Upcoming Workshop: Creating Video Assignments with GoReact
Jan. 14, 2021—During this session, a Kelly Fitzgerald from GoReact will teach you the basics of GoReact and demonstrate different ways you can use GoReact to create assignments. If you’ve used GoReact before, come and learn more ways to use this tool. If you’re simply interested in learning more, or considering using it during the upcoming semester, we’d...
Upcoming Workshop: Teaching with Top Hat: Interactive Textbooks
Jan. 13, 2021—Come explore some advanced features of Top Hat and learn about how you can host your e-textbook on Top Hat. During this session, Natalie Sela from Top Hat will show you how you can author your own e-textbook for your course and also make it available to others using Top Hat’s Content Marketplace. Facilitator: Natalie Sela Date: Thursday, January...
Striving Towards Inclusion in Academic Biology Spring Webinar Series
Jan. 12, 2021—The webinar series on Striving Towards Inclusion in Academic Biology continues this spring with nine seminars focusing on different elements of inclusion. While the series is supported by the Society for Advancement of Biology Education Research and targets academic biology, the webinars are led by scholars from a variety of disciplines (including Anjali Forber-Pratt, Department...
Upcoming Conversation on Teaching: Overcoming the ‘busywork’ Dilemma
Jan. 12, 2021—Overcoming the ‘busywork’ Dilemma: Creating Meaningful Asynchronous Activities for Student Engagement The busywork dilemma is where students perceive that assigned learning activities or assessments are not meaningfully contributing to their learning. This can be very frustrating to instructors as they often put a lot of effort and time into the design and implementation of these activities. This...
Upcoming Workshop: Teaching with Top Hat: Synchronous & Asynchronous Strategies
Jan. 12, 2021—The folks at Top Hat have identified specific strategies to build community and engage students in online and hybrid courses. Erin Vaianisi from Top Hat will share ideas about how best to incorporate Top Hat into your class, demonstrate the platform’s newest features, and answer your questions. If you are simply Interested in learning more about Top...
CFT is accepting applications for an Instructional Technologist
Jan. 11, 2021—We’re hiring! The CFT is seeking applicants for an Instructional Technologist position. This position will support faculty, staff, and students using Brightspace, Vanderbilt’s campus-wide course management system, and related online learning platforms. The Instructional Technologist will report to the CFT’s Assistant Director for Educational Technology as part of the CFT’s Brightspace support team, working collaboratively...
Brightspace Workshops
Jan. 11, 2021—CFT staff offer Brightspace workshops for instructors interested in learning how to use Brightspace tools effectively and efficiently. We are also available during the academic year to facilitate Brightspace workshops on topics both general and specific for departments, programs, and schools, upon request. Email brightspace@vanderbilt.edu to ask about these offerings or the possibility of an invited...
Upcoming Workshop: An Introduction to Online and Hybrid Teaching
Jan. 11, 2021—Are you looking for ideas for how to engage your students this spring? This workshop will provide a structured introduction to teaching in online and hybrid settings. Participants will learn principles and practices for supporting student learning asynchronously (via Brightspace and other tools) and synchronously (via Zoom). This workshop will be particularly useful to Vanderbilt...
Overcoming the “busywork” dilemma
Jan. 11, 2021—by Julaine Fowlin, CFT assistant director What is the busywork dilemma? The busywork dilemma is where students perceive that assigned learning activities or assessments are not meaningfully contributing to their learning. Instructors put a lot of effort and time into the design and implementation of these activities, which can be very frustrating. Sometimes activities are...
CFT Now Offers Instructional Design Consultations
Jan. 8, 2021—The Center for Teaching is pleased to offer instructional design consultations to the Vanderbilt teaching community. Julaine Fowlin, assistant director for instructional design, is available to consult with instructors on the design of online courses, moving an existing course online, or the development of online programs. As an instructional designer, Julaine collaborates with faculty and...