May – All Workshops 🌸
5/2 First Faculty Fridays: Flipping Out Over Flipped Learning
5/2 First Faculty Fridays: Microsoft Bookings
5/2 Blackboard Learn Ultra Basics
5/2 Blackboard Learn Ultra Virtual Office Hours
5/2 Converting Original Courses to Blackboard Learn Ultra
5/2 First Faculty Fridays: Improve Document Accessibility with Microsoft 365 Tools
5/2 First Faculty Fridays: Using Bloom’s Taxonomy to Design Effective Learning Material
5/5 ELITE After Dark: Blackboard Learn Ultra Virtual Office Hours
5/6 ELITE After Dark: Blackboard Learn Ultra Gradebook Overview
5/6 ELITE After Dark: Using Micro-Learning Strategies to Improve Students’ Learning Outcomes
5/9 Blackboard Learn Ultra Basics
5/9 Blackboard Learn Ultra Virtual Office Hours
5/9 Converting Original Courses to Blackboard Learn Ultra
5/13 Super Staff Tuesdays: Creative Design with Adobe Express
5/13 Super Staff Tuesdays: YuJa Open Lab via Zoom
5/13 Super Staff Tuesdays: Where Do You See Your Career?
5/13 Super Staff Tuesdays: Outlook Open Lab: Inbox & Calendar Management
5/13 Super Staff Tuesdays: Microsoft 365 Cloud Storage and Collaboration Using OneDrive and Teams
5/13 Super Staff Tuesdays: Taming Your To-Do List
5/13 Blackboard Learn Ultra – 10 Key Tips & Tricks
5/2 First Faculty Fridays: 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 First Faculty Fridays: 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 First Faculty Fridays: 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 First Faculty Fridays: 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
5/5 ELITE After Dark: Blackboard Learn Ultra Virtual Office Hours
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 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. 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
5/6 ELITE After Dark: Blackboard Learn Ultra Gradebook Overview
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Instructors: Anna Donohoe and Paul Miller
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:
On completion 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
5/6 ELITE After Dark: Using Micro-Learning Strategies to Improve Students’ Learning Outcomes
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Instructor: Laurent Ndeze
Description:
Micro-learning refers to instructional strategies utilizing ‘bite-sized’ segments of course content, presented in a wide range of formats and using different platforms, including social media. During this workshop, we will examine how you can use micro-learning strategies in your course design and delivery to increase attention span while minimizing constraints on the human brain. In addition, we will review samples and research supporting the idea that most students learn better when engaged in short sessions than in long sessions.
Outcomes:
Upon completion of the workshop, you will be able to:
1. Identify effective modes/methods of delivering micro-learning content.
2. Integrate micro-learning activities/objects into your course.
3. Explain how micro-learning strategies can contribute to cost containment for students.
4. Identify 2-3 preferred micro-learning strategies that you would like to use in your teaching.
5/9 Blackboard Learn Ultra Basics
Time: 2:30 PM – 3:30 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.
5/9 Blackboard Learn Ultra Virtual Office Hours
Time: 2:30 PM – 3:30 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
5/9 Converting Original Courses to Blackboard Learn Ultra
Time: 2:30 PM – 3:30 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.
5/13 Super Staff Tuesdays: Creative Design with Adobe Express
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:15 PM
Instructor: Gloria Barron
Description:
During this one-hour session, you’ll navigate the Adobe Express dashboard, explore its key features, and work with templates to create professional-looking designs. You’ll also learn how to customize your projects with text and images and discover practical tips for sharing and collaborating. By the end of the session, you’ll have the skills to design engaging content for teaching, marketing, or personal projects.
No prior design experience is necessary—just bring your creativity!
Outcomes:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Create visually appealing designs using templates, text, images, and colors.
- Use AI to create unique images from textual descriptions.
- Save, export, and share designs for various purposes, including teaching, marketing, and personal projects.
- Demonstrate practical applications of Adobe Express aligned with institutional branding.
5/13 Super Staff Tuesdays: YuJa Open Lab via Zoom
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Instructors: Michele Knight
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.
5/13 Super Staff Tuesdays: Where Do You See Your Career?
Description:
Do you know your type? Understanding personality type preferences, as identified through the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) instrument, can support people in career exploration, development, and decision-making. One of the goals in developing the MBTI assessment was to help individuals find interesting, meaningful, and satisfying careers that support their natural strengths. Research shows that when people work in areas that support their natural strengths and talents, they find the most satisfaction and sense of well-being in the work they do.
Explore your type and how your natural strengths and talents are used or must be stretched to meet the needs of the job you have or the job you want.
NOTE: The MBTI assessment must be taken online and completed by 5 p.m., Thursday, May 5.
Outcomes:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Identify your MBTI type
- Consider the natural strengths of your type
- Apply the natural strengths to your current or aspirational job
- Assess the fit between you and your career
5/13 Super Staff Tuesdays: 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 workshop, 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
5/13 Super Staff Tuesdays: Microsoft 365 Cloud Storage and Collaboration Using OneDrive and Teams
Description:
Do you feel safer keeping your money in the bank than in cash under your mattress? If so, then cloud storage is probably the right solution for your files as well! In this workshop, we will briefly discuss the benefits of cloud storage, compare OneDrive vs. Teams, and examine scenarios most appropriate for each. We will then walk you through the basic steps of accessing Microsoft365 (free to all college employees and students), create and organize cloud-based files, and collaborate on a document together. Pacing and content may be adjusted based on participant skill levels and questions.
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 for more details on technology requirements.
Outcomes:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Identify the benefits of cloud storage and collaboration
- Access OneDrive and Teams using Microsoft365
- Create and manage cloud-based files
- Share and collaborate on cloud-based documents
5/13 Super Staff Tuesdays: Taming Your To-Do List
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Instructor: Philip Bonner
Description:
No one has more time than another, yet some people are more productive. Learn how to create and manage your to-do lists to help you increase your productivity. Upon completion of this session, you will be able to get more accomplished each day with your improved lists.
Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Prioritize tasks and manage time more easily
- Reduce your stress related to deadlines and responsibilities
5/13 Blackboard Learn Ultra – 10 Key Tips & Tricks
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Instructor: Anna Donohoe and Paul Miller
Description:
Join the MC Learn Ultra Transition team for a tour of 10 key things everyone needs to know about Blackboard Learn Ultra. From accessibility and setting up overall grades to copying content and scheduling announcements, we will walk you through the highlights of this upgraded system. We will also have time for Q&A at the end of the session.
Outcomes:
On completion, participants will be able to:
- Identify at least three features of Ultra to emulate in their courses
- Access and navigate Ultra resources at MC
- Answer FAQs about our transition
5/28 Getting Things Done
PARTICIPANTS ENROLLED MUST COMPLETE ALL SESSIONS TO RECEIVE CREDIT:
- Wednesday, May28
- Thursday, May29
- Friday, May 30
Time: 8:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Instructor: Cynthia Mauris
Description:
How would you answer these questions?
- Are you constantly busy but don’t actually make progress on the things you need to get done?
- Do you feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of work you need to do?
- Do you find yourself in reactionary mode throughout the day—reacting to the latest and loudest request and/or issue instead of focusing on the most important or meaningful work?
When it comes to all the inputs in our life, we are generally overwhelmed, stressed, and out of control. The sheer number of to-dos, commitments, tasks and projects makes it difficult for us to ever feel “on top” of everything. While we can’t change the amount of stuff we have coming into our life we can change how we engage with that stuff. Gain greater control over your work, find more focus on each task, and feel a lot less stress with these Getting Things Done, or GTD, habits taught in this certificate class.
Outcomes:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Improve your workflow
- List the six options available for any item on your mind
- Create clearer lists from which you do all your work
- Develop a trusted, personal management system
- Accomplish more of the right tasks
- Experience less stress in your work and home life
- Experience greater confidence in your decision-making