This September, Academic Computing is offering many workshops on a range of instructional technologies, including building course websites in SPARK, using Excel for grading, and setting up a Blog. Most sessions are only 50 or 75 minutes long! To view the full schedule and register online, please visit: http://www.umass.edu/accoprod/workshop/register.php Interested in training, but none of…
Author: Tony Sindelar
August Workshops at Academic Computing
This August, Academic Computing is offering several workshops on a range of instructional technologies, including building course websites in SPARK, designing effective presentations with PowerPoint or Keynote, and setting up a Blog. August Workshop topics include: Designing Effective PowerPoint Presentations PowerPoint Basics for Windows and Mac Basics of Using Keynote, Apple’s presentation tool Screencasting with…
TeachOIT Podcast #6: Equipment Review: Logitech USB Headset
In the third of a four-part “Audio/Video Gadgets” series Tony and JC discuss the Logitech USB headset. The Logitech headset is a good piece of equipment for those looking to get started with recording audio for presentations, podcasting, and digital stories. Listen to the full review to hear about the strengths of this device and…
TeachOIT Podcast #5: Equipment review: “Mikey” Microphone from Blue
In the second of a four-part “Audio/Video Gadgets” series Tony and JC discuss the “Mikey” Mirophone by Blue. The Mikey is a small compact microphone that attaches to an iPod for recording audio on the go. Listen to the full review to hear about the strengths of this device and to figure out if this…
TeachOIT Podcast #4: Equipment review: Snowball Mic from Blue
In the first of a four-part “Audio/Video Gadgets” series Tony and JC discuss the Snowball Microphone by Blue. The Snowball is a USB microphone that is well suited to a variety of podcasting and digital audio activities. Listen to the full review to hear about the strengths of this device and to figure out if…
Microlectures
“Microlectures” are short video pieces that attempt to convey key subject matter in an extremely short time span, as short as 60 seconds but usually in the 2-5 minute range. The focus is on giving attention to a particular concept of point. They can be recorded as audio or video pieces for repeated playback by…
Twitter: What’s the Point?
During last week’s “Overview of Emerging Technology” a good portion of the audience indicated an interest in hearing about Twitter, the popular micro-blogging service that is receiving lots of press coverage. The general question people asked is “what’s the point?” I’ve been using Twitter for a little over a year so I demoed how Twitter looks and mumbled…
TeachOIT Podcast #3: UDrive and UMass Blogs
In the second of our two-part podcast series “Catching Up with Emerging Technologies” Tony and Fred discuss two OIT services: the online file storage tool UDrive, and the Blogs at UMass Amherst service. What are the best ways to use these tools and how are instructors using them? Listen and find out! Learn more: UDrive: easy-to-use,…
SPARK Unavailable May 28 & 29
SPARK will be unavailable from 11:59 pm on May 27 to 11:59 pm on May 29 while we perform necessary hardware and software upgrades. We anticipate SPARK will be unavailable for only 2 days; however, unexpected problems could delay resuming service into the first days of the Summer 2009 session. These improvements will keep…
TeachOIT Podcast #2: Social Bookmarking with Delicious
In the first of our two-part series “Catching Up with Emerging Technologies” Tony and Fred discuss the social bookmarking tool Delicious. Why should you care about social bookmarking? Listen and find out! TeachOIT Podcast #2: Social Bookmarking (10 minutes) Podcast Opening/Closing music is “The Future Soon” by Jonathan Coulton, used under a Creative Commons…
Using Clickers Effectively: How to write PRS questions
Last month Astronomy Professor Steve Schneider presented on his experience with using the Personal Response System with a particular focus on his strategies for writing good PRS questions. Professor Schenider says he’s been using PRS systems in various incarnations for 10 years, primarily with his large lecture course Astronomy 101. Here are some lessons he shared with the group…
Designing A Hybrid Course: Tips for Making it Work
This is our second post based on a presentation given by Pamela Trafford last month (read the first post here) on using web tools to deliver content for face-to-race courses. Pamela Trafford is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Management, and seasoned veteran of online teaching. Strategies for Making it Work Using SPARK in ways that will improve the…