Skip to Main Content

CIRT Past Events

Overview of Past Calendar

 

Filter Search

Fall 2022

Grading Rescue

This event provides tips and tricks to reduce the time faculty spend on grading course assessments. Topics include Canvas gradebook and rubric strategies, scaffolded assessments, student peer-review feedback, and university support for instructors.

Creating Accessible Electronic Documents

This workshop covers how to make electronic documents in Word, PowerPoint, and PDF more accessible. Topics covered include accessibility basics on heading structure, alternative text for images, reading order for slides, and more. Adhering to these simple guidelines improves access to your content for all students.

Strategies for Using Academic Coaches

Large course enrollments can present challenges for instructors who deliver online courses containing many assignments that require manual grading and quality annotated feedback. Online instructors are encouraged to partner with an Academic DL Coach to mitigate difficulties associated with an increased workload. This session presents strategies for using DL coaches to support the facilitation and maintenance of online courses. Strategies and tips for using a DL coach and documenting the roles of the DL coach versus the professor are highlighted.

Effective Online Office Hours

This workshop demonstrates a variety of tools and strategies that instructors can use to schedule and host virtual office hours. Specific features that can be customized within Canvas, Zoom, and Teams are highlighted, and best practices for connecting with students and encouraging student participation will be discussed.

Five Steps to Complete an Online Course Design Quality Review

This session provides an overview of UNF’s Quality Course Review process, a brief orientation to the nationally recognized Quality Matters (QM) rubric, an exploration of quality course examples, and tips for designing a quality online course.

Canvas 101 for New Faculty

This session is geared towards new faculty and provides an overview of Canvas, UNF’s learning management system. Instructors learn about the Canvas interface and how to create content, assignments, quizzes, and discussions. Grade management and instructional best practices are also covered.

Accessibility in Canvas

Canvas content can easily be made accessible. This workshop provides hands-on instruction for making course content accessible in the Rich Content Editor and using the built-in accessibility checker.

Flipping Discussions with Flip(grid)

Flip the switch on mundane discussion boards with Flip(grid), a video discussion tool that encourages students to reflect, share, and connect. In this workshop, we'll get oriented with Flip(grid) and discuss ways to enhance learning through the application. Participants also create a Flip(grid) account and learn how to set up Flip(grid) assignments in Canvas.

Cultivating Deep Learning Using Discussion Boards

Instructors often report frustration with discussion boards and their ability to move students beyond surface level interactions with the content and with their peers. In this workshop, learn about some of the best practices for creating and facilitating discussion board activities in a manner that encourages more thoughtful and constructive interaction among the virtual classroom community.

Summer 2022

Library Resources Workshop

In this workshop, faculty meet UNF Online Learning Librarians Dan Feinberg and Sarah Moukhliss (STEM) who will showcase what the Carpenter Library has to offer for both faculty and students. Integrating library tools and services into Canvas Courses will be discussed, along with best practices for copyright so you can build your course with confidence.

Creating Accessible Electronic Documents

This workshop covers how to make electronic documents in Word, PowerPoint, and PDF more accessible. Topics covered include accessibility basics on heading structure, alternative text for images, reading order for slides, and more. Adhering to these simple guidelines improves access to your content for all students.

Ally: Canvas Accessibility Tool

This workshop allows instructors to learn how to use Ally to their advantage, improve accessibility scores, and convert uploaded content to more accessible formats.

Gamification Basics

Well-designed Interactive Learning Events (ILE), also known as learning games, simulations, and gamification, have proven effective in increasing student engagement. This workshop explores the basics of Interactive Learning Events and provides instructors with practical resources to determine which ILE best suits their course needs.

Tools for Student Engagement in Canvas

This workshop provides an introduction to tools in Canvas that promote student engagement. Strategies for implementing learning activities that prioritize learner-learner, learner-content, and learner-instructor interactions are highlighted. Tools that encourage collaboration, participation, and feedback are showcased.

Grading Rescue

This event provides tips and tricks to reduce the time faculty spend on grading course assessments. Topics include Canvas gradebook and rubric strategies, scaffolded assessments, student peer-review feedback, and university support for instructors.

Effective Online Office Hours

This workshop demonstrates a variety of tools and strategies that instructors can use to schedule and host virtual office hours. Specific features that can be customized within Canvas, Zoom, and Teams are highlighted, and best practices for connecting with students and encouraging student participation will be discussed.

Strategies for Using Academic Coaches

Large course enrollments can present challenges for instructors who deliver online courses containing many assignments that require manual grading and quality annotated feedback. Online instructors are encouraged to partner with an Academic DL Coach to mitigate difficulties associated with an increased workload. This session presents strategies for using DL coaches to support the facilitation and maintenance of online courses. Strategies and tips for using a DL coach and documenting the roles of the DL coach versus the professor are highlighted.

Accessibility in Canvas

Canvas content can easily be made accessible. This workshop provides hands-on instruction for making course content accessible in the Rich Content Editor and using the built-in accessibility checker.

Refworks

Whether you have a UNF RefWorks account or are new to the Refworks citation manager tool, Dan Feinberg, Online Learning Librarian, invites you to learn about how Refworks’ functions and features can keep you organized and collaborating throughout the research and publishing processes. Dan walks through the basics as well as the benefits of the following advanced features: integration, editing tools, tagging, folder sharing, annotating options, and Refworks integration into Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

Spring 2022

Using Canvas Analytics to Improve Student Success

This session explores analytics available to instructors of online courses in Canvas. Learn how to leverage course and student analytics throughout the semester to identify at-risk students, foster engagement, and promote retention and success. Leave with a checklist of practical measures for utilizing the analytics reports.

Introduction to UNF Faculty Domains

In this workshop, participants learn how to get started creating websites with UNF Faculty Domains. We also explore the different types of sites that can be built including personal, portfolio, and virtual presentation/conference websites.

Collecting Data in the Field

Planning for data collection in the field? In this workshop, Dave Wilson and Deb Miller from CIRT discuss devices and platforms/software that can be used to collect data in the field, be it a national archive or a swamp. They share information about tools available for use, discuss the planning and testing process, and facilitate sharing of best practices for securely organizing and storing data. 

For more RSCA Tech Tool events this year, visit: https://techtools.domains.unf.edu/

Flipping Discussions with Flipgrid

Flip the switch on mundane discussion boards with Flipgrid, a video discussion tool that encourages students to reflect, share, and connect. In this workshop, we'll get oriented with Flipgrid and discuss ways to enhance learning through the application. Participants also create a Flipgrid account and learn how to set up Flipgrid assignments in Canvas.

Cultivating Deep Learning Using Discussion Boards

Instructors often report frustration with discussion boards and their ability to move students beyond surface level interactions with the content and with their peers. In this workshop, learn about some of the best practices for creating and facilitating discussion board activities in a manner that encourages more thoughtful and constructive interaction among the virtual classroom community.

CIRT and OFE present Innovative Teaching Practices: A Faculty Panel

During the pandemic, the Center for Instruction and Research Technology (CIRT) sponsored a panel of faculty members who shared some of the innovative teaching methods they developed in response to the remote teaching environment. That panel was so exciting and inspiring, and their techniques so adaptable to face-to-face and hybrid modalities, that CIRT and the Office of Faculty Excellence (OFE) decided to reprise the panel, this time, with different faculty.

Library Resources Workshop

In this workshop, faculty meet UNF Online Learning Librarians Dan Feinberg and Sarah Moukhliss (STEM) who will showcase what the Carpenter Library has to offer for both faculty and students. Integrating library tools and services into Canvas Courses will be discussed, along with best practices for copyright so you can build your course with confidence.

Up and Running with Your Canvas Course - Using the Quickstart Template (Summer 2022)

Need to build a Canvas course but not sure where to begin? Use the Quickstart Template to get a headstart on your course developments with just a few clicks! By uploading this template into your course shell, you’ll gain access to customizable content and a weekly learning structure (modules) for the Summer 2022 term. 

In this workshop, instructors learn how to use the Quickstart Template to create organized and user-friendly learning experiences. The workshop also explores considerations for online and face-to-face courses.Follow these links to preview the Summer Quickstart Templates: Summer A/B and Summer C. If your interest is piqued, email CIRT Lab (cirtlab@unf.edu) to request the template to be uploaded into one of your course shells so you can fully participate in this workshop.

Utilizing Library Resources to Save Students Money on Course Materials

Are you teaching a course at UNF, but you cannot seem to find the materials you want to elevate your course? Are you interested in finding high-quality new materials for your course, but also keeping those course materials at no or low-cost for your students? To explore these questions, you are invited to spend an hour with your UNF Online Learning Librarians, Daniel E. Feinberg and Sarah Moukhliss, as they walk you through best practices for locating and embedding library resources such as eBooks, scholarly articles, streaming videos, and Open Access materials into your Canvas course. Be prepared to bookmark some great online resources curated by your librarians about searching, linking, and locating library OER or OA resources. You are also welcome to schedule appointments with Dan or Sarah (the STEM) online learning librarians.

Gamification Basics

Well-designed Interactive Learning Events (ILE), also known as learning games, simulations, and gamification, have proven effective in increasing student engagement. This workshop explores the basics of Interactive Learning Events and provides instructors with practical resources to determine which ILE best suits their course needs.

Introducing Pressbooks

Interested in creating your own custom course materials, adapting open textbooks to fit your course, or publishing OER? Watch this virtual event to learn how Pressbooks can be used to create, adapt, and share content.

Tools for Student Engagement in Canvas

This workshop provides an introduction to tools in Canvas that promote student engagement. Strategies for implementing learning activities that prioritize learner-learner, learner-content, and learner-instructor interactions are highlighted. Tools that encourage collaboration, participation, and feedback are showcased.

OER Initiative Faculty Panel Discussion

A panel of experienced OER initiative participants discuss how they addressed the task of obtaining comprehensive free resources for their students. They describe their research process and provide tips for those interested in pursuing the OER initiative at UNF. We also consider the needed supports, structures, and barriers to incorporating OER.

Enhancing the Visibility of your Research Profile through Faculty Domains & Selected Works

This event is a collaboration between the Center for Instruction and Research Technology (CIRT) and the Thomas G. Carpenter Library. For more RSCA Tech Tool events this year, visit: https://techtools.domains.unf.edu/   

 

In this session we explore ways to share and showcase your scholarly and creative works through tools available within UNF Faculty Domains such as WordPress and Omeka. We present examples of various types of websites that allow faculty to begin to develop a working knowledge of how to build a site, or sites, that represents their scholarly work. 

 

We discuss content that may be hosted in the UNF Digital Commons repository, establish an individualized SelectedWorks profile, and look at the types of metrics that become available in the Digital Commons/SelectedWorks dashboard.

Five Steps to Complete an Online Course Design Quality Review

This session provides an overview of UNF’s Quality Course Review process, a brief orientation to the nationally recognized Quality Matters (QM) rubric, an exploration of quality course examples, and tips for designing a quality online course.

Refworks

Whether you have a UNF RefWorks account or are new to the Refworks citation manager tool, Dan Feinberg, Online Learning Librarian, and Sarah Moukhliss, STEM Online Learning Librarian, invite you to learn about how Refworks’ functions and features can keep you organized and collaborating throughout the research and publishing processes. Dan and Sarah will walk through the basics as well as the benefits of the following advanced features: integration, editing tools, tagging, folder sharing, annotating options, and Refworks integration into Microsoft Word and Google Docs. Those new to Refworks can refer to the What is Refworks LibGuide to learn more about setting up an account prior to the session.

Creating Accessible Electronic Documents

This workshop covers how to make electronic documents in Word, PowerPoint, and PDF more accessible. Topics covered include accessibility basics on heading structure, alternative text for images, reading order for slides, and more. Adhering to these simple guidelines improves access to your content for all students.

Taking it Outside: Augmented Reality Lessons and Assignments

This event was hosted by CIRT in collaboration with the Thomas G. Carpenter Library Virtual Learning Center. 

Harness the power of Augmented Reality (AR) to teach your students. In this workshop, instructors explore some free, simple tools for creating AR scavenger hunts, tours, Geocaching assignments, or even quizzes. Whether you are creating the augmented reality experience for your students, or having them make their own for an assignment, this workshop will get you started.

Library Databases Meant for Media

Online clips are a wonderful way to allow for varied styles of learning. UNF’s Thomas G. Carpenter Library subscribes to many databases that include full length videos. Instructors can add multimedia to an online course easily. In this session, instructors learn about databases that provide rich and informative videos and how to embed those videos in a Canvas course.

Canvas Basics

This session is geared toward instructors who are new to using Canvas. Topics covered include a general introduction to Canvas features and functions, such as how to create course content, assessment types, file uploads and a Gradebook overview.

Ally: Canvas Accessibility Tool

This workshop allows instructors to learn how to use Ally to their advantage, improve accessibility scores, and convert uploaded content to more accessible formats. No prior knowledge is needed.

Accessibility in Canvas

Canvas content can easily be made accessible. This workshop provides hands-on instruction for making course content accessible in the Rich Content Editor and using the built-in accessibility checker.

Grading Rescue

This event provides tips and tricks to reduce the time faculty spend on grading course assessments. Topics include Canvas gradebook and rubric strategies, scaffolded assessments, student peer-review feedback, and university support for instructors.

Fall 2021

Virtual Reality and Project-Based Learning

This event is hosted by CIRT in collaboration with the Thomas G. Carpenter Library Virtual Learning Center. 

 

Utilize project-based education and Virtual Reality (VR) to help your students accomplish more than they realized was possible. The Virtual Learning Center can help your students create virtual museum exhibits, store fronts, city plans, chemical compounds, 360 video tours, and VR applications. This workshop discusses how VR objects can become a deliverable for student’s scaffolded projects and assignments.

CIRT and OFE present Innovative Teaching Practices: A Faculty Panel

The Center for Instruction and Research Technology (CIRT) and the Office of Faculty Excellence (OFE) host this faculty panel highlighting innovative teaching methods adaptable to in person and online modalities. The event highlights faculty stories and showcases a variety of approaches. The intent of the session is to spark conversation and further innovation. After each panelist shares their story, there will be time for Q&A and for participants to share their own experiences. 

 

Facilitators: Dr. Deb Miller, Assistant Vice President for Digital Learning and Innovation; and Dr. Gordon Rakita, Distinguished Professor of Anthropology and Associate Vice President of Faculty Excellence 

 

Panelists: Russ Turney, English, Dr. Rob Zeglin, Public Health; Dr. Jen Kilpatrick, Exceptional, Deaf, and Interpreter Education, Dr. Sean Davis, Accounting and Finance, Andy Kozlowski, Art and Design, Dr. Fatima Reham, Biology

Virtual Tour of the CIRT Video Studio

The video recording studio, audio sound booth, and lightboard are all now available for faculty use. Join Course Media Developer Andy Rush for a live virtual tour of the CIRT Video Studio to discover what recording technologies are available along with tips for using the studio space.

Library Resources Workshop

In this workshop, faculty meet UNF Online Learning Librarians Dan Feinberg and Sarah Moukhliss (STEM) who will showcase what the Carpenter Library has to offer for both faculty and students. Integrating library tools and services into Canvas Courses will be discussed, along with best practices for copyright so you can build your course with confidence.

Creating Accessible Electronic Documents

This workshop covers how to make electronic documents in Word, PowerPoint, and PDF more accessible. Topics covered include accessibility basics on heading structure, alternative text for images, reading order for slides, and more. Adhering to these simple guidelines improves access to your content for all students.

Virtual Reality and Immersive Learning

Take a tour of the Thomas G. Carpenter state-of-the-art Virtual Reality (VR) lab! Learn how the Virtual Learning Center (VLC) can help take your students on a tour of the Roman Coliseum during its construction, build giant molecules from scratch, learn 3D calculus concepts, or tour famous museums. The VLC will work with you to help incorporate immersive, active learning into your courses through VR.

Active Synchronous Learning: How to Engage with Students

In this workshop, we discuss the best practices for engaging students during virtual class meetings and office hours. Topics include an overview of activities you can host in Zoom, as well as strategies for facilitating active learning in your synchronous meetings.

Reflections on Remote Teaching: Praxis and Practicalities

This session was hosted by the Center for Instruction and Research Technology (CIRT) in collaboration with the Office of Faculty Excellence (OFE) 

 

Join us for an open forum to discuss our remote teaching experiences and what the next normal will look like in higher education. We’ll collectively reflect on the last year and what we learned about teaching as well as what we discovered about our students and ourselves. We’ll also take a look at student data to identify what students would like to see post-COVID and share practices we intend to carry forward into the upcoming semester and beyond.

Zoom for Synchronous Instruction

In this workshop, we discuss the best practices for hosting virtual class meetings and office hours. Topics include an overview of Zoom (including functions such as breakout rooms and polling), as well as strategies for scheduling and facilitating virtual meetings.

Canvas 101 for New Faculty

This session is geared towards new faculty and provides an overview of Canvas, UNF’s learning management system. Instructors learn about the Canvas interface and how to create content, assignments, quizzes, and discussions. Grade management and instructional best practices are also covered.

Canva Banner Workshop

Adding visuals to your Canvas course can make an impact on a student’s first impression and create a cohesive theme or brand for your course. We encourage faculty to include a banner and coordinating course card in their Canvas courses. Banners are displayed at the top of the course home page. Course cards are designed to coordinate with the banner and display on your Canvas dashboard screen. (View banner and course card examples here.) 

 

In this workshop, participants create unique banner and course card designs using the free, user-friendly graphic design platform, Canva. 

 

Create for your free Canva account at www.canva.com. For assistance, watch the “Canva: Creating your Free Account” video tutorial.

Effective Online Office Hours

This workshop demonstrates a variety of tools and strategies that instructors can use to schedule and host virtual office hours. Specific features that can be customized within Canvas, Zoom, and Teams are highlighted, and best practices for connecting with students and encouraging student participation are discussed.

Up and Running with Your Canvas Course – Using the Quickstart Template (Fall 2021)

Need to build a Canvas course but not sure where to begin? Use the Quickstart Template to get a headstart on your course developments with just a few clicks! By uploading this template into your course shell, you’ll gain access to customizable content and a weekly learning structure (modules) for the Fall 2021 term. 

 

 In this workshop, instructors learn how to use the Quickstart Template to create organized and user-friendly learning experiences. The workshop also explores course design strategies and considerations for online and face-to-face courses. 

 

Follow this link to preview the Fall Quickstart Template. If your interest is piqued, email CIRT Lab (cirtlab@unf.edu) to request the template to be uploaded into one of your course shells so you can fully participate in this workshop.

Ally: Canvas Accessibility Tool

This workshop allows instructors to learn how to use Ally to their advantage, improve accessibility scores, and convert uploaded content to more accessible formats. No prior knowledge is needed.

Accessibility in Canvas

Canvas content can easily be made accessible. This workshop provides hands-on instruction for making course content accessible in the Rich Content Editor and using the built-in accessibility checker.