Blackboard Overview, Featuring New Tools and Enhancements
Wednesday, January 16, 2008 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
This hands-on workshop will introduce TAs to version 7.1 of Blackboard. The session will cover the basics of personalizing course navigation, as well as changes in the layout and functionality of the discussion board, and a preview of the gradebook and assessment component, among other features. TAs will need to already have TA/instructor status and an active NIU AccountID (http://password.niu.edu). Prerequisites: Knowledge of basic web browsing and basic computing skills. Advanced registration is required.
Making Larger Classes Work – Video Discussion
Friday, January 25, 2008 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
The video is geared to the universal issues that came up in dozens of workshops presented by teachers of very large classes found problematic in actual experience or were fearful of. The information in the video is applicable to any academic discipline and TAs from all disciplines can benefit from the topic and subsequent discussion. Pizza and drinks will be provided. Advanced registration is required.
Blackboard Overview, Featuring New Tools and Enhancements
Thursday, January 31, 2008 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
This repeat session will introduce TAs who missed the first hands-on workshop to version 7.1 of Blackboard. Topics to be covered will include the basics of personalizing course navigation, as well as changes in the layout and functionality of the discussion board, and a preview of the gradebook and assessment component, among other features. TAs will need to already have TA/instructor status and an active NIU AccountID (http://password.niu.edu). Prerequisites: Knowledge of basic web browsing and basic computing skills. Advanced registration is required.
Mastering the Control Panel in Blackboard
Tuesday, February 5, 2008 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am
This hands-on session provides an overview of the various Control Panel features and offers participants an opportunity to continue work within their own courses. The Control Panel in Blackboard is the key to adding course content, managing discussion, setting up groups and many other course management functions. Prerequisite: Blackboard Overview or equivalent. Advanced registration is required.
Designing Effective Group Activities
Wednesday, February 13, 2008 from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm
This workshop is designed to examine the forces that foster social loafing (uneven participation) in learning groups. Participants will identify four key variables in order to create a group environment that is conducive for participation and learning. This session will offer tools to evaluate the effectiveness of group assignments in a variety of instructional settings and subject areas. Advanced registration is required.
Presidential Teaching Professor Seminar by Professor Robert Chappell, Jr. (School of Music)
Thursday, February 14, 2008, From 11:30 am to noon: refreshments; from 12:00 to 1 pm: presentation and questions and answers, Capitol Room, Holmes Student Center
Join faculty, staff and your fellow TAs for this exciting Presidential Teaching Professor Seminar sponsored by the Office of the Provost. Check the TA program schedule at http://www.niu.edu/facdev/programs/tacurrent.shtml in spring 2008 for the title and description of the seminar. 11:30 am - noon: refreshments, and 12 – 1 pm: presentation and questions and answers. No registration necessary and participation in this program will count toward the Graduate Teaching Certificate.
Blackboard Assessment Tools
Thursday, February 21, 2008 from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm
The survey and testing features in Blackboard offer TAs a variety of useful options for online assessment. In this hands-on workshop, participants will have the opportunity to explore various testing tools, practice some short cuts in creating Blackboard quizzes, and look at the online grade book functions. Prerequisites: basic computer skills and attendance at a Blackboard Overview workshop, or previous experience using Blackboard. Advanced registration is required.
How to Speak: Lecture Tips from Patrick Winston – Video Discussion
Friday, February 29, 2008 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
In this video, Professor Patrick Winston of MIT gives advice on how to present an effective classroom lecture. This presentation is aimed at faculty and TAs who are new to teaching. Throughout his talk, Winston continually illustrates his points by using the techniques he discusses. Pizza and drinks will be provided. Advanced registration is required.
Blackboard Communication Tools
Monday, March 3, 2008 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
This hands-on session covers the features of asynchronous and synchronous discussion, groups and electronic file exchange, including the digital drop box. Participants should have an understanding of basic computing skills and have taken a basic Blackboard workshop or previous experience with Blackboard. Advanced registration is required.
Panel Discussion: Effective Strategies for TA Classroom Management
Tuesday, March 18, 2008 from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm
For many graduate teaching assistants, the task of planning, organizing, motivating and controlling classroom environments can be overwhelming. This workshop will offer a panel discussion, featuring NIU faculty who have successfully managed classroom issues in a variety of academic settings, including online environments. The findings of an empirical study pertaining to classroom management problems experienced by TAs will also be discussed. Advanced registration is required.
To Teach or Not to Teach (With PowerPoint That Is!)
Wednesday, March 26, 2008 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Lately you’ve been thinking about whether or not to incorporate PowerPoint as part of your strategic course planning. In this workshop you will learn how PowerPoint can be used to enhance instruction. We will review basic, but critical design elements, identify different ways to integrate PowerPoint throughout the semester, and learn how to create dynamic PowerPoint presentations that transform your instruction and engage your students. Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of PowerPoint. Advanced registration is required.
Redesigning Course Materials for Online Delivery
Thursday, April 3, 2008 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
The true challenge in delivering online materials that will spark the interest of students is keeping the environment dynamic and interactive. The goal of this workshop is to provide suggestions and offer examples of how to retool current course materials, as well as develop other instructional aids that will promote an effective online teaching and learning experience. Prerequisite: an understanding of basic computing skills or previous experience with Blackboard. Advanced registration is required.
The Art of Discussion Leading – Video Discussion
Friday, April 11, 2008 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
This video examines the initiation of a group of apprentice teachers as they are faced with the challenges of guiding classroom discussion. The group reviews a case study with Harvard’s Professor C. Roland “Chris” Christensen using discussion leading techniques. Pizza and drinks will be provided. Advanced registration is required.
Creating the Teaching Philosophy Statement
Monday, April 14, 2008 from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
If you have thought about writing and discussing your teaching philosophy but don’t know how to begin this workshop will guide you through the necessary steps to arrive at a statement that truly reflects your thoughts on teaching. With the help of some interactive activities, you will begin crafting your own philosophy statement that enhances your teaching portfolio. Advanced registration is required.
Basics of Grantwriting for GTAs
Tuesday, April 22, 2008 from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm
This workshop provides an extensive overview of the basic fundamentals and tips of writing grant proposals. Participants will also receive training on keyword searches of an online funding source database, and learn how to set up their own email funding “alert” service through the database. Advanced registration is required.
Blackboard Open Lab
Friday, May 2, 2008 from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Open lab provides an excellent opportunity for TAs to ask specific questions about Blackboard and other teaching-related technologies. Staff from Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center will be on hand to individually address your questions. We cannot provide an overview of Blackboard at this session, but will be happy to answer specific questions about using Blackboard and other instructional technologies. No advanced registration required.
To pre-register for a program, please contact Dr. Chigozie Achebe, Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center at (815) 753-0614, send an email to tadev@niu.edu or register online at http://www.niu.edu/facdev/. Please provide your full name, department, NIU email address and phone number. Program locations will be made available when you register. If you do not receive registration confirmation within 2 working days, please contact the Center. If you register for a program and you are unable to attend, please notify the Center so that others on the waiting list can be accommodated.
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Last Updated: 5/06/2008