1-Apr
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
ELITE After Dark: Cumulative Quizzes & Practice Tests: Helping Students Retain Knowledge all Semester Long
Instructor: Tom Cantu
Are you looking for ways to help your students retain key knowledge and skills throughout the semester? Cumulative quizzes are regular quizzes that include questions on key topics from previous weeks or units. The questions used in those quizzes can be quickly repurposed into practice tests. Adding an incentive to take the practice test multiple times and a way for students to identify their weak areas creates a powerful strategy that helps students retain key knowledge and skills all semester long.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
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- Explain the strategy of using cumulative quizzes and practice tests to reinforce learning and identify areas of weakness.
- Use question sets in Blackboard to ensure that all topics/objectives are assessed.
- Provide feedback that helps students identify areas that require further study.
- Explain the benefits of cumulative assessments to your students.
- Design incentives that motivate students to take the practice exams multiple times.
Register in Workday
2-Apr
6:00 PM-7:00 PM
ELITE After Dark: Microsoft 365 Cloud Storage and Collaboration Using OneDrive and Teams
Instructor: Megan Calvert
Do you feel safer keeping your money in the bank than in cash under your mattress? If so, then cloud storage is probably the right solution for your files as well! In this workshop, we will briefly discuss the benefits of cloud storage, compare OneDrive vs. Teams, and examine scenarios most appropriate for each. We will then walk you through the basic steps of accessing Microsoft 365 (free to all college employees and students), creating and organizing cloud-based files, and collaborating on a document together. Pacing and content will be adjusted based on participant skill levels and questions.
The workshop will be conducted via Zoom. To fully participate, it is also best to join from a device with two screens or two side-by-side devices so that you can follow the instructor’s demonstrations. See the Microsoft Essentials website <https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/offices/elite/microsoft-office-essentials.html> for more details on technology requirements.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
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- Identify the benefits of cloud storage and collaboration
- Access OneDrive and Teams using Microsoft365
- Create and manage cloud-based files
- Share and collaborate on cloud-based documents
Register in Workday
3-Apr
9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Microsoft Outlook Essentials Plus (Zoom)
Instructor: Anna Donohoe
This hands-on, small-group workshop will build on the foundational skills of Microsoft Outlook Essentials, focusing on intermediate and advanced-level tasks. Participants do not need to have taken Microsoft Outlook Essentials but should already know how to navigate the interface comfortably and perform basic tasks such as those listed in the Outlook Essentials competencies.
The workshop will be conducted via Zoom. To fully participate, participants should be able to access both the desktop and web versions of Outlook. It is also best to join from a device with two screens. Visit the Microsoft Essentials website (https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/offices/elite/microsoft-office-essentials.html) for a full list of the functions covered in this workshop and for more details on the technology required to participate.
Outcomes will be adjusted based on a participant survey and may include:
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- Perform advanced email management tasks such as message recall and tracking, schedule send, and insert polls and voting buttons
- Manage individual, shared, and imported calendars
- Create contact groups and collaborate with others on shared tasks
- Personalize and set default settings for compose and reply, message handling, and layout.
- Customize rules to label, categorize, and organize incoming messages automatically
Register in Workday
3-Apr
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Working with Neurodivergent Students: Strategies to Promote Academic Success
Instructor: Phillip Bonner
This two-hour class is designed to equip faculty and staff with strategies for creating inclusive learning environments and effectively supporting neurodivergent students. Neurodiversity encompasses a range of conditions, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. Understanding and accommodating neurodivergent students is crucial for their academic and social success. Note: Participants need to attend both one-hour sessions to receive professional development credit for this class: April 3 & 10, 2024.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
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- Define neurodiversity.
- Explain how the principles of universal design for Learning (UDL) can be applied.
- Identify three or four strategies for working with neurodivergent students
Register in Workday
9-Apr
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Designing Effective and Engaging Reusable Learning Objects
Instructor: Phillip Bonner
A reusable learning object (RLO) refers to an online instructional tool that offers a digital educational resource. It can be utilized repeatedly, expanded to accommodate larger audiences, and shared through a central online repository to facilitate instruction and learning. Come to this one-hour class on creating effective and engaging RLOs and share ideas with your colleagues.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
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- Explain what reusable learning objects (RLO) are and articulate why they are important.
- Share a plan for a new RLO with colleagues.
- Identify which technologies are well-suited for designing RLOs.
Register in Workday
9-Apr
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Microsoft PowerPoint Essentials Plus (Zoom)
Instructor: Megan Calvert
This hands-on, small-group workshop will build on the foundational skills of Microsoft PowerPoint Essentials with a focus on intermediate and advanced-level tasks. Participants do not need to have taken Microsoft PowerPoint Essentials but should already know how to navigate the interface comfortably and perform basic tasks such as those listed in the PowerPoint Essentials competencies.
The workshop will be conducted via Zoom. To fully participate, participants should be able to access both the desktop and web versions of PowerPoint. We also recommend that you join the workshop from a computer with two monitors or from two side-by-side devices so you can view your instructor’s screen while completing the exercises. Visit the Microsoft Essentials website <https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/offices/elite/microsoft-office-essentials.html> for a full list of the functions covered in this workshop and for more details on the technology required to participate.
Outcomes will be adjusted based on a participant survey and may include:
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- Identify basic design principles for better presentations and use advanced formatting features
- Insert, modify, align, group, order, and animate objects such as audio, video, SmartArt graphics, tables, and charts
- Manage slides using the Slide Master, Zoom, the Morph transition, and more
- Present and share slides using the presenter view, the video recording feature, and workshop handouts
Register in Workday
11-Apr
10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Flipping Out Over Flipped Learning
Instructor: Phillip Bonner
Flipped learning is a teaching approach in which the students’ first brush with new material occurs outside of class rather than in it. Students read or view materials online to gain a basic understanding of the subject, and class time is devoted to solving problems or applying the new concepts. This is the inverse of the traditional mode of lecture in class and practice at home. In this one-hour course, we will explore how to flip your class!
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
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- Explain what flipped learning is.
- Employ the flipped learning approach in their courses.
Register in Workday
12-Apr
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Identifying and Integrating Effective Instructional Media into Your Teaching
Instructor: Laurent Ndeze
There is a wide range of variables involved in choosing appropriate media for instruction. Some of the challenges in making choices include access, costs, target audience, and security or privacy. Instructional media are “…the audio and visual techniques used to present words and illustrations” (Clark and Mayer, 2003, p. 54). There are many reasons for including media in instructional material, such as clarifying abstract content; and encouraging emotional response among learners.
In this workshop, we will examine different types of media and technology including multimodal assignments and feedback, and their effects on teaching and learning.
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
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- Explain how different types of media categories (text, image, audio, video, etc.) relate to learning
- Match media types with appropriate course content
- Explain how media selection can affect student engagement
- Explain the importance of multimodal assignments and multimodal feedback
- Identify 2-3 preferred media types for your course
Register in Workday
17-Apr
1:30 PM – 4:45 PM
What’s Your Conflict Style?
Instructor: Christine Crefton
Explore five ways you can use to approach conflict and discover your preferred way through an assessment. Discuss how your preference may change from when the situation is calm and then when the storm surges. Explore how each of the five styles is effective in certain circumstances and expand your choice of approach when you find yourself in conflict.
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
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- Define each of the five styles
- Compare and contrast the five styles’ strengths and weaknesses
- Identify your preferred style
- Choose other styles to help you be more effective in various situations.
Register in Workday
17-Apr
9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Microsoft Teams Essentials (Zoom)
Instructor: Megan Calvert
This hands-on, small-group workshop will provide a solid foundation in the use of Microsoft Teams. Whether you want an overview of the basics or are looking to become more efficient, this course is for you. Even experienced users can benefit from valuable tips, tricks, and timesavers along the way.
The workshop will be conducted via Zoom. To fully participate in the workshop, participants should be able to access both the desktop and web versions of Teams. To follow the facilitator’s examples and instructions more easily, it is also best to join from a device with two screens. See the Microsoft Essentials website (https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/offices/elite/microsoft-office-essentials.html) for more details, including technology requirements.
Outcomes will be adjusted based on a participant survey and may include:
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- Access Teams and identify the best uses for Teams
- Navigate and customize the Teams environment
- Use the chat and calls features for one-on-one and group communication
- Create teams within Teams and use them to share and collaborate on files and organize conversations and activities within channels
- Schedule meetings, participate in meetings, and follow up after a meeting
Register in Workday
18-Apr
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Using ChatGPT to Differentiate Instruction in the College Classroom
Instructor: Phillip Bonner
Differentiating instruction in college classrooms is no easy task. It requires patience and creativity. But ChatGPT can help faculty achieve this goal. Attend this one-hour class to discuss how this AI tool can facilitate differentiated instruction for college students.
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
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- Identify and explain three or four ways ChatGPT can be used to differentiate instruction.
- Share with their colleagues how they plan to use ChatGPT to differentiate their instruction
Register in Workday
19-Apr
12 Noon – 1:00 PM
Simple Questions that Lead to Big Changes for Inclusive Curriculum Design
Instructor: Angela Lanier
An inclusive curriculum considers the diverse learner backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. Creating an inclusive curriculum requires reflection and examination of existing practices. This process can take some time; however, educators can consider a few simple questions to promote an inclusive curriculum with minimal preparation.
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
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- Apply at least one of the questions presented to adapt an existing course assignment, activity, lesson, or assessment
- Consider the list of questions presented in this workshop when preparing to design or redesign the curriculum
Register in Workday
17-Apr
9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Microsoft Teams Essentials (Zoom)
Instructor: Megan Calvert
This hands-on, small-group workshop will provide a solid foundation in the use of Microsoft Teams. Whether you want an overview of the basics or are looking to become more efficient, this course is for you. Even experienced users can benefit from valuable tips, tricks, and timesavers along the way.
The workshop will be conducted via Zoom. To fully participate in the workshop, participants should be able to access both the desktop and web versions of Teams. To follow the facilitator’s examples and instructions more easily, it is also best to join from a device with two screens. See the Microsoft Essentials website ( https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/offices/elite/microsoft-office-essentials.html) for more details, including technology requirements.
Outcomes will be adjusted based on a participant survey and may include:
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- Access Teams and identify the best uses for Teams
- Navigate and customize the Teams environment
- Use the chat and calls features for one-on-one and group communication
- Create teams within Teams and use them to share and collaborate on files and organize conversations and activities within channels
- Schedule meetings, participate in meetings, and follow up after a meeting
Register in Workday
23-Apr
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Microsoft Word Essentials Plus (Zoom)
Instructor: Megan Calvert
This hands-on, small-group workshop will build on the foundational skills of Microsoft Word Essentials with a focus on intermediate and advanced-level tasks. Participants do not need to have taken Microsoft Word Essentials but should already know how to navigate the interface comfortably and perform basic tasks such as those listed in the Word Essentials competencies.
The workshop will be conducted via Zoom. To fully participate, participants should be able to access both the desktop (installed) and web versions of Word. We also recommend that you join the workshop from a computer with two monitors or two side-by-side devices so you can view your instructor’s screen while completing the exercises. Visit the Microsoft Essentials website <https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/offices/elite/microsoft-office-essentials.html> for a full list of the functions covered in this workshop and for more details on the technology required to participate.
Outcomes will be adjusted based on a participant survey and may include:
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- Format documents with more complex features such as columns, page breaks, page numbers, tables of contents, and hyperlinks
- Insert advanced elements into a document, such as watermarks, SmartArt graphics, charts, and citations
- Use mail merge to send customized emails and letters to a list of recipients
- Collaborate on documents using track changes and comments
- Manage document metadata and formats