Online Learning Newsletter

Workshops and Events Sponsored by the Teaching & Learning Center

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 21:47:00 GMT

The Teaching & Learning Center continues to offer exciting workshops and discussion groups to support your teaching, scholarship, and professional development.

The Faculty Learning Community on Blended Learning is Launched

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 21:47:00 GMT

The Faculty Learning Community on Blended Learning offers collaboration and support for RIT professors.

Most Interactive Classes in Fall Quarter 2008

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 21:47:00 GMT

Interactive classes involve lots of discussion. See the top ranking classes at RIT for fall quarter 2008.

Updates to myCourses

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 21:47:00 GMT

RIT's course management system has two new features - the attendance tool and intelligent agents.

RIT's Island in Second Life Officially Opens

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 21:47:00 GMT

After more than a year of development by students, the RIT island in the virtual world of Second Life enjoys its grand opening.

Staff News

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 21:47:00 GMT

Audio visual engineer Roland Brian joins the staff of Online Learning.

Learning the Essentials of Teaching Online

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 21:47:00 GMT

Learn how to use best practices to teach an online course by taking a three-week course online.

Online Learning Pilots a Wiki for RIT Faculty

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 21:47:00 GMT

As wikis become more popular for collaboration in classes, Online Learning launches an RIT-supported wiki for RIT faculty.

Learn More About myCourses' Features in Online Learning Webinars

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 21:47:00 GMT

You can keep up with your knowledge of the latest myCourses tools without having to face the winter weather.

Faculty Showcases

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 21:47:00 GMT

Online Learning initiates new series of digital showcases that recognize exemplary RIT faculty and share effective instructional technology strategies with the RIT community and beyond.

Online Learning's Excellence Recognized by the New Media Consortium

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:00:00 GMT

Online Learning doesn't just recognizing excellence in others - the department wins awards for themselves. The New Media Consortium recently gave Online Learning a Center of Excellence Award for their innovation and faculty support.

Online Learning Awards 2008

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:00:00 GMT

Education is all about teaching others. These faculty members and student exemplify the best in technology-enhanced teaching and learning and are recognized for their efforts.

Update on Blended Learning

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:00:00 GMT

Blended learning - the thoughtful fusion of classroom and online learning experiences - is on the verge of become a mainstream course format at RIT. Find out what RIT's Online Learning department is doing to push it in new directions.

Online Programs Serve to Meet Business' Needs

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:00:00 GMT

A new online Executive Leader track in the master's in Service Leadership and Innovation degree program allows working professionals to increase their service sector skills while staying on the job.

Excelling in Education is Professor Hair's Game

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:00:00 GMT

Using technology to teach, engage and interact, RIT professor Neil Hair makes learning lively, whether it's in the classroom or online.

Dedication and Persistence Pay Off for Kevin Hinshaw

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:00:00 GMT

A willingness to invest himself in his education and help others do the same has earned online learning student Kevin Hinshaw accolades from classmates and professors alike.

Workshops and Events Sponsored by the Teaching & Learning Center

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:00:00 GMT

The Teaching & Learning Center will offer some exciting workshops and discussion groups to support your teaching, scholarship, and professional development.

RIT Island is OPEN for All to Visit

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:00:00 GMT

Last year Online Learning purchased a Second Life island for RIT. With the help of a talented team of RIT student workers, the island has been fully designed and is now open to all members of the RIT community to gather, communicate and explore.

Apply to Teach in the New TLT Studio

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:00:00 GMT

Wallace A400 has been transformed into a high-touch, high-tech space with teaching technologies, video production and studio capabilities. If you have innovative ideas for teaching in this room during winter quarter 2009-2010 and beyond apply by October 30.

Staff News

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:00:00 GMT

Online Learning has hired Rob Klingenberger and promoted Dr. Cheryl Herdklotz, Ian Webber, and James Foley to new positions.

Online Learning releases Clipboard 2.0

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:00:00 GMT

Clipboard is the Institute's standard web application for the creation and administration of surveys. Clipboard 2.0, released in this summer, added many new or improved features.

Online Learning Faculty Wiki Pilot

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:00:00 GMT

Just as other universities such as Duke, Harvard, Cornell and MIT pursue the application of wikis, Online Learning continues exploring the use of course-related wikis. Are you interested in using a wiki?

Learning the Essentials of Online Teaching

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:40:01 GMT

Online Learning shows new instructors how to teach online by way of a three-week, fully online course. Participants learn to use the tools and best practices you need to provide quality online courses.

Classroom Renovation Leads to Innovation

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:40:01 GMT

A400, an auditorium-style classroom in Wallace Library, will be updated this summer to become an innovative, high-tech facility.

Writing Services for Online Students

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:40:01 GMT

The Online Writing Lab (OWL) bridges the gap between campus-based services and online students. Academic Support Center (ASC) instructors review the grammar and structure of the writing assignments submitted by online students via OWL.

Coming This Summer: Online Learning Upgrades myCourses

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:40:01 GMT

This upgrade will provide general improvements across the entire system as well as specific feature enhancements for areas like Content, Discussion, Grades and the Dropbox.

Student Profile: Tony Fator Succeeds in Online Programs

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:40:01 GMT

Students embark on completing their college degrees online for many reasons. Online education offers rewarding interaction, flexibility, and the ability to learn no matter where you are or how much you travel.

Virtual Worlds Bring New Reality to Online Education

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:40:01 GMT

RIT faculty and Online Learning explore the ways that Second Life, a 3-D reality world, can be used to benefit learning and social interaction.

Annual Exemplary Online Learning Awards

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:40:01 GMT

Online Learning is pleased to announce three awards for 2007-2008: two support exemplary faculty and student practices in the online environment; the other recognizes one faculty for their innovative use of technology.

Spring Renewal for the Teaching and Learning Technology Lab

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:40:01 GMT

We upgraded this spring quarter with new all-in-one computers, monitors and software such as Adobe Captivate, SPSS, Respondus, Adobe Creative Suite and Nero.

Online Learning at the Imagine RIT Festival

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:40:01 GMT

Saturday, May 3rd, visit the Online Learning booth in the Field House. We'll be offering demonstrations on Clickers, Tablet PCs, and Second Life. Plus see the new RIT Island in Second Life.

Spring Training: A New Approach to myCourses Training

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:40:01 GMT

A new myCourses training initiative merges real-time webinars, individual coaching and an online community for a "triple play" of myCourses training opportunities for "rookies". Seventeen RIT faculty took part in the first Spring Training.

Teaching and Learning Technology Wiki Project

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:40:01 GMT

We're looking for faculty to participate in the new teaching and learning technology wiki project. The application deadline for summer is May 15, 2008; there is a $300 stipend.

Adobe Captivate 3 Training

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:40:01 GMT

All RIT faculty and staff are invited to attend two Adobe Captivate 3 training sessions on May 6. Captivate allows users to create exciting presentations, soft-skills training applications, and software demonstrations and simulations.

Event: RIT Island in Second Life Information Session

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:40:01 GMT

Join us while we explore the RIT Island. Learn how you can use Second Life as a teaching tool and how your department, college, unit or student group can have a presence in Second Life.

New Online Graduate Programs

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 19:21:01 GMT

Three new graduate level online programs - in facility management, project management and strategic planning - increase professional's skills, deepening understanding of their field.

Study Unearths What Motivated RIT Faculty to Teach Online

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 19:21:01 GMT

The majority of RIT faculty who teach online and blended courses are motivated, enthusiastic and satisfied. A recent study sheds light on what drives them and what holds them back.

Online Learning Web Site Gets a Fresh New Look

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 19:21:01 GMT

With improved accessibility, a clean look and easy navigation, the Online Learning department's new web site helps faculty and students find the information they need.

A Tribute to Tony Trippe

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 19:21:01 GMT

Tony Trippe, an advocate for online education and professor in the Department of Electrical, Computer, and Telecommunications Engineering Technology in CAST, passed away November 24, 2007.

Pruning Helps Online Discussion to Flourish

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 19:21:01 GMT

It's not enough to just let students discuss course topics in an online class. To better meet learning objectives, instructors need to summarize each week's discussion, highlighting key points and students' contributions.

Encouraging Interaction in Online Courses

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 19:21:01 GMT

Students do most of the talking in RIT's most interactive online classes. Learn how instructors motivate students to dig in to the material, taking concepts from abstract to concrete, and creating lively discussions and deeper understanding.

Teaching & Learning Technology Wiki Project

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 19:21:01 GMT

Online Learning would like to invite online faculty to participate in a new teaching and learning technology project, focused on the use of wikis as a collaborative tool. The spring application deadline is February 15, 2008, and the summer application deadline is April 25, 2008.

myCourses Spring Training

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 19:21:01 GMT

Move up to the big leagues of online instruction by signing up for Spring Training on myCourses, RIT's course management system!

Staff News

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 19:21:01 GMT

Damon Betlow and Ken Kindler named to important Desire2Learn user group, Rob Fain joins staff as Instructional Technologist, Michael Starenko and Richard Fasse present at Sloan-C Conference, and Marybeth Koon off to Germany.

myCourses Growth and Planned Upgrades

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 19:21:01 GMT

To accommodate continued myCourses growth, Online Learning is upgrading the server environment this spring and introducing new and improved features this summer.

Welcome to News from Online Learning!

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 13:00:01 GMT

Happy New Year! We are excited to share plenty of 'good news' with you in this Fall issue: New staff! New Tools! New Lab! New Webinar series! Faculty success stories! Read and enjoy!

New Community for Online Students

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 13:00:01 GMT

Approximately 34% of RIT students have taken at least one online course in the past three years. Online Learning recently launched an innovative myCourses learning community that is all about training and supporting this population of students.

Webinars: A New Way to Reach Out

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 13:00:01 GMT

Online Learning is not only on the forefront of teaching faculty how to use web-based conferencing systems, but they are using this new technology to offer a series of "webinars" on other technologies, such as RIT's myCourses.

Teaching Math Online

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 13:00:01 GMT

There's a popular notion that certain academic subjects-like mathematics-cannot be taught well online. A talented group of RIT faculty is dispelling this notion; they're inventing new pedagogical strategies, and exploiting new technologies, to effectively teach math online.

Improvements to the Teaching and Learning Technology Lab

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 13:00:01 GMT

Over the summer, Online Learning made significant improvements to the Teaching and Learning Technology (TLT) lab, Studio G and the training area. The new design of the TLT area allows for easier access to the exam proctoring room, all of Online Learning's staff offices and the training area used for workshops and special events.

New Tools for myCourses

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 13:00:01 GMT

Online Learning has just released Model Course 2.0 and a peer evaluation tool, peer2peer, two tools that are designed to increase faculty productivity and share common best practices for online, blended, and campus courses.

Faculty Workshop on Blended Learning: Thursday, October 11

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 13:00:01 GMT

Many instructors find that it can be difficult to ensure that students are prepared for productive discussion, and difficult to achieve widespread and even participation. One solution is blended learning, which combines face-to-face with online interaction.

New Staff Members in Online Learning

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 13:00:01 GMT

Online Leaning has added Chris Williams to its Information Technology team, Jessica Hooper to its Teaching and Learning Technology team, and James Foley to its Support Services team.

Emerging Technology Partnerships: Update and Call for Proposals

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 13:00:01 GMT

Last spring Online Learning launched the Emerging Technology Partnership (ETP) program to support RIT faculty with new and promising ideas for technology-based teaching and learning projects. The next application deadline is October 19, 2007.

C-Print Support Added to Adobe Connect Meetings

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 13:00:01 GMT

A collaboration between Online Learning and NTID has made it possible to use C-Print to caption Abode Connect web-based meetings while they are being conducted.

Welcome to News from Online Learning!

Tue, 01 May 2007 19:42:01 GMT

Online Learning is pleased to present the second issue of its triannual newsletter, News from Online Learning.

Online Learning Awards Recognize Leaders in Teaching and Learning

Tue, 01 May 2007 19:42:01 GMT

Online Learning doesn't just support quality teaching methods. The department shows its appreciation for faculty and students who truly use the tools, to bring the best in learning to online education -- with the annual Online Learning Awards.

Did You Know That Online Learning...?

Tue, 01 May 2007 19:42:01 GMT

Since 1979, RIT has offered students the ability to use technology to take courses without being in a classroom. What are the latest stats on online education, who's taking classes and how are they faring?

RIT's Pioneer Faculty Explore the Reaches of Online Learning at RIT

Tue, 01 May 2007 19:42:01 GMT

From its pre-Internet beginnings, distance and online education at RIT has made use of the best of technology and teaching innovation -- but it owes its success to the faculty pioneers who forged ahead into uncharted territory, making student learning their priority.

Welcome to News from Online Learning!

Mon, 05 Feb 2007 21:58:01 GMT

Online Learning is pleased to present the first issue of its triannual newsletter, News from Online Learning.

New Department Structure for Online Learning

Mon, 05 Feb 2007 21:58:01 GMT

Reorganization. At Online Learning it's a good thing. In order to respond to growing needs at RIT, Online Learning now operates under a new staffing structure.

Blended Learning at RIT: From Pilot to Program in Three Years

Mon, 05 Feb 2007 21:58:01 GMT

Interest in combining face-to-face with online instruction is soaring. Find out why, and what RIT's Online Learning is doing to help it along.

Tools That Help You Get Feedback

Mon, 05 Feb 2007 21:58:01 GMT

Technology really can make things easier. From getting immediate student feedback during class and letting them evaluate you at the end of the quarter to surveying your colleagues and clients, Online Learning keeps upgrading the tools they offer for teaching and learning.

Making Learning Accessible for All

Mon, 05 Feb 2007 21:58:01 GMT

With new technology comes new challenges. How do you make streaming lectures accessible for deaf and hard-of-hearing students? What are the best tools to use for teaching online? Online Learning finds the answers.

New Online Programs

Mon, 05 Feb 2007 21:58:01 GMT

Find out about the latest in online learning offerings -- the Golisano College's Master's in Network Security and Systems Administration and the online options for the MBA program in the College of Business.

Jennifer Lukomski: My Experience with Blended Learning

Mon, 05 Feb 2007 21:58:01 GMT

Blended learning allows Jennifer Lukomski's students to share experiences, collaborate and build a sense of community. Blended learning is effective not only in traditional classroom- based courses, but also in non-standard courses, such as school psychology practicums.

myCourses Upgrade for Spring Quarter 2007

Mon, 05 Feb 2007 21:58:01 GMT

This upgrade will bring significant performance enhancements and many new features to myCourses, such as support for Mozilla Firefox and Apple Safari browsers and a new Microsoft Word clean-up tool.

Faculty Workshop on Blended Learning: Friday, February 9, 2007

Mon, 05 Feb 2007 21:58:01 GMT

Many faculty members find that it can be difficult to ensure that everyone is prepared for productive discussion, and difficult to achieve widespread and even student participation. One solution is blended learning.

Online Learning Announces Emerging Technologies Grant Program

Mon, 05 Feb 2007 21:58:01 GMT

The ET Grant program is designed to encourage and reward faculty efforts to develop new approaches to teaching RIT courses using emerging technologies. Faculty members seeking support for enhancing teaching and learning are strongly encouraged to apply.

Faculty Workshop on Course Design: June 12-15, 2007

Mon, 05 Feb 2007 21:58:01 GMT

Focusing on articulating and achieving course goals, rather than on building a course around a list of content items, is one practical way of designing a course that is both effective and innovative. This workshop will help faculty to design such courses.