Introduction to Social Bookmarking

November 1, 2012 By Jason Rhode 1 Comment

Do you struggle to keep track of all your favorite websites and other online resources? Have you ever lost your folder of Internet bookmarks from your Web browser or wished you could access them from ANY computer? Would you like to share the links to your favorite online resources with your colleagues or students? Social bookmarking is a technique of storing, classifying, sharing and searching links through the practice of folksonomic tagging using a cloud-based service. During this online session on 10/31/2012 I introduced several popular free social bookmarking tools (Diigo, CiteUlike, Pinterest) and explored practical applications for implementing social bookmarking activities in the classroom. | view slides

For archives of other online workshops offered by NIU Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center, visit our YouTube channel

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Communicating Visually During Online Sessions Using Blackboard Collaborate Whiteboard

October 22, 2012 By Jason Rhode Leave a Comment

Learn how to use the Whiteboard feature within Blackboard Collaborate to present content in a visual and engaging way during an online Web conferencing session. During this online session I led 10/19/2012 we explored the options within a Blackboard Collaborate session for sharing and annotating content on the Whiteboard, including loading content on the Whiteboard, enabling access for students, drawing and writing, adding images and screen shots, and saving content from the Whiteboard for access offline.

For archives of other online workshops offered by NIU Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center, visit our YouTube channel

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Introduction to Social Media in Education

October 4, 2012 By Jason Rhode 1 Comment

Do you use Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube? Have you ever considered leveraging social media tools like these in your teaching? During this introductory online session I led on 9/28/2012, we explored what social media are and the pedagogical potential for use of social media in educational settings. We set the stage for future sessions to further explore use of social media tools and the design of engaging and innovative learning activities. Slides are available here.

For archives of other online workshops offered by NIU Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center, visit our YouTube channel

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Blackboard Collaborate Preview

April 30, 2012 By Jason Rhode

Online Archive

Since 2009, the Wimba Classroom collaboration tool has been integrated into Blackboard and has been used by NIU faculty and staff for online web conferencing activities ranging from online lectures, office hours, to group activities. NIU is currently testing Blackboard Collaborate, the next generation version of Wimba Classroom that includes an easier-to-use interface that simplifies many of the tasks presenters typically perform. Join us for this online preview of Blackboard Collaborate I offered 4/27/2012 to see the new interface and features first-hand and learn more about NIU’s options for moving forward with upgrading to Blackboard Collaborate. | view online archive

For archives of other online workshops offered by NIU Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center, visit our YouTube channel

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Timesaving Tips Using the Blackboard Grade Center

March 30, 2012 By Jason Rhode Leave a Comment

The Blackboard Grade Center not only provides an easy-to-use interface for posting grades and feedback for students but also numerous advanced features including smart views, grading periods, and calculated columns for more easily accessing, entering, sorting, and managing grades in Blackboard. During this online workshop offered 3/30/2012 I shared proven tips and best practices for configuring the Blackboard Grade Center that will save you time and make it easier than ever before to post grades and provide feedback to students. Handout accompanying this session is available at niu.edu/blackboard/assess/gradecenter/tips.shtml

For archives of other online workshops offered by NIU Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center, visit our YouTube channel

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