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May 2008
Online@UT will be unavailable from May 14-21 during a Blackboard software upgrade. Mini-term courses will be unaffected and will be running on a different server. This upgrade will provide powerful new features and fix nearly 150 bugs. For additional information about the upgrade, please see http://online.utk.edu. Also, keep an eye on your CI-Users Listserv for additional information.
iTunesU is coming to UTK
The Innovative Technology Center is putting the finishing touches in place in preparation for the launch of iTunesU@UTK. We will begin testing the software this summer with plans for a full launch in August, just in time for your fall classes.
If you have been considering the incorporation of podcasting into your course content, contact us for a consultation. We will help you understand how podcasting can be beneficial to your course. We can also teach you to create podcasts, or even produce some for you.
If you have questions or are interested, please contact Joan Thomas at 974-7946 or jnthomas@utk.edu.
Don't wait until August to ask for fall assistance
If you've always wanted to incorporate a new idea into your course, but are not quite sure how to make it work or lack the time to implement it, ask us to help. We'll partner with you on preparing your class for fall, whether it's creating an individual learning element or assistance with structuring a whole course in Blackboard. Asking for assistance is easy. To begin the process, launch the online request form located at http://itc.utk.edu/request.
Wireless Instructional Initiatives Program:
New whitepaper available
The purpose of the ITC Wireless Instructional Initiatives (WII) program, which ran from 2001-2006, was to help faculty use the UT wireless network to enhance student learning via collaborative technologies. Each year the project involved new faculty participants from various UT colleges and departments.
The equipment used in the projects, which included laptops, Tablet PCs, and PDAs, went from being used exclusively in class to being distributed for 24/7 student use, but the focus was always on promoting collaborative learning. Post-project student survey results indicated tremendous enthusiasm for the projects, with almost all students reporting that they loved their overall project experience and wanted to continue or expand upon it.
For more information on individual WII projects and participants, challenges, and successes, read the complete WII whitepaper and/or the February 2008 update at http://itc.utk.edu/wii/
Faculty Survey: Thanks for your input!
Over 200 of you responded to the 2008 Faculty Instructional Technology Survey. Thank you for your feedback and ideas. We will share survey results in an upcoming newsletter.
Online@UT
Tip of the Month
May: Semester Transitions
Tip of the Month
Summer Workshops
Join us in June, July, or August for our summer workshops. If you'd like to attend sooner, consider the following self-paced online workshops.
Register for a Workshop
Introduction to Online@UT
(CMS 110 OL)
Online section, enrollment required
Complete your Online@UT certification on your own schedule. This self-paced online tutorial provides an introduction to the Online@UT course management system. Participants will become acquainted with the system's main functions and features, including posting course content, creating online assessments, using the online grade book, and fostering effective digital communication (e-mail, discussion boards, chats).
Register for CMS 110 OL today!
Introduction to LiveOnline@UT
(SLC 110)
Online section, enrollment required
Interested in enhancing a course with online synchronous collaboration? Sign up for this online, self-paced tutorial to learn how to use LiveOnline@UT, a virtual learning evironment powered by Saba Centra, to add a live, interactive component to your course. Topics include managing the virtual classroom; communicating via audio, text chat, and quick polling; and sharing content such as PowerPoint slides, images, and videos.
Register for SLC 110 OL today!
