Week 1 (Mon 5/3 ~ Fri 5/7): CIRT & FAB Navigation and Resources

• You are not required to answer all the discussion questions below. Choose one or two that you want to share with other participants.
    
• “How to navigate CIRT to find FAB resources” – Navigate through CIRT Web site (https://cirt.gcu.edu/) and explore various resources available. Do you utilize any of the resources on CIRT? Go to the FAB page (https://cirt.gcu.edu/gcufaculty/fab). Before you click on the link to go to the FAB page directly, how do you go to the FAB page from the main CIRT page?
  
  
• “What FAB does” – Navigate around the FAB page. What is the purpose of FAB? What does FAB do, in other words, who does FAB serve? Share other aspects as you find interesting.
  
  
• “How to join the LinkedIn group, Twitter, and Faculty Digest, etc.” – Have you joined the LinkedIn FAB group, yet? How about Twitter, Faculty Digest, or even Remind? Please share how we can join them and what benefits there are or may have for joining them.

Hello, all:

I do not visit CIRT that often, but I know it has many resources I have used, am using, and will use in the future. I used Faculty Resource Center under the GCU Faculty tab several times to get information. And that is also where the link to Faculty Advisory Board is located. 

I have not used the Research tab yet since I have not taken a part in a published work yet, but it is one of the goals I am planning in the future.

The Teach tab is where the Faculty Forum link is located and we can access this particular discussion from it. A list of discussions will appear once we click on the All Faculty Forum.

Faculty Advisory Board serves to guide professional development content and delivery modes, including faculty developed and faculty led workshops and events based on faculty submitted proposals. FAB's main goal is developing various informative topics delivered through the workshop, On-Demand training, and discussion format, to faculty, by faculty, for faculty. 

I currently joined Remind and LinkedIn group and receive information and news from FAB. I don't use Twitter because it is annoying, but I am sure it is beneficial in some ways, and would like to hear if anyone joined and uses other ways to connect with FAB.

James

Chin-Hun Yi (James) and Faculty, 

I would have to say aside from the Faculty Resource Center (FRC), I do not utilize CIRT much either.  However, it astounds me the amount of resources we have available to all faculty within the FRC.  Today I decided to spend some time exploring the FAB page and, wow was I impressed; the Padlet is exceptional.  The FAB provides so much for the University and I am not sure most faculty are aware of the amazing content that is provided through FAB.  To answer your questions questions specifically I found that:

FAB is a group of faculty from all colleges and modalities collaborating to guide and provide professional development.  They are truly an asset to the University and if you have not checked out one of the FAB on-demand workshops, I highly encourage everyone do so.   There is an upcoming workshop pertaining to Canva, and I am excited to learn more as I am just starting to use that program.  Although they are all great, I find myself often suggesting the Professional to Professor workshop especially when a faculty shares they have industry but not teaching experience. 

Keep up the great work!

~Jessica (Blair) Soland

Jessica Blair 

Hi, Jessica:

Thank you for sharing. I personally have not heard of Canva, but I visited the site and it looks very interesting. Here is the link if anyone is interested in seeing what it is: https://www.canva.com/

I look forward to attending the Canva workshop and make it a part of my technology tools. I hope everyone can join it as well.

James

Hi James! Thanks for sharing some great resources. 

I enjoy the social media options because the information is timely and I don't have to hunt for it. I can click on a link and access the information. 

On CIRT, I have bookmarked https://cirt.gcu.edu/gcufaculty/fab because I enjoy reviewing what other faculty, like yourself, have created for their colleagues!

Besides hosting this discussion, you were also a FAB member this year. Can you share your experience?

Georgette

Georgette Gorman 

Hi, Georgette:

It was my first year serving as a member of FAB and it was definitely a new experience. I did not know exactly how I could actively contribute, but I tried to attend as many FAB-sponsored workshops, On-Demand training, and discussions and provide feedback. It was definitely fun (in a professional way   ). I look forward to serving as a member next year as well.

James

Thanks for leading this discussion, James!

I am a big fan of the on-demand workshops that are available in CIRT, especially since they contain a lot of helpful reminders and updates that make it easier to facilitate our classes. I especially like the FAB presenters that are featured there, since things are always changing at GCU, and it is helpful to get some new perspectives from our peers that are among the best at what they do. 

Michael Stella Hi Michael & All, I am also a fan of the on-demand workshops! I enjoyed exploring the Voynd and Beyond video resources recently and one of my favorites to reflect on ways to enhance how I support students includes the P2P series. These two workshops will help prepare for teaching this fall. I look forward to exploring other on-demand workshops throughout the summer!

Marlene Blake 

Hi, Marlene:

Thank you for sharing. I also like On-Demand Training because I can take the training whenever I have time. It is really convenient and saves me time. Discussion is another area that I like because I respond any time I choose to. That does not mean I don't like workshops. I am just saying On-Demand Training and discussions are more convenient. 

James

Hi James,

I like the Faculty Digest. It is well designed and easy to read. I appreciate how it Highlights upcoming events and new trainings to check out!

Nate Terlisner 

Hi, Nate:

Could you share how I (or other faculty) can access it? I do get e-mails for it but don't know how to access it from CIRT.

James

Chin-Hun Yi 

James, This is a great question! We have added the digest to the FAB Event Planner for now, but we will look into other ways of linking the digest in the Faculty Resource Center (FRC) or on the FAB page, too. 

Thank you!

Tiffany Newell 

Sounds great, Tiffany. That will definitely help.

James

Hello James, 

One of the things that I love from the new FAB look is the Featured Professional Development. It makes it very easy to find workshop/webinar opportunities and FT&D events. https://cirt.gcu.edu/gcufaculty/fab

Joining the FT&D (FAB) group on LinkedIn is a great way to stay up-to-date on news too, as well as making connections with other faculty members. It is super easy if you already have a LinkedIn account, just join GCU Faculty Training & Development:  https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13864131/

To create LinkedIn account:https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/2964/signing-up-to-join-linkedin?lang=en

I follow FT&D Twitter too    @GCU_FacDev     

Vivian Hobbins 

Thank you for sharing, Vivian. I also find the Featured Professional Development Padlet page very useful. I go there first to see what events were there before or what new events are coming. It is a very convenient way to keep track of FAB events.

James

I love all the great ideas FAB comes up with to help support me in my online teaching. I love the discussion about technology and how I can use technology tools in my online class to support my students.  After the discussion last year, I started to incorporate tools into my online class, and I felt it helped me connect with my students and helped support them with the weekly topic and objectives. It is important as a teacher to keep learning and FAB and CIRT workshops help me grow as an instructor.

Jennifer O'Connor 

Thank you for sharing, Jennifer. Being a technology teacher, I thought I was using many technology tools, but I have not heard of Trello, Padlet, or Loom until I started teaching at GCU. That kind of shows how little I know.    But that also tells me that GCU is utilizing various technology tools to make learning dynamic.

James

Chin-Hun Yi 

I know exactly how you felt, James, since it was the same way for me when I started teaching for GCU. I had heard of Loom, but did not know how to utilize it in my classes, so I have learned a lot from my peers here that has helped me help my students.

Hello, all:

Thank you to those faculty members who took the time to contribute this week. We discussed the value of CIRT and FAB, along with tools that connect us to FAB. 

Next week, we will share our favorite workshops, On-Demand training, and discussions or not so favorite ones and why. Please think of some FAVES you'd like to share. Have a great weekend, and continue sharing over the weekend if you'd like.

James

Week 2 (Mon 5/10 ~ Fri 5/14): Workshops, On-Demand Training, & Discussions 

• You are not required to answer all the discussion questions below. Choose one or two that you want to share with other participants.
   
• “What Workshops, On-Demand Training, and Discussions are and how they may help or have helped” – What is your understanding of what Workshops, On-Demand Training, and Discussion are? I am not asking for the definition of each but the capacity and usability for participants. Briefly share your opinion on how they have served, serving, and/or will serve you.
  
  
• “A Workshop, On-Demand Training, or Discussion that you liked or did not like, and why or why not” – Do you have favorite workshops, On-Demand training and/or discussions that you found useful? What are they? Please share them. Are there any that you did not like? Please share why not. It will help improve future workshops, On-Demand training, and discussions.
  
  
• “Best practices that you noticed and/or utilizing as your own practice (brief description)” – What are some best practices that you were able to take away from it or them? Briefly describe it or them here since we will have a chance to share it or them in more detail next week.

Hello, all:

FAB page (https://cirt.gcu.edu/gcufaculty/fab) has links to various resources and past training. On the right side of the page, there are links to Professional Development. 

Click on each link to explore to see what they offer. I have taken some On-Deman training and webinars and they indeed were helpful and informative.

Hi, James and all!

When I first started teaching for GCU four years ago I knew what CAT was in theory, but I did not understand how I could effectively integrate them into my classes each week The CAT workshop was a game changer for me, since it gave me some specific ideas for how I could implement CATs in my classes that students would actually want to respond to each week.

As we all know, the ongoing pandemic has also been very stressful for students and faculty alike, so I recently reviewed the Student Mental Health on-demand workshop. There is a lot of good information in it that helps us understand why our students are feeling stressed, and I especially enjoyed viewing the recording of Dr. McBride's presentation. 

Michael Stella 

Thank you for sharing, Michael. CATs and DOGs were unfamiliar terms for me when I started teaching at GCU, but then I quickly realized they were techniques that I was using at other schools with different names. I liked CATs and DOGs workshops because they explained them with more information and examples more thoroughly. I also took the Student Mental Heath On-Demand training and it gave me some ideas to implement in classes, such as connecting them more personally (of course, while maintaining the professional relationship).

James

Chin-Hun Yi 

Good points, James!

I think that a lot of faculty are initially concerned when they learn about the requirements in our classes that seem unique, but active facilitation is something most of us have been doing for years, so it helps to have the framework to follow that is provided in the CATs and DOGs workshops.

Michael Stella 

Yes, exactly!   

James

Hello, all:

Don't forget to register for the CANVA workshop. There are three sessions available:

1. Session 1: May 20, 2021, 1:00 – 2:00 PM AZ, Click Here to register  
2. Session 2: May 21, 2021, 1:00 – 2:00 PM AZ, Click Here to register  
3. Session 3: May 25, 2021, 1:00 – 2:00 PM AZ, Click Here to register 

James

The FAB page's Event Calendar is on Padlet! Here, you can vote for your favorite workshops, on demands, and discussions. Bookmark and Give it a like!

https://padlet.com/facultyadvisoryboard/FAB_Events 

Tiffany Newell 

Thank you, Tiffany. I have it bookmarked already and check it from time to time.

James

Hello, all: 

Thank you to those faculty members who took the time to contribute this week. The theme this week was what workshop, On-Demand training, or discussion was a favorite or not. Michael mentioned CATs and DOGs workshop was helpful and it was for me as well. 

Next week, we will share our favorite On-Demand training and the resources gained from them. Think of one (or more if you’d like) On-Demand training that you liked and share resources from it (if any). Have a great weekend, and continue sharing over the weekend if you'd like. 

James

Week 3 (Mon 5/17 ~ Fri 5/21): Resources from Your Favorite On-Demand Training  

• You are not required to answer all the discussion questions below. Choose one or two that you want to share with other participants.
   
• “Technology used in your favorite On-Demand Training (if any)” – Was there any technology used in your favorite On-Demand training that you will most likely use in your classes or for other usages? Please share it.
  
  
• “Best practices used in your favorite On-Demand Training and if you are utilizing in your class” – Elaborating on what we briefly discussed last week and focusing on ones from your favorite On-Demand training, what are best practices that you noticed and you will most likely use yourself or have been using?
  
  
• “How the learning from your favorite On-Demand Training will serve as a resource for your courses, colleges, etc.” – Could the learning from your favorite On-Demand training be a resource for your courses, college, and/or other applications? How can they be implemented? Are there any suggestions for improvement?

Chin-Hun Yi Hi James and everyone!

James, this is such a great workshop! One thing that always is so positive about the FAB workshops and On-Demands is just how much we can learn from each other! I have facilitated a couple of four-week workshops and one On-Demand (shameless self-promotion warning! Writing Across Disciplines with Dr. Shaunna Waltemeyer and Dr. Jeff Cranmore - https://cirt.gcu.edu/frc/facultyacademy/odw/encouraging_strong_writing) and it always makes me happy to learn from our colleagues. In my experience in the four-week workshops, I really do feel like I take away much more than I gave. We all have so many tips and tricks to share and in the online environment, we need workshops like these to showcase all of our cool stuff!

I have a goal to take a couple of the On-Demands that focus on new technology and ways to make my classes more fun and interactive. I am a creature of habit when it comes to new technology (I use Loom, FlipGrid, Remind, and of course Zoom) and I really need to branch out and try some new stuff. I always have a little of that new student fear when it comes to new technology, but the reality is that we need to try new ways to keep our students active and engaged. I saw your post below, James and I think the one you mentioned about animation looks pretty cool (although slightly terrifying for a technology newbie like myself!;)).

Thank you for the good suggestion!

Alli Schilling 

Hi, Alli! Thank you for sharing. It is true that we tend to take away much more than we give, even if they are not strictly related to the topics. I took your workshop and I certainly took a lot from it and had a chance to reflect on my classroom management. 

Technology is great but at the same time can be a little intimidating. But many of our students and the younger generation students will be very used to them, so we must be also comfortable in using them. I personally have a long way to go to get myself acclimated to these technologies.

James

Chin-Hun Yi So true, James! We are all so used to screen time and technology and our students expect us to keep things interesting and fresh in our classes. Using technology can be overwhelming, but with the resources provided in FAB's On-Demands, we really have no excuses. :)

I think one thing that prevents people from getting involved in workshops is just the time factor... I know that is usually my excuse! However, the weekly Faculty Digest emails make it so easy to see what is coming up. I am creating a goal to take more On-Demand courses that are a little out of my comfort zone in the future!

Alli Schilling 

Yes, the notices and reminder e-mails really help me plan and attend various workshops, On-Demand training, and discussions. I also use time as an excuse (  ), but asynchronous training and discussion really help me to participate and attend.

James

Hello, all:

A reminder: Don't forget to register for the CANVA workshop. There are three sessions available. I signed up for the Friday session:

1. Session 1: May 20, 2021, 1:00 – 2:00 PM AZ, Click Here to register  
2. Session 2: May 21, 2021, 1:00 – 2:00 PM AZ, Click Here to register  
3. Session 3: May 25, 2021, 1:00 – 2:00 PM AZ, Click Here to register 

James

Hello, all:

My favorite On-Demand training was "Vyond and Beyond: Using Animation Video Software Programs in Educational Settings". I am a technology guy so any new technologies or methods interest me. I have not heard of Vyond and Powtoon before, though I heard of Doodly and have seen some videos created with it. I have not utilized any of them in my courses, but it will be very interesting.

The downside of these programs first: I will have to purchase them to effectively use them. Though there are free options for them, they are pretty limited. But, I think it is good to start with the free option and see if it will be worth paying for the paid version.

Vyond looks to be a very good program to make the video almost like a short movie. Powtoon is similar to Vyond. It may take some time to use these programs as there are many controls and options to choose from when creating videos. Doodly seems to be a bit easier (that does not mean it is easy, LOL!!!) to program and create a video. I think it might be a good one to start with among the three. I will have to put some time on the side to really try them out and implement them in my classes, but I already can see the value in using them in my classes and will be a great addition.

James

Hello, all:

I just attended the Canva workshop and it was very informative. I have used Microsoft Publisher for some time (I have not used it for a while though), Piktochart, Trello, and Padlet for my classes. Canva is like the combination of all of them with more options and it was fun! I created a poster during the workshop and it only took me about three minutes with the template that was shared (thank you, Megan!). Be sure to attend the last session next week or watch the recording when it is available:

• Session 3: May 25, 2021, 1:00 – 2:00 PM AZ, Click Here to register 

James

Hello, all: 

Thank you to those faculty members who took the time to contribute this week. The theme this week was what the most favorite On-Demand training was. Alli mentioned how important and useful all the workshops, ON-Demand training, and discussions are and highlighted the On-Demand training she facilitated with a few other faculty members. 

Next week, we will share our favorite workshops and the resources gained from them. Think of one (or more if you’d like) workshop that you liked and share resources from it (if any). Have a great weekend, and continue sharing over the weekend if you'd like. 

James

Week 4 (Mon 5/24 ~ Fri 5/28): Resources from Your Favorite Workshop 

• You are not required to answer all the discussion questions below. Choose one or two that you want to share with other participants.
   
• “Technology used in your favorite Workshop” – Was there any technology used in your favorite workshop that you will most likely use in your classes or for other usages? Please share it.
  
  
• “Best practices used in your favorite Workshop and if you are utilizing in your class” – Elaborating on what we briefly discussed in week 2 and focusing on ones from your favorite workshop, what are best practices that you noticed and you will most likely use yourself or have been using?
  
  
• “How the learning from your favorite Workshop will serve as a refresher for your course, colleges, etc.”  – Could the learning from your favorite workshop be a resource for your courses, college, and/or other applications? How can they be implemented? Are there any suggestions for improvement?  

Hello, all:

I attended the Canva workshop last week and it was very informative. It was very informative and seems to have a lot of potential for any classes. Be sure to attend the last session tomorrow Tuesday 5/25 at 1:00 PM or watch the recording when it is available:

• Session 3: May 25, 2021, 1:00 – 2:00 PM AZ, Click Here to register 

James

Hello, all:

FAB shared additional information on Canva. I hope this will be useful:

Megan Neel: Canva Engagement Presentation Links 

• Creating with Canva: A Collaborative Approach to Student Engagement Presentation:
  https://www.canva.com/design/DAEezn9NJKg/oM9ylEydp6ScjLc-cxuZBA/view?utm_content=DAEezn9NJKg&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=sharebutton
  
  
• Grit & Classroom Personalization-Live Collab 
  https://www.canva.com/design/DAEe2Z-09A4/share/preview?token=YjH-TZvAma1TlcewMOyx9A&role=EDITOR&utm_content=DAEe2Z-09A4&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=sharebutton
  
  
• Canva Template: Fab Favorites
  https://www.canva.com/design/DAEZ0cU-taw/UzEBGeXtaLZpquF8Fm3i8w/view?utm_content=DAEZ0cU-taw&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=sharebutton&mode=preview
  
  
• Canva Template: Best Practices for Relationship Building
  https://www.canva.com/design/DAEe2ua2BIQ/N6RsJgLHN3S3K6mllf1hXA/view?utm_content=DAEe2ua2BIQ&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=sharebutton&mode=preview
  
  
• Canva Sign-Up
  https://www.canva.com/
  
  
• Canva for Education Sign-Up
  https://www.canva.com/education/
  
  
• Additional Links
  https://designschool.canva.com/tutorials/
  https://designschool.canva.com/
  
  
• Facebook Group:
  Canva Teachers Community
  https://www.facebook.com/groups/CanvaTeachersCommunity/
  
  
• Angela Lee Duckworth: https://www.ted.com/talks/angela_lee_duckworth_grit_the_power_of_passion_and_perseverance?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare
  &
  https://angeladuckworth.com/qa/
  
  
• Megan Neel Direct Email:
  [email protected] 

James 

Greetings James!

Thank you for the additional resources on Canvas, I really enjoyed the workshop. I thought about sharing some of the workshops I have found more practical in regards to technology, apps, and resources in general. 

1. Encouraging Strong Writing Across Disciplines. This On Demand contains detailed explanation and "how to" video on Macros (Typeitin). This technology allows you to have a "bank" of comments that you can utilize for setting up your classes, grading, announcements, and many more! It is a great resource for faculty. 

2. Technology Resources. This site was created to support faculty during the transition from ground to blended learning classrooms. It contains information of the most commonly used applications by GCU faculty. Two of my favorite applications are Kahoot and Padlet. These are free apps for student engagement. Information about these apps can be found in the Incorporating Interactive Technology On Demand too. 

3. Student Mental Health. This a great workshop to learn about students' stress. In this On Demand, Dr. McBride outlined some strategies to support and work with students under stressful times. One of the resources that I find the most helpful from this workshop is the Student Care Quick Reference Guide. I have saved a copy of this document that I review it everytime that I need information of additional university offices or processes.  

I wonder if you know of any resources that are FAVorites for CCOB instructors. Thank you!

Vivian Hobbins 

Thank you for sharing, Vivian. I also took the Encouraging Strong Writing Across Discipline On-Demand training and Student Mental Health workshop. They were both informative and I picked up a few things from them. 

I don't have specific resources for CCOB, but the resources I learned from Vyond and Beyond On-Demand training and Canva workshop were new ones that I believe any and all instructors could use.

James

Hello, all:

I thank those faculty members who took the time out of their busy schedules to share their favorite FAB workshops, On-Demand training, and discussions, as well as resources from them. Four weeks went by very quickly but I personally was able to pick up a few new resources myself, including Canva.

It was a pleasure facilitating this discussion. I hope to have another opportunity and see you again. Thank you.

James