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. FFFMay
5/2 Flipping Out Over Flipped Learning
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Instructor: Phillip Bonner
Description:
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!
Outcomes:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Explain what flipped learning is
- Employ the flipped learning approach in their own courses.
5/2 Microsoft Bookings
Time: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Instructors: Megan Calvert
Description:
This hands-on workshop will introduce Microsoft Bookings, a web-based tool that helps you schedule and manage meetings with your colleagues or students more efficiently. We will discuss possible uses for staff and faculty, such as setting up consultations, office hours, or student advising, and walk through the steps of how to set up and use both personal Bookings pages and pages for a group or department.
The workshop will be conducted via Zoom. To fully participate, it is best to join from a device with two screens or from 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.
Outcomes:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Identify the benefits of web-based scheduling tools
- Access Microsoft Bookings via Microsoft365
- Create and manage your own Bookings page
- Share your Bookings page with others
5/2 Blackboard Learn Ultra Basics
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Instructors: Ultra 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:
On completion, 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.
5/2 Blackboard Learn Ultra Virtual Office Hours
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Instructors: Ultra 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
Outcomes:
On completion 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
5/2 Converting Original Courses to Blackboard Learn Ultra
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Instructors: Ultra Team
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.
5/2 Improve Document Accessibility with Microsoft 365 Tools
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:15 PM
Instructor: Gloria Barron
Description:
This workshop will empower faculty and staff to use Office 365’s built-in accessibility features to support inclusive learning environments. Participants will learn to leverage tools like the Accessibility Checker, Immersive Reader, and Dictation, as well as implement structured headers, tables of contents, and descriptive alt text. By the end of the session, attendees will be equipped to create accessible materials that foster productivity and engagement among diverse student populations.
Outcomes:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Identify and use key Office 365 accessibility tools, including Accessibility Checker, Immersive Reader, and Dictation.
- Apply best practices for organizing documents with structured headers, tables of contents, and lists for improved readability and navigation.
- Develop accessible visual and data content using alt text and accessible table formatting.
- Increase document inclusivity and compliance with accessibility standards, enhancing productivity for all students.
5/2 Using Bloom’s Taxonomy to Design Effective Learning Material
Description:
This workshop presents an overview of Bloom’s Taxonomy and its application to teaching and learning. Participants will explore the six levels of cognitive learning—Remember, Understand, Apply, Analyze, Evaluate, and Create—and learn how to use these levels to craft engaging lesson plans, assessments, and activities that support deep learning and critical thinking. Through interactive discussions and real-world examples, participants will gain the skills to align instructional goals with measurable outcomes.
Outcomes:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Identify the six cognitive levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy and their applications to teaching and learning.
- Develop instructional objectives and materials that align with specific cognitive levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy.
- Design assessments and activities that measure learning outcomes
- Evaluate and revise instructional materials to ensure alignment with learning goals