Workshop Descriptions

Assessment

Assessing Students and Courses
Classroom assessment is both a teaching approach and a technique. The more you know about how students learn the better you can plan activities and determine what they learned. This workshop will showcase different assessment techniques that can be used to determine whether your students understand and can apply the concepts that you deliver within your course.

Course Evaluations to Improve Teaching
In this workshop, we will review how to use student course evaluations more productively. Too often instructors gravitate towards the areas of critique from their students. While we need to be aware of areas for improvement, it is just as important to pay attention to what we are doing well. Participants in this workshop will learn how to quantify student evaluations and identify strategies for building on their teaching strengths. Participants are encouraged to bring a copy of their course evaluations; this is not necessary for attendance, however, and no one will be asked to share information from their evaluations.

Designing Surveys
Input from stakeholders are important to evaluate program delivery and gather useable results. Reaching the appropriate respondents to learn about their experiences and measure their attitudes and opinions can be challenging; yet survey research helps capture information reliably and efficiently. Before you can begin design survey instruments, develop sampling plans, and decide on data collection strategies, you need to establish evaluation questions. This workshop will demonstrate best practices in developing survey questions to ensure you will receive the most accurate and usable data.

Exam Development
Participants will learn to create effective exams that assess what students have learned. Topics include identifying the characteristics of good exams, writing effective questions, and analyzing exam results.

Improving Student Writing
In this workshop you will learn how to assess your students’ writing and also how to improve it.


eLearning

Assessments
In this workshop you will learn how to do assessments inside eLearning.

Assignments and Rubrics
In this workshop you will learn how to utilize assignments and rubrics inside eLearning.

Camtasia and SnagIt
Camtasia is multimedia tool that allows you to capture the activity on your computer and edit and make it available in a web-friendly or mobile device format. With Camtasia, you can add voice or written annotation to lecture materials, including PowerPoint presentations and convert those presentations to video for ease of viewing. SnagIt capture a digital image of your screen and allows you to annotate it. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the basics of Camtasia and SnagIt. No multimedia or programming experience necessary! You may want to bring a PowerPoint presentation.

Clickers
Increasing engagement in a large lecture hall can be very challenging. UT Dallas has standardized on a student response system (clickers) called eInstruction. This workshop will provide information on the clicker system that we are using, how to use it, and tips and tricks for use within the classroom.

Communication Tools
In this workshop you will learn how to utilize communication tools inside eLearning.

Getting Started
This workshop is an introduction into eLearning. Come find out what the new procedures are for Fall 2009.

Gradebook
This hands-on session will introduce participants to the eLearning gradebook. Topics covered include creating a eLearning gradebook, adding and modifying columns, using calculated columns, creating calculation formulas, downloading data to Excel, and submitting midterm and final grades.

Online Course Design

This workshop is a starter session on how to effectively develop your on-line courses. We will be working in the eLearning environment. Workshop objectives include: discussing the importance of course design and learning outcomes, learning about the eLearning homepage and how to use it, learning about the goals and learning module tools within eLearning, learning about selective release in eLearning, and uploading a file into your eLearning course.

Podcasting
Have you ever thought about providing your students with an audio file that contains course information or activity instructions? In this workshop you will learn what software to use, how to create an audio file, and where to post it for student accessibility. Best practices in audio recording will be addressed.

Preparing Learning Materials
In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the best way to present learning materials on the web and in eLearning. Participants will learn to convert classroom presentations and lecture notes to web-friendly formats.

Respondus and StudyMate
Learn how to create question databases and quizzes quickly and easily using your preferred word processor (i.e. Word or notepad), and then import them directly into your eLearning course using Respondus. Also learn how to create interactive flash-based learning objects using easy-to-use templates, then import them directly into your eLearning course.

Snap Surveys
In this workshop, you will learn how to use Snap Survey to develop effective surveys. We'll even show you how to publish your survey in various formats including print, email, and interactive html. In this workshop, you will learn how to use Snap Survey to develop effective surveys. We'll even show you how to publish your survey in various formats including print, email, and interactive html using Snap Online.

TurnItIn
In this workshop you will learn how to “Turn It In” and promote it to your students.

Web 2.0 - Group Activites
Participants will learn to use a variety of new and emerging technologies and to apply these technologies to the learning environment. In this hands-on workshop, participants will be introduced to collaborative tools for group activities (Google Docs, Google Maps, Cool Iris).

Web 2.0 - Brainstorming
Participants will learn to use a variety of new and emerging technologies and to apply these technologies to the learning environment. In this hands-on workshop, participants will be introduced to collaborative tools for brainstorming (Bubbl.us).

Web 2.0 - Online Collaboration
Participants will learn to use a variety of new and emerging technologies and to apply these technologies to the learning environment. In this hands-on workshop, participants will be introduced to online collaborative social software (Del.icio.us, slideshare, and wikis ).

Web 2.0 - Sharing Information
Participants will learn to use a variety of new and emerging technologies and to apply these technologies to the learning environment. In this hands-on workshop, participants will be introduced to collaborative tools for editing, presenting and sharing information (blogs and microblogs, including Annotate and Twitter).

Web 2.0 - Visual/Experiential Learners
In this highly interactive session, participants will discover ways to leverage recently developed on-line platforms across multiple eLearning tools.  Using platforms like Cool Iris and Google Street View, participants will explore how effectively integrating Web 2.0 tools into eLearning can create strongly visual and experiential deep learning experiences. Come along, and together we will explore temples in Singapore and stroll through the streets of Paris and San Francisco!


Teaching and Learning

Active Learning
During this workshop ideas for active learning will be presented.

Active Lecturing
For many faculty, the lecture format is our primary teaching medium.  This workshop highlights best practices for lecturing, including developing an active lecturing environment.  Active lecturing has been proven by research to increase teaching effectiveness and improve overall student satisfaction with a course. 

Case Studies
During this workshop we will be examining cases to exemplify deeper learning.

Conflict Management
In this interactive workshop, participants will have an opportunity to engage a variety of issues that derive from conflict in the classroom and/or the office. Everyone will assess their own approach to conflict. We will discuss how conflict has its place in a working environment and that there are productive ways to handle disagreements. We will practice effective communication techniques to mitigate situations where conflict arises.

Course Design
More and more we are seeing a paradigm shift in higher education away from a teacher-centered, coverage-driven approach to a more learning-centered approach that promotes deep or significant learning in students. This shift requires a different approach to designing courses. This workshop will provide an overview of the planning process that goes into designing or updating a course to achieve significant learning. Participants will begin to use a step-by-step guide to design or redesign a course for optimal student learning. Topics include creating effective learning objectives, designing assessments and assignments and scheduling course activities.

Diversity
Inclusive classrooms are classrooms in which instructors and students work together to create and sustain an environment in which everyone feels safe, supported, and encouraged to express her or his views and concerns. In this interactive session, participants will engage a variety of subjects related to diversity, including the UTD student population. We will practice a variety of strategies to develop an inclusive classroom. We will work on specific issues using a case-studies approach.

Group Activities
Students will work with individuals and groups when they leave college. Developing group activities for your class will better your students’ skills on working with other people. This workshop will show several examples of how group activities can be developed and integrated within your curriculum.

First Day of Class
During this workshop you will learn the importance of preparing for the first day of class.

Mind Mapping
During this workshop we will discuss making your lectures more visual.

Rubrics
Rubrics, or grading forms, are used to define expected criteria and performance standards which will be used to evaluate the student’s performance. Rubrics can simplify the grading process and keep the evaluations consistent. They are also great to provide detailed feedback to the students. This workshop will discuss rubrics more in-depth and show how to develop one.

Student Engagement
Are you having problems engaging students in your class or do you want to learn new techniques?  This workshop will provide several examples of how to improve student engagement and participation within your course.  There are also ways to have your students do work outside of class that will allow you to redesign your curriculum in a way that will encourage students to be engaged.

Syllabus
The syllabus can be a powerful tool for both learners and faculty. In this workshop, you’ll engage in the major steps of syllabus construction: identifying the necessary pieces of information to include, deciding how to set the tone for their course through statements on civility, respect, diversity, etc., and beginning to think about learning objectives as the first step in framing the content, methods and assessments for their course. You’ll also learn about the required UTD components and the UTS Syllabus tool.

Teaching Well with Technology
Participants will learn to use a variety of new and emerging technologies and to apply these technologies to the learning environment. In this hands-on workshop, participants will be introduced to collaborative tools for group activities (Google Docs, Google Maps, Cool Iris).


Graduate Student Seminar Series (GS3)

Efficient Graduate-Level Research
To complete a dissertation in a timely fashion, being an effective researcher is a critical skill. This workshop, offered by an instructional librarian is designed to assist any graduate student be more effective and efficient while working with NOTE: This session is in McDermott Library. Meet at the McDermott Library Information Desk in the lobby 5 minutes before the session starts.

Introduction to LaTeX
LaTeX is a document preparation system. It offers programmable desktop publishing features and extensive facilities for automating most aspects of typesetting and desktop publishing, including numbering and cross- referencing, tables and figures, page layout, bibliographies, and much more. This hands-on workshop will cover the basics of acquiring this FREE software package and how to use it to improve your own writing and productivity with complex mathematical and technical publishing. Note: This has been a popular session; seats are limited so be sure to register in advance.

Introduction to RefWorks
RefWorks -- an online research management, writing and collaboration tool -- is designed to help researchers easily gather, manage, store and share all types of information, as well as generate citations and bibliographies In this session, an instructor librarian will demonstrate how to create a RefWorks account, import data, edit data, organize the database, generate a bibliography, and use Write-n-Cite. NOTE: This session is in McDermott Library. Meet at the McDermott Library Information Desk in the lobby 5 minutes before the session starts.

Orientation to Institutions in Higher Education
Do you know the difference between an “R1” University and a Community College? What is a typical tenure process? This is a general session that provides an overview to the variety of institutions in American higher education. We will review useful tools for socializing oneself into the academy and being able to place yourself in the spectrum of higher education.

Professional Networking Skills
Networking in academic circles is important for one's job search, for publication an for tenure. networking takes energy, effort and, above all, time and this workshop offers tips on ways to get started earlier rather than later.

Strategies for Successful Publishing
For many colleges and universities one of the most important elements of a successful academic career is publishing. Participants in this workshop will hear about strategies for developing, and sticking to an effective writing program. We will also review typical publication processes and suggest tips for handling rejected submissions.

Teaching and Your Job Search
This session addresses ways in which people seeking a position in higher education might be asked to write/speak about their approach to teaching. We will review typical ways in which academics present our teaching cogently and reflectively. Finally, we will practice discussing our teaching with others.

Time Management Workshop
It has been said by many a faculty advisor that a successful run at graduate school is primarily good time management. This interactive session offers suggestions for developing effective productivity habits and overcoming habits that may hinder your progress towards your degree.

Writing Grants, Working with Human Subjects
Another partnership workshop, the OEE and the Office of Sponsored Projects invite you to a session on finding research grants and on working with human subjects. This workshop provides an orientation to the SPIN (Sponsored Programs Information Network) and GENIUS (Global Expertise Network for Industry, Universities, and Scholars) databases. Another component of the workshop is how to work with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for conducting research with human subjects.

Writing Management Workshop
This session focuses on how to begin to see yourself as a writer and addresses common challenges that writers face. If you want to work on your writing block, this is the workshop for you.

Writing Your Teaching Philosophy and Academic Cover Letters
A statement of teaching philosophy is an increasingly requested component of job applications/tenure packages. At the same time composing an academic cover letter takes skill to be concise and still make a strong impression. Designed to stand alone, but also to compliment "Teaching an Your Job Search" this workshop is a hands-on session in which everyone will begin to develop her/his own statement of teaching philosophy.


Teaching Academy Certification (TAC)

Course Assessment
This session addresses the variety of ways that instructors can check how their students are learning. Participants will engage the subjects of course learning outcomes and how formative and summative assessments can help students attain them. Please note that you do not need to seek certification in order to attend a Teaching Academy session, but attendance at the session can count towards certification in the future.

Designing a Course
This session addresses the topic of creating a student - centered course. Effective course design using best practices will be the primary topic of this interactive workshop. Please note that you do not need to seek certification in order to attend a Teaching Academy session, but attendance at the session can count towards certification in the future.

Encouraging Higher Level Writing Skills with Effective Feedback
This session addresses the variety of ways that instructors can check how their students are learning. Participants will engage the subjects of course learning outcomes and how formative and summative assessments can help students attain them. Please note that you do not need to seek certification in order to attend a Teaching Academy session, but attendance at the session can count towards certification in the future.

Exam Development
Creating effective objective exams require forethought and a solid grasp of what you hope to have the students be able to do. In this session, participants will have opportunities to strategize on writing good questions. Please note that you do not need to seek certification in order to attend a Teaching Academy session, but attendance at the session can count towards certification in the future.

Grading and Creating Rubrics
Grading is one of the primary ways in which an instructor communicates with students. This session encourages the use of rubrics as a way to grade more effectively and efficiently. Please note that you do not need to seek certification in order to attend a Teaching Academy session, but attendance at the session can count towards certification in the future.

Inclusive Teaching and Diverse Populations
In this interactive session, participants will engage a variety of subjects related to diversity, including the UTD student population. We will practice a variety of strategies to develop an inclusive classroom. Please note that you do not need to seek certification in order to attend a Teaching Academy session, but attendance at the session can count towards certification in the future.

Managing a Class
In this workshop, participants will work on a variety of tasks to better prepare for day to day management of a course. Topics will include encouraging participation, handling conflict in the classroom and establishing an effective learning environment. Please note that you do not need to seek certification in order to attend a Teaching Academy session, but attendance at the session can count towards certification in the future.

Meeting with Students
Meeting with students and holding office hours is very common instructor activity. A primary subject for this workshop is effective communication skills. This is highly interactive session where participants will work on 'real-world' office hour scenarios. Please note that you do not need to seek certification in order to attend a Teaching Academy session, but attendance at the session can count towards certification in the future.

Plagiarism and Copyright
This session addresses the often complex nature of copyright issues for instructors. In tandem with this, the workshop speaks to the issue of plagiarism and how instructors can discourage academic dishonesty. Please note that you do not need to seek certification in order to attend a Teaching Academy session, but attendance at the session can count towards certification in the future.

Preparing for the 1st Day of Class
This first class day is seminal because it establishes the tone and direction of a course for the rest of the semester. In this final TAC session, participants will be able to develop ideas on how they can effectively create an effective space for themselves and their students. Please note that you do not need to seek certification in order to attend a Teaching Academy session, but attendance at the session can count towards certification in the future.

Presenting a Lesson
This workshop is an excellent opportunity to receive constructive, positive feedback on your presentation/teaching style. This session provides practical advice on effective teaching presentation techniques. Please note that you do not need to seek certification in order to attend a Teaching Academy session, but attendance at the session can count towards certification in the future.

Teaching with Technology
Teaching with technology in some form is ubiquitous on practically every campus. This session provides an overview of what instructors should consider before, and how best to prepare, introducing technological tools in your course. Please note that you do not need to seek certification in order to attend a Teaching Academy session, but attendance at the session can count towards certification in the future.


Calibrated Peer Review

CPR (Calibrated Peer Review)
Do you want your students to write more and understand your material at a deeper level? Do you have a large class and your time is limited? Do you think you will be a good candidate for our pilot project? Calibrated Peer Review is a free Web-based program that allows instructors to incorporate frequent writing assignments into their courses, regardless of class size, without increasing their grading load.


Institutes

CPR (Calibrated Peer Review) Institute
Calibrated Peer Review is a free Web-based program that allows instructors to incorporate frequent writing assignments into their courses, regardless of class size, without increasing their grading load. CPR encourages critical thinking in students through peer review and evaluation. In the CPR Institute, participants will experience CPR as students, use the CPR tool and design a lesson for CPR.

Digital Institute
Participants in the Digital Institute will explore a variety of technologies and software to encourage student engagement and critical thinking. Participants will plan and design lessons that focus on collaboration and in-class engagement. Collaboration tools will include social bookmarking [del.ico.us], brainstorming (Mindmeister, Bubbl.us), document creation and sharing [Google Docs], and presentation (wikis, blogs, MyPrezi). Engagement tools will include clickers, Cool Iris, and Google Streetview.

eLearning Institute
The eLearning Institute is an intensive introduction to the eLearning course management system. Participants will begin developing a course site using the basic eLearning tools. Topics include learning modules, assignments, assessments and rubrics, groups, gradebook, as well as communication tools. The institute focuses on developing good course design skills.

Student Learning Institute
The Student Learning Institute is an in-depth introduction to assessment for learning. Participants will learn the various ways to determine if and how students are learning. Topics include formative assessment techniques, authentic assessments. rubrics, CATS (classroom assessment techniques), and surveys.

Page last updated on October 6, 2009 .