OTL Winter Newsletter 2014

In This Issue
OTL Conference & RFP
Canvas Pilot
Assessment in the OTL
Chair Workshops
CourseMedia Updates
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Quick Links

OTL Homepage

Blackboard

DU CourseMedia

Video Manager

 DU Portfolio 


Assess-It! 

 

 

Find us on Facebook

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Visit our blog

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Faculty Showcases  

 

Learn ideas and teaching tips from your colleagues.  

 

Andy Sherbo makes  

learning relevant

"Andy Sherbo is known as an instructor with high energy and a sense of humor. However, keeping students engaged and learning involves more than having a bustling personality." Read more... 

 

Jae McQueen's tips from a teaching conference 

 "Finally, a question brought me right back to the core of my teaching philosophy. What is the most impactful learning experience you have had?" Read more...  

Roberto Corrada, Nancy Sasaki and Cindi Fukami shared theoretical concepts and practical tips for effectively managing student groups. Read more...  

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Welcome Kim!

 

We are excited to introduce the newest OTL staff member, Kim Hosler!

  

 

Kim Hosler joined the OTL as an Instructional Designer this past fall. She has over 10 years of experience in teaching and learning in higher education, (classroom and online) as well as 10 plus years as a learning and professional development manager in the private sector. Kim is recognized as a Master Teacher with University College. She earned her M.Ed. from Kent State University, Kent Ohio, and her Ph.D in Educational Technology from the University of Northern Colorado in 2013.  

 
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OTL Contacts


OTL Helpdesk
[email protected]
303-871-2084
Academic Technology
 
Blackboard/Canvas
Alex Karklins
Ryan Shiba
 
DU CourseMedia
Alex Karklins
Alex Martinez
 
Video Manager
Alex Martinez


DU Portfolio

Alex Karklins
Carrie Lorenz
 
Clickers (Student-Response Systems)
Ryan Shiba

 

Lecture Capture
Alex Karklins

Adobe Connect

Assess-It!
Kim Hosler

Adobe Tools and Services
Joseph Labrecque
 
Faculty Technology Lab
Alex Karklins

Cheryl Jackson 

 

Graphics, Audio, and Video Production

Joseph Labrecque 

 

Mobile and Desktop Software Projects
Joseph Labrecque

ECTD (Electronic Capstone, Theses and Dissertations)
Alex Martinez
Gary Taylor

UTS Help Desk
303-871-4700

Teaching Resources

Workshops/Seminars
Bridget Arend
Kathy Keairns
 
Teaching Resources and Consultations
Julanna Gilbert
Bridget Arend
 
Online Teaching
Kathy Keairns
Ryan Shiba
Kim Hosler
Bridget Arend

Hybrid Teaching

Virginia Pitts

Funding Opportunities

Faculty Grants

Julanna Gilbert 
Cheryl Jackson

Save the Date!  

OTL Conference on April 4 

  

Please plan to join us for the 2014 OTL Teaching & Learning Conference!



Friday, April 4, 2014
Driscoll Ballroom


Twenty-first century teaching and learning must be focused on more than knowledge acquisition, it must also involve a process that empowers students to self assess and take responsibility for their own learning. Yet most students are unaware of how they learn or what constitutes effective ways to study. Fortunately, self-directed learning skills can be taught and encouraged through specific teaching methods.    

 

Join us for a day of inspiring ideas and practical strategies to implement in your teaching practice. 

 

Keynote speaker Dr. Linda Nilson will engage participants in an interactive session about how to transform students into self-regulated learners.

 

Visit our Conference Portfolio site to learn more! 


Request for Proposals

Do you use innovative or creative teaching methods that empower students to take ownership of their own learning? What methods or insights have you gained as you shift from instructor-centered approaches towards student-centered approaches? Have you gathered evidence of positive changes in student learning, motivation, or engagement as a result of your teaching practice?


We are looking for DU faculty members to share effective strategies that empower students to be independent, self-directed learners. Please consider submitting a proposal for the 2014 OTL Conference.

Proposals are due February 14!

Visit our Conference Portfolio site for details and submission form.
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Canvas Pilot  

 

 

Beginning in the Winter quarter 2014 and continuing through the Spring, Canvas learning management software will be piloted as an alternative to Blackboard. Approximately 50 faculty members across all academic units and their students will use Canvas and provide feedback to the Office of Teaching and Learning about their experience. Based on this feedback, the decision will be made on which LMS the University of Denver will choose going forward.  

 

Learn more about the Canvas Pilot 

 
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Assessment joins the OTL!        

  

Because of the close ties between teaching, learning and assessment, the OTL now includes academic program assessment as part of its responsibilities. 



Dr. Rob Flaherty joined the OTL staff as Director of Academic Assessment in October. As an outdoor enthusiast, he is excited to be in Colorado.
Learn More

Assessment Workshop for Department Teams

 

Friday, February 28th 8:30am-11:00am

Location TBA

 

This workshop is designed for teams from programs at any stage in the development of their assessment plans. Take dedicated time to work on developing your assessment program with an opportunity to get input from peers and from Rob. And did we mention breakfast?    

 

Register now! 

 

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Winter Workshop for Academic Chairs 

 

Beyond Student Evals: Alternatives for Evaluating Teaching Effectiveness

 

Wednesday January 29, 10:00am-12:00pm
or   

Thursday January 30, 2:00pm-4:00pm
OTL Conference Room 

 

Designed specifically for Academic Chairs or Directors, this session will explore alternative means of evaluating teaching in order to create fair and effective means of supporting teaching excellence at DU. This workshop is designed to help participants:
  • Begin to develop a set of departmental teaching expectations

  • Explore the best use and limitations of student rating forms

  • Explore other methods for gathering evidence about teaching performance including peer review and teaching portfolios

  • Share ideas and best practices for managing teaching performance

Register here for January 29 

Register here for January 30 

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Video Workshops and Upgrades

Using Video for Student Feedback

Thursday, January 23, 10:00am-11:00 am
OTL Conference Room

Video can be an excellent tool for providing feedback to students on their work, and allowing them to self assess their own learning and performance. While this technique is not new, the ability to record, store, and provide feedback within a video has become easily accessible due to DU VideoManager. Join us to learn how this software works and to discuss best practice in providing student feedback through video.


Updates to Course Media

 
DU CourseMedia was recently updated to include enhanced search capabilities to make it easier for you to find new and relevant media content for your classes.  

 

The upgrade also includes easier methods for playing your gallery within a Blackboard or Canvas course.