Professional Day Spring 2025
Starting Tuesday, January 21, Spring 2025 Opening Week presents professional development opportunities for faculty and staff members. These sessions, organized by the College and ELITE, are designed to help you start the semester with a flourish of Learning, Working, and Growing Together.
All ELITE-sponsored events will be held on Thursday, January 23, via Zoom. Our focus is to enable you to reflect, grow, and gear up for the upcoming fall semester and beyond as we continue to evolve and transform.
We invite you to explore the schedule of events and register using the Workday links.
1/23 Blackboard Learn Ultra Basics
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Instructor: Philip Bonner
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.
Register in Workday
1/23 Converting Original Courses to Blackboard Learn Ultra
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Instructor: Tom Cantu
Description:
This session introduces converting an existing course from Blackboard Learn Original to Blackboard Learn Ultra. Two recommended course copy approaches and the benefits of each approach are explained step-by-step.
Outcomes
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Explain the differences between Original and Ultra Courses.
- Identify the course copy approach they plan to utilize.
- Explain the value of course preparation for conversion.
Register in Workday
1/23 Blackboard Learn Ultra Gradebook Overview
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Instructor: Michele Knight
Description:
This session provides an overview of the Gradebook in Blackboard Learn Ultra, including best practices, workflows and how to set up the gradebook. The MC Learn Ultra Transition team will provide answers to FAQs and information about additional resources.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Explain the gradebook structure and grading workflows in the Ultra interface
- Configure the gradebook so that students and instructors can easily access their grades
- Identify ways to customize gradebook settings to fit the course structure and modality
Register in Workday
1/23 Blackboard Learn Ultra Q&A Session
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. We encourage you to request and verify your 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
Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Access Blackboard Learn Ultra resources at MC
- Answer FAQs about building and teaching courses in Blackboard Learn Ultra
Register in Workday
1/23 Ideas and Tech Tools for Efficient Grading of Writing Assignments
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Instructor: Gloria Barron
Description:
Grading writing assignments can take a lot of time, but with helpful strategies and the right tech tools, you can make it faster and easier. This one-hour workshop will discuss and demonstrate useful tools and methods for grading more efficiently while still giving quality feedback. We will cover a variety of methods that aim to save you time and support student learning. Join us to explore ideas and tools that will make your grading process smoother and more effective.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Gather a list of tech tools and methods to make grading and feedback faster and easier.
- Explore ways to give personalized feedback while saving time.
Register in Workday
1/23 Creating Accessible Documents
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Instructor: Megan Calvert
Description:
In this hands-on workshop, we will walk through the basic steps to ensure documents are accessible and inclusive for all. Focusing on Microsoft Word, participants will learn to format documents using accessibility best practices, such as headings, alt text, meaningful links and proper contrast. We’ll also learn common pitfalls to avoid and use Word’s Accessibility Checker to identify and resolve issues. Once completed, we will show you how to convert a Word document to a PDF and ensure that the accessibility features are properly preserved.
Outcomes:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Apply accessibility standards in Word by formatting documents with accessible features like headings, alt text, and meaningful hyperlinks.
- Check and resolve accessibility issues using Word’s Accessibility Checker to ensure readability and inclusivity.
- Convert Word documents to accessible PDF format while retaining all accessibility features.
Register in Workday
1/23 Seeking Harmony between AI and Teaching and Learning
Description:
Whether you view Artificial Intelligence as a disruptive nuisance or a useful tool, it has likely impacted your teaching in some way. So how do we manage the prevalence (and use) of AI tools while promoting learning in the different disciplines? In this session, we will reflect on the different ways AI has impacted both learning and industry and explore ways to build a learning culture that acknowledges the role of AI while honoring ethical standards and authentic learning experiences.
Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Explore AI from the lens of equity
- Explore the impact and use of AI in your discipline/industry
- Identify opportunities to address AI literacy (including ethics, responsibility, evaluation)
Register in Workday
1/23 Classroom Management Techniques
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Instructors: Paul Miller
Description:
This workshop is designed for faculty seeking effective strategies to create and maintain a productive and respectful classroom environment. Participants will gain practical tips for managing classrooms, addressing challenging behaviors, and cultivating a positive atmosphere that supports learning and student engagement. Through interactive discussions and scenario-based activities, faculty will leave with actionable tools to handle classroom dynamics confidently and empathetically.
Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Develop proactive strategies for managing common classroom challenges and fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
- Implement techniques to effectively address and de-escalate disruptive behaviors while maintaining a focus on student growth and mutual respect.
- Create a classroom management plan that integrates positive reinforcement, clear expectations, and engagement practices to enhance student participation and academic success.
Register in Workday
1/23 Blackboard Learn Ultra Transition: Faculty Panel Discussion
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Instructor: Anna Donohoe and Paul Miller
Description:
Join the MC Learn Ultra Transition team for an overview of important Blackboard Learn Ultra updates, followed by an engaging panel discussion with MC Faculty who have taught courses in Blackboard Learn Ultra. The MC Learn Ultra Transition team will take you on a tour of MC’s Blackboard Learn Ultra resources and provide answers to FAQs.
Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Describe the timeline and benchmarks of MC’s ongoing transition to Blackboard Learn Ultra
- Access Blackboard Learn Ultra resources at MC
- Answer FAQs about building and teaching courses in Blackboard Learn Ultra
Register in Workday
1/23 Pegging Your Memory
Time: 2:15 AM – 2:45 AM
Instructors: Cynthia Mauris
Description:
Have you ever walked into a room and asked yourself, “Why did I come here? What was I supposed to get?” If you are like most people, you have experienced this situation. Discover an easy method for remembering short lists called a peg system: a memory aid that works by creating mental associations between two concrete objects in a one-to-one fashion that will later be applied to to-be-remembered information. Know what to do the next time you walk into the room!
Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Use the peg system for remembering short lists.
- Be more efficient when completing tasks that require short-term memory recall of lists.
Register in Workday
1/23 Blackboard Learn Ultra Basics
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Instructors: Philip Bonner
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.
Register in Workday
1/23 Converting Original Courses to Blackboard Learn Ultra
Description:
This session introduces converting an existing course from Blackboard Learn Original to Blackboard Learn Ultra. Two recommended course copy approaches and the benefits of each approach are explained step-by-step.
Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Explain the differences between Original and Ultra Courses.
- Identify the course copy approach they plan to utilize.
- Explain the value of course preparation for conversion.
Register in Workday
1/23 Blackboard Learn Ultra Gradebook Overview
Description:
This session provides an overview of the Gradebook in Blackboard Learn Ultra, including best practices, workflows and how to set up the gradebook. 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 the gradebook structure and grading workflows in the Ultra interface
- Configure the gradebook so that students and instructors can easily access their grades
- Identify ways to customize gradebook settings to fit the course structure and modality
Register in Workday
1/23 Blackboard Learn Ultra Q&A Session
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Instructors: Anna Donohoe
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. We encourage you to request and verify your 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
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Access Blackboard Learn Ultra resources at MC
- Answer FAQs about this transition
Register in Workday
1/23 Active Learning Strategies to Energize Any Classroom
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Instructors: Megan Calvert and Sara Kalifa
Research has demonstrated that students in classes with active learning are 1.5 times less likely to fail than students in traditional lecture-based classes (Freeman et al, 2014) and that active learning can narrow achievement gaps for underrepresented students (Theobald et al, 2020). In this workshop, we’ll look at several quick and easy ways any instructor can incorporate active learning into their classroom, including round robins, concept mapping, peer teaching, and collaborative documents. You will be able to try some of the techniques yourself and reflect on ways you might adapt them for your teaching context.
Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Explain the value of active learning in a college classroom
- Identify at least three active learning techniques that would work in your teaching this semester
Register in Workday
1/23 Building a Positive Classroom Culture
Description:
Explore strategies to cultivate a welcoming and supportive classroom environment that enhances student motivation, collaboration, and academic success. Participants will engage in activities that demonstrate how to build trust, promote inclusivity, and encourage active participation in their courses. This workshop will provide tools to create a strong sense of belonging for students from diverse backgrounds.
Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Identify strategies to build trust and promote inclusivity in the classroom.
- Develop techniques to foster a sense of belonging and enhance student motivation.
Register in Workday
1/23 AI Tools in Higher Education: Supporting Personalized Learning and Course Design
Join us for an interactive session where you’ll discover how AI can serve as a powerful ally in your teaching toolkit. This workshop goes beyond basic AI awareness to provide practical, immediate applications for your courses. You will use AI tools to improve your teaching materials, make learning more personalized, and refresh your course design—all while keeping high standards and best practices in mind.
Outcomes:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Identify specific uses of AI tools to enhance teaching practice
- Evaluate opportunities for AI integration in course design
- Create AI-informed updates to syllabi and course materials
- Develop strategies for personalized student support using AI tools
Register in Workday
1/23 Blackboard Learn Ultra Basics
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.
Register in Workday
1/23 Converting Original Courses to Blackboard Learn Ultra
Description:
This session introduces converting an existing course from Blackboard Learn Original to Blackboard Learn Ultra. Two recommended course copy approaches and the benefits of each approach are explained step-by-step.
Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Explain the differences between Original and Ultra Courses.
- Identify the course copy approach they plan to utilize.
- Explain the value of course preparation for conversion.
Register in Workday
1/23 Blackboard Learn Ultra Gradebook Overview
Description:
This session provides an overview of the Gradebook in Blackboard Learn Ultra, including best practices, workflows and how to set up the gradebook. 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 the gradebook structure and grading workflows in the Ultra interface
- Configure the gradebook so that students and instructors can easily access their grades
- Identify ways to customize gradebook settings to fit the course structure and modality
Register in Workday
1/23 Blackboard Learn Ultra Q&A Session
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. We encourage you to request and verify your 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
Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Access Blackboard Learn Ultra resources at MC
- Answer FAQs about building and teaching courses in Blackboard Learn Ultra
Register in Workday
1/23 Transforming Assessments into Assets through Metacognition
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Instructors: Angela Lanier
Description:
Assets are resources that have valuable and future benefits. How can we transform learning assessments into assets that have ongoing benefits for both instructors and learners? In this workshop we will review several metacognitive practices that promote reflection, goal setting, or tracking learning progress.
Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Define metacognition and its benefit to student learning
- Identify at least one course assessment to integrate metacognitive practices
Register in Workday
1/23 Backward Design Leveraging Generative AI
Description:
This workshop introduces faculty to the principles of backward design, enhanced by the capabilities of generative AI. Participants will learn how to start with clearly defined learning outcomes and use AI tools to inform the development of assessments and instructional strategies that align with those outcomes. This hands-on session will demonstrate how generative AI can streamline course design, foster creativity, and ensure a cohesive learning experience for students.
Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Understand the principles of backward design and how to apply them effectively to course planning, beginning with the identification of desired learning outcomes.
- Leverage generative AI tools to create aligned assessments and instructional methods that support course objectives and enhance student engagement.
- Develop a framework for integrating generative AI into the course design process to improve efficiency, creativity, and instructional alignment.
Register in Workday
1/23 Organizational Efficiency
Time: 10:15 AM – 10:45 AM
Instructors: Cynthia Mauris
Description:
Do you find yourself spinning instead of moving forward with all the work you have? Learn three principles to help you start your day, get tasks done, and manage the volume of work. Improve your efficiency and consequently, job satisfaction.
Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Identify what you do currently that reduces efficiency
- Apply several practices that will help you become more efficient and productive
Register in Workday
1/23 Using Zoom Polling Tools for Instant Feedback
Time: 4:15 PM – 4:45 PM
Instructors: Cynthia Mauris
Description:
Feedback is good; instant feedback is better! When using Zoom for a class or meeting, use the advanced polling features to check for understanding, obtain choices, or get a pulse check.
Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Identify several different polling styles
- Create a poll that provides you with the data you seek
Register in Workday
1/23 LDI Community of Practice-Relations and Influence [for LDI Alumni and participants]
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Instructors: Cynthia Mauris
Description:
Join LDI alumni and current participants in a one-hour open discussion about the topic presented in the cohort class that month. Review, update, and expand your understanding of the content so you can reinforce your learning. Assist the current cohort in their understanding and application of the content as you support and mentor their journey. Reinforce and expand your LDI network.
Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Explain the class content of the month in more depth
- Reflect on how you have used the knowledge in your life or plan to do so
- Expand the connections you have with other LDI practitioners