First Faculty Fridays
First Faculty Fridays provide instructors with consistent, dedicated time to tackle the evolving educational challenges and opportunities. These workshops offer practical strategies and fresh perspectives that can be immediately applied in the classroom, helping you stay ahead and make a lasting impact on your students.
12/6 outlook open lab: templates & rules
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Instructor: Anna Donohoe
Description:
This open lab session will introduce a set of specific features and tasks (listed below) in the first half of our time together. The second half is structured as open office hours for participants to practice using the skills introduced and/or ask questions about anything related to Microsoft Outlook.
Measurable Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this workshop, you will be able to:
- Create and use short template email messages in Outlook365
- Create and use longer template email messages in Outlook 2021 or 2019
- Manage automatic email handling with Rules
- Customize settings in Outlook365 or 2019/2021
12/6 writing effective multiple-choice questions
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Instructor: Philip Bonner
Description:
Writing effective multiple-choice questions is an art and a science. These types of questions abound in college classrooms, yet are they all good examples? What makes a good stem? What’s the difference between a correct option and a best option multiple-choice question? What makes a plausible distractor? Come to this one-hour class to explore these and other questions about multiple-choice questions.
Measurable Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this one-hour class, participants will be able to:
1. Explain the elements of an effective multiple-choice question.
2. Write an effective multiple-choice question using the workshop suggestions.
12/6 burnout in the changing world of higher education
Time: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Instructor: Megan Calvert
Description:
Although the pandemic has ended, issues with burnout among faculty and students remain significant (American Psychological Association, 2024; Gallup, 2024).
As the fall semester ends, join your colleagues to discuss research on burnout and share what you’ve been observing in your own contexts. We will also look at research-based frameworks for addressing burnout and lack of motivation and brainstorm how they might be applied in our work at Montgomery College.
Optionally, you will have the opportunity to exchange your thoughts with global faculty members who will be discussing this same topic through MC’s IDEA community of practice.
Measurable Learning Outcomes:
- Define the three dimensions of burnout and list its six main causes.
- Identify trends related to burnout in higher education and share observations.
- Apply research on effective strategies to address burnout and increase motivation.
12/6 blackboard learn ultra virtual office hours
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Instructor: MC Learn Ultra transition team
Description:
The MC Learn Ultra transition team invites you to join us virtually for office hours. We are here for you to answer questions and connect you to resources around MC’s transition to Blackboard Learn Ultra. In person options are also available (separate signup in Workday). Please ensure you have access to a development course in Blackboard Ultra before attending office hours. More information: https://mcblogs.montgomerycollege.edu/thehub/stay-connected/blackboard-learn-ultra/#Development-Courses
Measurable Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this session, participants will be able to:
- Access Blackboard Learn Ultra resources at MC
- Answer FAQs about this transition
12/6 converting original courses to blackboard learn ultra
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Instructor: MC Learn Ultra transition team
Description:
This session introduces the key things instructors need to know when converting an existing course from Blackboard Learn Original into Blackboard Learn Ultra.
Measurable Learning Outcomes:
On completion, participants will be able to:
- Understand the differences between Original and Ultra Courses.
- Examine features unique or common to Original and Ultra Courses.
- Understand value of course preparation for conversion.
12/6 blackboard learn ultra basics
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Instructor: MC Learn Ultra transition team
Description:
This session covers the basics of Blackboard Learn Ultra, from the interface and navigation to best practices when building a new course.
Measurable Learning Outcomes:
On completion, participants will be able to:
- Navigate the Blackboard Learn Ultra environment.
- Identify key features of the Blackboard Learn Ultra interface.
- Understand how consistent course navigation can support student learning.
12/6 updating emergency contacts and career profiles in workday
Time: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Instructor: Scot Brown
Description:
This training session provides a quick demonstration on how to complete three critical updates in Workday. These updates are essential for accurate reporting and emergency preparedness at Montgomery College. It also supports classification and compensation actions, institutional reporting, and allows the College to identify employees with specific skills or experience.
The topics covered will include:
- Updating emergency contacts.
- Updating educational degree status.
- Updating and completing your career/talent profile.
Measurable Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this training, employees will be able to:
- Update Emergency Contacts in Workday: Accurately navigate to the “Contact” section in Workday and update or confirm their emergency contact information.
- Update Educational Degree Status: Successfully update or confirm their educational degree information, ensuring all qualifications are current and correctly listed.
- Complete and Update the Career/Talent Profile: Fully complete their career/talent profile, including adding certifications, trainings, and uploading a resume if applicable, to ensure accurate and comprehensive profile information