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Tech inspired tips, tricks, and inspirations in “byte-sized,” know-how chunks hosted by APSU Distance Education. 

Join us for a dynamic 30-minute session on the first Thursday of each month this semester!

Semester Wrap-up
Date: December 5, 2024
Time: 11:30 am

In this wrap-up presentation, we will delve into Distance Education updates, focusing on the latest advancements in Instructional Technology and the utilization of D2L Brightspace. Join us as we reflect on the achievements of the past term and pave the way for an even more engaging and successful future in distance education.
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RECORDINGS

Fall TechBytes

Master Your Media: Unlock the Power of D2L's Media Library (opens new window)
Media Library offers simple features for media creation, storage, and streaming to any of your courses from a centralized repository in D2L. This native D2L tool can be used to record audio, screen capture, and/or camera inputs for course content, assignment directions, feedback to students, and more. Alexandra Rotzer, Instructional Technology Specialist, demonstrates how to create recordings, organize media with effective naming conventions, and generate captions – all without leaving D2L or downloading an application.

Engage & Elevate: Mastering Regular & Substantive Interaction (opens new window)
Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) in Distance Education courses is a federal requirement. In this session, Dr. Anna Carrie Webb provides an overview of RSI. She also addresses faculty questions and scenarios regarding the regulation.


Accessibility Essentials: Ensuring Inclusive Online Content (opens new window)

The Instructional Design team discusses the importance of accessibility in digital content. Gain an understanding of the essential requirements for making digital content accessible and watch some demonstrations of some of the most effective tools for evaluating and enhancing accessibility. This interactive workshop equips faculty with knowledge and skills to meet accessibility standards.

 



 

Previous Semesters

Turnitin AI Detector (opens new window)
AI detectors are not the single golden solution to combat unapproved AI usage in written assignments. They are one piece, one data point contributing to the overall puzzle. The Distance Education staff discusses other pieces in the AI puzzle including suggestions for addressing AI writing in your courses, the Turnitin AI writing detector tool, and exploring the detector’s results. 

 

Vendor Webinar: Unleashing the Power of Honorlock (opens new window)
Our Customer Success Manager, Nataly Lopez, returns for a comprehensive training session and provides updates on the proctoring solution!

The 411 on the AOQF (opens new window)
Distance Education created the APSU Online Quality Fundamentals (AOQF) to promote continuous improvement of online course quality, capitalize on faculty expertise, and increase participation in course reviews. Learn more about the five fundamentals, being an AOQF Peer Reviewer, and the success of the program's launch.

 

Awards and Replacement Strings (opens new window)
A member of the Instructional Design team demonstrates how to increase student engagement with a more personalized course using the Awards and Replacement String tools in D2L. 

 

Rubrics (opens new window)
A member of the Instructional Design team demonstrates how rubrics help to make grading more streamlined and provide your students will clear expectations. Watch this recording to learn about creating, applying, and grading with the Rubrics tool in D2L. 

D2L Updates (opens new window)

Our LMS team explores the latest updates within D2L Brightspace, specifically the Locker tool within Groups, the revamped Enrollment Experience and the functionality for assigning Grade Exemptions. This presentation offers valuable insights into leveraging these updates to optimize your teaching and learning workflows.

 

D2L Insights Dashboard (opens new window)
In this session, we cover the Insights Dashboard available to instructors and administrators.  Brightspace Insights, integrated with the D2L Brightspace Data Platform, offers user-friendly reporting visualizations for a comprehensive overview of users within the learning environment. This empowers instructors to effectively track, assess, and monitor student progress.

 

D2L Gradebook & Turnitin (opens new window)
The D2L support team covers the nuances of the D2L gradebook and answer any questions you may have about this complex but helpful tool.  Also, learn about Turnitin and how the tool can help with academic integrity and expedite paper and other text-based assignment grading. 

 

Group Work and Peer Reviews in D2L (opens new window)
This session demonstrates how you can increase student participation and active learning in your online course by using the Group tool in D2L. In addition to fostering collaboration and increasing engagement in your online course, explore other strategies for incorporating partnered and small group opportunities, like peer reviews using the Discussion Boards tool. 

 

Spring Semester Wrap-up (opens new window)
In this concluding presentation for the Spring term, our LMS team delves into the latest developments in Distance Education. They discuss how instructors can request D2L Course Combines, Sandboxes, and Course Copies. Additionally, they cover Course Design and Delivery Support, along with updates on other instructional technologies. Plus, you can get a peek at the D2L Brightspace Creator+ authoring tool!

Vendor Webinar: Tutor.com Faculty Training (opens new window)
This Tutor.com session covers best practices, outreach resources, a live demonstration of the Tutor.com learning environment, and the benefits of online tutoring in improving student success.