If you are looking for a tool to facilitate communication and collaboration between your students, you might be interested in the Learning Technology Center’s (LTC) first ever “Teaching with Spark Bootcamp!”

The bootcamp will take place in McGraw 19A on a series of Tuesday afternoons this April (4/10, 4/17, 4/24) from 3:30 pm to 4:20 pm. Please see the video below for a reflection from a UW-Whitewater instructor who used Spark in the Fall of 2018.

UW-Whitewater now has a campus license for Spark, so, feel free to bring your computer or mobile device to the bootcamp sessions and log into Spark (be sure to bring your device if you attend the “hands-on” session on April 17th)! If you would like to download Spark prior to attending, please see our documentation on how to install Spark on a desktop device, and on a mobile device.

All faculty and instructional staff are welcome to attend the “Teaching with Spark Bootcamp.” Registration is recommended, but walk-ins are also welcome.

Bootcamp Summary:

April 10th, 2018: Why Should I Use Spark?

Registration Link: http://my.uww.edu/signup/Registration/Details/15513

This first session introduces participants to Cisco Spark, and why they might benefit from incorporating it into their teaching. Participants will be introduced to the concepts of “Teams” and “Spaces.” Facilitators will provide examples to help participants understand what Spark is (and is not), how Spark works, and the purpose in using Spark.

April 17th, 2018: How Do I Use Spark?

Registration Link: http://my.uww.edu/signup/Registration/Details/15514

This second session provides participants with a hands-on technical training with Cisco Spark. Participants will practice creating “Teams” and “Spaces,” as well using Spark to communicate and collaborate with others.

April 24th, 2018: Now What Do I Do With Spark?

Registration Link: http://my.uww.edu/signup/Registration/Details/15515

This third, and final, session provides participants with a forum to discuss potential applications of Spark in their teaching. Facilitators will provide participants with “best practices” for using Spark based on recent pilots of Spark conducted with UW-Whitewater instructors.

Please note: There is no stipend associated with attending the “Teaching with Spark Bootcamp.” However, if you complete all three sessions, you will receive a badge.

If you have any questions about the “Teaching with Spark Bootcamp,” or any other LTC training or workshop, feel free to contact the UW-Whitewater Learning Technology Center.