Happy Long Weekend!
As we head into the dog days of summer (have you heard that phrase enough?), we'd like to use the July EdTech Tip Sheet to focus on identifying what you want and need to do before your first class and to remind you that the ETO is available for 1:1 consultations (use our MS Bookings calendar to pick a time and date).
Here's a few tips on how to spend some time in August:
(You can jump to the topic of interest or just keeping reading...)
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Pump up your Quercus course with the Start Strong Modules (and attend their complementary synchronous sessions)
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Consider a digital chat tool that you can use in on-campus activities (register now for this on-campus session)
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Decide if you'll participate in the FASE Lecture Capture Program (and also consider other lecture capture options)
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Opt-in for Crowdmark (Final Call!) (and see who else - in aggregate, via survey results - is using this tool this year)
Next Issue: In our August newsletter, we'll share a tutorial on how to use SnagIt to make a Quercus Course video tour, behind the scenes on a recent lightboard filming session, and how to beautify your Quercus homepage (while making your course easier for students to navigate). Can't wait? Email us at fase.edtech@utoronto.ca and we'll help you out!
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1. Pump up your Quercus course with the Start Strong Program
Back for its sophomore year, we're launching the Start Strong Program in August! This initiative (led by Anna) combines asynchronous, self-directed online modules (learn more about the Start Strong modules) with synchronous, virtual collaboration, and brainstorming sessions (register for the session below). Fun fact: we developed these modules based on your feedback; there was a desire for support materials that would help instructors get up and running as efficiently as possible. |
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While this program is heavy on practical application (using academic toolbox tools), it also strategically sprinkles in instructional design tips and tricks that apply to all course modalities (online, in-person, hybrid, etc.). Perhaps the best part? You choose how you participate by deciding what participation level works for you.
a) Sign up for the Start Strong Modules
Use the self-paced, self-directed modules (you can start right now), enroll in the Start Strong Quercus course.
b) Register for the Start Strong Learning Together Sessions
Register for the Start Strong - Learning Together Sessions (you can sign up for one, all, whatever works for you), use the registration links below:
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2. Pick a digital chat tool that you can use in on-campus activities
Join us for IRL (in real life) on Wednesday, August 17 (in MY 330 from 11 - 12) to experiment with different options designed to translate the benefits of digital chatting (think the chat box on a Teams or Zoom session) to an in-person classroom experience. Read more about this session on our blog post (or on the event registration page).
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In this interactive session, we will look at how to retain this live chat function to facilitate student questions and discussion. We will:
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review (and play with) the 'chat' tools that you can use in on-campus classes
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explore the different applications of chat for active learning activities (including formative assessment, backchannel conversations, digital collaboration)
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share ideas about what your colleagues are experimenting with (and their teaching goals motivating them to do so)
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3. Decide if you'll join the FASE Lecture Capture Program
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Are you interested in recording your teaching activity? The FASE Lecture Capture program is geared towards instructors who use non-digital teaching methods (e.g., chalkboard, demonstrations) and/or are not teaching in an LSM classroom space. If you're interested in participating, please submit your request by Friday, August 26 at 5:00 pm EST. Read more to find out if this program is right for you! |
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With many international students likely facing delays in obtaining their VISAs, lecture capture or lecture recording may again be an important consideration. You might also be interested in our guide that compares different lecture capture options, including OpenCast (OCCS), self-capture via webinar tool, and self-recording (e.g., using a cell phone). |
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*UDL Tip = Universal Design for Learning Tip (learn more about UDL!) |
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4. Final Call for 2022/2023 Crowdmark Use
Let us know if you plan to use Crowdmark for an administered (in person) or assessed (submitted digitally) assessments in the upcoming fall, winter, or summer terms. We've already had instructors flag use of Crowdmark for 83 courses. We have received enough interest to know that FASE be licensing it for use across first year courses. If you are planning to use it for an upper year course and haven't yet submitted, please do so by Friday, July 29, 2022. We will use this information to license the tool as cost-effectively as possible.
Current Distribution of FASE Courses using Crowdmark
The pie chart below represents results from the Crowdmark opt-in survey, as of July 26, 2022. |
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Submit this form to opt in for Crowdmark Use
Let us know via our MS Forms Survey if you are planning to use Crowdmark.
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Create an interactive Summary Slide in PowerPoint
Use PowerPoint's Zoom feature to easily move from one slide to another, during your presentation! A summary zoom is like a landing page where you can see the pieces of your presentation all at once. From How to Geek's Things you didn't know you could do with PowerPoint - #6: "While a table of contents slide is a handy way to jump to different slides, a Summary Zoom slide is an attractive alternative. This feature places linked thumbnails of your slides on one slide and lets you move to one while displaying a zoom effect."
To add in a PowerPoint Summary Slide, go to Insert > Zoom > and then select your type of slide.
Learn more about using Zoom for PowerPoint to bring your presentation to life! |
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July's Faculty Question(s)
Each week we answer a real question that we've received about Quercus and other Academic Toolbox tools, keeping the questions timely and relevant to you. You can select on the question to read the full inquiry and response or see all previous faculty questions of the week.
Read the Faculty Question of the Week
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 How can I add polls to my MS Teams meeting ahead of my lecture? (July 28, 2022) | I'm planning to use MS Teams Meetings and want to use the polling feature. Is there a way to create polls for use during the class ahead of time? |
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 How can I limit page and module access to specific groups of students in my Quercus course? (July 14, 2022) | I want to make certain modules, pages, and files visible only to certain students within my course. Should I use groups or sections? |
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Watches from Around the Web
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How can the EdTech Office help?
Check out our service catalogue to get started:
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Book a consultation - We're happy to meet with you to discuss any element of your course (related to technology, of course!). We can help with your Quercus course, planning your online assessments, setting up your home recording station and more!
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Request a new Quercus course - We can create courses for both academic and administrative purposes (though for the latter you might also consider a Microsoft Team). If you're running a program, committee, group (especially one that has students), this might be a great hub for your work.
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Request guest Quercus Accounts - These temporary accounts (up to 360 days) can be used to provide access to external guests or be used in testing (for more complex course configurations and features).
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Participate in the Remote Editing Process - We've designed a remote editing process that begins with support as you to record your own content (from wherever) and ends with the Education Technology Office to provide editing services and posting to your Quercus course. This is ideal for trimming and cutting webinar recordings. Due to demand, we've decided to continue this service as a regular offering from the ETO.
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Looking for 1:1 support? We're happy to schedule individual (or teaching team) consultation(s) to review your course and current stage of design. You can also email us to get started! |
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