 
|
FREE ACCESS TO
Distance Education Report,
Online Classroom &
The Teaching Professor
The University of North Texas has a Group Online Subscription allowing campus members free access to
Distance Education Report, Online Classroom & The Teaching Professor from Magna Publications.
These electronic newsletters provide the information faculty, deans, chairs, and other academic decision-makers use for effective leadership within their colleges or departments as they support the institution's mission of teaching and scholarship.
Go to www.magnapubs.com/group
and select the correct publication. If logging in from a campus computer, you will not need to enter a password.
If you wish to access these publications from off campus or if you would like to receive an email message each time a new issue is posted, you will need to register and enter a campus voucher code and pin number. Please email amberb@unt.edu to obtain this information.
|
|
Need Help?
CLEAR Faculty Helpdesk
New Recommended Java Version for Blackboard!
Faculty users of Blackboard Vista & Blackboard Learn 9.1 receive technical support from the CLEAR Faculty Helpdesk (also known as the Blackboard Faculty Helpdesk).
Report a problem with Blackboard Active and Resolved Outages (Calendar) Check status of open cases you have placed Email: clearhelp@unt.edu Phone: 940-369-7394 In person: Chilton 112C
|
Support Hours for
Fall 2012
| |
Mon - Fri
|
8am - 9pm
| |
Sat
|
11am - 3pm
| |
Sun
|
Closed
|
We offer training in various emerging technologies in classroom, online, and individual sessions. We also support and provide technical assistance with the following technologies: - Blackboard Learn 9.1
- Respondus
- Turnitin/GradeMark
- Wimba Live Classroom and Voice Tools
|
|
|
Greetings!
School is back in session -- and CLEAR is offering training sessions to get you up to speed on Blackboard Learn, CLICKERS, and more! |
|
UPDATE on Fall 2012 Sections on Blackboard(s)
Fall 2012 Courses on Blackboard Vista
- All sections have been created.
- Students will be uploaded one week before the fall semester and have access on 8/29.
- Vista cannot be used after fall 2012, so request your migration ASAP!
- If you do not use Vista for more than handouts, email, grades, we encourage you to move now; we will create a course site for you, show you how to get started.
Fall 2012 Courses on Blackboard Learn
- Requested sections have been created.
- If you don't see your section, but want to teach on Learn, please email Mary Speight the course & section information.
- Students will be uploaded one week before the fall semester and have access on 8/29.
- A redirect link will be available to students in Vista for any courses that have been moved to Learn.
|
Graduate Student Teaching Excellence Program
(G*STEP)
Fall 2012 Cohort
Application Period: May 14, 2012 - August 31, 2012
The Application period for the UNT Graduate Student Teaching Excellence Program is now open. For UNT graduate students who are currently TA's or TF's or are interested in teaching in their future, this program will provide valuable experience. In line with the UNT strategic goal to "provide the best undergraduate educational experience in Texas" and as a practical demonstration of UNT's commitment to undergraduate teaching, the Graduate Student Teaching Excellence Program (G*STEP) is designed to prepare graduate students for college/university level teaching, regardless of discipline or major.
Interested students may find more information at http://tsgs.unt.edu/GSTEP.
Upon completion of G*STEP, participants will be able to effectively teach or support those who teach a university course; i.e. articulate their role and resources, organize and explain materials, establish and maintain an effective learning environment, and promote self-regulated learning. Graduate students who, have completed at least one year of a UNT doctoral or Master's degree program, and are interested in gaining teaching experience and knowledge are eligible to apply. The only cost to students is the time investment (approximately 15 hours per month), passion, the purchase of a book and a minimal fee for an electronic portfolio. Participants must complete all components of the program within 1 year.
G*STEP students can expect to:
* Participate in 8 online teaching effectiveness workshops (offered year round during scheduled weeks)
* Develop a teaching philosophy and teaching portfolio
* Work with an experienced teaching mentor and a network of peer mentors
* Participate in reflection and problem solving with a cohort of participants working as a community of practice
* Develop and implement 2 classroom teaching practicum experiences
* Obtain university recognition for completion of the program
* Receive a letter of reference regarding their participation for future use
* Provide input to further program development
|
The Blackboard Learn Boot Camp is a workshop introducing instructors to designing your courses for online delivery. This hands-on workshop is targeted for instructors new to Blackboard Learn and/or those interested in learning more about quality course design. Topics will cover best practices for course design as well as the basics of Blackboard Learn.
WHEN: Session #0013 - August 29: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Session #0014 - September 5: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Session #0015 - September 6: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Session #0016 - September 11: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Session #0017 - September 25: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Session #0018 - September 28: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Session #0019 - October 9: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Session #0020 - October 23: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Session #0021 - November1: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Session #0022 - November 12: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Session #0023 - November 27: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Session #0024 - December 11: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Lunch will be provided Where: Chilton 245 WORKSHOP INFORMATION: *Course Code: UO12BC *Title: "Bb: Blackboard Learn Boot Camp" *Seating limited to 15 per session
|
UPCOMING CLICKER TRAINING
UO12C5: TurningPoint for TAs and TFs
- Session 0001: @ 2:00 p.m.
- Session 0002: @ 3:30 p.m.
Chilton 245 on August 31, 2012 (Friday)
Registration numbers will be coming soon for the following:
Sept. 17 - 1-4PM TP Part 1
Sept 19 - 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. TP Part 1
Sept. 21 - 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. TP Part 2
Sept. 24 - 9am-12 p.m. TP Anywhere
Oct. 1 - 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.TP Part 1
Oct. 1 - 1:00 - 4:30 p.m.TP Part 2
All of the above are specifically geared for faculty who want to start using clickers in class in Spring 2013. They meet the bookstore deadline for spring textbook adoptions and HEOA rules.
Oct 8/10 - 1-4PM TP Part 1/ Part 2
Oct 12 1-4PM TP Anywhere
Oct. 22/26 - 1-4PM TP Part 1 / Part 2
These are additional training opportunities for summer/fall adopters.
All training workshops are in CHILTON 245.Clicker Training (Two Part Series) Add a fresh dimension to Powerpoint presentations you already use or start something new! TurningPoint adds the power of student engagement, peer interaction and enhanced learning to your course by giving you the power of a student response system with all the familiarity of Powerpoint. In Part I, we cover the wide variety of polling options you can use to check your students' understanding of material, gather their opinions or get them discussing possible answers to a question. Part II will cover managing student data, grading options and Blackboard integration. Join us for help in taking the first step into using clickers in the class! TurningPoint Anywhere Have you wanted to use clickers in class but don't use Powerpoint or prefer using a Mac computer? We have a solution! TurningPoint Anywhere - new, improved and seamless cross-platform presentation means you have all the polling functionality without any of the Powerpoint or computer woes! TurningPoint Anywhere provides you with a floating toolbar that runs on top any program or lecture material you use. Add the power of student engagement, peer interaction and enhanced learning to your course with the power of a student response system that works with anything and everything. This training session will show you how to get the most out of the program no matter what machine you use.
|
FALL Coffee Breaks: Blackboard Learn 9.1 Open Lab
CLEAR will be offering open lab support sessions for faculty, staff and teaching/graduate assistants to drop-in and get assistance with their Blackboard Learn 9.1 Courses.
You may clean up your courses, get Blackboard Learn assistance, or just have a dedicated place to work on your course - all while having a CLEAR Instructional Consultant on hand! It's ok to come late or leave early. Bring your work, your laptop and your favorite coffee mug. Ask specific questions. Get help with any aspect of Bb Learn and work on your class with an IC at the ready. Some familiarity with Bb Learn is recommended.
Bb Learn open labs are designed for faculty, staff, and teaching/graduate assistants who have attended training but need some extra help working in their course. Coffee will be available at all sessions.
WHERE: Chilton 112K WHEN: Friday afternoons, 1-4 p.m. through December 21, 2012
|
Be the first to register for the Fall 2012 Blackboard Learn workshops: Advanced Grade Center!
The Blackboard Learn™ Grade Center is more than just a way to record students' grades; it is a dynamic and interactive tool. The Grade Center can record data, monitor student progress, and communicate information to students, parents, administrators, and other stakeholders. Use this valuable tool to help understand student progress and make informed decisions on how to improve educational performance.
This workshop provides a comprehensive, hands-on introduction to the Grade Center tool.
You will first experience the student perspective by exploring the My Grades tool and becoming familiar with how grades will appear to your students.
Then, turning to the instructor perspective, you will learn how to navigate the Grade Center and customize it to suit your needs. Next, you will learn how to create columns to manage and calculate grades. Finally, you will learn how to add and manage grades, including grading test and assignment submissions.
Where: Chilton 245
When: 0002 - 09/12/12 (10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)
0003 - 09/14/12 (2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
Workshop Information:
- Course Code: UO12BG - To register, visit my.unt.edu
- Title: BbLearn: Advanced Grade Center
- Seating is limited to 15 per session
|
Did you know Blackboard Vista is going away at the end of the fall 2012 semester (say good-bye) and being replaced with the new Blackboard Learn?
CLEAR is providing three resources to help you transition smoothly to Blackboard Learn.
#1 Visit the Blackboard Learn 9.1 Migration website. Here you can find out about Blackboard Learn, new tools to enhance your courses, and sign-up for upcoming training.
#2 Summer "Bootcamp Training" is available! We are adding new sessions all the time to keep up with demand.
#3 The Blackboard Learn Migration Central organization has been created in Blackboard Learn for you. Go to the "Organizations" tab to access the course! From there, you will be able to:
- Ask questions about Bb Learn
- Access self-paced lessons covering tools offered in Bb Learn
- Discuss with CLEAR staff and other instructors concerning best practices in Bb Learn
Were you not able to find information you needed in Migration Central? Let CLEAR know! A feedback button in the lower right hand corner of the Migration Central home page is available to report back to CLEAR any topics that you couldn't find!
If you need any assistance accessing any of these resources, contact:
CLEAR Faculty Helpdesk:
Chilton Hall 112C
(940) 369-7394
clearhelp@unt.edu
|
Instant Messaging with Blackboard Collaborate™
(formerly Wimba Pronto)
Blackboard Collaborate™ enterprise instant messaging capabilities (formerly Wimba Pronto) is an instant messaging tool used at the University of North Texas. Blackboard IM includes several communication tools, including text chat, voice and audio chat, whiteboard, and application sharing. Blackboard IM can be used for online office hours, tutoring, help desks, meetings, and desktop video conferencing.
Benefits include:
- Connecting with classmates, staff, and faculty for informal learning and timely ad-hoc meetings
- Whiteboard with built-in learning objects and templates
- Application sharing
- Queued chat for tutoring and online office hours
Click here for the Blackboard IM Guide for BbVista Users.
Click here for the Blackboard IM Guide for Bb Learn Users.
For additional information on how to better incorporate Blackboard IM into your course, contact your Instructional Consultant.
|
NextGen Boot Camp Survivors
After a 3 day battle with the NextGen process, 15 of UNT's Best and Brightest faculty, along with their respective teams, successfully survived NextGen Boot Camp! Congratulations to the following 2012/2013 NextGen Faculty Fellows:
Dr. Beverly Davenport
Dr. Traci Cihon
Dr. Manish Vaidya
Dr. Mark Demarest & Dr. Lee Hughes
Dr. Rob Petros
Dr. Adam Trahan
Dr. Brian Lain
Dr. Carol Wickstrom & Mr. Garry Mayes
Ms. Kim Baker & Ms. Laura Walker
Dr. Lou Pelton & Dr. Jhinuk Chowdhury
Dr. Brenda McCoy & Dr. April Fehler
Dr. Jim Roberts
Dr. Jean Keller
Dr. Lynn Jackson
Dr. Cecilia Thomas
The Boot Camp was a rigorous adventure that will help get new NextGen Faculty Fellows off to a great start at making learning better in their courses. Many thanks and congratulations to our NextGen Faculty who are helping NextGen students Experience the Next Way to Learn!
To learn more about NextGen,
please contact Shana Luster today!
|
 | |
Dr. Philip Turner speaks with Pittsburg State University faculty about Next Generation Course Redesign. (Photo - Pittsburg State Univ)
|
CLEAR Spreading the Message Across
Texas and the Nation!
CLEAR has been hard at work ensuring that leaders and colleagues across the nation are aware of the work done at The University of North Texas in the field of Assessment, Learning Excellence, and Course Redesign.
Dr. Philip Turner and Dr. Brenda McCoy:
These two highly sought after speakers of the Next Generation message visited with the faculty of Pittsburg State University (Kansas) to discuss innovative ways to engage a new generation of students in the act of learning. About 145 participated in the discussion about course redesign.
Following the keynote addresses, several PSU faculty conducted sessions on ways they have redesigned courses to engage students. The sessions covered topics such as "Creating Online Awesomeness," "Bring the 'Real World' to the Classroom through Thematic Learning," "Integrating iPad Use into Course Redesign," and "A Flipped Classroom in Criminal Justice: Using Technology and Active Class Sessions to Enhance Deep Learning." The day was a great success and provided a good foundation for continuing the annual event.
|
Outcome-Based-Assessment Workshops
by Dr. Ron Carriveau
for AY 2012-2013
CLEAR will be offering 50 minute workshops by Dr. Ron Carriveau that provide everything needed to develop measurable student learning outcomes and outcome based assessments. It is not necessary to take the workshops in the order shown below, but it is highly recommended that workshop 1 be taken first. Each workshop is limited to 10 participants and will be offered more than once in a semester. Workshop topics and times will be posted one month in advance - see posting on the CLEAR website at http://clear.unt.edu.
Advanced Registration
is required to attend these workshops.
To register, please contact It is okay to bring your lunch to the workshop.
Workshop Location: PEB 201 Conference Room
Workshop Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm.
The text for the workshops is Connecting The Dots: Developing Student Learning Outcomes and Outcome Based Assessments (2011, R.S. Carriveau), which is not required but is highly recommended. Workshop participants can purchase the book at a reduced price. 1. Developing Measurable Student Learning Outcomes
This workshop focuses on how to begin the outcome based process, the application of a three-level SLO model, guidelines for writing measurable SLOs, writing higher level thinking SLOs, and question templates for writing outcomes and test items. Dates: September 7, September 12, September 13, October 11 2. Developing Your Assessment Plan
This workshop focuses on developing an outcome-item reference map, an overall assessment plan, and test blueprints. Dates: September 18, September 19, October 12 3. Writing Multiple-Choice Test Items
This workshop is on writing outcome based multiple-choice test items, including guidelines for writing the item stem and the item options (answer choices), and developing a test-item bank. Dates: September 27, September 28, October 24 4. Writing Constructed Response Test Items and Scoring Rubrics
This workshop covers guidelines for writing different types of constructed response test items with a focus on extended responses, types of rubrics (holistic and analytic), developing analytic rubric proficiency descriptors, and setting rubric score cut points. Dates: October 3, October 25 5. Using Multiple-Choice items to Measure Critical Thinking
This workshop covers the rationale, advantages, and limitations of measuring critical thinking skills with MC items, and provides guidelines for developing a critical thinking item set, examples of higher order thinking items, and an example of a MC critical thinking test that is not course content specific. Workshop dates will be added in November. 6. Reporting Results with the Three-Level Model
This workshop shows how to calculate a direct measure of student attainment of learning outcomes (without the use of grades) using results from MC and constructed response tests, and how to report attainment at three outcome levels and then linking to program and institutional levels, all with an emphasis on the importance of test item validity. Workshop dates will be added in November. Workshop topics and times are posted here within the event section of the CLEAR website.
|
|
Sloan-C Perspectives in Quality Online Education
The University of North Texas is a premium member of
Sloan-C College Pass.
To request free enrollment in an online workshop by Sloan-C, please contact Amber Bryant with the name and date of the workshop selected.
Learn about the Online Teaching Certificate Program.
See the Full 2012 Sloan-C Workshop Schedule
|
Workshop Date
|
Workshop Title
| September 5, 2012 - September 14, 2012
| Sound & Vision: Enhancing Distance Learning with Audio and Video
| September 5, 2012 - September 14, 2012
| Using, Reusing, and Sharing Educational Resources
| September 5, 2012 - September 14, 2012
| Online Growth in Challenging Environments
| September 5, 2012 - September 14, 2012
| Text Messaging in Teaching: Tips and Techniques from the Trenches
| September 5, 2012 - November 30, 2012
| 3-Part Workshops Series on Blended Learning - 2012
| September 19, 2012 - September 28, 2012
| Improving Student Engagement in Online Courses
| September 19, 2012 - September 28, 2012
| PowerPointless: Building Effective, Interactive, Presentations that don't end in .ppt
|
|
|
|
Take the next step -- contact CLEAR today!
|
|
|
