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. FFFFeb
2/7 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.
2/7 Searching for Harmony Between AI and Teaching and Learning
Time: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Instructor: Angela Lanier
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 workshop, 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)
2/7 Trauma-Informed Teaching for Safe and Inclusive Classrooms
Time: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Instructor: Megan Calvert
Description:
In times of societal change and uncertainty, students may face challenges that impact their learning, well-being, and sense of belonging. This workshop invites educators to explore trauma-informed practices to better support all learners and create classrooms where everyone feels valued, respected, and safe.
Outcomes:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Define trauma and its widespread impacts
- Recognize effects of trauma on the brain and learning
- Apply seven principles of trauma-informed teaching
2/7 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:
- Navigate the Blackboard Learn Ultra environment.
- Identify key features of the Blackboard Learn Ultra interface.
- Explain how consistent course navigation can support student learning.
2/7 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
2/7 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.
2/7 YuJa Open Lab
Time: 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM
Instructors: Angela Lanier, Tom Cantu, and Megan Calvert
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 workshop, 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.
2/7 Integrating Key Motivational Factors in Your Teaching
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Instructor: Laurent Ndeze
Description:
This workshop will focus on pedagogical principles that promote motivation in a learning environment. Participants will explore key motivational concepts, such as intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, self-determination, and goal setting. You will learn how to apply these concepts to your teaching practices. Through practical strategies and evidence-based applications, this workshop will enable participants to create engaging, supportive, and motivating learning environments that empower students to be successful.
Outcomes:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Identify key motivational factors and their relevance to teaching and learning.
- Develop instructional strategies that enhance learner engagement and persistence.
- Design learning activities and environments that foster intrinsic motivation and a growth mindset.
- Identify effective motivational techniques adaptable to the needs of diverse learners.
2/7 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.