register their devices (laptops, smartphones, tablets) in order to access the LEE wireless network. Registered student devices will not be repeated asked to sign in to the LEE network each time. This will ensure internet connectivity while they are in your classroom. This is also something they can do from home prior to coming to campus. Support is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week through UH ITS Help Desk. Zoom: Consider using Zoom as your a communication tool to bridge your in-person and online learners. Take some time to familiarize yourself with what works and what doesn’t. In the Split Hybrid Synchronous format you may lean heavily on this tool, practice with it so that it doesn’t become a distraction or stall your teaching rhythm. Participation and Engagement: Consider how tools like Google Docs can promote collaboration, and participation. Also tools for live polling like Poll Everywhere can give you a feel for where you learners are at in the learning process and be great discussion starters.
With a little planning, preparation and practice you will be well on your way to engage both in person and online learners.
As the semester winds down and much student learning has taken place, there is a common question being asked, what’s my grade? The answer should not come as surprise because a final grade is comprised of many smaller grades earned throughout the semester. Having an organized and well maintained gradebook communicates that much need feedback to your students. During a semester “grades” factor into decisions like to whether a student chooses to drop or withdraw from a class and instructors may look at grades to help identify students who need additional outreach and support. Maintaining an up to date and accurate gradebook is also a item on the Leeward CC DE Guidelines for sound course design (Leeward DE Guidelines 5.6). We recently held a webinar on this subject and are able to share the presentation, “What’s My Grade? Laulima Gradebook (12:48).”
Lastly, here are some summary points to remember:
Dashes don’t equal zeros.
As we approach the end of the semester, missed scores for Gradebook Items should be converted to zeros to provide the most accurate calculated grade to the student. There is a button in Course Grades (scroll to bottom of that page) to convert all dashes in your Gradebook to “0”s. (Best practice tip: Throughout the semester as assignments are graded, put in zeros for those who did not submit their assignments so students can see their actual course grade at any point during the semester since dashes do not count against their course grade.)
Three steps to successfully publishing (final grades).
Use the Publish tab to submit final course grades from Laulima Gradebook to MyUH Banner.
Identify the last date of attendance for students who have not passed your course.
Log into MyUH Final Grades. For students who have not passed the course input date of last attendance and submit grades.
If you are in doubt on your successful submission you can email LeeCC campus Registrar, Grant Helgeson (helgeson@hawaii.edu). Include: Subject & Course Number CRN (e.g. ENG 100, CRN: 12345)
Thoughts, questions, or feedback, please comment below. – Mahalo
Have you ever stared into the engine compartment of a vehicle and been fascinated by all those moving parts? Now imagine being a student in the automotive field, building your professional knowledge of parts and terminology is an important first step toward being successful. This week we are featuring Nolan Miyahara an Instructor of Automotive Technology here at Leeward Community College who recently conducted a Nearpod activity with his students to review and reinforce their learning of basic parts.
Activity
Nearpod is a formative assessment tool for delivering engaging presentations. It does require an internet connection but does not require a Smart Classroom projector. Each student sees the presentation on their own mobile device (phone, table, laptop) and the pace is controlled by the instructor. Students’ interactions can be shared with their peers for class discussion or captured for easy reporting. Nolan’s activity used Nearpod’s draw slide feature to allow individual students to match terms with images (engine parts) he provided. Nolan thought the Nearpod draw activity worked well, he also took time to build a few Nearpod slides following a more traditional yes/no format.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Following the activity Nolan thought “the variety of ways you can put up questions and how the students can answer in different ways” was a strength. Student feedback seemed to infer that students “didn’t feel challenged because there was no timer”, a problem which can be addressed in the future by simply having the instructor implement a time limit for each slide.
In Summary
Overall Nolan felt the Nearpod review activity went well based on learning and engagement. When asked for tips or advice for other instructors interested in using Nearpod, Nolan said “I would recommend it.”
If you are interested in learning more about Nearpod and how a Nearpod lesson can be integrated into your rotation of activities please contact Brent Hirata (bhirata@hawaii.edu) at the Educational Media Center.