Teaching & Learning: Technology Training

Overview

Educational & Emerging Technologies offers professional development sessions on topics relative P.L.A.T.O., Accessibility, Video/Multimedia, Office 365, and Special Topics. Review the list below for details.

Quick Links

P.L.A.T.O. Basic:

P.L.A.T.O. Basics

If you are ready to get started with P.L.A.T.O., this session is for you. Join EET Staff for an overview of the P.L.A.T.O. interface and most commonly used tools.  

Objectives:   

1. Discuss the benefits of making course materials available in P.L.A.T.O.  
2. Be able to navigate your P.L.A.T.O. “My Home” page  
3. Be able to navigate the “Course Home” page of a course site  
4. Be familiar with using a syllabus grading scheme to set up a course gradebook  
5. Be able to add a Dropbox to manage assignments  
6. Understand the purpose of using the Lesson Content tool to guide student learning and class focus   
7. Understand how P.L.A.T.O. can enhance the accessibility of learning materials  

P.L.A.T.O. Points Gradebook

Get an introduction to building a points-based gradebook in P.L.A.T.O. We will explore creating categories, grade items, and entering grades.  

Objectives:

1. Understand what a category and grade item is and how to use them in the gradebook  
2. Setup gradebook categories  
3. Setup grade items and point values  
4. Enter grades for student progress  

P.L.A.T.O. Percentage Gradebook

Get an introduction to building a percentage-based gradebook in P.L.A.T.O. We will explore creating categories, grade items, and entering grades.  

 Objectives:   

1. Understand what a category and grade item is and how to use them in the gradebook  
2. Setup gradebook categories and weights  
3. Setup grade items and point values  
4. Enter grades for student progress  

P.L.A.T.O. Advanced:

Best Practices for Delivering Online Quizzes/Exams

This workshop builds upon the introduction to quizzes/exams in the P.L.A.T.O. Foundations session. You will learn how to get the most out of your assessment instruments by providing opportunities for continued learning, delivering robust feedback, and increasing quiz/exam integrity. 

Objectives: 

1. Understand the options for deploying quizzes/exams in P.L.A.T.O.
2. Develop quizzes/exams that contribute to, as well as assess, student learning
3. Apply settings and leverage tools to reduce the incidence of academic dishonesty
4. Understand formative measures for feedback and guided instruction

P.L.A.T.O. Tools to Encourage Student Engagement

During this session, you will learn how to leverage the power of P.L.A.T.O. and several easy-to-use web-based tools to keep your students invested in the learning process.  You will discover that an intuitive course structure, a simple communication plan, some timely feedback, and a little creative thinking can go a long way in earning the attention of your students.  This session will be a mix of hands-on activities and open discussion. 

Objectives:  

1. Relate sound teaching strategies for student engagement in a traditional classroom to equivalent techniques in an online environment 
2. Develop an instructional plan, connecting teaching best practices with available technology tools 
3. Create an online learning experience that follows fundamental instructional design principles while maximizing teaching effectiveness and student satisfaction 

Taking Attendance with You-Attend

You-Attend is an attendance tool that allows instructors to track student attendance using P.L.A.T.O.. You-Attend is easy to set up, offers exportable reports, and can automatically be connected to the gradebook.  

Objectives: 

1. Understand the difference between record types 
2. Create an attendance code 
3. Create a gradebook entry 
4. Understand how to export a report 
5. Edit general settings

The Evolution of P.L.A.T.O.: Updates, New Features, and Tips for Effective Use

D2L Brightspace is committed to continuously improving its product, based largely on end-user input. As a result, we will periodically experience new tools, feature enhancements, and workflows within the P.L.A.T.O. environment. Join Educational & Emerging Technologies (EET) for a discussion on what is to come, how these enhancements can contribute to your effectiveness, and finally, how to leverage these enhancements for student success. 

Objectives:  

1. Identify new tools, features, and options of the P.L.A.T.O. learning environment  
2. Understand how the use of a selected tool, feature, or option could expand learning opportunities for students

P.L.A.T.O. Assessments with Respondus

Learn about using Respondus as a partner application to work with assessments in P.L.A.T.O..  Respondus can be downloaded by PCT faculty and installed on any windows-based computer.  

Objectives:  

1. Create and edit assessments with Respondus  
2. Publish assessment from Respondus to a course site 
3. Learn to import questions from publisher test banks 
4. Retrieve questions from assessment in the course site  
5. Save assessment as a print-friendly copy in Word format 

P.L.A.T.O. Essentials: Rubrics

Learn the essentials of creating and managing rubrics in P.L.A.T.O..  

Objectives: 

1. Explain the difference between a holistic and analytical rubric
2. Develop a holistic and analytical rubric in P.L.A.T.O.
3. Measure achievement levels of activities using rubrics in P.L.A.T.O.

It is highly recommended that participants have prior knowledge of/experience with navigating a P.L.A.T.O. course site, working with the P.L.A.T.O. Grades tool, and creating dropboxes, assessments, and discussions in P.L.A.T.O.

P.L.A.T.O. Essentials: Course-Level Analytics

Join Educational & Emerging Technologies (EET) in exploring the tools within P.L.A.T.O. designed specifically for monitoring and assessing student performance. Topical coverage will include working with Competencies, using Checklists to organize course activities, and employing User Progress as an early-warning system. An emphasis will be placed on generating reports and interpreting results from these course-level tools. Prior knowledge/experience working with P.L.A.T.O. is essential.  

Objectives:  

1. Understand Competency Structures in P.L.A.T.O. and be able to deploy a Competency Framework, consisting of competencies, learning objectives, and activities  
2. Develop Checklists to group course activities, providing a road map for student achievement  
3. Holistically evaluate student performance with User Progress 

Recording Student Attendance with P.L.A.T.O.

During this session, staff from Educational & Emerging Technologies will guide participants through a hands-on session on how to configure and use the attendance tools embedded within P.L.A.T.O. In addition, tools for automation, grading and monitoring student progress will be discussed.

Objectives:

1. Understand best practices for documenting student attendance
2. Compare options for taking attendance in P.L.A.T.O.
3. Develop an attendance register using P.L.A.T.O.'s native attendance-taking tool
4. Set up and configure the You Attend attendance tool
5. Discuss alternatives for grading attendance in P.L.A.T.O.

Accessibility

Creating Accessible Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Documents

Join us in discovering the basics of creating accessible Microsoft Office files so that they are screen-reader friendly and more visually appealing to all individuals. During this session, we will focus on learning to format text, tables, lists, and graphics to make documents compliant.  

Objectives: 

1. Use the built-in Microsoft Accessibility Checker to identify and fix problems with a Word, Excel, or PowerPoint document  
2. Apply formatting to enhance the readability and accessibility of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents  
3. Use alternative text to describe content-related images  

P.L.A.T.O.: Creating Accessible Content

This workshop is designed to help faculty insure that their online instructional materials meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are accessible to students with documented disabilities.   

Objectives:   

1. Understand best practices that guide the creation of accessible web-based content
2. Create and edit an HTML page in P.L.A.T.O.
3. Identify and run the new Check Accessibility feature in P.L.A.T.O.
4. Add alternative text to images
5. Certify that font color meets the WCAG guidelines for color contrast

Prerequisite: Experience using P.L.A.T.O. to deliver instructional content

Video/Multimedia

Kaltura: Getting Started 

Kaltura, now part of PLATO, is an industry-leading lecture capture and video delivery platform. Kaltura’s many features allow users to record, edit, and publish content from a variety of sources and seamlessly integrate those recordings into PLATO course sites. During this session, EET staff will demonstrate how you can use Kaltura to enhance the classroom experience in both face-to-face and distance learning environments.  

Objectives:

Kaltura: Advanced Features  

Explore the full functionality of the Kaltura video delivery platform. Once you have a basic understanding of Kaltura, dive into some of its more advanced features with the guidance of EET staff. The additional tools covered in this session will assist with media management and encourage viewer engagement.  

Objectives:

Kaltura: Interactive Video Paths 

Media in the Classroom

This session will provide a hands-on demonstration of the upgraded multimedia equipment in classrooms and laboratories:  computer station, mounted data/video projector, video player, document camera or transparency projector, projection screen, writing surface.  This also will include a review of streaming media and other collaboration tools.  

Objectives:  

1. Increase faculty awareness of the upgraded multimedia equipment in classrooms and laboratories through hands-on demonstrations:  
   1. Instructor workstation  
   2. Mounted data/video projector  
   3. Video player  
   4. Document camera or transparency projector  
   5. Projection screen  
   6. Writing surface  
2. Increase faculty awareness of streaming media, and other collaboration tools
3. Provide faculty with the information required to diagnose classroom equipment problems and how to find help when it’s needed  

Editing Video with Adobe Rush

Learn to quickly edit and publish a video using Adobe Premiere Rush CC. This modern all-in-one video editing application allows you to easily cut and polish video that was recorded on mobile devices, webcams, or personal camcorders. Finished videos can then be published to P.L.A.T.O, YouTube, and other social networks. 

This professional development offering will be taught on Mac workstations. However, Adobe Premiere Rush CC is available for Mac, Windows PC, and mobile.

Objectives:  

1. Transfer and edit mp4 video files recorded on mobile devices, webcams, or camcorders
2. Incorporate text, motion graphics, sound effects, and music tracks into your video project
3. Export and share finished videos to P.L.A.T.O. course sites or social media networks

Best Practices for Instructional Video/Effective Strategies for Instructional Video

Instructional videos can help captivate students and improve knowledge retention. With affordable equipment options and user-friendly editing software, it is now easier than ever to self-produce a high-quality video product. Learn composition techniques and basic editing skills, which can aid in effectively conveying information to your students.  

Objectives: 

1. Scripting and staging to improve both content retention and viewer engagement  
2. Recording and constructing a high-quality video with basic equipment and software  
3. Effectively distributing a finished video in a well-organized LMS  
4. Closed Captioning/Accessibility  

Office 365

Office Tools for Collaboration: OneDrive

Office 365 brings a suite of applications for getting things done.  During this session, participants will explore Microsoft OneDrive as a tool for file storage/management, communication, and collaboration.  Additionally, participants will discuss applications for OneDrive in the workplace, as well as in the classroom.  By the end of this session, participants will be able to...  

Objectives:  

1. Understand the purpose of OneDrive within the Office 365 framework  
2. Engage in collaborative activities with peers using Microsoft OneDrive  
3. Extend productivity through the Microsoft OneDrive mobile application 

Office Tools for Collaboration: Teams and Forms

Office 365 brings a suite of applications for getting things done.  During this session, participants will explore Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Forms as tools for communication and collaboration.  Additionally, participants will discuss applications for Teams and Forms in the workplace, as well as in the classroom. 

Objectives:   

1. Understand the purpose of Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Forms within the Office 365 framework   
2.  Engage in collaborative activities with peers using Microsoft Teams   
3.  Create simple surveys to obtain feedback using Microsoft Forms   
4. Extend productivity through the Microsoft Teams mobile application  

Microsoft Teams for Teaching Faculty

Microsoft Teams has proven itself as a great tool for group collaboration in any setting. As the platform continues to mature and new features are added, Teams is becoming an attractive option for delivering instruction online. Like other ‘virtual classroom’ tools, Teams offers real-time communication via voice/video, text chat, and screen sharing. Its integration with other Office 365 tools further extends its capabilities. 

Objectives:

1. Download and install the Teams desktop application
2. Navigate the Teams interface and be able to configure/conduct ‘virtual class meetings’
3. Use the inline recording and screen-sharing functions to create on-demand instructional videos
4. Add Teams recordings to a P.L.A.T.O. course site for student access
5. Set up Teams channels to facilitate student ‘group work’

Microsoft Bookings: Manage Your Time and Availability

Microsoft Bookings is an application within the Office 365 suite of tools that provides a platform for you to manage your available time. Through your Bookings page, your target audience can view your availability and "book" a block of time with you. Applications for this technology include office hours, advising sessions, or providing services to the College Community.

Objectives:

1. Locate and launch Microsoft Bookings from the Office 365 Dashboard
2. Set up a Bookings page to advertise available times and/or services
3. Customize, publish, and preview a Bookings page
4. Configure a Bookings page to include staff and/or colleagues as resources
5. Use the Calendar to manage and modify availability

Introduction to Microsoft Sway

Learn how to create and share interactive presentations, reports, and stories with Microsoft Sway, an application within the Office 365 suite of tools. During this session, you will learn how to modify the storyline, use cards, set image options, and determine navigation. Additionally, you will discover how to customize your style, remix your Sway, and embed rich content, including video, audio, and other content.

Objectives:

1. Launch Microsoft Sway from the Office 365 suite of applications
2. Create a Sway
3. Modify and existing Sway design
4. Add and embed rich media content

Microsoft Teams Webinar

The ordinary Teams Meeting environment offers a virtual discussion space, where there is generally an open dialog among the participants. With Microsoft Teams Webinar, presenters have a more controlled environment where participants have clear roles as either presenters or attendees. In this session, EET staff will demonstrate how to schedule, administer, and deliver a Teams Webinar event.

1. Schedule and configure a Teams Webinar event
2. Prepare and share a registration form for the event
3. Host a Webinar event using presenter controls
4. Understand audience participation tools
5. Download the Webinar's attendance report

Prerequisite: Prior experience in the Microsoft Teams environment

Introduction to Microsoft Forms

Learn how to build a survey, quiz, or poll and collect responses using Microsoft Forms, an application within the Office 365 suite of tools.

Objectives:

1. Build a form
2. Reorganize questions
3. Establish settings
4. Share a form
5. Review results

Special Topics

Introduction to Educational & Emerging Technologies (EET)

This informational session will provide a general overview of the services provided by Educational & Emerging Technologies (EET).  Attendees will be introduced to the personnel that make up the office, as well as learn the core functions that fall under its mission.  This session is designed to inspire questions with the goal of providing you with substantive answers before you leave! 

Objectives: 

1. Identify the primary functions of the Office of Educational & Emerging Technologies
2. Understand the cohesive relationship between the Information Technology Services (ITS) Department and the Office of Educational & Emerging Technologies (EET) 
3. Recognize teaching challenges and situations that would be best suited for EET intervention, advisement, and/or collaboration 
4. Understand the multiple avenues for obtaining EET training and support 

Teaching with LinkedIn Learning

Expand your teaching materials and course resources to include short videos from LinkedIn Learning that will provide your students with an expert perspective. Start them on the path to earning certificates that they can display on their LinkedIn profile.   

Objectives:   

1. Understand the benefits of using LinkedIn Learning as a teaching resource   
2. Navigate the LinkedIn Learning Interface and switch between LinkedIn and LinkedIn Learning   
3. Search for a video that could be used in a class    
4. Understand that upon completing a course, there is an option for the faculty or students to get a certificate to share it to his/her LinkedIn profile
5. Discuss the benefits to students and Penn College when students share certificates on LinkedIn

 Pre-requisite: Have a LinkedIn account that uses your PCT email address as your user name. 

LinkedIn Learning - Connect and Master New Skills

LinkedIn isn’t just for professional networking anymore.  Its on-demand learning solution, LinkedIn Learning, offers you hundreds of online courses and videos as a subscriber through Penn College.  Learn how you can expand your skill set relative to your job, studies and personal interests.  See that once you complete a course you can download your certificate and/or publish your achievement to your LinkedIn profile.    

Objectives: 

1. Log in to LinkedIn Learning with his/her pct email address   
2. Navigate the LinkedIn Learning Interface and switch between LinkedIn and LinkedIn Learning   
3. Understand that upon completing a course, there is an option to get a certificate or share it to his/her LinkedIn profile

Introduction to Qualtrics

Get an introduction to building a percentage-based gradebook in P.L.A.T.O. We will explore creating categories, grade items, and entering grades.  

 Objectives:   

1. Understand what a category and grade item is and how to use them in the gradebook  
2. Setup gradebook categories and weights  
3. Setup grade items and point values  
4. Enter grades for student progress  

Introduction to Zoom

Zoom is a cloud-based application for web and video conferencing.  Use Zoom to host online discussions with students, facilitate meetings with clients, or engage in some collaborative project with colleagues.  Zoom’s user-friendly interface, lean feature set, and compatibility with multiple platforms and devices make it the perfect choice for synchronous online communication.  

Objectives:  

1. Navigate the Zoom interface, create meetings, and control user settings
2. Upload presentation content and launch screen sharing sessions
3. Prepare and deploy recorded Zoom sessions for on-demand viewing
4. Understand the use and management of ‘break-out sessions’

Mixed Reality for Teaching

Join EET staff for an overview of mixed reality technology and its uses as a tool for education. This session includes an explanation of the tools and resources behind virtual reality and augmented reality, and includes a hands-on, immersive demonstration of the College’s VR teaching resources. (LIMIT 10 SEATS).  

Objectives: 

1. Define and explain “Mixed Reality.” Identify key differences between virtual reality and augmented reality via use cases and examples
2. Provide an overview of hardware and software resources available on campus and identify programs and instructors who are currently using VR resources for curricular purposes
3. Demonstrate mixed reality technology by allowing each user to interact with the campus VR studio resources firsthand