September – All Workshops
9/3 Digital Fundamentals for Teaching and Learning
9/6 Blackboard Learn Ultra Basics
9/6 Blackboard Learn Ultra Virtual Office Hours
9/6 Converting Original Courses to Blackboard Learn Ultra
9/9 ELITE After Dark: Using ChatGPT to Support Student Learning
9/10 Is a Cohort Right for You?
9/10 Super Staff Tuesdays: Overview of Learning and Development Pathways
9/10 Super Staff Tuesdays: Digital Marketing with Adobe InDesign
9/10 Microsoft Word Essentials
9/10 ELITE After Dark: Zoom Skills Refresher for Meeting Participants
9/13 Blackboard Learn Ultra Virtual Office Hours
9/13 Blackboard Learn Ultra Basics
9/13 Converting Original Courses to Blackboard Learn Ultra
9/17 Microsoft Excel Essentials
9/19 Creating Engaging Digital Media with Adobe Express
9/20 Blackboard Learn Ultra Virtual Office Hours
9/20 Blackboard Learn Ultra Basics
9/20 Experiential Learning in Action
9/20 Blackboard Learn Ultra Gradebook Overview
9/24 Outlook Open Lab: Inbox & Calendar Management
9/25 Megan’s Book Circle: Thinking 101
9/27 Blackboard Learn Ultra In-Person Open Labs
9/27 Blackboard Learn Ultra Virtual Office Hours
9/30 Pedagogical Discussion #1: Foundations of AI in Education
9/3 Digital Fundamentals for Teaching and Learning
Time: Asynchronous, Fully-Online in Blackboard
Description:
Blackboard and other Learning Management Systems are essential for communication, information, assessment, and design, supporting learning and student success. The Digital Fundamentals for Teaching and Learning course assists educators in developing skills for effectively using Blackboard in a face-to-face or remote teaching environment.
Outcomes:
Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:
- Apply Blackboard tools to establish an active online presence.
- Adapt your course for Digital Teaching in alignment with best practices for the discipline.
- Use Blackboard tools to evaluate student learning while considering alternative assessment techniques.
- Utilize appropriate video conferencing software to promote student engagement.
- Explore multimedia technology for use in the digital classroom.
9/3 Online Teaching Training
Time: Asynchronous, Fully-Online in Blackboard
Instructors: Tom Cantu, Paul Miller
Description:
The Online Teaching training prepares Montgomery College faculty to teach asynchronous (DL Web) online and blended courses.
The training occurs in Blackboard as a seven-week online course that begins on Sept. 3 and ends on Oct. 21. The course will guide professors through planning, building, and preparing to teach their own online or blended course.
Although the training is conducted asynchronously, it is not self-paced. As in any DL Web course, there are weekly deadlines. Participants are expected to log in to the course regularly to view announcements, respond to email, complete assignments, review feedback to update their work, and actively contribute to the discussions throughout the week.
When teaching asynchronously, the elements of good teaching commonly found in live, interactive classrooms must be intentionally recreated. Professors will redesign a course for online or blended delivery to present course content, actively engage students, assess learning, and establish an inclusive environment. Prerequisites: Completion of Digital Fundamentals for Teaching and Learning (formerly SRT training.)
Outcomes:
Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:
- Develop web-centric habits as evidenced by logging in to the course regularly to complete assignments, respond to email, and actively contribute to the weekly discussions.
- Design an online or blended course to present course content, engage students, assess learning, and establish an inclusive environment.
- Build a course template for an online or blended course that fulfills the competency demonstration criteria including the 22 Essential Quality Matters Standards, 7th Ed.
***Registration is open only to those who have received approvals from their discipline dean and the Dean of the Virtual Campus.
9/6 Blackboard Learn Ultra Basics
Instructors: 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.
Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Navigate the Blackboard Learn Ultra environment.
- Identify key features of the Blackboard Learn Ultra interface.
- Explain how consistent course navigation can support student learning.
9/6 Blackboard Learn Ultra Virtual Office Hours
Instructors: 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.
Click here for more information
Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Access Blackboard Learn Ultra resources at MC
- Answer FAQs about this transition
9/6 Converting Original Courses to Blackboard Learn Ultra
Instructors: 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.
Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Explain the differences between Original and Ultra Courses.
- Examine features unique or common to Original and Ultra Courses
- Explain value of course preparation for conversion.
9/9 ELITE After Dark: Using ChatGPT to Support Student Learning
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Instructor: Paul Miller
Description:
Unlock the potential of AI-driven language models in fostering student learning with our Using ChatGPT to Support Student Learning Workshop! This interactive, hands-on workshop will explore the integration of ChatGPT into teaching and learning practices to provide personalized assistance, feedback, and resources to students on their journey to success!
Outcomes
1. Identify applications of ChatGPT in various academic subjects and levels.
2. Integrate ChatGPT tools and strategies into study and research routines.
3. Evaluate the effectiveness of ChatGPT-assisted learning experiences.
9/10 Is a Cohort Right for You?
Time: 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM
Instructor: Cynthia Lee Mauris
Description:
Professional Development—ELITE offers four cohort programs. Two focus on leadership: the Leadership Development Institute and the Global Leader. Two focus on supervision and management: Fundamentals of Supervision and MC Management. Hear what a cohort program includes and learn how to become involved in one that best meets your interests and needs.
Outcomes
Upon completion of this quick tips session, you will be able to:
- Define a cohort program
- Decide if you want to participate in one of the four cohorts
- Register in Workday
9/10 Super Staff Tuesdays: Overview of Learning and Development Pathways
Time: 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM
Instructor: Richard Forrest
Description:
The L&D Pathway programs offered in FY25 help boost business, communication, and leadership skills to help MC employees work with our colleagues, teams, and clients effectively. Throughout the year, pathway offerings maximize the strengths needed to achieve a greater impact in the work we do now and aspire for the future.
Join this 30-minute speed session to understand what L&D pathway programs interest you and how changes to earning a pathway certificate include new levels of career support.
Session objectives
- Examine learning and development pathway classes for FY25
- Increased ability to plan for L&D classes on Super Tuesdays
- Appreciate the range of flexible, synchronous in-person, digital, and asynchronous learning programs.
9/10 Super Staff Tuesdays: Digital Marketing with Adobe InDesign
Time: 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM
Instructor: Fariha Alam
Description:
In the dynamic world of digital marketing, creating visually engaging content is crucial for capturing and retaining audience interest. This session is ideal for anyone looking to enhance their digital marketing skills through design, whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your abilities with Adobe InDesign.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Set up new documents, create custom workspaces, manage layers, and apply multiple-grid layouts and Parent Pages in Adobe InDesign.
- Design brochures, newsletters, and social media content that meet specific marketing objectives.
- Utilize key InDesign features, including importing text, using Auto Style, creating graphic frames, and placing images.
- Export designs optimized for both print and digital platforms.
9/10 Microsoft Word Essentials
Description:
This hands-on, small-group workshop will provide a solid foundation in the basic use of Microsoft Word. Whether you want an overview of the basics, are looking to become more efficient, or have used Word for years and just want to update your knowledge of newer features, 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, 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 from two side-by-side devices so you can view your instructor’s screen while completing the exercises. Visit the Microsoft Essentials website for a full list of the functions covered in this workshop and for more details on the technology required to participate.
Outcomes:
Outcomes will be adjusted based on a participant survey and may include:
- Navigate and customize the latest Word interfaces of both the web and desktop
- Perform basic workplace tasks, including creating, saving, editing, formatting, polishing and printing documents
- Identify and use newer features of Word, including cloud-based collaboration, modern templates, Styles, Themes, and the Accessibility Checker
9/10 Super Staff Tuesdays: Enhancing Administrative Efficiency with Power BI: A Powerful Tool for Visual Reporting
Time: 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM
Instructor: Fariha Alam
Description:
This workshop is designed for administrative professionals who want to leverage Power BI to make their work more efficient and effective. You’ll learn the basics of Power BI and how it can be used to analyze data and create clear, visual reports. The workshop will guide you through the process of importing data into Power BI and creating personalized dashboards that provide you and your team with the insights needed to make informed decisions. By the end, you’ll be equipped to use Power BI to streamline your tasks and enhance overall efficiency in your role.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Navigate Power BI’s interface and utilize its key tools for administrative tasks.
- Successfully import datasets into Power BI and perform specific data transformations to prepare them for analysis.
- Create personalized dashboards that display relevant data for informed decision-making.
9/10 ELITE After Dark: Zoom Skills Refresher for Meeting Participants
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Instructor: Anna Donohoe
Description:
This workshop is a basic skills refresher for Zoom meeting participants who want to feel more confident attending Zoom meetings. We will cover the fundamental skills required to engage in future virtual professional development sessions offered by ELITE. Please note, this workshop does not cover Zoom hosting or facilitation tips. This workshop is focused only on the core skills needed to interact successfully as a participant in a Zoom meeting or training session.
Outcomes:
On completion of this workshop, you will be able to:
- Turn your camera on and off
- Turn your mic on and off (mute/unmute)
- Use the Chat to send and receive messages
- Share your screen
- Change your display name
- Customize your virtual background
- Navigate Gallery and Speaker view
- Use annotation and interactive whiteboards
- Enable captions
9/12 YuJa Open Lab Via Zoom
Instructors: Angela Lanier, Phil Bonner
Description:
ELITE’s YuJa Online Open Labs are a flexible and convenient way to enhance your video content creation and management skills. These one-hour, informal sessions provide a drop-in opportunity for faculty to engage directly with YuJa experts. Whether you aim to transition from a personal YouTube account to our professional, college-endorsed video platform, wish to provide your students with commercial-free educational resources, or require efficient video editing and transcript generation tools, our Open Labs can help.
You can come and go as you please during the open labs within the hour, making it perfectly tailored to your busy schedule. You’ll receive personalized assistance with YuJa, from uploading commercial-free videos to making minor edits and merging clips without additional software. Our labs offer the flexibility of Zoom, allowing you to connect from anywhere and get the answers you need swiftly and efficiently.
Embrace the convenience of YuJa’s user-friendly interface and college-sanctioned resources to make your video content accessible and engaging for all students. No extensive commitment—just the support you need when you need it.
Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Participate in ELITE’s YuJa Online Open Labs to engage with experts, seeking personalized assistance to answer specific questions about using the platform.
9/13 Blackboard Learn Ultra Virtual Office Hours
Time: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Instructors: 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.
Click here for more information
Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Access Blackboard Learn Ultra resources at MC
- Answer FAQs about this transition
9/13 Blackboard Learn Ultra Basics
Time: 2:30 PM – 3:30 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.
Outcomes:
Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Navigate the Blackboard Learn Ultra environment.
- Identify key features of the Blackboard Learn Ultra interface.
- Explain how consistent course navigation can support student learning.
9/13 Converting Original Courses to Blackboard Learn Ultra
Time: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Instructors: 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.
Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Explain the differences between Original and Ultra Courses.
- Examine features unique or common to Original and Ultra Courses
- Explain the value of course preparation for conversion.
9/17 Microsoft Excel Essentials
Description:
This hands-on, small-group workshop will provide a solid foundation in the basic use of Microsoft Excel. Whether you want an overview of the basics, are looking to become more efficient, or have used Excel for years and just want to update your knowledge of newer features, 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, 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 from two side-by-side devices so you can view your instructor’s screen while completing the exercises.
Visit the Microsoft Essentials website for a full list of the functions covered in this workshop and for more details on the technology required to participate.
Outcomes:
Outcomes will be adjusted based on a participant survey and may include:
- Navigate and customize the latest Excel interfaces of both the web and desktop
- Perform basic workplace tasks, including creating, saving, editing, formatting, printing, and collaborating on workbooks and spreadsheets
- Manage data in spreadsheets using basic formulas, freezing, sorting, filtering and formatting data into tables
9/19 Creating Engaging Digital Media with Adobe Express
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Instructor: Gloria Barron
Description:
In this workshop, explore the potential of Adobe Express, a versatile tool for effortlessly creating stunning visual content. From designing social media graphics to crafting engaging presentations, Adobe Express empowers anyone to express their creativity without design experience. Through hands-on activities and demonstrations, participants will learn how to leverage Adobe Express to enhance communication and engagement with students, colleagues, and the broader community.
Audience: Faculty and Staff
Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Describe the key features and functionalities of Adobe Express.
- Develop a basic understanding of designing posters, flyers, videos, and blogs.
- Identify other creative templates to create visually attractive content.
- Explore practical applications of Adobe Express for academic, professional, and personal use.
9/20 Blackboard Learn Ultra Virtual Office Hours
Time: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Instructors: 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.
Click here for more information
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Access Blackboard Learn Ultra resources at MC
- Answer FAQs about this transition
9/20 Blackboard Learn Ultra Basics
Time: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Instructor: MC Learn Ultra Transition Team
This session covers the basics of Blackboard Learn Ultra, from the interface and navigation to best practices when building a new course.
Outcomes:
Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Navigate the Blackboard Learn Ultra environment.
- Identify key features of the Blackboard Learn Ultra interface.
- Explain how consistent course navigation can support student learning.
9/20 Experiential Learning in Action
Description:
Experiential learning has benefits for student learning during a course and prepares them for opportunities beyond the course. Many courses cannot accommodate the large-scale experiential learning activities such as internships, practicum, and research, instructors can integrate meaningful, small-scale experiences that benefit student learning; however, instructors can create experiential activities for students on a smaller scale. This workshop will guide participants through the four phases of experiential learning to brainstorm low stakes, shorter activities.
Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Give examples of simple experiential learning activities
- Identify opportunities to integrate experiential learning into a course
- Draft a 10–15-minute experiential learning activity for your course
9/20 Blackboard Learn Ultra Gradebook Overview
Instructors: Anna Donohoe, Paul Miller
This session provides an overview of the Gradebook in Blackboard Learn Ultra, including best practices, workflows and structural considerations. The MC Learn Ultra Transition team will provide answers to FAQs and information about additional resources.
Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Explain gradebook structure and grading workflows in the Ultra interface
- Configure and adjust the gradebook to accommodate student understanding and various course modalities.
- Identify tools within the gradebook to fit the grading strategy for the course.
- Utilize the gradebook to monitor student progress and increase instructor efficiency.
9/24 Outlook Open Lab: Inbox & Calendar Management
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.
Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Organize your Outlook inbox with Categories and Folders
- Manage email messages with Sweep, Snooze, and Flag
- Organize your Outlook calendar with colors and Categories
- Identify at least two ways to schedule meetings with multiple people
- Create customized recurring meetings
9/25 Megan’s Book Circle: Thinking 101
Description:
Join Megan Calvert of ELITE to read and discuss the book Thinking 101 by Woo-Kyoung Ahn of Yale University. This book covers various forms of biased thinking that prevent us from making the best decisions in our lives. These include confirmation bias, negativity bias, and faulty causal attribution. Discuss with colleagues how an awareness of these pitfalls in thinking can lead to better informed decision making in our personal lives and in the public sphere, and brainstorm about how we can assist our students in developing an awareness of biased thinking.
NOTE: Sept 25 is the first session of the book circle; this session will be held in person in the Mannakee Building. Subsequent meetings will be held via Zoom and will be on Oct. 9, Oct. 23, Nov. 6, and Nov. 20, 2024. Participants must attend at least 4 of the 5 sessions to receive professional development credit for this event.
Outcomes:
By the end of this five-session workshop, participants will be able to
- Identify and explain some of the common forms of biased thinking described in Thinking 101.
- Explain how discussions about biased thinking in our classes can help students become better thinkers.
9/27 Blackboard Learn Ultra In-Person Open Labs
Instructors: MC Learn Ultra Transition Team
Description:
Join the MC Learn Ultra Transition team for a hands-on open lab where you can explore Blackboard Learn Ultra resources and get answers to questions about MC’s three-phase transition to Blackboard Learn Ultra. Please note that open labs are IN PERSON and will take place simultaneously in Takoma Park, Germantown, and Rockville. Virtual options are also available (separate signup in Workday).
Please ensure you have access to a development course in Blackboard Ultra before attending office hours.
Click here for more information.
**We encourage you to bring your own laptop, charger, and mouse (if desired) to in-person office hours if possible. **
Questions? Please email ultratransition@montgomerycollege.edu
Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Access Blackboard Learn Ultra resources at MC
- Answer FAQs about this transition
Description:
Imagine a fresh approach to instruction that increases the motivation to learn, engages students, and results in academic success – that’s HyFlex learning. HyFlex learning is designed to maximize flexibility for students to attend and participate in classes remotely or in person. This series offers an opportunity to explore a collaborative approach to HyFlex course design to educate, engage, and empower learners at Montgomery College.
This cohort experience meets three times on Fridays from 2-4 pm on Sept. 27, Oct. 4, Oct. 11. Participants should attend all three sessions to learn to operate a HyFlex classroom and work in small groups to plan and deliver a HyFlex lesson.
Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Explore a research-based instructional model that allows for a gradual release of responsibility from the instructor to teams, to individual students
- Evaluate a collaborative approach to HyFlex instruction
- Design and develop a HyFlex lesson for future implementation
- Create a community of practice to support HyFlex teaching and learning at MC.
9/27 Blackboard Learn Ultra Virtual Office Hours
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Instructors: 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
Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Access Blackboard Learn Ultra resources at MC
- Answer FAQs about this transition
9/30 Pedagogical Discussion #1: Foundations of AI in Education
Instructors: Phillip Bonner, Paul Miller
Description:
Come and learn about AI concepts and their relevance in the educational landscape. Explore the basic principles of AI as well as current and emerging applications in teaching and learning. Share your initial experiences and expectations about AI in education with your colleagues.
Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Gain a solid foundation in AI concepts and their application in education.
- Learn to design and implement AI-enhanced learning experiences.
- Engage in a meaningful discussion and share personal insights and experiences with fellow educators.