Faculty Academy, May 2012
January 30, 2012
The University of Richmond’s Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology is currently accepting applications for its 2012 Faculty Academy
When: Monday, May 7, 2012 to Thursday, May 10, 2012
Where: Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology, Boatwright Library 320
According to the literature that describes the educational and lifestyle experiences of “digital natives”, students enter Universities with significant expectations of how technology should be used and integrated to support their learning. A few of these expectations include the opportunity to access and interact with course information online, collaborate and connect with others through the social web, and communicate with a variety of tools that can digitally express their ideas. In order to meet these expectations, faculty must be cognizant of modern tools and pedagogies that allow them to use technology innovatively and effectively (Roberts, 2005). Moreover, faculty must continue expanding their comprehension of instructional technologies so that they are able to apply them in creative, meaningful and influential ways.
The Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology is holding a Faculty Academy that will help prepare faculty to utilize emerging technologies and teaching strategies to enhance the learning experience for Richmond students. This four day professional development opportunity immerses participants in a variety of hands-on workshops, training sessions and thought-provoking discussions.
Two themes will be offered: Technology-Facilitated Course Design & Digital Media Production:
The learning objectives of the Technology-Facilitated Course Design track will allow faculty to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of instructional design principles as they relate to technology-facilitated learning environments.
- Develop effective student assessments for technology-facilitated learning environments.
- Create a Blackboard course that includes rich media, assignments and web-based discussions
The learning objectives of the Digital Media Production track will allow faculty to:
- Design multimedia learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student reflection and creativity.
- Advocate and teach legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright and media attribution.
- Create a digital story that adheres to the 7 elements of digital storytelling and incorporates audio, image and video production.
On Monday 5/7/12, an introductory session will explore emerging technologies in education, social media and instructional design. On Tuesday and Wednesday, 5/8/12 and 5/9/12, participants will break out to their selected theme and engage in hands on activities. By Thursday, 5/10/12, participants must complete a capstone project (design a technology-facilitated course or produce a digital story) to share with their peers for a culminating discussion.
Additionally, an evaluation survey and brief summary of how they intend to enhance their Fall 2012 course from the lessons learned must also be completed. The technology applications covered in the Faculty Academy include Blackboard, Wordpress, Google Docs, iMovie, Audacity, and other social media tools. Participants will also review issues related to copyright, ethical use of media and resources available in the Creative Commons. A total of 10 faculty (5 in each theme) will be selected to participate.
A $1000 stipend will be provided to each participant, providing they attend all session and complete the capstone. Lunches and refreshments will also be provided.
Eligibility criteria
Candidates must be a University of Richmond faculty member actively teaching courses. The following application must be submitted by February 20th, 2012. Selected participants will be notified by March 1, 2012.
Application available here (for UR Faculty Only): http://goo.gl/AuXoa
Surface 2.0
January 23, 2012
You may not realize it, but UR already has two (first generation) Microsoft Surfaces on campus. The first is located in the Carole Weinstein International Center. It’s twin is housed right here in the CTLT liaison lounge.
Samsung’s Surface 2.0 (SUR40) has been in testing for over a year, and it is finally shipping! According to the Samsung website: Samsung SUR40 is the new generation of Microsoft® Surface® experience featuring PixelSense™ technology, which gives LCD panels the power to see without the use of cameras. Building from the innovation of the first version of Microsoft® Surface® and Samsung’s leading display technology, it is now possible for people to share, collaborate and explore together using a large, thin display that recognizes fingers, hands and other objects placed on the screen.
Check out Engaget’s story and the official press release here.
Transparent Touchscreen Window
January 23, 2012
There is a touchscreen window coming out from Samsung that has one way glass, upon which you can check your email, surf websites, or even close virtual blinds.
Amorphous Crawling Robot
January 16, 2012
Harvard researchers have inspired themselves from various animals such as starfish and worms to create what can only be defined as one creepy robot.
This particular robot (which comes from George M. Whitesides’ lab at Harvard) distinguishes itself by being capable of several unique gait styles including walking, crawling, and slithering. Each of these gaits is controlled by pumping air at up to 10 psi into a succession of limbs, inflating and deflating elastomer compartments to provide temporary structure and rigidity. In addition to slipping through gaps, the robot can make it across things like felt cloth, gravel, mud, and Jell-O (don’t ask).
Biopixels
January 9, 2012
Researchers at UC San Diego have created living “displays” using what they call “biopixels,” colonies of fluorescent bacteria which are grouped together to form the equivalent of a traditional pixel. For more information visit http://biology.ucsd.edu/
10 Most-Popular Wired Campus Stories of 2011
January 2, 2012
As we begin 2012, let’s take a look back at one of my favorite sources of news when it comes to technology and higher education… the Wired Campus blog.
Here are the 10 top Wired Campus stories of 2011, as voted by reader’s clicks:
1. Pearson and Google Jump Into Learning Management With a New, Free System
2. NYU Prof Vows Never to Probe Cheating Again—and Faces a Backlash
3. Students Push Their Facebook Use Further Into Course Work
4. Professors Consider Classroom Uses for Google Plus
5. Health Problems Force Professor to Pull Camera From Back of Head
6. Free for All: National Academies Press Puts All 4,000 Books Online at No Charge
7. University’s Proposed Social-Media Policy Draws Cries of Censorship
8. Reed College Seeks to Stop Copycat Web Site
9. Top 10 YouTube Videos Posted by Colleges, and What They Mean
