‘CFT Services’
From the Executive Director
Jan. 18, 2022— As I write this, snow is falling in Nashville, and I’m reminded of all the challenges our local community has faced over the last two years, from tornadoes and storms to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The teaching community at Vanderbilt has had to adapt again and again over the last two years, and I...
Brush up on some essential Brightspace skills before teaching in an online or hybrid format this fall!
Jul. 23, 2020—Join Stacey, the CFT’s Assistant Director for Educational Technology, on Zoom for workshops about Brightspace tools including Discussions and Grades/Feedback. You can register and learn more about the available workshops on the Brightspace workshops page. If you will be using Brightspace for the first time and want to get to know the content and navigation...
Leading Lines Podcast: Cynthia Brame talks about how the Online Course Design Institute helps Vanderbilt faculty get ready to teach online
Jun. 9, 2020—The Leading Lines podcast has released the latest pisode exploring the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on higher education. This time we are speaking with the CFT’s own Cynthia Brame about the Online Course Design Institute that was launched in May to help Vanderbilt faculty get ready to teach online this summer and possibly this...
From The Director: Two new offerings from the CFT!
Nov. 12, 2019—By Derek Bruff, CFT Director I’m excited to announce two new offerings from the Center for Teaching! The CFT is the new home for the University Courses program, launched in 2016 by the Provost’s Office to encourage and support “cross-college” teaching as part of the Academic Strategic Plan. I’ve been impressed with the vibrant partnerships...
Mid-Semester Student Feedback
Sep. 17, 2019—The feedback students provide about your teaching on their end-of-semester course evaluations can be valuable in helping you improve and refine your teaching. Soliciting mid-semester student feedback has the additional benefit of allowing you to hear your students’ concerns while there is still time in the semester to make appropriate changes. A Small Group Analysis...
Need Help Using Brightspace as you Plan for Fall Classes?
Aug. 16, 2019—As you prepare your fall courses, keep in mind all of the Brightspace resources we offer here at the Center for Teaching. July is a great time to get started! Great news! Brightspace now has an Annotations Tool for grading! Learn more about how to use the tool with this guide: Using the Annotations Tool. Please visit our on-demand...
From the CFT Director
Aug. 12, 2019—August is here! I don’t know about you, but I’m not sure where the summer went. It was a busy one at the Center for Teaching, as we wrapped up the academic year, started collaborating with Vice Provost Tracey George on faculty development initiatives, and prepared for our fall events and programs. Our big orientations...
Brightspace Help is Available!
Mar. 21, 2019—Come the the CFT and get individual help during Brightspace drop-in hours or by appointment in a one-on-one consult with one of our instructional technologists. You can also email us at Brightspace@vanderbilt.edu or check out this collection of step-by-step guides for help getting started. Drop-In Hours Mondays 2:30pm – 4:30pm Tuesdays 9:00am – 11:00am Wednesdays 1:00pm – 3:00pm...
Brightspace Help is Available in October!
Oct. 5, 2018—Come the the CFT and get individual help duringBrightspace drop-in hours or by appointment in a one-on-one consult with one of our instructional technologists. You can also email us at Brightspace@vanderbilt.edu or check out this collection of step-by-step guides for help getting started. October Drop-in Hours Mondays 2:30pm – 4:30pm Tuesdays 9:00am – 11:00am Wednesdays 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Brightspace Support for April
Apr. 3, 2018—Have you tried grading papers on Brightspace yet? Of the five available grading options, two of our favorites are the D2L grader app and the bulk download tool which allow you to mark up papers either on your iPad or using Word tools like comments and track changes. Grading on Brightspace allows instructors to communicate...