Reflections: Standard Nine

 

Being technically proficient in your learning management system is important for faculty. My artifact is the very system you are viewing this portfolio.  I am the systems administrator responsible for it and most all of the aesthetics and system features, organized and manipulated. I train faculty on how to use the system both technically and pedagogically and chosen by the Blackboard Corporation to join the Blackboard MVP program: 

 

                   "Bb MVPs aren't just knowledgeable. They're engaged, accessible, and collaborative, sharing their proficiency and feedback with the wider Blackboard community through social media, discussion forums, webinar presentations, and events."
http://www.blackboard.com/sites/mvp/index.html

 

The artifacts you will experience in this standard one module include:

• Multimedia: Prezi; An activity for presentations that can create dynamic and interesting lectures vividly presenting important points

• Video: A Portal to Media Literacy: A expert discussion about media and learning done for students empowerment

• Glossary of Terms: A document for all students that explains key terms used in a virtual learning environment

• Ted Talk: A universally accepted set of academic videos by subject experts. Also a great way to incorporate dynamic content in my course.

• Quick Reference: A student resource for all kinds of help and other important information they need to be successful in my course

• Animoto: A software for the web that makes it easy to create professional-quality videos on a computer and mobile device for student interest and media value

• VoiceThread: The Voicethread tools used in addition to the regular class welcoming video appeals to the bulleted point in standards one that describes growth in teaching strategy. This tool allows for students feedback and/or comments to not only faculty but to all learners. 

 

I use multimedia tools in classes in an effort to make the material and learning process interesting and current. I use Prezi that is a web based dynamic presentation platform. The dynamic content is fluid and easy to use.

 

I also use Animoto, another more video-like presentation software that is free and allows short, sophisticated video and audio creations. 

 

All media is ADA 508 compliant and student-centered. Students are encouraged to develop their own multimedia response to assignments and feedback.  Skype is another tool I use in place of office hours and for times when faculty can be available over a longer period, say more than an hour and can monitor the incoming requests.

 

 

The artifacts in this standard are from a collection that I use for presentations and other workshops at conferences and events. While the use of PowerPoint presentations is still prevalent in online classrooms and especially with publishers’ information, the trend is moving towards more dynamic and sophisticated multimedia that I am happy to say that, while not as much involved as I would be if I were teaching online classes at SWC, I am using this content as much as possible.

 

 

In this certification series, I have had the opportunity to focus more on the dynamic content in classrooms and with the guidance of our experts; the experience has been very satisfying.

 

Voicethread is always a viable option for communicating with students and building collaborative assignments.