10 Disruptive Technologies & Innovative Applications in Online Learning

As educators, we know we must embrace emerging technologies and pedagogies in our designs for online, open and flexible teaching and learning. What are these and how are they being applied? In this webinar, we will look at 10 disruptive technologies and innovative approaches educators around the world are taking in applying them.  From a shoestring budget to high end applications, see these tools in action, while exploring how they are rapidly reshaping the landscape of distance education in the digital age.

Presenters:

• Dr. Susan Aldridge
  
  • President, Drexel University Online
• Marci Powell
  
  • Chair Emerita, USDLA
  • Vice Chair for Global Partnerships, USDLA

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Why Instructional Design?

Focusing on the learner and strategies for teaching them is what Instructional Designers strive for. Join us to find out more about the benefits of working with an Instructional Designer; and how they help improve the online course experience.

Presenters:

• Anita Nunez
• Veronica Sanchez

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NDLW Kickoff TTU and eLearning Open House

Please join us in kicking off our National Distance Learning Week celebration! Come have some refreshments while you review the latest technology, take a look at our new office space, meet our new colleagues, and win some awesome door prizes (including freebies from Panda Express, Firehouse, Slim Chickens and four prizes worth over $30)! We are housed in the Tech Plaza building, where free parking is available. Refreshments and prizes will be in our eLearning Conference Room, on the east wing of the fifth (5th) floor.

A Brief History of Distance Communication & Collaboration

With the USDLA celebrating 30 years, it seems fitting to be reflective as we also speculate on the future.  Join us as we take a look back at distance communication & collaboration while reviewing the current state of affairs with some predictions on what is to come.

Presenters:

• Ken Conn
  
  • Director, Partnerships & Collaboration, i2i Technologies
  • President, USDLA
• Roxanne Glaser
  
  • Director, Marketing & Learning, i2i Technologies
• Elaine Shuck
  
  • Director, Communication & Development, i2i Technologies
  • Chair Emerita, USDLA

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How to Be a Successful K-12 Online Student

Online learning can sound like a dream come true until we take that first course. That’s when we find out that the online learning platform requires a deeper academic skill set than expected. Let us help you learn, develop and implement proven skills from the most successful on-line learners:

• Motivation and Independence - Online learning is not for the faint of heart or someone looking for an easy path through their education. The most successful students are motivated to learn and do well.
• Persistence - This is perhaps the most essential attribute for a successful on-line learner. The ability to stick with something and not quit is paramount for any successful student.
• Critical Thinking, Literacy and Writing Skills - Many online courses are moving toward authentic assessments which require students to think critically, read for information and respond to open-answer questions that require proper writing structure.
• Effective Time-Management Skills - Several online programs don’t don’t require daily attendance or have set schedule. Can you set their own schedule and be disciplined about sticking to program of study?
• Effective and Appropriate Communication Skills - In most cases, you not are sitting face to face with the instructors, therefore the communications expectations are different.
• A Proper Study Environment - So much of online learning is done in the home, which can sound wonderful. Yet, carving out workable study area is not as easy as it seems.

Presenters:

• Jeff Oldham
  
  • TTU K-12 Principal - International, Elementary and Middle School

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Communicating Algebra Remotely: Problem Solved!

There are many interactive distance learning tools for reading and writing because text editors have long been a mainstay of internet communication.  This is not the case for mathematical equations. Until now, remote assessment for algebra has been limited to multiple choice or fill-in-the-blank responses that give teachers little insight into their students’ thought processes. New tools empower teachers to dynamically create, present and manipulate equations before their remote students’ eyes.  This technology promises to arm students with advanced procedural fluency for algebraic problem solving while saving teachers hours of time. Analytics from automated problem grading give teachers much richer feedback that form the basis for better differentiated teaching.  This session will describe and demonstrate this exciting new development in distance learning for algebra.

Presenters:

• Michael Eiseman
  
  • Creator of Algebra By Hand™
  • 2017 USDLA Innovation Award Winner

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The Often-Overlooked eLearning Strategic Plan – Don’t Have One? You Should.

To ensure the long-term success of an eLearning program (blended, hybrid, fully online), colleges and universities need an eLearning strategic plan for growing online programs sustainably and at scale. An institution must consider and develop its goals, vision, organization, governance, policies and procedures, as well as accessibility planning around eLearning. When these areas are not at the core of the eLearning programming, the institution risks any competitive advantage in the eLearning space. Institutions often jump into developing courses and marketing programs when the campus is not organized efficiently, and the overall program has not been operationalized. Skipping strategic planning can cost the institution unexpected expenses and personnel resources. This webinar will address the components of an eLearning strategic plan and how it is critical to the success of the eLearning program.

Presenters:

• Darcy W Hardy, PhD
  • Associate Vice President, Enterprise Consulting, Blackboard Inc.
• Jeff Rabey, PhD
  • Principal Strategist, Enterprise Consulting, Blackboard Inc.
• Scott Ready
  • Principal Strategist, Accessibility, Enterprise Consulting, Blackboard Inc.

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The Three P's of Accessibility

Do you find it difficult to know just how to make your classes truly accessible? Are you struggling to know where to start? Join the club.

Join us for a webinar that covers both the technical and pedagogical considerations for creating accessible video. Join Jackie Luft and Ian Wilkinson from Texas Tech University to get:

• Planning considerations and efficient ways of sharing accessible instructional video
• Step-by-step processes that will help ensure that your video is both effective and accessible
• Technical basics including lighting, audio, captioning and suggestions on how to implement Universal Design of Learning
• And of course, the 3P’s of creating accessible instructional videos

Presenters:

• Jackie Luft, Ed.D.
  • Assistant Director, Accessibility, TTU eLearning and Academic Partnerships
• Ian Wilkinson
  • TTU Section Manager, Academic Facilities and Services, IT Support

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Office 365 & Skype for Business in the Classroom

Office 365 has taken the business and academic world by storm.  Microsoft issues 1.2M new licenses every single month!  The communication gem that is included with many of these licenses is Skype for Business.  Now, don’t be fooled… this is not the Skype that Grandma uses to keep up with the grandkids.  Skype for Business is a full-features collaboration tool that allows you to send instant messages, conduct a voice and/or video call (with multiple people), and share your screen with your audience.  Join us to learn why every other collaboration service in the enterprise and education sectors is keeping at least one eye on Microsoft and Skype for Business.  As a bonus, we will spend some time covering OneNote and how students are using it in your classrooms today!

Presenters:

• Greg Plum
  
  • VP Channel – US, OBT Anywhere

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Distance Learning & Technology Resources for Telehealth

This webinar will provide an overview on clinical and educational applications in the telehealth world as well as  provide some excellent resources for folks who are interested or already producing telehealth events.

Presenters:

• Janet Major
  • Arizona Telemedicine Program

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Instructor Training for LockDown Browser & Respondus Monitor: Prevent Cheating During Online Exams

In this session, you'll hear about challenges with online testing, and how to address them. You’ll learn how educators use LockDown Browser to prevent students from printing, copying, and accessing other applications during online quizzes. For non-proctored test environments, see how Respondus Monitor uses webcam/video technology to record the exam session and automatically flag suspicious behaviors. Learn best practices and tips for roll-out too.

Presenters:

• Nick Laboda
  • Senior Account Manager, Respondus

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4 LMS Data Points That Can Help You Move The Needle On Student Retention

Institutions are more focused than ever on using data to improve outcomes but accessing requisite data and building institutional capacity can take years. Through our partnership with schools across the country, Barnes & Noble Education LoudCloud, has found that 4 data points are the biggest drivers of student success from the LMS. In this session, our team will share insights that you can begin applying at your institution today.

Presenters:

• Amanda Thorne
  • Regional Manager, BNED LoudCloud
• Rhonda D Blackburn, PhD
  • Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, BNED LoudCloud

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How Kenai Borough Schools in Alaska Are Using Video-Enabled Learning Spaces

In this webinar see yourself using live video telecommunications (VTC) to explore bringing the world into your classroom.  Using interactive video conferencing as a tool to deliver instruction or enrich curriculum broadens student access to content while increasing the depth and relevance of their learning experience.  Not only are students more actively engaged but also a variety of learning styles are readily accommodated.  Experience how VTC is becoming an accepted way of life for both teachers and students.

Learn how to implement strong technology as part of the instructional strategy in a learner-centered environment.  See firsthand how it can positively impact teaching and learning in your school.  Examples, best practices, and content resources will be shown.

Join this live session as Alaska students, along with their teachers,  reflect on how they have successfully implemented interactive video conferencing  connections to capture and explore new curriculum experiences.

Presenters:

• Natalie Marlow
  • Student, Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
• Ashlyn Branning
  • Student, Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

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