January – All Workshops 🌸

1/7  Blackboard Learn Ultra – 10 Key Tips & Tricks

1/10  Blackboard Learn Ultra – 10 Key Tips & Tricks

1/10  Converting Original Courses to Blackboard Learn Ultra

1/14  Super Staff Tuesdays: Taming Your To-Do List

1/14  Super Staff Tuesdays: Pegging Your Memory

1/14  Super Staff Tuesdays: Mail Merge: How to Send Personalized Emails with Microsoft Word

1/14  Super Staff Tuesdays: YuJa Open Lab via Zoom

1/14  Super Staff Tuesdays: Activate Your Creative Superpowers

1/14  Super Staff Tuesdays: Excel Open Lab: Time-saving Functions

1/14  Super Staff Tuesdays: Converting Original Courses to Blackboard Learn Ultra

1/17  Blackboard Learn Ultra Basics

1/17  Blackboard Learn Ultra Virtual Office Hours

1/17  Converting Original Courses to Blackboard Learn Ultra

1/17  Blackboard Learn Ultra – 10 Key Tips & Tricks

1/21  Converting Original Courses to Blackboard Learn Ultra

1/24  Blackboard Learn Ultra Basics

1/24  Blackboard Learn Ultra Virtual Office Hours

1/24  Blackboard Learn Ultra In-Person Open Labs

1/24  Converting Original Courses to Blackboard Learn Ultra

1/24  Blackboard Learn Ultra – 10 Key Tips & Tricks

1/27  Online Teaching Training Spring I 2025

1/27  Digital Fundamentals for Teaching and Learning- Spring 1

1/28  Blackboard Learn Ultra Virtual Office Hours

1/31  Blackboard Learn Ultra Basics

1/31  Blackboard Learn Ultra Virtual Office Hours

1/31  Converting Original Courses to Blackboard Learn Ultra

1/7 Blackboard Learn Ultra – 10 Key Tips & Tricks

Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Instructors: 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:  

By the end of this session, 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

Register in Workday

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1/10 Blackboard Learn Ultra – 10 Key Tips & Tricks

Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Instructors: 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:  

By the end of this session, 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

Register in Workday

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1/10 Converting Original Courses to Blackboard Learn Ultra

Time: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Instructors: Anna Donohoe and Paul Miller

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

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1/14   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

Register in Workday 

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1/14  Super Staff Tuesdays: Pegging Your Memory

Time: 11:15 AM – 11:45 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

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1/14 Super Staff Tuesdays: Mail Merge: How to Send Personalized Emails with Microsoft Word

Time: 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM

Instructors: Megan Calvert

Description:  

Have you ever received an email with your name at the top that was clearly part of a mass mailing? In this speed session, you’ll learn how to do the same using Microsoft Word. After a quick overview of Mail Merge basics, you’ll have the opportunity to practice sending your own personalized batch email.

Outcomes: 

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Identify when and why to use Mail Merge.
• Prepare an Excel spreadsheet for merge fields.
• Create and send customized batch emails using Mail Merge.

Register in Workday

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1/14 Super Staff Tuesdays: YuJa Open Lab via Zoom

Time: 2:15 PM – 3:15 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.

Register in Workday

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1/14 Super Staff Tuesdays: Activate Your Creative Superpowers

Time: 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM

Instructors: Angela Lanier

Description:  

Everyone has creative potential, but how do we bring it to the surface? Whether you are searching for ways to be more creative in your work and personal life, or you are stalled in your creative pursuits, this workshop is designed to help you jumpstart your creativity. We will explore what it means to be creative and try out strategies to get creatively “unstuck.”

BEFORE THE WORKSHOP, please take five minutes to complete the Creative Pursuits Survey: https://www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/faculty/uzzi/ftp/page176.html and watch this seven-minute video “Unleash Your Creative Instincts” (https://youtu.be/ZEGWorKBl_E?t=620) by Gary Goodwin (start at the 10:20 mark).

Outcomes:  

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Define creativity
• Identify barriers to creativity
• Apply strategies that foster creative work

Register in Workday

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1/14 Super Staff Tuesdays: Excel Open Lab: Time-saving Functions

Time: 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM

Instructor: Anna Donohoe

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 Excel.

Outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Automatically process data using built-in functions: Flash Fill, Remove Duplicates
• Efficiently enter pattern-based information using the Fill Handle
• Format data as a Table to easily sort and filter based on a range of criteria

Register in Workday

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1/14 Super Staff Tuesdays: Converting Original Courses to Blackboard Learn Ultra

Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Instructors: Anna Donohoe and Paul Miller

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

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1/17 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.

Register in Workday

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1/17 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

Register in Workday

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1/17 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.

Register in Workday

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1/17 Blackboard Learn Ultra – 10 Key Tips & Tricks

Time: 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Instructors: 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

Register in Workday

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1/21 Converting Original Courses to Blackboard Learn Ultra

Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Instructors: Anna Donohoe and Paul Miller

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

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1/24 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.

Register in Workday

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1/24 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

Register in Workday

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1/24 Blackboard Learn Ultra In-Person Open Labs

Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Instructors: Ultra Team

Description:  

Join the MC Learn Ultra Transition team for a hands-on open lab where you can explore Blackboard Learn Ultra resources and get answers to questions about MC’s three-phase transition to Blackboard Learn Ultra. Please note that open labs are IN PERSON and will take place simultaneously in Takoma Park, Germantown, and Rockville. Virtual 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

**We encourage you to bring your own laptop, charger, and mouse (if desired) to in-person office hours if possible.**

Questions? Please email ultratransition@montgomerycollege.edu

Outcomes:  

On completion of this session, participants will be able to:

• Access Blackboard Learn Ultra resources at MC
• Answer FAQs about this transition

Register in Workday for Takoma Park

Register in Workday for Rockville

Register in Workday for Germantown

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1/24 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.

Register in Workday

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1/24 Blackboard Learn Ultra – 10 Key Tips & Tricks

Time: 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Instructors: 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:  

By the end of this session, 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

Register in Workday

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1/27 Online Teaching Training Spring I 2025

Time: The Online Teaching training is a 7-week asynchronous online course that begins: Mon. Jan 27, 2025, and ends: Sun. Mar 23, 2025

Instructor: Tom Cantu, Paul Miller

***Registration is open only to those who have received approvals from their discipline dean and the Dean of the Virtual Campus.

Prerequisites: Completion of Digital Fundamentals for Teaching and Learning (formerly SRT training).

Begins: Mon. Jan 27, 2025 | Ends: Sun. Mar 23, 2025

Delivery Mode: Online in Blackboard

Description:

The Online Teaching training prepares Montgomery College faculty to teach asynchronous (DL Web) online and blended courses.

The training occurs in Blackboard as a seven-week online course that guides professors through planning, building, and preparing to teach their own online or blended course.

Although the training is conducted asynchronously, it is not self-paced. As in any DL Web course, there are weekly deadlines. Participants are expected to log in to the course regularly to view announcements, respond to email, complete assignments, review feedback to update their work, and actively contribute to the discussions throughout the week.

When teaching asynchronously, the elements of good teaching commonly found in live, interactive classrooms must be intentionally recreated. Professors will redesign a course for online or blended delivery to present course content, actively engage students, assess learning, and establish an inclusive environment.

Participants will design an online or blended course and develop a course template consisting of a syllabus, orientation, and one module that meets the competency demonstration criteria including the 22 Essential Quality Matters Standards, Higher Education Rubric, 7th Ed. The course template is revised until it serves as a model to follow and a set of page templates for building the rest of the course.

Many professors require an additional semester after completing the training to finish building the entire course.

Notes:

While teaching remotely using Zoom is known as live or synchronous online teaching, the Online Teaching training will guide professors through creating an asynchronous online or blended course.

Professors with experience teaching and building asynchronous online courses may be eligible for credit for prior learning.

If you have questions, please contact Shinta Hernandez, Dean of MC Online, at shinta.hernandez@montgomerycollege.edu.

Outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Develop web-centric habits as evidenced by logging in to the course regularly to complete assignments, respond to email, and actively contribute to the weekly discussions.
• Design an online or blended course to present course content, engage students, assess learning, and establish an inclusive environment.
• Build a course template for an online or blended course that fulfills the competency demonstration criteria including the 22 Essential Quality Matters Standards, 7th Ed.

Register in Workday

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1/27 Digital Fundamentals for Teaching and Learning- Spring 1

Time: Online, Asynchronous

Instructor: Michele Knight

Description:

Blackboard and other Learning Management Systems are essential for communication, information, assessment, and design, supporting learning and student success.

The Digital Fundamentals for Teaching and Learning course assists educators in developing skills for effectively using Blackboard in a face-to-face or remote teaching environment.

Series Elements:

The Digital Fundamentals for Teaching and Learning course will take five weeks. The course is completed as a cohort, with faculty expected to begin on the defined start date, keep pace with weekly activities, participate in discussion activities, and complete a fully functional Blackboard course with two working modules by the course’s end date.

Weekly course topics include:

• Navigating Blackboard
• Building Blackboard Content
• Using Web Conferencing software in Blackboard
• Assessing Student Performance Using Blackboard
• Developing and Using Multimedia for Blackboard

Upon completing the course, participants will create a working Blackboard teaching site highlighting instructor presence, multimedia elements to promote student engagement, and other elements taught throughout the course.

Please note:

This course is not intended for those who have previously completed Digital Fundamentals or Structured Remote Teaching Training (offered in 2020).

This course is required for all full and part-time instructors at MC.

Faculty who cannot register for the course within five days of the start date must register for the next available section.

Participants can be dropped from DFTL without penalty if done within the first week of the start date

Outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Effectively manage course materials in remote and face-to-face settings by mastering the navigation of Blackboard Ultra.
• Design a user-friendly course welcome page, organize the syllabus and files, and contextualize web links to improve navigation and student engagement.
• Enhance course management and student interaction through Zoom integration, structured discussions, and optional use of Blackboard’s Cloud Collaboration tools.
• Create, manage, and assess assignments and tests within Blackboard. Use the Gradebook to track and report student progress.
• Review creative alternative assessment strategies, optionally incorporating rubrics and randomized assessments to support academic integrity.
• Integrate multimedia, improve course accessibility with Blackboard Ally, and craft engaging announcements to enhance content clarity and student engagement.

Register in Workday

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1/28 Blackboard Learn Ultra Virtual Office Hours

Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Instructors: Anna Donohoe and Paul Miller

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

Register in Workday

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1/31 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.

Register in Workday

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1/31 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

Register in Workday

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1/31 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.

Register in Workday

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