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. FFFApr
4/4 Writing Effective Multiple-choice Questions
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Instructor: Phillip 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.
Outcomes:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Explain the elements of an effective multiple-choice question.
- Write an effective multiple-choice question using the workshop suggestions.
4/4 Hyflex Demo at the ignITe Hub
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Instructor: Anthony Fiora and Eduardo Noboa
Description:
This session will explain the capabilities and operation of a Hyflex system, demonstrate how to conduct a hybrid session using Zoom, and discuss possible use cases for instruction or events involving participants in multiple locations.
Outcomes:
- Explain the basic capabilities of a Hyflex system.
- Demonstrate the basic functionality of a Hyflex system.
- Demonstrate how to conduct a hybrid session using Zoom on a Hyflex system.
4/4 Maximizing Learning in a Collaborative Environment
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Instructor: Laurent Ndeze
Description:
This workshop explores strategies and techniques to foster student teamwork, sustain engagement, and shared responsibility in diverse learning environments. We will examine the principles of collaborative learning, effective communication, and the role of technology in enhancing collaboration. We will work on interactive activities that provide participants with the skills for designing, implementing, and assessing collaborative learning strategies that promote problem-solving and deeper understanding.
Outcomes:
- Explain the benefits of collaborative learning for diverse learners.
- Foster effective communication and teamwork in collaborative settings.
- Design instructional activities and assessments that support meaningful collaboration.
- Integrate technology and digital tools in your teaching to enhance the collaborative learning experiences.
4/4 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.
4/4 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
4/4 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.
4/4 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.
4/4 YuJa Open Lab
Time: 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM
Instructors: Tom Cantu, 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.