Author: CELT Communications Coordinator

CELT Staff and Affiliates Recognized

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Over the past week, a number of CELT staff members and faculty affiliates have been recognized for their contributions to the campus community. We would like to further recognize them for their efforts and congratulate them for their awards and promotion!

  • Lesya Hassall, Instructional Strategist, Board of Regents Award of Staff Excellence
  • Cindy Haynes, CELT Faculty Fellow, Promotion to Full Professor
  • Ann Gansemer-Topf, Former CELT Faculty Fellow, CHS Mid-Career Achievement Award
  • Meghan Gillette, CELT Faculty Affiliate, CHS Online Teaching Award
  • Monica Lamm, CELT Faculty Fellow, 2022 Student Affairs Layton Faculty Award

Congratulations, again, to all of those who were recognized!

Active and Problem-Based Learning Workshops (Teaching Tip)

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Pictureofgroupofstudentsmeetinwithafacultymember
Whether you are a seasoned instructor or new to teaching, join education expert and engineering professor, Dr. Michael Prince of Bucknell University, as he leads participants through two hands-on sessions.
 
“Active Learning for Busy Skeptics” is designed to introduce quick and simple active learning techniques that are effective, require little preparation or class time, and generate little or no student resistance. This event will take place from 8-11 a.m., 4204 Student Innovation Center.
 
“A Practical Introduction to Problem-Based Learning” offers a practical introduction to problem-based learning or PBL. This program will take place from 1-4 p.m., also in 4202 Student Innovation Center.
 
“Dr. Prince is known for shaking up traditional classrooms,” Shan Jian, assistant professor of Materials Science and Engineering said. “His workshops have helped numerous faculty members go out and become more effective in the classroom.”
 
These workshops are jointly sponsored by the College of Engineering and CELT. Invitation to Dr. Prince was made by Dr. Jiang. Both workshops will take place on April 15.
 
Can’t make it on April 15 but still interested in active learning? Do you also have a love of technology? Check out the information on the Top Hat training and certification!

Full Teaching Tip

View the published CELT Teaching Tip: Resources for Success (April 7, 2022 – Constant Contact) page.

Prefer a Print Version?

To view the Teaching Tip as a printable document with web addresses, download the CELT Teaching Tip for April 7, 2022 (PDF).

Top Hat Training – Two Day Event

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Join us for a variety of demonstrations, keynote speakers, and hands-on workshops to become certified (Levels 1 and 2) in Top Hat. 

Sessions will include the Foundations of Active Learning, Digital Learning Experiences that Stick, a roundtable discussion on using Top Hat in large enrollment courses, and more. The full listing of sessions is as follows:

  • Workshop, Level 1 Certification, Apr. 20 (9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.)
  • Keynote, How I Taught This, Apr. 20 (12:30-1:30 p.m.)
  • Workshop, New Users Demonstrations, Apr. 20 (2-4:30 p.m.)
  • Workshop, Level 2 Certification, Apr. 21 (9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.)
  • Workshop, Roundtable Discussion with Faculty and Top Hat Trainers, Apr. 21 (1-2:30 p.m.)
  • Workshop, New User Demonstrations, Apr. 21 (3-4:30 p.m.,)

All instructors are welcome and encouraged to attend. The sessions are applicable to both those who are new to Top Hat and who are already using Top Hat in their classroom.

On the Top Hat website, you can read more about the sessions and learn about which session(s) may be most applicable to you.

If you plan to attend any of the sessions, please fill out the registration form before April 19. The location of the sessions will be announced closer to the training date.

Email celt-help@iastate.edu if you have any questions or concerns.

2022 Canvas Updates: New Quizzes Focused

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This update will contain all Canvas release and deploy that are specific to New Quizzes in Canvas. To review the release and deploy notes for the other features of Canvas, you can review a separate post that contains that information. You can view the most recent updates for New Quizzes on this page.

If you’re looking for more information on New Quizzes, you can review the New Quizzes in Canvas webpage.

January

The January 15, 2022 release update contained a number of updates.

Feature Updates

  • Content Import Terminology Adjustment: The Import Assessment Content as New Quizzes checkbox has been replaced as the Import Existing Quizzes as New Quizzes checkbox. This change clarifies that quizzes are the only content type that are being imported via the New Quizzes engine.
  • Matching Questions Partial Credit: Matching questions include the option to select partial credit, similar to the Multiple Answer questions. Partial credit is the default option for this type of question.

March

The March 19, release and deploy notes contained the following update:

Feature Updates and Previews

  • Module Requirement Display New Quizzes: When adding modules requirements, instructors can view all quiz types under the Quizzes heading. This change allows instructors to navigate to Quizzes when adding New Quizzes items as a module requirement.
  • Item Bank Filtering Terminology Adjustment: In New Quizzes item banks, the All My Banks and All My Course Banks filters have been replaced as the All Banks and Banks Shared to Course  Additionally, the This Course filter has been added to the filter options. This change clarifies what each item bank filter displays in New Quizzes.

April

The current deploy and release notes for April 16, 2022 include:

Feature Previews

  • Fill in the Blank Question Types Allows Rich Content Editor: In New Quizzes item banks, the All My Banks and All My Course Banks filters have been replaced as the All Banks and Banks Shared to Course  Additionally, the This Course filter has been added to the filter options. This change clarifies what each item bank filter displays in New Quizzes.

2022 Canvas Updates: Overview (Excluding New Quizzes)

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This update will contain all Canvas release and deploy notes for 2022 thus far. These notes will not contain any updates pertaining to New Quizzes. All New Quizzes updates specific to 2022 that have been released through the Canvas release and deploy notes can be found in a separate post. If you’re looking for more information on New Quizzes, you can review the New Quizzes in Canvas webpage. You can view the most recent notes on this page.

January

The January 15, 2022 release update contained a number of updates.

Feature Updates

  • Course Navigation Menu State: The expended or collapsed state of the Course Navigation Menu persists throughout all Canvas courses.
  • Gradebook – Missing Status Removal: When a grade is entered manually for a missing assignment, the missing status is removed. When an assignment indicates a student’s submission as missing, and a grade is entered manually in the Gradebook, the Missing status is removed. In the Gradebook, the Missing status is indicated as a color. The Grade Detail Tray displays both the status and the color.
  • Modules Link State: When an External URL or an External Tool (LTI) links are added to a module, the Load in New Tab checkbox is not selected by default. However, if the checkbox is selected, the checkbox will remain selected for all additional links added to a module.
  • Rich Content Editor (RCE) – Accessibility Checker Indicator Feature Enforcement: When accessibility issues are detected within the Rich Content Editor, the Editor display an indicator over the Accessibility Checker icon.
  • SpeedGrader – Unposted Comment Warning: This change notifies graders if a comment has been created but not posted.

Account

  • Gradebook – Split Name Columns: The Gradebook View menu can include the option to split student names into two separate column and show first and last names separately. Canvas admins have the option to allow the Gradebook to display split student name columns in Account Settings.

Misc.

  • Settings – Feature Preview Terminology Adjustment: The Account and Course Settings Feature Preview tabs have been restored to Feature Options.

February

The February 2 and February 16, 2022 Canvas release and deploy updates included:

Interface Updates

  • Enrollments – Custom Roles Display Names: Custom role names display in various areas across Canvas. At the account level, the User Details link for a user displays the custom role type.
  • People – User Suspension Link Adjustment: The Suspend/Reactive User link has been relocated in the User Details page.
  • Rich Content Editor – Accessibility Checker Color Update: The Accessibility Checker color value has been changed from a warning style to an information style.
  • Calendar – Color Update: This change improves accessibility and aligns with updated contrast standards.

Misc. Updates

  • Mobile Apps – Session Duration Extension: The minimum session duration for mobile application has been changed from 20 minutes to 48 hours.
  • Google LTI – File Menu Selection: The file selection menu has been updated by Google.
  • Course Settings – Discussions Detail Label Update: In Discussions options, the option to let students edit or delete their own discussion posts has been changed to replies.

March

The March 2, March 16, March 19, and March 30, 2022 release and deploy notes contained the following updates:

Feature Updates and Previews

  • Gradebook – Enhanced GradeBook Filters: When the Enhanced Gradebook Filters feature preview is enabled for a course, instructors can create filters that can be saved or used one time. Instructors can select condition types and conditions to add to the filter. They can also remove conditions, apply the filter, and give a name for future use
  • Rich Content Editor Equation Update: The change provides mobile responsiveness and enhanced user experience across Canvas courses.

Interface Update and Previews

  • Outcomes – Friendly Description Addition to Outcome Import CSV File: When creating outcomes, admins and instructors have the option to create a custom or more friendly description. Friendly descriptions will display for students and observers/parents in the student Learning Mastery Gradebook and other locations in Canvas where Outcomes are visible for these roles.
  • Calendar – Event Title Label: When adding a Calendar event, a label has been added to the title field. In Calendar, create an event and click the More Options button.  The title field includes the Event Title label.
  • Assignments – Bulk Due Date Time Editor: The Bulk Due Date Editor has been updated to include a time field.
  • Gradebook – Gradebook Loading Icon: When the Gradebook is loading, a spinner icon indicates the loading process.

April

The current deploy and release notes for April 16, 2022 include:

Feature Previews

  • Account and Course Settings: The Assignment Default Due time can be modified in Account Settings and Course Settings. The Assignment Default Due time will not update existing assignments with due dates already set.
  • Gradebook – Apply Score to Ungraded Assignments: This change allows instructors to apply scores to ungraded submissions en masse from an assignment group and Total column menus in the Gradebook.
  • Rich Content Editor – Icon Maker: This change provides instructors the ability to incorporate simple icons for their courses without using an external tool. The Icon Maker allows simple customized iconography to be created directly within the Rich Content Editor.
  • Submission Comments – Emojis in Submission Comments: This change allows instructors and students to convey messages through the use of emojis as visual indicators in addition to written comments. When this feature is enabled, instructors can add emojis to comments in SpeedGrader using the emoji icon available in the comment box. Instructors and students can add emojis in comments added in the context tray from Gradebook.

CELT Programs Accepting Applications (Teaching Tip)

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Photo of instructor in front of classroom holding a mobile tablet device - teaching to a group of students sitting at desks
If you’re interested in expanding your professional development, look no further than CELT. Three of our key programs are now accepting applications for the 2022-23 academic year. Applications are due by April 15 and those who are accepted into the programs will be notified by April 30. Check out the programs below and head to our website to learn more if you’re interested.
  • Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Scholars Program: The SoTL Scholars Program is a cohort-based teaching and learning community. It is a year-long experience focused on writing research questions for classroom-based research, implementing quantitative and qualitative assessment techniques, and articulating the types of evidence used to help answer SoTL research questions. You will meet once a month during the 22-23 AY.
  • Teaching and Learning Academy: The CELT Teaching and Learning Academy has expanded its eligibility this year! All instructors who have taught at least one year at Iowa State are eligible to be a part of the CELT TLA. Participants will attend monthly sessions that address course design, evidence-based teaching strategies, inclusive classroom practices, peer-review of teaching, and documentation of teaching effectiveness.
  • Teaching Partners Program: The Teaching Partners Program (TPP) supplements departmental mentoring by pairing a new instructor with a senior instructor from a different discipline who is a successful and experienced teacher. Partners discuss teaching and learning topics, complete classroom observations, and focus on documenting teaching effectiveness for continuous improvement efforts of use in teaching portfolios.
If you’re ready to apply, you can go straight to the Qualtrics form to submit your application. We recommend reviewing the specific program web page before you submit your application so that you know what each program requires for the application. If you have any questions, email celt@iastate.edu.

Full Teaching Tip

View the published CELT Teaching Tip: Resources for Success (March 24, 2022 – Constant Contact) page.

Prefer a Print Version?

To view the Teaching Tip as a printable document with web addresses, download the CELT Teaching Tip for March 24, 2022 (PDF).

Slow Down to Speed Up (Teaching Tip)

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Person writing in notebook in front of a computer
Midterm time can feel like a fast-moving roller-coaster breezing towards the end of the semester. When you return from the well-deserved and needed break, take a moment at the beginning of the next class session to take a pulse on the students’ knowledge, skills, attitudes, and well-being.
 
Try, for example, 3-2-1, asking students to write down 3 concepts they absolutely know, 2 concepts that they need more work on, and 1 lingering question. Or experiment with the super easy Thumbs Up / Thumbs Down when you present new or review old content. Regarding students’ wellbeing, ask them to think of one word to describe their mood. Following each of these, you can adjust, review, respond, and make sure students are on track.
 
By taking a few moments to slow down, check student learning, and then make slight, yet significant adjustments, students gain the perspective that teaching and learning are ongoing processes that require full participation. Review other CATs on the CELT website.
 
If you’re looking for other ways to check in with your students, we have a number of talks and workshops coming up. Check out:
 
 
With a joy for teaching,
 
Sara Marcketti, Director 
Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching

Full Teaching Tip

View the published CELT Teaching Tip: Resources for Success (March 10, 2022 – Constant Contact) page.

Prefer a Print Version?

To view the Teaching Tip as a printable document with web addresses, download the CELT Teaching Tip for March 10, 2022 (PDF).

Overcoming Challenges in the Classroom (Teaching Tip)

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Three students, two female and one male, stare up towards the front of the class during a lecture.

We continue to be faced with a number of challenges in the classroom as we approach the midpoint of the Spring 2022 semester. Ensuring that the classroom is a safe and secure environment for students is vital to student success.

CELT has a number of resources and programs available to aid you in developing and maintaining a supportive, encouraging environment for all learners.

  • Trigger Warnings: Methods and Best Practices – Dr. Michael Bugeja will lead a presentation on Monday, February 28 from 2-3 p.m. via Zoom sharing his practices and views about trigger warnings. Join this event to learn more about guidelines to respect students’ well-being and enhance teaching practices.
  • Building Community and Connection in the Classroom – Join us on March 3 from 3:10-4 p.m. via Zoom to learn how incorporating mindfulness practices can support building community and connection with students.
  • Navigating Controversial Topics in the Classroom – If you are avoiding controversial topics in the classroom, come learn some strategies on how using controversy in the classroom can promote learning. This program takes place on March 8 from 2:30-3:20 p.m. via Zoom. Can’t make it? Check out our resources on navigating controversial topics in the classroom on our website.
  • Creating an Inclusive Classroom – Looking for a place to start making your classroom more inclusive? We have campus resources to support students, accessibility resources, and more on the CELT website.
  • Managing Disruptive Conduct in Learning Spaces – These resources provide recommendations and responses to disruptive behavior. You can also watch a previous webinar that provides learning objectives that you can apply to your course.

In addition to these resources, refresh your knowledge of free expression in the classroom by completing the required 2022 Free Speech Training. Faculty and staff can access this training through the Learn@ISU system. This training must be completed by the end of the Spring 2022 semester.

Full Teaching Tip

View the published CELT Teaching Tip: Resources for Success (February 24, 2022 – Constant Contact) page.

Prefer a Print Version?

To view the Teaching Tip as a printable document with web addresses, download the CELT Teaching Tip for February 24, 2022 (PDF).

Using Plus/Delta for Student Feedback (Teaching Tip)

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Group of students meeting with Professor Joel Geske

We are officially almost one month away from the midterm of Spring 2022. In addition to preparing any summative assessments for midterms, consider integrating a way for students to provide feedback about how the course is going so far. One way to do this is the Plus/Delta (also called Plus/Change).

This Midterm Assessment Technique is used around the midpoint of a semester and asks students to reflect on what has been successful in helping them learn thus far (Helminski & Koberna, 1995). This is framed in a way that the student is asked what they should continue doing to support their learning (Plus). Additionally, it asks the students to provide feedback on what could be improved. The learner provides suggestions for improvements to support their learning (Delta).

Consider proposing these questions to your students through Canvas or Qualtrics, allowing for anonymous feedback. Some examples for Plus/Delta include:

Plus

  • What is helping me learn in this class? What is working well?
  • What am I doing, or what do I need to continue doing, to improve my learning in this class?

Delta

  • What changes are needed in this course to improve my learning? What isn’t working well?
  • What is something I need to improve my learning in this class?

At the conclusion of the Plus/Delta collection period, the instructor collects the information, breaks the feedback into themes, and reports the information back to the class. In doing so, it allows for an open conversation about the feedback and shared responsibility for the teaching and learning that takes place for the rest of the semester. To learn more about the Plus/Delta technique, check out the CELT website.

Resource

Helminski, L., & Koberna, S. (1995). Total quality in instruction: A systems approach. In H.V. Roberts (Ed.)., Academic initiatives in total quality for higher education, (pp. 309-362). ASQC Quality Press.

Full Teaching Tip

View the published CELT Teaching Tip: Resources for Success (February 10, 2022 – Constant Contact) page.

Prefer a Print Version?

To view the Teaching Tip as a printable document with web addresses, download the CELT Teaching Tip for February 10, 2022 (PDF).

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