NITLE > Events > How Instructional Technologists Support Faculty Designing Online Collaborative Work

How Instructional Technologists Support Faculty Designing Online Collaborative Work

Date: December 5, 2008, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM. EDT.
Location: Delivered online in NITLE MIV Auditorium
Price: 1 program unit per participant

Who should participate

For instructional technologists and others from participating institutions who, regardless of title, provide direct support and assistance to faculty members in using technology in teaching and learning. Also for those who manage the instructional technology function. An instance of the "Special Topics for Instructional Technologists" series, featuring Jason Alley of Lafayette College and Patrick Rashleigh of Wheaton College as discussion leaders.

Program Description

There's "buzz" around social software as an environment for collaboration in classes. Faculty, both in the humanities and in other divisions, are using discussion forums, wikis,  blogs, podcasts, course management systems, and even social presence tools like Twitter with their students. How can instructional technologists help faculty members understand the possibilities of these tools, select the most appropriate one or ones for a specific pedagogical purpose, and ensure that they and their students can be successful in using them to meet class goals? This session will feature Jason Alley of Lafayette College and Patrick Rashleigh of Wheaton College as discussion leaders. Nancy Millichap of NITLE staff will moderate.

This professional development series, "Special Topics for Instructional Technologists," takes place regularly on the first Friday of each month at noon Eastern / 11 Central / 9 Pacific, except where a major holiday requires scheduling on the second Friday. Programs in the series will engage members of the instructional technology community at participating institutions in leading discussions of their projects, approaches, techniques, solutions, and successful practices via interactive videoconferencing. The format is designed to encourage interaction and promote network engagement. Recent topics have included "Social Software, Language Study, and Study Abroad," "Digital Gaming for Teaching and Learning," and "Helping Faculty with Issues of Copyright and Fair Use."

We welcome new ideas for individual programs in the series; individuals or groups wishing to propose programs are encouraged to send contact Nancy Millichap at nancy.millichap@nitle.org.

Getting familiar with the online environment

Directions on installing the MIV client (PC and Mac OS) to your computer is available here (.pdf, 725 KB).

We recommend that participants who are new to multipoint interactive videoconferencing (MIV) use our free Do-It-Yourself training module (.pdf, 841 KB) to complete basic training in the use of MIV prior to participating in this program. This DIY training includes an informal, hands-on, "Water Cooler" session in MIV (see .pdf training document for full information). This training will help new users of MIV feel comfortable within the virtual MIV environment, learn how to use its interactive tools, and otherwise learn how to participate and contribute successfully within MIV.

Please plan to arrive in the MIV room 15 minutes before the discussion starts to ensure that MIV is working well for you.

Technological Requirements

To have a successful participation experience, participants will want to use

• a computer manufactured in or after 2005;
• a web video camera; and
• an echo-free audio system. (For hands-free use and quality sound, we recommend a USB head set.)

Participants will also want to connect via a high-speed Internet connection. (Test your bandwidth speed at http://reviews.cnet.com/7004-7254_7-0.html: enter your telephone area code and your connection type, then click G0. Your bandwidth speed should be 500 kbps or greater.)

Other information

Please note that MIV is most effective with a 1:1 ratio between participant and MIV seat.  (Each MIV "seat" is equivalent to one laptop or desktop computer.)  Participants are therefore encouraged to join the program as individuals using their own computers.

Questions?

For more information about this event, including its agenda and what to expect from participation, please contact Nancy Millichap at .