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The many facets of Discussion – as a private journal.

If you use journaling as one of your course activities, consider moving it to an online version. There are many advantages this provides to both faculty and students.

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1. Instructors and students alike do not need to struggle to decipher each other’s handwriting.
2. Entries are completed in a timely manner throughout the entire semester as they are dated and time stamped upon submission.
3. No need to collect bulky binders and tote dozens of them across campus.
4. Feedback is provided directly to the student more quickly, building rapport between faculty and student.
5. Using the Discussion tool to create “private journals” provides a comprehensive collection of reflections for the entire semester. Students and faculty can view the progression of thought as new materials are contemplated.

E-journaling assignments also implement Chickering and Gamson’s “Seven Principles of Good Practice in Undergraduate Education.” For additional information read the my article E-journaling: Achieving Interactive Education Online. Click here

The Groups tool is used to create a “group” for every individual student, specifying a Discussion be created for each one. This becomes their private journal area to which only the student and the instructor have access.

For technical assistance in setting up private journals using the Discussion tool, view this video.

Regards,  Dr. Jill

Jonnie “Jill” Phipps, Ph.D.

Curriculum Designer

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Announcements

Springboard Included in Upcoming May 23rd Outage

On the morning of Sunday, May 23, UA Information Technology Services personnel will be completing maintenance that involves physically moving some central storage systems. As a result, essentially all major services will be down from approximately 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. Services affected include:

  • PeopleSoft, including ZipLine
  • Exchange E-mail
  • www.uakron.edu (the main University website)
  • Springboard!
  • login to Google Apps/E-mail (although existing sessions should continue to work)

If you have questions, please contact the Support Desk at 330-972-6888.

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Exporting your course materials

Import ExportThere are a couple of reasons you may want to Export your course materials. This is a fast and efficient way to share your data with others. For example, if you have developed quizzes that you want to share with your colleague, simple use the Import/Export/Copy Component tool from your Edit Course menu. This feature allows you to select as much or as little as you want for export. You have total control over what is exported to the resulting zip file. The compressed file can then be given to others via a USB key, CD, or email (if it is not too large).

You may also want to archive a copy of your entire course for use in the future and/or portability. The zip file can be imported into any Desire2Learn installation.  This is a great option for those who develop “Master” classrooms and share with their part-time instructors.

*Note: This IS NOT an archive of the work that was done by the students during the semester as the exported courses DO NOT contain any student data.

For information on the “how to” Export your course materials with the Import/Export/Copy Components tool, click here.

Regards,  Dr. Jill

Jonnie “Jill” Phipps, Ph.D.

Curriculum Designer