Seminars in Research and Instructional Technology will be held May 12-13 in classrooms and computer labs across MSU’s East Lansing campus. Register by May 8.

Notice: There will be construction around the north side of campus, for information about detours and exact construction locations, please click here.

Lunch presentations

Lunch presentations are complimentary, but sign-up early because they fill up fast.

Robots for Telepresent Students in Face-to-Face Classes
Tuesday Lunch, May 12: 12:00-1:15 p.m.

Synchronous hybrid courses include both face-to-face and online students as part of the same learning experience. One model for bringing online students into the classroom is by using conferencing tools like Zoom, Google Hangouts, or Skype. The College of Education’s  research has focused on the use of robotic telepresence to give online students an individualized place at the table next to face-to-face students, instead of relegating all online students to a single shared screen. In this presentation, we’ll address pragmatics and research related to this innovative approach. (MSU Union Ballroom)

Presenters from the MSU College of Education

Quality Matters Pilot Project
Wednesday Lunch, May 13: 12:00-1:15 p.m.

This panel presentation will provide an overview of the Quality Matters (QM) program along with a discussion of the QM pilot program at MSU. MSU purchased a campus subscription to the QM rubric and online resources in order to assist faculty and instructors in creating quality courses that will improve  student learning. The session will be of particular interest to faculty teaching blended and online courses to learn about factors that should be incorporated into course design. (MSU Union Ballroom)

Presenters from the Center for Integrative Studies in General Science, College of Arts & Letters, and IT Services

Courses and descriptions

Collaborative Tools
Learning Management Systems (Desire2Learn, LON-CAPA)
Publishing and Citation Management
Research
Software Training (Microsoft, Adobe)
Teaching Tools

Collaborative Tools

Adobe Connect & Presenter
Tuesday, May 12: 8:30-11:30 a.m.

Enhance your PowerPoint presentations and make them more interactive by incorporating audio, video, and Flash movies. In addition, learn how to conduct online meetings and lectures with Adobe Acrobat Connect Pro. (Library Basement Instruction Room)

Camtasia Studio 8
Wednesday, May 13: 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Learn how to use this video tool to create, edit, and post videos that can include PowerPoint slides. (216 Bessey Hall)

Capturing Screen & Video
Tuesday, May 12: 8:30-11:30 a.m.

This workshop covers how to capture images and record screen videos with Snagit 12.0. The first part of the class establishes a baseline for everyday use of Snagit. Next, attendees learn to set up hotkeys, sharing options, and time-saving tips and tricks. (216 Bessey Hall)

Google at MSU: Drive and Docs
Tuesday, May 12: 8:30-11:30 a.m.

Learn to use Google Drive to build, share, and collaborate on documents, presentations, spreadsheets, and forms. Learn how to apply the collaborative features with both students and colleagues. (415 Computer Center)

Virtual Collaboration Tools
Tuesday, May 12: 8:30-11:30 a.m.

Learn about Zoom, Skype, Kaltura MediaSpace, and FileDepot. Zoom is a tool for video and audio conferencing. Skype allows for instant messaging and face-to-face meetings. Kaltura MediaSpace is a cloud-based service for uploading and sharing media. FileDepot is a tool for securely transferring files. (217 Bessey Hall)

Learning Management Systems (Desire2Learn, LON-CAPA)

Desire2Learn: Introduction
Tuesday, May 12: 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 1:30-4:30 p.m.; Wednesday, May 13: 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Learn the basics of D2L, including site and course navigation, activation of courses, classlist management, creating and managing modules and topics, and introductory information about creating and using dropboxes, discussions, quizzes, and other course tools as needed and time permits. Tips on making courses accessible are also included. (Depending on time/date: 12 Olds Hall, 216 Bessey, or Library Beaumont Instruction Room)

Desire2Learn: Assessments
Wednesday, May 13: 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Learn more about quizzes, dropboxes, surveys, and self-assessments, how to create them, how to access submission and statistical information, and how to grade these items. Tips on making courses accessible are also included. (Library Basement Instruction Room)

Desire2Learn Gradebook
Tuesday, May 12: 1:30-4:30 p.m. or Wednesday, May 13: 8:30-11:30 a.m.

Learn how to set up and use the gradebook in D2L, including the steps of the gradebook setup wizard, creating and using grade schemes, creating categories and grading items, and entering grades. This course also provides information on creating rubrics. Tips on making courses accessible are also included. (Depending on time/date: 12 Olds Hall or Library Basement Instruction Room)

Desire2Learn: Advanced Features
Tuesday, May 12: 1:30-4:30 p.m. or Wednesday, May 13: 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Learn about course customization, competencies & objectives, checklists, intelligent agents, and various reporting capabilities. (Library Basement Instruction Room)

CourseWeaver (LON-CAPA 2.11) 
Wednesday, May 13: 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Learn about LON-CAPA’s CourseWeaver. Although highly randomized online homework and exams are LON-CAPA’s core strengths, the system also offers a comprehensive suite of tools to manage a course including: syllabus, discussions, groups, portfolios, surveys, calendars, grades, section management, proctoring, and clicker integration. (217 Bessey Hall) 

Publishing and Citation Management

EndNote
Tuesday, May 12: 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Learn how to import references from MSU’s online catalog and article databases, and format citations and bibliographies in Word. Create groups and share references with other users. Previous experience searching article databases available from MSU Libraries is highly recommended. (Library Beaumont Instruction Room)

Mendeley
Tuesday, May 12: 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Learn how to manage and organize references, create and share annotations, collaborate with others, and discover new content in areas of interest. Bring your own laptop with the Mendeley Desktop already installed by visiting libguides.lib.msu.edu/mendeley. Previous experience searching article databases at the MSU Libraries is recommended. (Library Reference Instruction Room)

Zotero: Citation Management
Tuesday, May 12: 8:30-11:30 a.m.

Zotero is a free citation management tool. Learn how to import and manage references from Library e-resources and the web, share resources, and format references for Word. Bring a laptop with the latest version of Firefox installed. Previous experience searching article databases at the MSU Libraries is recommended. (Library Reference Instruction Room)

Research

HPCC Introduction: High Performance Computing at MSU
Tuesday, May 12: 8:30-11:30 a.m.

Topics include connecting, working with files, navigating the command line, accessing available software, testing and running programs, writing scripts, and submitting and monitoring jobs. (211 Bessey Hall)

Research Data Management
Tuesday, May 12: 2:00-4:30 p.m.

Learn about practical support and infrastructure for managing, archiving, and sharing data at MSU. Learn how to comply with data management plan policies set forth by agencies like the National Science Foundation, National Endowment for the Humanities, and the National Institutes for Health. Learn best practices for managing your data on a day to day basis and be exposed to some of the benefits of sharing data. (112 Bessey Hall)

Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
Wednesday, May 13: 1:30-4:30 p.m.

ArcGIS Online, a cloud-based GIS content management system, can create maps, design applications, and share information. Learn how to transfer, discover, and create geographic data. (415 Computer Center)

Software Training

Dreamweaver CS6 (Full Day)
Wednesday, May 13: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

This is a full day class that covers setting up a new website, creating and formatting simple web pages, and working with links and images. (210 Computer Center)

Excel 2013 Level 1
Tuesday, May 12: 8:30-11:30 a.m.

Learn to use Excel spreadsheets to post and manipulate data, create charts and graphs, and use formulas. (210 Computer Center)

Excel 2013 Level 2
Tuesday, May 12: 1:30-4:30 p.m.

This session will work with large worksheets, workbooks, advanced formatting, and offer additional tips and consulting for a more advanced understanding of Excel. (210 Computer Center)

Introduction to Python
Wednesday, May 13: 8:30-11:30 a.m.

This workshop will focus on using Python to build programs and automate menial tasks. It is intended for users who have little or no programming skills. Topics include: running Python from the command line; reading data; using loops, conditionals & variables to build functions; and working with tabular data. (211 Bessey Hall)

Photoshop CS6 (Full Day)
Tuesday, May 12: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

In this full day class about Photoshop, you will learn to use the basic features and navigate the Photoshop environment. This will include image modes for both print and web, selection and shape tools, layers, text, and filters. (403 Computer Center)

Teaching Tools

Archiving University Records 101
Wednesday, May 13: 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Did you know that some of the documentation created for your courses and for administration purposes may have historical value? Learn how to identify, create, and care for your digital files for eventual transfer to University Archives and Historical Collection. (211 Bessey Hall)

Is Your Course Accessible?
Wednesday, May 13: 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Ensure your content and other course materials meet the Web Content Accessibility Guideline Standard (WCAG) 2.0. The knowledge gained from the hands-on exercises will assist you in getting started to make online course documents (Word, PowerPoint, PDFs, etc.) accessible. (403 Computer Center)

Reef Polling by iClicker
Wednesday, May 13: 8:30-11:30 a.m.

A mobile optimized engagement system built by the company behind iClicker allows instructors and students to interact dynamically in class and offers the ability to review past session content outside the classroom. Reef Polling also works seamlessly alongside physical iClicker remotes. (217 Bessey Hall)

Turnitin for Student Evaluations
Tuesday, May 12: 1:30-4:30 p.m. or Wednesday, May 13: 8:30-11:30 a.m.

Across types of assignments and disciplines, instructors can use Turnitin to review the originality and provide students with rich and targeted feedback on their work using drag-and drop comments, voice comments, automated grammar and writing mechanics marks, and even grade work using their own rubrics. (415 Computer Center)