Welcome to In the Classroom with Stan Skrabut where we will explore different tools and strategies for creating more engaging courses. In this podcast, Stan works out loud while prepping and teaching different courses in the higher education realm. He also will be sharing ideas that he is exploring…
This week, I am going to share the top ten episodes for 2021. As a bonus, I will share the top five episodes of all time for this podcast. Finally, I close with an important announcement. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc148 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
We have a responsibility to not only help our students understand the content of our disciplines but also help them start their careers. This means they should have a profile, should start developing a network, and learn how to participate as a professional through their profile and as members of a community. Not only can you help students set up powerful LinkedIn profiles, you can use LinkedIn as a teaching and learning platform. This week, I am going to highlight getting started with LinkedIn as well as strategies for using LinkedIn in the classroom. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc147 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
As I break down the 5 steps of ADDIE, I will focus on how it can be used in the classroom. The five steps of the ADDIE model are: ● Analysis ● Design ● Development ● Implementation ● Evaluation The use of ADDIE means that you are taking a deliberate approach to designing your course. Everything has a purpose and is interconnected. The ADDIE method is applicable regardless of course modality. This week, I am going to explain each of the ADDIE steps and provide ideas for using ADDIE to design your courses. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc146 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
During two previous attempts at NaNoWriMo or the National Novel Writing Month, I failed to hit the 50,000 word mark while working on just one project. So I had to try something different. I recognized that I could not find enough time to craft the words by hand. This year I switched to dictation and that made all the difference. This week, I am going to share tips for successfully getting through a time consuming project like NaNoWriMo. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc145 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
My inspiration for this episode comes from a wonderful Spanish professor named Theresa Baginski. She developed a series of study guides for her college-level Spanish classes. A good study guide not only guides students through assigned readings, lectures, presentations, videos, handouts, etc., it also ties together goals and objectives, essential questions, key vocabulary and concepts, and formative activities. This week, I am going to share tips for creating effective study guides to support lectures, videos, and reading assignments. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc144 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
One tool that can turn a lecture from a passive activity to an active one is guided notes also known as skeleton notes. Guided notes can also be used for grasping the essential content from videos and reading assignments. According to William L. Heward, a professor at the Ohio State University, Guided Notes are “Guided notes are instructor-prepared handouts that provide all students with background information and standard cues with specific spaces to write key facts, concepts, and/or relationships during the lecture.” Guided notes can help students stay on task while listening to a lecture, watching a video, or reading a chapter. This can lead to increased academic performance. This week, I am going to share tips for creating beneficial guided notes to support lectures, videos, and reading assignments. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc143 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
With a lot less effort than starting from scratch, you can extract multiple learning assets out of a single piece of core content. For example, you can take a video file and extract an audio file and transcript that can create value for your students. You can then use these different parts to enhance LMS content pages or create OER content. It is a strategy that I have used with a tremendous amount of success. This podcast has been repurposed into many different assets from blog posts to videos. Parts have also found their ways into books. The possibilities are boundless. This week, I am going to share strategies for creating a core piece of content such as a video and then repurposing it into multiple learning assets. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc142 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
This week we are going to talk about making your instruction more personal. My inspiration is coming from Ruth Colvin Clark's book, Evidence-Based Training Methods. I am also inspired by all the entrepreneurial podcasts that I listen to. They try to make their content and ads as personal as possible. We are going to focus on the social presence in this episode. Social presence is the human element. This is where students and the instructor engaged in dialog. Ideally, there should be open communication to develop group cohesion, build trust, and make connections. This is where the greatest amount of dialog takes place. This week, I am going to share strategies you can use to make your instruction more personal. It starts with the language you use and how you use it. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc141 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
I have participated in NaNoWriMo a few times. The first time resulted in my book, Read to Succeed. My last attempt has sparked progress to a book I am currently finalizing. I am hoping to have it released in the next couple of months. I am using this NaNoWriMo event as a catalyst to feed my latest book idea. NaNoWriMo is a perfect vehicle for jump-starting a writing project. I think this is a wonderful challenge for students. It is a stretch goal, but it lets them know what is possible. Students will learn how to break down a large task into smaller, more manageable parts as well as manage a schedule to deliver on time. This week, I am going to tell you about NaNoWriMo and my writing strategy. I will also encourage you to join me in this year's NaNoWriMo. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc140 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
When I was in the Air Force, I had taken courses on instructional systems design or ISD. I learned about Gagné's 9 Events of Instruction. As I was pursuing my degrees, I was exposed to ADDIE, which is a waterfall design method. Along the way, I also learned about agile programming and its underlying methodology. During my exploration, I learned how to apply agile programming to instructional design. I was not the only one seeing the connection. Dr. Michael Allen developed a more rapid design methodology called SAM or the Successive Approximation Model. It uses agile iterative design as its core to test and improve ideas. The goal is to develop working modules quicker. You prototype a solution, test it, and then make updates. This week, we are going to take a closer look at SAM and how it can be useful for your course design. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc139 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
An ARS can automatically collect and report out student responses in a classroom. You can use them to test student opinions as well as test their knowledge on a subject. They can be used throughout a class period. Instructors can use an ARS in face-to-face classes and in some cases, depending on the system, in online courses. This week, we are going to take a closer look at why you would want to use an audience response system as well as some options. Additionally, we will discuss question development and success tips. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc138 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
The first time I had heard about Digital Powerups was while listening to episode 295 of the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast. Bonnie Stachowiak was interviewing Travis Thurston, the Assistant Director of Empowering Teaching Excellence. I immediately knew I needed to share this with you. Basically, students and the instructor use hashtags based on Bloom's Taxonomy to code different aspects of their online discussion posts. This enhancement helps to move the discussions to a high level as well as highlight associations between posts. This week, we are going to take a closer look at digital powerups. We will look at the different hashtags as well as provide tips for implementing them in your classroom. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc137 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
Throughout this podcast, I have referenced active learning but I have never really explained myself. The concept of active learning has been around since the 1860s. I suspect that it is not used in classrooms more is because it is not convenient for instructors. It is much easier to just spew out information as though students were sponges. But research has demonstrated over and over again that this is not the best way to learn. We tend to learn best when confronted with opportunities to work with concepts. This week, we are going to take a closer look at active learning and provide a list of techniques that you can use in your classroom. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc136 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
What is Quest-based Learning? According to Chris Haskell, “Quest-based learning is an instructional design theory of game-based learning that focuses on student activity choice within the curriculum.” The key to this is that the learning design takes its cue from game design. Some of the elements that I find important to quest-based learning include: Choice of assignment Multiple pathways Multiple attempts Additive grading This week, we are going to take a closer look at quest-based learning to include key elements and tips for success. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc135 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
Over the years, I have sat in countless presentations. Many of them are extremely boring; however, some of the most fun, informative, and engaging presentations have adhered to the Pecha Kucha rules. The campus where I work is about to launch a writing, math, and presentation center for our students. I have been tossing around the idea of using Pecha Kucha as a way to draw students to the center as well as holding fun informative contests. According to Wikipedia, Pecha Kucha is Japanese for chit-chat. It is a storytelling presentation format. Presenters show 20 slides. Each slide is displayed for 20 seconds each. They, therefore, have 6 minutes and 40 seconds or 400 seconds to present. Slides advance automatically. This week, we are going to highlight why you would want to use them in your classroom, tips for an engaging presentation, and how to introduce them in your classroom. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc134 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
There are many different activities for engaging students online. Students like an engaging class; however, in many cases, these activities are not being used. In this episode, we will examine 12 strategies that are easy to implement and will increase engagement and interest in your course. While there is a need to be consistent in your course design, you will want to offer different types of assignments as well as vary your communication methods. It helps make the class more interesting. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc133 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
I have been using the Google the alphabet technique for many years. I just didn't realize there was a name for it. I learned this strategy while listening to other bloggers, podcasters, and vlogger pros. These folks constantly shared their methods and tools for generating topic ideas. This week, we are going to walk through the Google the alphabet technique. Additionally, we are going to learn how to find content ideas that will make a difference to others. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc132 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
While I was a cadet candidate at the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School, I was subjected to the Thayer Method of Instruction. With this method, students are able to recognize problems, think logically, define solutions using resources they possess and those they can acquire, and finally, they are able to communicate clearly and logically. It is definitely learner-centric as students are responsible for their own learning. This week, we are going to take a closer look at the Thayer Method of Instruction and its components. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc131 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
I have been using Diigo since 2008 when I switched from Delicious, another social bookmarking tool. Diigo's prime purpose is to bookmark websites and documents that you want to refer to later. I have nearly 21,000 items organized with 1,842 different tags. My primary use for Diigo when supporting a class is the curation of resources while I am researching a topic. I do this with all my research projects. In my classes, I will share a tag link rather than list countless resources. Every time I add something new to Diigo and that specific tag, the list automatically updates. Students get the latest and greatest from my research efforts. This week we are going to take a closer look at Diigo and how you can use it in the classroom. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc130 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
If our current rank and file classrooms are such a productive learning environment, why doesn't the campus leadership team use them to conduct their meetings? Instead, they use conference rooms. Quite simply, there is power with discussion. Ideally, we are trying to create a classroom that is student-centered that has a high level of communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. Rank and file classrooms do not achieve this goal. Research has also shown that instructor behavior changes based on the environment. If there is a front of the classroom, that is where the instructor will go and they will then perform from that stage. When considering an active learning classroom: Make the furniture mobile Provide ample workspaces Remove the front of the room Maximize opportunities for creativity and interaction Enhance technology It is important to remember that change to an active learning classroom is for naught if instructors primarily teach using the lecture method. This week we are going to take a closer look at essential elements for active learning classroom design. Fortunately, much can be done without running up the tab. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc129 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
Learning is about dialogue. When we have conversations, we must adhere to established protocols, even when only having discussions with friends. During daily conversations with others, in the classroom, and through academic research, there are protocols that we must follow in order to be successful. However, in each situation, there are some basics: One must have some knowledge of the topic. You should acknowledge your sources. You need to understand that the conversation has a past and will have a future. This week we are going to take a closer look at teaching research as an ongoing conversation. I also share a simple exercise showing the conversation through journal articles as well as provide tips for helping students see their part in the conversation. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc128 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
Over a couple of decades working as an instructional technologist, I have developed my ideas on what a good assignment should cover. In preparation for this episode, I rediscovered the principles outlined by TILT - Transparency in Learning and Teaching. Since they mirror my principles and that are already documented, I am going to focus on transparent assignment design. The goal of this episode is to help you develop assignments that help students achieve your learning objectives. This week we are going to take a closer look at the three elements of Transparent Assignment Design. These elements are supported by Universal Design for Learning. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc127 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
I used after-action reviews for the last 40 years. I was first exposed to them in the Air Force as a strategy for continuous improvement. AARs have served me well. I continue to use them today. I also use them in the classroom and you can as well. AARs are easy to conduct and yield a lot of valuable information about your course and its activities. The key is to do something with what you learn. This week we are going to take a closer look at after-action reviews and how you can improve your courses. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc126 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
I use peer review in an online graduate-level course I teach. During the course, students are developing program proposals. They submit the proposal in three phases: two drafts and a final submission. Ideally, each phase leads to an improved product. During each of the drafts, students will also submit a peer review on two different proposals. Students can provide feedback directly on the proposal. Additionally, they must complete a worksheet. The worksheet has reviewers analyze the program plan in terms of composition, program elements, support, citations, and overall writing. Each set of peer reviews is worth 10% over the overall grade. Ensuring that it is worth a letter grade helps to get back the quality that I am looking for. Over the course of the term, I have witnessed substantial growth in terms of the subject matter and their writing capability. I will continue to use peer reviews and modify them as I learn more. This week, we are going to take a closer look at using peer review in the classroom to include its benefits, steps to take before, during, and after a peer review session, and effective practices to consider when creating a peer review exercise. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc125 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
Throughout the year I do a lot of reading, however, this past year has been rather tough on my reading goals. But things are settling down and I have managed to carve out time for more books. Today, I would like to share what I am reading as well as provide you with ideas for your summer reading list. My personal reading tends to revolve around instructional technology and productivity. What I have learned over the years has helped me become more efficient and effective. This has in turn allowed me to pursue other activities. My summer reading list is primarily focused on productivity with a hint of instructional technology. While I have lots of recommendations, I have narrowed my list for you to eight books. I have read each of these books and I think you will find them inspirational and useful. I hope you enjoy them Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc124 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
I am on the fence with this one. Primarily, I teach online classes so participation and attendance are slightly different. I also believe that the more one is involved in a course, the better they will do. But I also believe in treating adults like adults. That means, they get to make their own decisions and must accept responsibility for the decisions they make. All I can do is create the conditions that they will want to participate and succeed. The reason I am approaching this topic right now is that I have been helping faculty work on their courses and participation and attendance have been elements we have had to work out. Additionally, I had just read a couple of articles by James Lang in the Chronicle of Higher Education on the topic. I thought the articles made a lot of sense. The reason why we grade participation is that we recognize that engagement in the classroom leads to greater success. Students also understand this basic fact. Learning is about dialogue. The grade should not be the reason to participate. In this episode, we will look at grading participation and attendance to include the pros and cons. We will also discuss strategies for grading participation and attendance in your classroom. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc123 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
Choice sits at the heart of Universal Design for Learning. Ideally, you would want to provide a lot of choices for your assignments to include a choice of content and format. You would also want to have different choices for each learning objective. Converting your entire course at one time can be exhausting. I recommend that you implement assignment choice one objective at a time. In some cases, you just need to tweak your rubric and the wording of the assignment itself. In this episode, we will look at a list of things you should consider when creating assignment choice. We will also discuss a strategy for implementing assignment choice in your classroom. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc122 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
I just integrated Hypothes.is with Readwise and now I can send all the notes I take to Evernote. This makes it tremendously easy to do research. My research system now uses five programs: Feedly Hypothes.is Readwise Evernote Zotero With these five tools, I can locate new material, take notes, curate those notes, and turn them into something useful. In this episode, I will explain my system and share how each tool serves a purpose. If you would like to check out Readwise, use this link for a free month (I will also get a free month). Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc121 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
Why would you want to give students extra assignments when they cannot complete the regular assignments? I am of the opinion that you can create your course in a manner in which students will not need extra credit. I am not alone in this opinion. Rather than have students do additional assignments, have them improve upon the assignments they have already completed. This episode will take a closer look at the pros and cons of extra credit as well as strategies for avoiding it altogether. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc120 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
To keep a semester moving forward successfully, there are many opportunities for communicating important information. This is to alert faculty to key events taking place such as preparing courses, semester start-up, archiving old courses, and much more. Instructional technologists, program coordinators, and department chairs all have key messages they need to get out term after term. They can provide better service in the long run by automating as much routine messaging as possible. They can then divert cognitive energy to tasks on their plate. This episode will take a closer look at creating an editorial calendar and scheduling key messages. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc119 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
Seeking is about pulling in information that is new. It is basically keeping my eyes and ears open to what is happening in the world. I tend to find information around areas of interest or problems that I am trying to solve. They may be my problems or problems for others. Keeping an eye out for new information is a fairly rapid process. Primarily, I scan titles to articles until one looks interesting. I will then open it, read it, and decide if it is worth keeping or not. The process of sense-making is necessary before I share information with others. In my various roles, I believe it is my responsibility to help find and distribute new content in order to help others excel. Sense-making is a key component of this process because I have to first understand it and know how the new knowledge will benefit others before I can share it. While each element is critical to this framework, I am especially a fan of the Share element. Sharing is an opportunity to add to the world knowledge base with your interpretation of what you have learned. Learning is about dialogue; dialogue with either content or with others. By sharing content, you open a door to dialogue and learning with those who network with you. This episode will take a closer look at the Seek - Sense - Share framework and the tools I use to carry out each part of the framework. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc118 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
Since my days in the Air Force, I always carried a small notebook with me - a Moleskine notebook. I would write notes as they occur to me. These notes would be from meetings, podcasts, books, or just random ideas I wanted to capture. My notebook was a mess. I then tripped upon a method to help me stay on track better due to better note-taking. I have been using this method ever since. This method is called bullet journaling, a creation of Ryder Carroll. Each individual can personalize their method to what works best for them. Even though I am now using the bullet journaling method, I have adapted it to my own way of working. The most important thing I have found in using bullet journals is that I am more relaxed because I offloaded content from my brain to a more reliable memory device. This episode will take a closer look at bullet journaling and how you can use it to support your profession. We will look at key features of bullet journaling as well as provide examples of how to use it. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc117 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
Approximately two weeks ago, Thomas Frank introduced me to a new tool through one of his YouTube videos. Once I understood what it could do, I knew that I needed to add it to my mix of tools. While I am just getting familiar with it, I knew I had to introduce you to it. The tool is called Readwise. With Readwise, I was able to connect to my Kindle account and export the highlights of 116 books to Evernote. Kindle is not the only application to which you can connect. Readwise will let you automatically sync with twelve different applications such as Twitter, Hypothesis, Goodreads, Feedly, Instapaper, Pocket, and many more. Readwise also reminds me of the wisdom I have gleaned while reading with daily emails containing random highlights. I can also share these highlights with others. Finally, Readwise allows you to create a study system to improve your information recall similar to flashcards. This program has become an integral part of my learning system. It will also get me using Hypothes.is and Kindle much more. This episode will take a closer look at Readwise. We will look at the features as well as how I am currently using it along with other strategies. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc116 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
Podcasting in your classroom can be a great way to develop lifelong learning habits in your students. Podcast episodes can be consumed anytime and anywhere. They provide an effective way to share content with your students and can be used for many different purposes. Students can also create podcast episodes as a way to demonstrate what they have learned. This episode will take a closer look at why you would want to use podcasts in your classroom, what you need to get started, and ideas for use. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc115 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
By controlling the 168 hours we are given each week, we can move our programs and visions forward. Using strategies I learned from Tim Ferriss and Michael Hyatt, I have been able to carve out time. These fours strategies will help you increase classroom efficiency and get more time in your life include: Eliminate Simplify Automate Delegate This episode will take a closer look at these strategies and provide ideas for incorporating them into your classroom. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc114 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
Providing accommodations for students with needs is a time suck for a lot of people. They cut into your time as the instructor. Students divert time and energy from their studies to request accommodation. Disability services also have to spend time and energy to put the accommodation in place. In most cases, the accommodation request would not have gone in if the course was created correctly. Accessible and inclusive courses reduce accommodations. No one really wants to request accommodation due to the stigma. They request one as a last result. If you want to create courses that Improve learning Reduce accommodations Increase engagement Increase retention Expands the capabilities of your course Then build your course with sound principles such as Universal Design for Learning, accessibility, and backward design. This episode will take a closer look at strategies you can use to reduce accommodations to deliver instruction to all your students. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc113 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
What I going to share with you comes from Raymond Wlodkowski’s book, Enhancing Adult Motivation to Learn. As Wlodkowski pointed out there is a strong positive correlation between motivation and learning. As instructors, we can create the right conditions and environment to help them learn. Wlodkowski and Ginsberg developed the Motivational Framework for Culturally Responsive Teaching. Within this framework, Wlodkowski and Ginsberg incorporate four essential elements that will attend to the learning activities that meet four conditions: success, volition, value, and enjoyment. These elements include: Establishing inclusion Developing attitude Enhancing meaning Engendering competence By attending to these four elements, you keep focused on learner motivation. This episode will take a closer look at factors that affect motivation, characteristics and skills needed as a motivating instructor, and strategies for increasing motivation in the classroom. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc112 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
Dialog is foundational to meaningful learning. In a well-developed course, students need to have dialog with the teacher, fellow students, and the content. The Community of Inquiry Framework facilitates this dialog. We want students to ask questions that interest them about a topic and feel comfortable adding to the conversation. We want students to pull apart topics through personal review and reflection. Most importantly, learning is about dialogue. The Community of Inquiry Framework achieves its effect through three presences: Teaching Presence Social Presence Cognitive Presence These interconnected elements result in a heightened learner experience. The course will lack engagement and be lackluster if one element is missing. This episode will take a closer look at the Community of Inquiry Framework. Specifically, I will break down the three main elements and highlight strategies for weaving the elements into your course. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc111 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
A lesson plan is a road map of all the key points your want to visit in your travels. It will help ensure that you get to each one in the right order. They are a way to organize your content and ensure that you have time to cover the essentials. A lesson plan is a continuation of backward design. Your lesson plan will help you present the interconnected elements in a logical flow. By having a written lesson plan, you can ensure that you are baking key teaching and learning strategies into your lesson. This episode will take a closer look at lesson plans. Specifically, I will address ways that you can create them, what to include, and other considerations. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc110 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
While attending college classes, I have had to journal twice. Once when I was at the United States Air Force Academy Prep School for an English class. The other time was during a graduate-level course. But I turned that journaling experience into blogging, which I continue to do. In both cases, I was frustrated because I really did not grasp the exercise. Journaling was certainly something that I did not continue past the class. At least, not until recently. Listening to many different entrepreneurs on podcasts, I have come to appreciate the importance of journaling. I do believe it is a valuable activity and one that should be taught to students. This episode will take a closer look at the benefits of journaling, types of learning prompts to write about, and tips for successfully implementing journaling in your class. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc109 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
We are going to tap into a learning method that is over 2,000 years old. It is the Socratic discussion method. The Socratic method flips the classroom instruction from one where the instructor shares information on a topic to one where students share what they know about a topic. This dialogue is achieved through open-ended questions. Through this method, you will help students discover what they know about a topic like peeling back the layers of an onion. This episode will take a closer look at the elements of the Socratic discussion method, tips for putting it into practice, and ideas for taking it online. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc108 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
Each term that I have been working as an instructional technologist, I have offered to show faculty members how each of the classrooms works. Only a handful of instructors take me up on it and test drive their classroom. As can be expected, they have fewer issues than many other instructors who did not capitalize on the opportunity. When rehearsing your first class, it is important to do it in the classroom you are going to teach. You want to run through different scenarios to ensure everything runs smoothly. The last thing you want to have happened is for an issue to develop while you are teaching. Unfortunately, term after term, I see upset instructors in their classrooms. This is not the experience that we want to first present to our students. We can avoid this disruption with a rehearsal. This episode will take a closer look at the importance of rehearsing your first class. We will focus on the time spent before the first class. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc107 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
Reading is a fuel source for lifelong learning. If you want to be competitive in today’s world, you must continue to read and learn. Our students have not yet figured this out so we must guide them. The bottom line is that students will assess your class and make a value judgment on whether they should dedicate time to reading. If you do nothing with what students have read or do the reading for them, they will never read. This episode will take a closer look at strategies for encouraging reading in your classroom. Most of the strategies focus on making the reading assignments count as part of their grade. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc106 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
I had just finished reading Small Teaching by Dr. James Lang. He devoted an entire chapter to the concept of practicing. It certainly generated a lot of ideas. When I was in the Air Force, practicing was central to everything we did as we improved our knowledge and skills. I, like Dr. Lang, believe more can be done in our classrooms to help students become more successful. We can pack our courses full of content, but if students do not get a chance to get their hands dirty, they will not grasp the concepts as well. This episode will take a closer look at practice in your classroom. In addition to explaining why you should include more practice, I will highlight three strategies to consider. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc105 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
Because of my new role as a director of an academic library, I have been taking deep dives into how libraries can help in the classroom. While I have always appreciated the role of the library, I now have a better understanding of libguides and how they can serve you and your students. I was probably typical of most college students. I used Google and the general library database search engine. I was unaware of what libguides were and how they could help me. Instructors are in the best position to guide students to these tools. Libguides can help reduce cognitive load as well as teach students about resources used in a discipline. This episode will take a closer look at libguides. Specifically, we will examine why you would want to use a libguide for your course as well as ways to develop a libguide that will be used. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc104 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
Rubrics help to add grading consistency to assignments that can be difficult to grade. Adding a grading structure makes grading assignments easier and faster. Completed rubrics provide immediate feedback to students that is meaningful. Used as a formative tool, rubrics can point out areas for improvement as students develop course products. A well-designed rubric clarifies assignment requirements. This episode will take a closer look at rubrics. Specifically, we will examine why you would want to use rubrics and strategies for developing rubrics that will raise student performance. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc103 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
Scholarship is a conversation. At each instance, where it is a journal article, a class essay, or a conference presentation, we are contributing and extending the conversation. Too often students launch in a monologue rather than a discussion. They often present what they “know” without acknowledging those who contributed to their knowledge. Information literacy stresses the importance that scholarship is about dialogue. his means that we need to be teaching information literacy in every class. According to the Association of Colleges and Research Libraries (ACRL), “Information literacy is the set of integrated abilities encompassing the reflective discovery of information, the understanding of how information is produced and valued, and the use of information in creating new knowledge and participating ethically in communities of learning.” This episode will take a closer look at the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy. Specifically, we will examine each of the six frames and discuss strategies for incorporating information literacy in your classroom. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc102 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
I am a huge fan of using technology to improve performance but I also understand that technology can also quickly cause damage. It is how you use it. Turnitin is one of those tools that can improve performance but you can do a lot of damage if you use it incorrectly. Turnitin checks paper submissions for originality. In other words, it does text matching to see if the content matches previously reviewed content. It will then generate a similarity report with a score. Consider Turnitin as a check engine light. The check engine light lets you know that there may be an issue but you still have to check it out. Blindly reacting to a similarity score without understanding the underlying cause will result in a break of trust with your students. This episode will take a closer look at Turnitin. Specifically, we will examine strategies that will help you turn it into a teaching and learning tool. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc101 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
In this episode, we are going to celebrate our first 100 episodes by highlighting what you found popular. I will countdown the top 10 downloaded episodes. When I looked over the list, there were only a couple of surprises but they were pleasant surprises. Come and hear what you and others found to be worth listening to. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc100 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
Professional athletes, musicians, CEOs, and other successful entities use coaches to take their abilities to the next level. During my time in higher education, I noticed that faculty are reluctant to use coaches. While workshops and conferences are beneficial learning opportunities, they pale in comparison to coaching in learning a new skill or raising a performance level. We ask our students to use tutoring or coaching services because we know it works. Shouldn’t we also serve as role models by using coaches to improve our performance? This week, I will be exploring instructional coaching. I will be looking at reasons why faculty shy away from coaching, reasons for using coaching, and tips for getting the most out of coaching. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc99 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/
The decision to switch LMSs has already taken place. It is now a matter of executing the decision. In this episode, I am going to focus on the migration plan. When building your migration plan, you need to gather information about all the steps that you will need to take. You need a place to build out this project plan. This week, I will be talking about my process to develop a migration plan, the tools I am using, and key elements that I will be including in my plan. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/ Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc98 Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/