Workshops

​​Workshop​​​
​ Adaptive Technology​​ Adaptive technology enables people with exceptionalities to access and use information through media designed to support their learning styles and strengths.
An Introduction to the CFTL In this session, you will learn about the services provided by the CFTL, ask questions, and share ideas about teaching and learning at Nipissing University.​ ​CFTL Talking Points
Blackboard l: Adding and Organizing Content In this session, the presenters will demonstrate how to add files and other resources to a Blackboard-enhanced course as well as how to organize content using a variety of course tools. Other items to be explored include how to build your course’s navigation menu, how to ‘design’ your course’s front page, and how to check that your students can access the content you add.​ CFTL Identified Tutorials Other Tutorials by Blackboard
​Blackboard ll: Using Communication Tools In this session, you will learn how to use the various communication tools within a Blackboard-enhanced course. The highlighted tools include announcements, calendar, the discussion board, blogs, wikis, and journals.
​ Blackboard lll: Using Assessment Tools This session will demonstrate how to add an assignment to a Blackboard-enhanced course, how students download and submit assignments, and how to collect submitted assignments. It will also focus on the connection that assignments and assessments (quizzes and tests) have with the Grade Centre.
​ Blended Learning Blended learning is quickly becoming a learning model used to support students who are on and off campus. This session will review terminology, provided examples of blended learning, and suggest strategies for engaging students in the blended environment.
​ Claymation This workshop will explore the use of stop motion animation in a classroom setting and introduce the basic theory, steps, and technologies behind it.  Simple software such as iMovie, Moviemaker, and PowerPoint can be used to create creative and engaging activities for students of all ages.
​ Death by Power Point? Never Again The term "Death by PowerPoint" will never again be heard in the halls of Nipissing University! In this session, we will explore how (and when) to use PowerPoint to energize your students. We will discuss updated design principles which will leave your students "wowed" and engaged. We will also discuss some nifty "tips and tricks" for maximizing the presentation experience. Finally, various alternatives to PowerPoint will be suggested. Power Point Guidelines MS Power Point Guidelines (adapted from OTN)
​ Digital Cameras An introductory digital camera course.  How to familiarize yourself with your camera, basic tips and techniques for taking photos.  We will also talk briefly about iPhoto. Participants are encouraged to bring their own digital cameras if they own one (some will be provided to the class for use).  This is a hands-on workshop.
​ Digital Photography A formal introduction to iPhoto, editing photos and creating media (.e.g., cards, calendars, etc.).  This workshop will also discuss integrating photography into the classroom.
​ Digital Storytelling Learn about and make your own digital story telling in this workshop.  This workshop focuses on the use of iMovie and identifies a few other resources. Required Resources: Macbook with iMovie.
​ ePubs In this session, participants will learn what a digital publication (ePub) is and how to create their own. ePub Style Template ePub Workshop Files​
​ ePortfolios The ePortfolio workshop introduces participants to various ways of collecting and showcasing this media that can be applied to course assignments and an upcoming job search.
​ Exploring ePubs: Down the Digital Rabbit Hole In this session, participants will learn what an ePub is and how it differs from a PDF. Participants will also create their very own multimedia ePub of Alice in Wonderland.  http://www.padilicious.com  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EPUB  http://books.google.com/  http://librivox.org/  http://www.authorama.com/
​ Free iPad Apps: An Embarrassment of Riches In this session, participants will learn about some very handy apps that will aid in their use of the iPads in the office and the classroom. They will also learn where to go to start finding handy free apps. iTunes http://www.lifehacker.com
​ Getting Organized with GMail and Google Calendar  Have you ever forgot to reply to that urgent email? Has it taken you six emails to organize a meeting with colleagues? In this session, you will learn about the organizational and efficiency features of GMail and Google Calendar. Be the master of your Inbox. Google Calendar Guide​ Google Mail Guide Google Mail Class List Guide​ Elluminate Recording (entire session) Elluminate Recording (video only) Elluminate Recording​ (audio only)
​ Getting Your Feet Wet in SPSS Are you intimidated by statistics or not sure where to begin?  This introductory session is intended to expose you to the SPSS v19 interface and menus.  Come and see how to import data and run reports so you can get started with your quantitatively-focused research endeavors. Session Video SPSS Sample Data (For the Exercises) SPSS Introducti​on (Exercises and Further Links) SPSS Soultions (Exercies 1 to 6) SPSS Solutions (Completed SPSS File)
​Google Docs “Boot Camp” Google Docs is a free web-based office suite (compatible with Microsoft Office documents) and accessible through all major web browsers. With Google Docs, you can have access to your important documents even when you are on the go. Fully integrated with Gmail, Google Docs helps you to collaborate (in real time) with colleagues and peers. Whether you are interested in forms, spreadsheets, or presentations, take this chance to see how Google Docs brings collaboration to a new level. Elluminate Recording (full session) Elluminate Recording (video only) Elluminate Recording (audio only)
​ Interactive Whiteboard Alternatives​ ​​Interactive whiteboards are a key piece of classroom technology. This workshop provides hands-on experience with several options including SMART, Promethean, Mimio and the Wiimote style of whiteboard.
​iTools Find out about some great resources that can be used in and out of the classroom to help with teaching and save you time. Recommended resources: an iOS device.
​ Mastering MAC Basics New to Mac? Nervous? Unsure? Don't be! Macs are very user friendly; you just need to get to know them. During this session, you will develop understanding of file management, searching for applications, using external devices, personalizing your machine, and more.  If you have a Mac Laptop, please remember to bring it to the session.
​ MELDing Leadership and University Success: One Model In the summer of 2011, 16 students attended the first MELD camp at Nipissing Muskoka's campus. They participated in a two-week, residential experience that earned them a Grade 11 leadership credit and UNIV 1011 University Success through Nipissing University. This unique opportunity included guest speakers, ubiquitous use of iPads, a wilderness expedition, practice with academic writing, and much more. In this session, we will discuss how the program came about and how it was implemented.  Outcomes, expected and unexpected, will also be discussed.
​Navigating Blackboard Learning management systems such as Blackboard are an integral part of post-secondary education. Through effective use of a learning management system, faculty and students can share resources, use various communication options, and so forth. In this session, you will learn some important strategies for getting around Blackboard, Nipissing’s learning management system. CFTL Identified Tutorials Other Tutorials by Blackboard
​ Online Teaching: Faculty Perspectives Online teaching has become an evolving area of study and practice for all teachers in the post-secondary environment. With changing learning management systems (Blackboard, WebCT, Desire2Learn, and so forth) and educational web conferencing applications (Collaborate/Elluminate Live, Big Blue Button, Skype, and so forth), professors are facing new challenges and opportunities. In this workshop, learn about the world of online teaching and learning and strategies that facilitate engaging and effective learning. Online Teaching: Faculty Perspectives Handout Elluminate Recording (entire session) Elluminate Recording (video only) Elluminate Recording (audio only)
​ Response Systems This session is an introduction to SMART response systems and software: topics covered include what's available, how they work, and how to create quizzes. Participants are encouraged to bring their MacBooks with SMART Notebook and response software installed.
​ RSS Feeds, Widgets and iGoogle Tired of spending hours looking for new articles/news on topics that interest you? Why not consider having this information come to you automatically? In this session, you will learn about RSS feeds and widgets and how to use get the most out of them whether you are using your laptop, desktop, or mobile device.
​ SMART Boards This workshop starts from the very beginning--with connecting a SMART Board. Through hands-on activities and group discussion, participants will quickly advance from the days of overhead projectors to interactive whiteboards. Elluminate Recording (full session) Elluminate Recording (video only) Elluminate Recording (audio only)
​ Strategies for Teaching Online Teaching online can be a challenging experience.  Many of the cues we use to interpret student comprehension in face to face teaching such as facial expression, body posture, and casual chatting among peers are unavailable to the teacher in an online course.  There are, however, practices that can facilitate a positive experience and build personal confidence for online teachers and students.​  In this session communication techniques to build class identity and general interaction, discussion questions that will help students draw from their own experiences and extend conversations, and different possibilities for assessment and evaluation in online courses will be discussed and considered. Elluminate Recording (full session) Elluminate Recording (video only) Elluminate Recording​ (audio only)
​ The Scholarship of Teaching and Lear​​​ning How do first year nursing students learn to link theory to practice in the clinical setting? What is the impact of team-based pedagogy on student learning in accounting? Which learning strategies best support using, modifying, and transferring information and skills in various learning contexts?  These are kinds of questions that SoTL researchers and scholars explore. If you are interested in learning more about SoTL, contact us.
​ Universal Instructional Design Can all of your students access your teaching materials? Are there hidden barriers to student success in your assessments? This workshop will demonstrate a method of assessing your materials for the widest possible accessibility while maintaining the academic integrity in your course.
​ Using MyNipissing/WebAdvisor MyNipissing/WebAdvisor is a critical part of life at Nipissing University. Do you know how to get around it with ease? Are you aware of the various kinds of information to you at MyNipissing/WebAdvisor. This session will increase your understanding of these web tools and make your Nipissing life easier.
​Using SharePoint Nipissing University has transitioned to system called Sharepoint for all of its web applications. The benefit of this single system is that it provides Nipissing with extensive editing capability of its site. Come learn about it.
​ Virtual Field Trips Come learn how to organize and create field trips without having to visit the location itself.  Learn how to make abstract field trips to fictional locations.  Learn how to use Google Earth, Moon and Mars as a teaching tool for geographical locations and space.  You can do all of this and more without having to book a bus or leave the classroom.
​Web 2.0 Web 2.0 refers to tools that support the creation and sharing of content on the Internet.  This workshop focuses on social media (e.g., Facebook and Twitter) and content creation tools (e.g., Blogger and YouTube) for use in today’s classroom.​
​ What’s New With Today’s Student? How are students of the digital age learning? Has 'how’ they learn changed? What about how they engage or find motivation? What about multitasking? This workshop will explore current research on teaching the modern student and discuss effective teaching strategies for the classroom (K-12 and post-secondary).
​ Who Needs MS Office? OpenOffice is a free, fully-features office suite that includes the same programs that office-oriented software do. This session will provide an introduction to Writer, Calc, and Impress, the OpenOffice equivalents to Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
WTH Does that Mean? Teach Jargon and Acronyms Decoded Are you drowning in the jargon of the technology world? Come to this workshop, and we’ll help you to swim – or at least tread water in a sea of confusing terminology.  After the session, you will be able to explain the acronyms used in text messaging; understand the jargon of educational technology; and so forth.
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