VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1 | August 2022 Academic & Professional Excellence Newsletter What is the Pinnacle? The Pinnacle is the new periodic newsletter from Team APEX. Each issue will be filled with tech tips, teaching tips, micro learnings, and inspirational ideas to help you reach new heights in your college role. Introducing the New APEX Center The Employee Development Center has rebranded to the Academic and Professional Excellent (APEX) Center with our new location in E123 on the Wisconsin Rapids Campus. In our new center you will find the following: • A full classroom with the standard classroom technology + an OWL camera for hybrid meetings/training (Schedule in 25 Live) • Flexible furniture (option to move desks into u shape, pods, traditional ows) • Faculty workspaces with computers AND a private office for faculty and staff to use as needed • Recording studio • Soft seating for collaboration and visiting • Offices for the APEX Team members • The HUB that can be used for meetings and collaboration when the classroom is in use • Books and teaching tools for faculty use • Cold drinks, snacks, and chocolate • COMING SOON laptop cart with portable dual monitor set ups for training TEAM APEX Chris Severson, Executive Dean, Academic Excellence Lea Ann Turner, Manager, Academic & Professional Excellence Trea Kimball, Curriculum & Assessment Specialist Todd Will, Teaching & Technology Innovation Specialist Debi Kedrowski, Academic Specialist • APEX Team Roles • Tech Tips • Beginning of Semester Checklist • Curriculum Corner • Single Parent Students • FQAS Redesign • August/Sept PD Options • Technology Support • Ask APEX IN THIS ISSUE
Trea.kimball@mstc.edu
Executive Dean Academic & Professional Excellence and Campus Dean, Wisconsin Rapids
2 FIND THE APEX TEAM MEMBER YOU NEED APEX Team Member InformationContact Contact For
ALT AcademicLeadershipPrograms and
State Curriculum Reporting Curriculum PeopleSoft/AnthologyPayments Curriculum Connections
Debi.kedrowski@mstc.edu715.422.5450
Dr. Chris Severson
Debi Kedrowski
Chris.severson@mstc.edu715.422.5306 Planning Academic Strategic Plan Wisconsin Rapids Campus needs 25 Live
Leaann.turner@mstc.edu715.422.5480
Click Here for Calendar
Lea Ann Turner Manager, Academic & Professional Excellence
Trea Kimball
Todd.will@mstc.edu715.422.5309
Training Coverage of Wisconsin Rapids Campus, Adams Campus, and the Simulation Center Course ClassroomDesignTechnology Training
Click Here for Calendar
CoverageBlackboardof
TelePresence Scheduling and Training Technology Training and Support for Faculty and Staff Professional Development End of Couse Evaluations
TelePresence Training Technology Training and Support for Faculty and Staff Professional Development
JustBlackboardinTime
Curriculum Design WIDS CourseSyllabi CreditProgramAssessmentAssessment/WatermarkforPriorLearning/PriorLearning Assessment Professional Development TSA
Curriculum & Assessment Specialist 715.422.5478
Academic Specialist
Todd Will Learning & Technology Innovation Specialist
Marshfield Campus, Stevens Point Campuses, and AMETA Center Course ClassroomDesignTechnology Training
1. Copy multiple options of text, images, etc.
Snip & Sketch
2. Click on the three dots on the right of the Snip & Sketch window and choose settings
How?
Click Here for More Information
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Note: Recording in Teams is great, just make sure you move it to Panopto to share with others.
Windows 10 Clipboard Tool to store everything you copy!
Panopto is still the best option for recording and/or storing video that Mid State offers. The ease of use and the automatic captioning make it a tool of choice. (Remember that captioning is required on all videos.)
3. Click the three dots to the right manage that item. (delete, pin, clear all)
1. Open Snip and Sketch on your computer by typing Snip in the search bar
Practices in Panopto—Keep It Short
5. Now go to any window on your computer and click on your Print Screen button.
TECH TIPS
In the past, the Windows clipboard limited you to copying and pasting only one item at a time. This forced you to make a series of round trips between your source and destination if you needed to cut or copy a whole lineup of items.
You can also turn your Print Screen key on you computer into a tool that allows you to capture just what you need on your screen.
2. Press Windows Key + V (instead of Crtl+V) and choose the single item from your copied list that you would like to paste.
Todd and Lea Ann heard the same message several times this summer videos over 10 minutes are not watched or not fully watched. So our big tip to you, if you are making a video. Keep it short, keep it focused, keep it simple. If you have a lot to say, chunk your content into multiple videos. Think about what you are willing to watch and learn from on YouTube or and apply it to your own video creation.
Click Here for Video Instructions for Print Screen Button
Click Here to Learn More About Snip & Sketch
Snip and Sketch is Microsoft's dedicated utility that lets you quickly capture, annotate, and share screenshots. It far surpasses the original windows Snipping Tool.
A Windows 10 update introduced a clipboard history feature that can store multiple items on your clipboard.
Click Here to get started with Panopto
4. Scroll down to Print Screen Shortcut and turn it on.
3. Click on the link “Use PrtScn button to open screen snipping” (answer yes)
Update or delete dates criteria.
Change the open/close dates on learning plan folders Use the date management tool*
ANNOUNCEMENTS IN BLACKBOARD
Change open/close dates for tests Use the date management tool*
Beginning of Semester Checklist
Use the link checker to ensure all links are still valid. Only checks links created using Build Content >Web Link. Use Course Tools, Link Checker.
SYLLABUS
Put your schedule in Outlook so everyone can see your availability.
Change any dates in the assignment information area Use the date management tool*
If course schedule is separate from the syllabus, update with new semester dates.
If you see Enabled: Adaptive Release below any item, view the ‘Adaptive Release: Advanced’ and update settings
Are dates correct?
Is information still relevant?
If using Blackboard due dates connected to assignments Use the date management tool*
OUTLOOK
Update or delete review status criteria.
Are there other announcements still showing to students from previous semesters?
LEARNING PLANS
Update the syllabus to the current semester Build a Syllabus in WIDS to reflect the most current wording for Mid State procedures and policies.
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Update or delete membership criteria.
Check Your Welcome Announcement.
*To use the date management tool, in any course: Click on Course Tools on the left navigation menu in Blackboard Click on Date Management Follow the instructions to change your dates
Make sure those outcomes are in Blackboard. If not, provide them to Lea Ann or Todd who will put them in Blackboard
Clean out old assignments and columns no longer in use. Check with an instructional technology staff member if assistance is needed.
Check weighted total columns to ensure they reflect the addition of new assignments, tests, etc.
Make sure your initial welcome discussion is still up to date and relevant.
DISCUSSION BOARDS
INSTRUCTOR INFO
Add any relevant dates to the calendar that you want to push to the students.
Change instructor info to reflect new semester office hours / virtual hours.
CALENDAR
GRADE CENTER
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5. When you refresh the page or move in and out of the page, you will notice that you have a new menu item on the left navigation menu for Panopto.
Add those alignments to your summative assessment or gradebook columns where you are measuring that competency.
Arrange Grade Center through Manage > Column Organization to reflect the way you and your students want to see the grades.
Update your picture. 150px x 150px is optimal size.
4. Click Return to Course
3. Click Add Course
What competencies/outcomes are you collecting data on this semester?
Provision your course through Panopto every new course in a new semester must go through this LogprocessintoBlackboard and go into the learning plans for the course you want to sync.
Make sure you indicate turnaround time for getting back with students who email or call.
Beginning of Semester Checklist
2. Click Add Course to Panopto
ALIGNMENTS FOR DATA COLLECTION
PANOPTO
Delete duplicated total or weighted total columns.
1. Go to Tools on the top menu and choose Panopto Video Link
Clean out old discussions. See Discussion Boards under Instructor Blackboard Resources for information about cleaning out the old conversations.
Change your old copied discussion posts from anonymous to your name.
Course and Syllabus Design Checklist Fall 2022
2022-23
2. Naming convention for syllabi: Last Name_Course Title_Delivery Mode
SYLLABUS REMINDER & COURSE DESIGN CHECKLIST FOR
3. You are responsible for adding the breakdown of grade, assignment/exam guidelines with late work and retake language, turn around time for entering grades and getting feedback to students
4. Let Trea know if you need any textbook edits those don’t automatically update
5. Trea will archive all submitted syllabi on Sept 15, Nov 15, Feb 15, April 15, July 15. Please submit all syllabi as you create them for this year.
1. Always create a new syllabus for each term (in case items like college language or grading or anything changes)
REMINDER
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Curriculum Corner
Please use this link for the updated course & syllabus design checklist.
3-Year Assessment Tracking Plans
Watermark Faculty Instructions 2022 2023
REMINDER:
WATERMARK FOR 2022-23
As a reminder, all program/gen ed outcomes and employability skills are still tracked somewhere in your program every year.
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Now that we have completed our first cycle, all previous data and any actions are available for you to view in Watermark. See the instruction manual for details.
TALK AND TYPE CURRICULUM & COURSE DESIGN PROCESS
NEW THIS YEAR:
If you are are stuck on a project, want to add some pizazz to your course, or just want to find new ways to engage your students, set up a time with Team APEX. We can map out your weekly learning plans and talk through ideas that can spur your creativity. The APEX Team will type it all up or take pictures of our whiteboarding and you can take away that spark of energy that makes teaching fun again!
This Whiteboard in the APEX Center is waiting for your creative brainstorming.
Curriculum Corner
We are on Year 1 of our next 3 year cycle for course competency tracking. In spring, each program indicated their plan for tracking competencies for this cycle. You can find your plans arranged by “school of” at this link:
In Watermark, you will be responsible for choosing the competencies you are going to assess this year. Here is an updated instruction manual for setting up Watermark for this year.
Last semester we heard from a panel of single parent students. One thing we learned from that panel was the kids love to do homework with their parents. As you plan your assignments and learning activities for students, think about some ways that you can create family friendly assignments or assignment options. Ideas for Family Friendly Assignments:
• Subject Matter Scavenger Hunts (snap a picture when you find it!)
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• Vocabulary Builders flashcards, games, or puzzles
FAMILY FRIENDLY ASSIGNMENTS
Click the image below to add your own ideas to a Padlet, these ideas will be shared in future newsletters!
• Sometimes all it takes is giving permission to students to allow their kids to “help” them with their homework
• Subject Matter Interviews that the kids can be a part of
• Build a business project with the option of having the kids help their parent plan the business
INSPIRED TEACHING
Marshfield Campus—Room TBD
TOPICS: Addressing student behaviors in the classroom. Brain based research on poverty & stress. Generations in the classroom. Teach to the students you have. Marigold Effect. Acronyms.
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Friday, August 12, 1:00—2:00 PM Recorded Virtual Click Here to Join the Training
APEX Center
REFRESHER
PART-TIME FACULTY CHECK IN
Monday, September 19 Option 1: 12:00-1:00 Option 2: 5:00—6:00 Virtual Click Here to Join the Training
Monday, Sept 12 3:00—4:30
EVENT TIME LOCATION AND/OR LINK TO EVENT
AugustWednesday,17,11:00—12:00
UPCOMING SCHEDULED TRAINING
Stevens Point Campus—Room TBD
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Virtual
PADLET
Tuesday, August 16, 1:00—2:00
Stevens Point Campus
Remember, you don’t have to wait for scheduled training. If you want to learn something, just schedule a time with a Team Apex member.
Wisconsin Rapids Campus
TOPIC: Organizational Meeting
REFRESHER
TOPIC: Blackboard, Classroom Tech, Civitas
NEW FACULTY MONTHYLY MEETING
Friday, September 16, 9:30—11:30 Virtual
CLASSROOM TECHNOLOGY
CLASSROOM TECHNOLOGY
Click here to join the meeting
Learn to use our new Mid State Padlet tool with individualized accounts.
REFRESHER
CLASSROOM TECHNOLOGY
Friday, August 12, 10:00-11:00
Click here to join the meeting
2ND YEAR FACULTY SCHOLARS:
Marshfield Campus
TOPIC OF THE MONTH : Interactive Technology tools for Learning, Share your favorite and/or pick up some new ideas.
Friday, Sept 6 10:00—11:00 Monday, Sept 12, 1:00—2:00 Recorded Virtual Click here to join the meeting
The Wisconsin Technical College System has updated the competencies for FQAS and we have used the opportunity to redesign our FQAS process. All full and part time faculty will engage in the FQAS courses in their first 18 months of teaching and will move together through the content in a cohort .
FULL TIME FACULTY
FQAS is built into your onboarding process and you if you attend all sessions and participate in all of the onboarding activities, you will meet the FQAS requirements.
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FQAS HAS CHANGED
FQAS
PART TIME FACULTY
Part Time Faculty will start with a cohort and go through FQAS together. This year we are level setting and all part time faculty who have not yet met FQAS requirements will go through the FQAS courses together. Moving forward, part time faculty will start FQAS the semester that they are hired and will have it complete within 3 semesters. If you are part time and you have not completed FQAS, you should see the FQAS course on Blackboard. You will need to complete the first three learning plans before school starts. They are quick and easy and will take you through beginning of semester things that you will be doing anyway.
Setting Up for Next Semester
MarchTuesday,14
All meetings are optional, but highly encouraged. Meetings will be recorded if for those unable to attend due to work/teaching schedules in any given month.
Option 1: 12:00 1:00
FebruaryMonday, 20
Option 2: 5:00 6:00
Wednesday, October 19
DecemberTuesday, 6
AprilWednesday,19
Option 2: 5:00 6:00
Option 1: 12:00 – 1:00
We recognize that you may be teaching during some of the meetings, so we have planned the meetings for multiple days and times throughout the semester.
MayThursday,11
Option 2: 5:00 6:00
Topic
FinalWatermarkGrades
Option 2: 5:00 6:00
Option 1: 12:00 1:00
Assessment Students in Need
NovemberThursday, 17
Option 1: 12:00 1:00
When you sign up you will receive an email with a calendar invite and automatic reminders a day or two before the event. Closer to the event time, you will also receive a link for the virtual meeting.
FQAS
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP
Cognitive Strategies
Spring Term
SeptemberMonday, 19
Fall Term
Option 1: 12:00 1:00
Option 2: 5:00 – 6:00
Equity & Inclusion
Blackboard/Classroom Tech
Option 1: 12:00 1:00
Option 1: 12:00 1:00
End of Course Evaluations
Option 2: 5:00 6:00
Option 2: 5:00 – 6:00
New Ways to Facilitate Discussion
Option 1: 12:00 1:00
Civitas
Date Times
PART TIME FACULTY FQAS CHECK INS
Note: You MUST sign up to attend so that we can track attendance and prepare based on the number of faculty participating. Sign up now, you can always cancel later if you need to.
Reflecting on Teaching
Option 2: 5:00 6:00
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TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT
• Panopto Video Recording
JUST-IN-TIME INDIVIDUAL TECHNOLOGY TRAINING IS AVAILABLE
• Variety of Software/Web Based Tools
• TelePresence
• Classroom Technology
Lea Ann Turner (leaann.turner@mstc.edu) can support you on the Wisconsin Rapids or Adams Toddcampuses.Will(todd.will@mstc.edu) can support you on the Wisconsin Rapids, Stevens Point and Marshfield campuses.
Who Can Help Me?
HOW YOU REACT MATTERS
Your students know that tech problems happen. They are going to understand that tech issues happen. If you handle it with humor and patience, most likely they will be patient too. You also need to model good employability skills in this area so that students have a good model to follow when they have technology issues in their own places of employment. In fact, it gives you an opportunity to directly teach employability skills. Make a plan for how you will react when technology doesn't act like you are expecting so that you represent Mid State well and serve as a role model to your student.
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• Blackboard
We offer group technology training options, however, we find that working one on one to train you on technology often works better for you. We can focus on your needs and uses of the technology and give you the opportunity to practice hands on with the tech. Training Topics Include but are not limited to:
We know technology problems happen. IT works hard to make keep everything running smoothly, but the nature of technology is that it is impossible to guarantee perfection. It is your professional responsibility to represent Mid State to our students. That is why we have a team that can respond to your technology needs. However, what you say and how you react can make the difference in keeping a course positive for your students or creating a negative vibe in the class toward you and/or toward Mid State.
How Do I Contact the Help Desk?
WHEN SHOULD I USE THE HELPDESK? WHEN SHOULD I USE THE EMERGENCY TECHNOLOGY LINE?
From the classroom, you may use the emergency classroom technology number for the following reasons: You are in a classroom full of students (or soon to be full of students) and
TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT
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What is the Classroom Technology Emergency Line Number?
• DO NOT use it for training purposes. It is your responsibility to set up training with Lea Ann or Todd prior to teaching in the classroom or to request further training on features you would like to use.
If you understand the criteria above and it is truly a classroom emergency, dial x5670 from any campus phone.
• DO NOT use it if the issue will not directly affect the class right now if it can wait, put in a ticket.
Helpdesk
• Call from a non campus phone 877.469.6782
When should I not use the emergency line?
• The Cynap won't display
• DO NOT use it for Blackboard issues. The Emergency Line staff do not have access to Blackboard.
• The camera is not working and students are joining remotely.
• Call from a campus phone x5555
Classroom Technology Emergencies
The helpdesk is a great system that allows tickets to be developed, tracked, given the right personnel, and resolved in a timely manner. The helpdesk should always be used for classroom technology issues that do not immediately affect students.
• TelePresence won't work or does not come up when it is supposed to (4 minutes prior to the start of class)
• Go online and put in a ticket Go through MyCampus
• The computer won't come up
ASK APEX
job, it may feel like you can’t reach the apex because each new student that you teach brings a new set of obstacles and challenges, but that never impedes our goal. We, as the APEX team, want to be a resource, an encouragement, and a support as you help students reach toward the apex in their own career paths.
Apex is defined as the following: (noun) the top or highest point of something; (verb) reach a high point
Answer:
Education is about continuous improvement, a constant striving to be better, to reach new heights. In your
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Advice columns are fun and an anonymous way to ask a questions that will probably benefit more than just you. Team APEX wants to answer your questions. Click Here to Ask Your Question
Dear APEX,
Why did you choose the name APEX? Why is it significant to what your department does?
