Author Archives: Aaron Axelsen

Programming and Partnership

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In my last blog post, I shared the LTC’s mission and promised that I would be back to share about some of the exciting projects that we have been working on. Well, here I am!

Often, our projects do not necessarily fit into one specific area. Today I want to talk to you about one project that I am incredibly proud of–how the LTC supports instructors through cutting edge programming via a partnership with the campus unit, LEARN.

Like all areas of ICIT, the LTC values strategic partnership with instructors, students, departments, colleges, campus units, and administration. We started collaborating with LEARN a year ago on a three-part workshop series offered each semester focused on instructor needs around teaching and learning.

For the past three semesters, we have partnered to offer this series on key focus areas (e.g., facilitating discussions, active learning, and student engagement) following a similar format that starts with the first session being a brief introduction, the second featuring instructors from each college talking about their experiences, and the third exploring how technology can be leveraged to assist in that area. This has been a wonderful collaboration and we look forward to it continuing!

This semester we used data from our annual instructor support survey to help drive decision-making around the topic where instructors identified student engagement to be a key pedagogical challenge for them. Andrew Cole, Learning Technology Specialist with the LTC, lead an interactive introduction to student engagement in “Student Engagement Challenges in the 21st Century Classroom” in September. We had so Chalkboard and cell phonemany participants register that we had to change rooms! We still have plenty of room in our second session (Thursday, October 26 from 12-1:30pm) where instructors (Tammy French, College of Arts and Communications; Choton Basu, College of Business and Economics; Kelly Hatch, College of Education and Professional Studies; and Eric Loepp, College of Letters and Sciences) will discuss student engagement strategies that they are using in their own classes. We also still have plenty of room in our third session (Monday, November 6 from 12-1:30pm) where we will be exploring how learning technologies can assist with student engagement (teaser: you’ll even get to try some out and make a plan for how you might use it in your class!). 

For more information and to sign-up, please (log in with your Net-ID and password and) visit the LEARN section: https://my.uww.edu/signup/

What Are the LTC’s Emerging Technology Exploration Projects?

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The UW-Whitewater LTC mission includes six elements. Our “emerging technology exploration projects” align with the WE INNOVATE element. You may have seen calls to apply for these projects in the past (such as the current call for Spring 2018) without understanding exactly what these projects are. This blog post will explain a bit more as to the general purpose of these projects.

pexels-photo-355988Various outlets (such as the Horizon Report) report on trends in higher education each year. Often these trends reflect instructional approaches that utilize new technological innovations. LTC staff members monitor, and examine, these short-term and long-term trends, and evaluate related technologies for potential use at the UW-Whitewater campus.

If a new technology (or a new application of an existing technology) appears to have potential to successfully meet a need that the LTC has identified through communication with instructors, the LTC makes arrangements to conduct a limited exploration of the technology with a small group of instructors. A call for applications/participants is then sent out to instructors across various channels (such as this LTC blog) with the expectations and requirements to participate in the project. Participants are then chosen based on several factors, including scheduling and the constraints of the particular technology or tool (ex. projected student enrollments).

Typically, at least as part of an emerging technology exploration project focused on instructional technology, instructors and students in the course employing the technology are surveyed based on their experiences using the technology. The feedback provided by students and instructors is used to determine future LTC support of the technology.

If you have any questions regarding the LTC’s emerging technology exploration projects, please contact the UW-W Learning Technology Center.

What Does the LTC Do?

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As you settle into the Fall semester, I wanted to take a few moments to share the (relatively) new LTC mission with you. We are widely known for our support of the learning management system, D2L, and the work we do with instructors to help in the design and redesign of courses for the online and blended environments. We are incredibly proud of the work we do in these areas, but in my first blog post I thought I would share our mission as a whole to give you a sense of some of the other things we do in the LTC.

missionvisionHere’s our mission:    

  • WE BELIEVE in integrating pedagogy and technology to assist instructors in developing effective learning experiences. We do not believe in using technology for technology’s sake or because it is the latest fad. Instead, we believe in understanding issues, discussing a wide array of possible solutions (both technology-based and not), implementing strategies, and evaluating their effectiveness.
  • WE SUPPORT instructors in their pursuit of excellence in teaching and student learning through offering quality services, timely assistance, and cutting edge programming that work to help instructors to explore, design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based teaching and learning with technology strategies that aim to increase student engagement and success.
  • WE INNOVATE with instructors by initiating emerging technology exploration projects that investigate learning technology trends in higher education and how they may be utilized here at UW-Whitewater. Further, we conduct research studies around the learning technologies that mean the most to our instructors, students, and institution. Results from projects and studies are disseminated within our institution and beyond, further solidifying UWW’s reputation as a leader in creating transformational educational environments and implementing innovative programs that support success for all students.
  • WE CONNECT people on campus and beyond who have the same interests and are doing the same things to create community among instructors who teach with technology, spurring widespread sharing of strategies that work in solving common teaching challenges.
  • WE PARTNER collaborate, and communicate with colleges, programs, departments, instructors, and tech-liaisons to understand and meet university instructional needs, providing experiences that are valued by the campus community in regards to learning technologies and student success.
  • WE LEAD learning technology initiatives and extend expertise to campus wide initiatives focused on increasing student access, enhancing engagement, and supporting success, helping them to become critical thinkers, engaged citizens, and educated employees.

Guided by an advisory group, made up from instructional representatives from each of the colleges, we value a data-driven approach taken from what instructors report to us in the annual Instructor Support Survey and trends we see in research related to technology, student engagement, and success in higher education.   

In my next blog installments, I will share information about some of the exciting projects we’re working on in each of these different areas. Stay tuned!

If you have any other questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to contact the UW-W Learning Technology Center.

Emerging Technology Exploration Project (Revised)

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emerge

The 2017 Horizon Report identifies collaborative learning as an important, short-term trend that will be driving instruction and educational technology over the next few years. The LTC is seeking instructors to explore the use of different of different online collaborative tools in their classes.

Exploration Purpose

The purpose of this project is to explore the use of a variety of online collaborative tools to aid UW-Whitewater students, instructors, and staff in collaborations that deepen student learning experiences here at UW-Whitewater. Initial guiding questions for this exploration project are:

  1. How can online collaborative tools assist instructors in their teaching?
  2. How can online collaborative tools assist students in their learning?

List of Possible Tools

Poll Everywhere is a clicker alternative that allows students to visit an instructor poll online or text message responses to a poll or survey.

Spark is a two-part product featuring a Spark Board and an online space. Spark allows instructors to share content, engage students with an interactive whiteboard, and bring in guest speakers. The online space allows for group work, and assignment sharing in all course modes (face-to-face, blended, and online).

TurningPoint is a student response system where students can access a website or download an application to use their phones like clickers.

Participation Expectations

Instructors have flexibility in determining the most appropriate tool for their class, as well as the extent of which the tool is used in the class. By taking part in this exploration project, instructors agree to participate in LTC faculty development opportunities during the 2017-2018 academic year. These faculty development opportunities will assist instructors in planning the use of an online collaborative tool in at least one of their Spring 2018 classes. Participating instructors will also be required to reflect on their experience throughout the scope of the exploration project, and support their students in reflecting too.

The following breakdown details expectations for participating instructors semester by semester:

Fall 2017

  • Attend up to two faculty development one-hour sessions with LTC staff (TBD)
  • Develop a detailed plan for strategically using the online collaborative tool; specifically identifying when and how the tool will be used in at least one Spring 2018 course
  • Complete focus group, interview session, and/or UWW IRB approved survey from LTC staff that will gather data about the preparation process
    • Note: This will take place near the conclusion of the Fall semester or during Winterim, depending on instructor and staff availability.

Spring 2018

  • Conduct at least one Spring 2018 course using the tool as outlined in your plan
  • Complete reflections/surveys facilitated by LTC staff during the semester
  • Complete an end of the semester UWW IRB approved instructor survey circulated by LTC staff on teaching with the collaborative tool
  • Encourage and support students in taking a UWW IRB approved survey on their experiences in the class using the collaborative tool at the end of the semester

Summer 2018

  • Participate in a final video reflection on your experience with the collaborative tool. The purpose of the video is to share what you learned, in using the tool, with other instructors interested in using the tool in their teaching in the future.The filming of this video reflection can be scheduled at the LTC at your convenience.

If all components are completed, instructors can expect to receive $750 for their participation in total. Up to twenty instructors will be selected for participation in this project.

Interested?

If you are interested in participating, please complete the following form in Qualtrics by Friday, October 13th, 2017, : http://uwwhitewater.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4Z4rX3zxXRVh2bX

Now Available: GooseChase – Scavenger Hunts for the Masses

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goosechaseGooseChase is an easy way to organize and run point-based scavenger hunts for your class or event.  We have recently acquired a campus-wide license of GooseChase for the 2017 – 2017 Academic Year!

You can Mix and Match Mission Types!

  • Photo & Video.  Students will have to submit a photo or record a video to complete a mission.  All done right from the students mobile device.
  • Text.  Submit a simple text response.  Great for riddles, puzzles and surveys.
  • GPS.  Utilizing the GPS on the mobile device, students will need to physically visit places to check-in to complete the mission.

In order to get started, just create an account using your @uww.edu email address.  Make sure that your password IS NOT THE SAME as your Net-ID.

Additional tutorials and guides are available at: https://spaces.uww.edu/x/TAd5

If you have any questions, please contact the Learning Technology Center.

Registration Open: Winter 2017 Online & Blended Teaching Institute

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DSC_3940The UW-Whitewater Learning Technology Center (LTC) is pleased to announce that registration is open for the winter Online/Blended Teaching Institute. The Online/Blended Teaching Institute is a series of interactive workshops focusing on best practices for teaching online and blended courses. By the conclusion of the institute, participants will develop a course module utilizing best practices for online/blended teaching.

Objectives:

  1. Develop a module for an online or blended course;
  2. Demonstrate use of best-practices in online/blended course design;
  3. Demonstrate proficiency in the following:
    1. D2L Learning Management System
      1. Dropbox
      2. Quizzes
      3. Discussions
      4. Rubrics
      5. Grade Center
    2. Turnitin Suite
    3. Respondus LockDown Browser
    4. WebEx
  4. Apply methods to facilitate effective feedback in the online learning environment;
  5. Illustrate approaches to building community online

Dates for the 2017 Winter Institute:

  • December 1: Face-to-Face meeting, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • December 8: WebEx, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • January 10: Face-to-Face meeting, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
  • February 2: WebEx, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • February 23: Face-to-Face, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

All faculty and academic staff who will be teaching at UW-Whitewater during the 2017-2018 academic year are eligible to apply. However, the workshop will be limited to 15 participants. Applications are due Monday, October 30th, 2017.

Apply Here: Winter 2017 Application

If you have any questions, please contact the Learning Technology Center.

Fall 2017 Updates from the Learning Technology Center

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From left to right: Elaina Barr (Media & Training Specialist), Shane Degen (LMS Administrator), Nicole Weber (Director of Learning Technology), Aaron Axelsen (Operations Manager), Andrew Cole (Learning Technology Specialist), Sarah Klingman-Cole (Technology Promotion & Adoption Specialist).

The UW-Whitewater Learning Technology Center (LTC) is here and ready to help you! Our team of experts have a wide range of skills to tackle all of your instructional course-related needs.

Desire2Learn (D2L) 10.7 Upgrade

Logo_Brightspace_rgb_1200x630On June 15, 2017, the D2L 10.7 upgrade was completed. This upgrade included a number of improvements, without any major changes in the way D2L operates.

Some of the updates include:

  • Additional Functionality for Creating Group Discussions.  When creating a new Discussion Topic, there is now a “Topic Type” option.
  • Sum of Post Scores.  Instructors are now given the option to calculate a single discussion grade by combining scores from multiple posts in the same thread.
  • Exempting Students from Grade Items.  Instructors can now mark grade items for individual students as Exempted.  Doing so sets the grade item to count neither towards nor against the students grade.
  • Updated Quiz Question Authoring Experience.  A visual redesign of the Quizzes tool to improve the usability of creating and editing Multiple Choice, True / False, Short Answer and Long Answer questions.
  • Additional Intelligent Agent Functionality and Options.  Multiple enhancements have been made.  Check the link below for the full list.
  • Special Access.  Instructors can now adjust the Number of Attempts for a Single User.
  • Grading via Rubric.  Rubrics associated with discussion Topics are now able to automatically populate to the Topic Score.
  • Turnitin & GradeMark Enhancements.  Multiple enhancements have been made to the new integration.  See the link below for the full list.

Improvements were made across a wide range of D2L tools. To learn more about the additional functionality within Intelligent Agents, Special Access, Discussion Groups, and more, please see our “What’s New” documentation here: https://spaces.uww.edu/x/TwF5

Learning Management System RFP Update

PrintOver the past year, UW-System has been in the process of conducting a Request for Proposal (RFP) to determine the Learning Management System going forward. We have been notified that the UW System Administration Procurement Office issued a Notice of Intent to Instructure for their Canvas product.

At this time, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

  • Any inquiries from the media regarding the LMS contract, negotiation process, or anything related to the RFP should be directed to University Relations (universityrelations@uwsa.edu).
  • Currently, our understanding is that courses will continue to run in Desire2Learn (D2L) for the Fall 2017, Winterim 2018, Spring 2018, and Summer 2018 semesters. There will be no migrations from D2L to Canvas during this time.
  • The current Desire2Learn contract is valid until June 30th, 2020.
  • Questions about the Canvas product should be directed to the UW-W Learning Technology Center. Please do not contact Canvas directly.

UW-System Administration is currently busy with the initial steps of the project planning and the migration. We don’t have any additional information to share just yet. However, we are in the process of developing a migration portal website where we will publish a timeline and future updates to help keep you informed.

We appreciate your patience as we work through the next steps of the process. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this, please contact the UW-W Learning Technology Center.

Weekly Email Updates

figure3_4Did you know that you can get a weekly email updates about what’s going on in the LTC? Every Monday morning, you’ll get an email that contains a summary of the latest items from our blog. To signup for these updates, just fill out the form below!


Student Engagement Workshop Series

The Learning Technology Center and LEARN Center are pleased to co-sponsor a 3-part workshop series focused on student engagement, based on issues identified by faculty in recent instructor support surveys. This series will focus on current opportunities and challenges relating to student engagement, in both face-to-face and online courses.

By taking part in the Student Engagement Workshops Series, instructors will be able to:

  • Examine different research-supported approaches to student engagement;
  • Compare and contrast different methods of engaging students across different modalities; and
  • Practice using different technologies and techniques to engage students

Attendance at all 3 sessions is encouraged, but not mandatory.  For additional information, check our signups.

If you have any questions about these workshops, please contact Sally Lange at learn@uww.edu or (262) 472-5242.

 

Instructor Support Survey

Thank you to all of the instructors who participated in the LTC Instructor Support Survey this past Spring. A special congratulations to Bob Meyers (Accounting), whose name was selected from the drawing to win an iPad!

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Over 100 instructors participated in the survey. The information gained from these annual surveys is used to help make decisions regarding LTC support, events, resources, and emerging technology exploration projects each year.

More information will be available on the LTC website soon. One area in particular that instructors identified being interested in concerned student engagement. This trend helped identify the topic for the Fall 2017 workshop collaboration with the LEARN Center on Student Engagement.

Cisco Spark

sparkCisco Spark is a two-part system that features an interactive board and a virtual space to increase collaboration, communication, and interaction in your class.

The Interactive Spark Board simplifies collaboration, sharing, and bringing in guest speakers by combining three common teaching tools in one:

  • Wireless Presentation that enables instructors and students to share content and collaborative work.
  • Electronic Whiteboard that allows instructors and students to illustrate course concepts and return to them later for review, editing, and further conversation.
  • Web Conferencing that creates a 4K video calling experience with intelligent tracking. Perfect for bringing in guest speakers!

Virtual Spark Space can be accessed from mobile devices, tablets, laptops, and through web browsers.  Instructors can create a class space for course questions and further divide their space for specific discussions or group project work.

19aOver 20 instructors applied to be part of the Fall Exploration and 10 instructors were ultimately selected, with academic areas ranging from Education to Sociology to Geography to Social Work to Political Science to English to Library instruction. In Fall the LTC will work with instructors and students to evaluate the tool for use in the higher education classroom.

Are you interested in learning more about using Cisco Spark for teaching?  Let us know!

Kumo Pilot

drive1Saving and accessing your Google Drive just got easier! Kumo Cloud Storage allows staff, faculty and students to save and open files on their UW-Whitewater Google Drive account without going through a web browser. Kumo can be accessed from a laptop, office or lab computer. Kumo will appear mapped to the M: drive. Kumo features include:

  • Easy saving and access to your Google Drive.
  • Eliminates the need to open a web browser and log in to your Google Drive account.

Sound interested? ICIT is currently taking applicants for a Kumo Pilot Study.  If you are interested, please contact Sarah Klingman-Cole, klingmanSF06@uww.edu

Kumo is currently available for Windows users only, but will be coming to Macs very soon. For more information on Kumo please visit our website.

Emerging Technology Exploration Project

emergeThe purpose of this project is to explore the use of a variety of online collaborative tools to aid UW-Whitewater students, instructors, and staff in collaborations that deepen student learning experiences here at UW-Whitewater. Initial guiding questions for this exploration project are:

  1. How can online collaborative tools assist instructors in their teaching?
  2. How can online collaborative tools assist students in their learning?

Instructors have flexibility in determining the most appropriate collaborative tool for their class, as well as the extent of which the tool is used in the class, depending on what is most appropriate for their learning goals. By taking part in this exploration project, instructors agree to participate in LTC faculty development opportunities during the 2017-2018 academic year.

If all components are completed, instructors can expect to receive $750 for their participation in total. Up to twenty instructors will be selected for participation in this project.

See the full post on our blog for more information: https://wp.me/p2U0PY-fBf

Active Learning Classrooms

Teams comprised of various teams from ICIT, including the LTC, have engaged over the last year with larger campus projects and initiatives to increase active learning spaces on campus.

Pictured below are designs for the Student Success Center (SSC) where members from ICIT worked with the SSC team to go from a traditional design to one that promoted active learning and collaboration.

SSC Before

SSC Before

SSC After

Heide 102 was designed by a team from College of Letters and Science in collaboration with ICIT, facilities, and campus planning with support from the Provost’s Office Classroom Redesign Initiative. The room features moveable tables and chairs, individual whiteboards, screen sharing technology, multiple monitors for easy content viewing, an interactive whiteboard, and laptop cart.

Heide 102 Before Transformation

Heide 102 Before

test

Heide 102 After

Exploration: New Technologies

shutterstock_382942804We have been exploring a number of cool technologies and have some new things for you to try out!

  • Badging for Professional Development in Online/Blended Teaching and Technology Training!  We are developing our plan to further develop and roll out our badging initiative to campus.  Did we mention they will be tied into the campus WhitePages?  Stay tuned for more information!  Let us know if you want to be on the cutting edge!
  • Kleerboard is a transparent acrylic-glass board  With this board, we are able to simulate a whiteboard experience on camera, for online lectures.  It allows you to easily walk through problems for a more effective learning outcome.  This board is ideal for Math, Chemistry, Music or any need to diagram a process. Contact us to schedule your recording today!
  • Audio-Visual Equipment Checkouts is a service that is located in the Media Lab, Andersen 1008.  AV-Checkouts is available for faculty, staff and students.  We have a wide variety of equipment that can be utilized for classroom projects and events.  For more information, go to http://av-checkouts.uww.edu.

Need Desire2Learn Help?

We are here to help you with all your Desire2Learn (D2L) course needs! The best way to request support is by using our online support form which is located at http://d2l.uww.edu/contact

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We do our best to respond to all support request within 1 business day of receiving them. We do monitor the box on evenings and weekends for critical issues on a best effort basis.

Don’t forget to request for fall semester courses! Course creation must be completed every semester, and it is a manual process on our end. Courses created by 3pm on business days are typically available the next day. Request for your courses at http://my.uww.edu/d2lrequest

GooseChase

goosechaseGooseChase is an easy way to organize and run point-based scavenger hunts for your class or even.  We have recently acquired a campus-wide license of GooseChase for the 2017 – 2017 Academic Year!

You can Mix and Match Mission Types!

  • Photo & Video.  Students will have to submit a photo or record a video to complete a mission.  All done right from the students mobile device.
  • Text.  Submit a simple text response.  Great for riddles, puzzles and surveys.
  • GPS.  Utilizing the GPS on the mobile device, students will need to physically visit places to check-in to complete the mission.

In order to get started, just create an account using your @uww.edu email address.  Make sure that your password IS NOT THE SAME as your Net-ID.

Additional tutorials and guides are available at: https://spaces.uww.edu/x/TAd5

Welcome Sarah

Sarah_2Sarah Klingman-Cole joined the LTC in April of 2017 as the Technology Promotion and Adoption Specialist.  She coordinates pilot programs to investigate new technologies and functionalities, works with staff to understand their technology needs, and promotes technology adoptions that meet both instructional and non-instructional needs. Sarah received her BA and MS in Anthropology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Welcome Sarah!

Welcome Andy

Andy_2Andrew Cole has been part time at the LTC for the last year, and became full time in July of 2017 as our Learning Technology Specialist.  His primary focus is on developing, facilitating, and evaluating emerging technology exploration projects. He will also be assisting with emerging technology and Online / Blended instructional development efforts.  Andrew is an alumnus of UW-Whitewater, having received his BA in Speech here. He then received his MA and PhD in Communication from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.  Welcome Andy!

Don’t forget to Visit Us

Are you still with us? If so – great, you made it to the end! Be sure to stop by the LTC throughout the semester to visit. As a reminder, we are located in McGraw Hall, Suite 120 and are around between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM weekdays. We can also be reached at ltc@uww.edu or 262.472.1004. We’ll always be willing to help, and have plenty of treats on hand for your sweet tooth.  Have a great semester!

Learning Management System RFP Update

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PrintOver the past year, UW-System has been in the process of conducting a Request for Proposal (RFP) to determine the Learning Management System going forward. We have been notified that the UW System Administration Procurement Office issued a Notice of Intent to Instructure for their Canvas product.

At this time, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

  • Any inquiries from the media regarding the LMS contract, negotiation process, or anything related to the RFP should be directed to University Relations (universityrelations@uwsa.edu).
  • Currently, our understanding is that courses will continue to run in Desire2Learn (D2L) for the Fall 2017, Winterim 2018, Spring 2018, and Summer 2018 semesters. There will be no migrations from D2L to Canvas during this time.
  • The current Desire2Learn contract is valid until June 30th, 2020.
  • Questions about the Canvas product should be directed to the UW-W Learning Technology Center. Please do not contact Canvas directly.

UW-System Administration is currently busy with the initial steps of the project planning and the migration. We don’t have any additional information to share just yet. However, we are in the process of developing a migration portal website where we will publish a timeline and future updates to help keep you informed.

We appreciate your patience as we work through the next steps of the process. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this, please contact the UW-W Learning Technology Center.