Month: August 2024

PASCAL Presents: Free Webinars in September!
PASCAL Presents: Free Webinars in September! avatar

Nita Staley-Abney

Introduction to Open Textbook Publishing with the SCALE Imprint
Thursday, September 19, 2024
2:00pm – 3:00pm
 

Join Alison Mero, Director of Clemson University Press, and Yang Wu, Open Resources Librarian at Clemson University, for a webinar on the SCALE Imprint—a collaboration with PASCAL to help SC faculty publish open educational resources (OER). Learn about OER works already published and how you can publish your own open textbook through this transformative project.
This webinar will equip you with:

  • A comprehensive overview of the SCALE Imprint model and its benefits for faculty authors.
  • Insights into the publishing process and editorial services available.
  • Practical tips on developing and submitting a successful textbook proposal.

Presenters: 

  • Alison Mero, Director, Clemson University Press, Clemson University
  • Yang Wu, Open Resources Librarian, Clemson University

Register today to discover how you can make a lasting impact on your students’ educational journey and the future of open education.

**This webinar will be recorded**

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Introduction to Open Educational Resources (OER)
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
2:00pm – 3:00pm

Are you interested in OER but not sure where to start? In this webinar you’ll learn how OER can benefit both faculty and students, how to evaluate resources, and where these materials can be found. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to review a textbook that is in the Open Textbook Library. If you choose to write a review, you will receive an official thank you letter from PASCAL for your tenure file.

Presenters: 

  • Ariana Baker, Scholarly Engagement Librarian, Coastal Carolina University
  • Jessica Cerny, Public Services Librarian, Trident Technical College

Register today to learn how you can get started with OER. 

Upcoming Professional Development Sessions: September, October, November 2024
Upcoming Professional Development Sessions: September, October, November 2024 avatar

Nita Staley-Abney

Professional development offers faculty and staff the chance to enhance their knowledge and refine their skills, ultimately leading to improved student outcomes. Interested in learning how to boost student success? We encourage you to register for a professional development session. Remember, continuous learning fosters ongoing growth!

PD: Substance use and the college student

Westview Behavioral Health Services (Westview) is a South Carolina-licensed and nationally-accredited facility focusing on behavioral issues which negatively effect a person’s well being and personal interaction. This particular PD session will explore alcohol and marijuana’s effect on the student. Two sessions at different times and locations are being provided:

Friday September 6th, 2024 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am ET – Virtual

Tuesday September 10th from 12:50 pm – 1:50 pm ET – In-person at the Newberry Campus – Room 420 NN

Click on registration link to register: https://ptcgwd.wufoo.com/forms/substance-use-and-the-college-student/

Professional Development Series: Focused on advising

PD  Advising: Tools of Trade

Description: Join us for a focused session on effectively utilizing PTC’s advising technologies to streamline your advising process. We’ll cover essential features in Navigate such as managing advisor availability, documenting interactions, and leveraging new message templates. You’ll also learn how to review student records, navigate tools like DegreeWorks and Banner, and use Pathway to help with the advising process. This session will enhance your ability to support students through efficient use of technology and streamlined processes. Three session options are available.

Friday September 13th, 2024 from 9:00 am – 11:00 am ET – Virtual

Wednesday October 16th, 2024 from 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm ET – Virtual

Tuesday November 12th, 2024 from 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm ET- Virtual

Click on registration link to register: https://ptcgwd.wufoo.com/forms/z19462j21w2ms62/

PD Advising: Basics and Beyond

Description: Join us for an engaging session designed to deepen your understanding of academic advising at PTC. We’ll explore how advising is structured and walk through key tools like the Dynamic Catalog and DegreeWorks. You’ll learn how to guide students through academic planning, assess their career goals, and navigate policies such as SAP plans and course sequencing. This session is designed to enhance your ability to support student success and streamline your advising process. Three session options are available.

Wednesday September 25th from 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm ET – Virtual

Friday October 25th, 2024 from 9:00 am – 11:00 am ET – Virtual

Friday November 15th from 9:00 am – 11:00 am ET – Virtual

Click on registration link to register: https://ptcgwd.wufoo.com/forms/z19462j21w2ms62/

Virtual PD Friday – August 30th, 2024
Virtual PD Friday – August 30th, 2024 avatar

Nita Staley-Abney

PD Navigating Academic Integrity in the Age of Generative AI

Date – Friday August 30th, 2024 Presenter – Daiju Hoshino, Tarrant County College District, Forth Worth, Texas

Location – Virtual

Time – 10:00 am – 11:00 am, ET

Description – This workshop dives into the complex landscape of student usage of generative AI and its implications for academic integrity. We will discuss s on maintaining academic honesty, addressing academic dishonesty, and understanding the limitations of AI detection tools. The session will emphasize why relying solely on these tools or outright prohibiting the use of generative AI is not advisable. Instead, attendees will explore alternative strategies to promote ethical AI usage and uphold academic standards.

Deadline to register for the PD above is by Thursday August 29th by 12:00 noon ET.

Registration link: https://ptcgwd.wufoo.com/forms/z7e7y2r18hlk04/

D2L August 2024 Updates
D2L August 2024 Updates avatar

Joseph ClampLeave a comment

D2L August 2024 Updates

Assignments – Email status message no longer displayed after an assignment submission | Removed

With this update, the Confirmation Email Sent Successfully message is no longer displayed for learners in the Email Status field after they submit an assignment. However, when a learner submits an assignment, an email as a receipt of the submission is still sent to them.

Image: Section being removed from D2L

This change is taking place due to what was triggering that message, if an assignment was submitted the message would display regardless of email confirmation status.

Generate Practice questions using D2L Lumi for Creator+| New

This is the big update a lot of you have been looking forward to! As of now, PTC currently only has access to the basic version of Lumi, meaning we currently only have the ability to generate practice questions with Lumi. Keep an eye out for future updates for more news on further capabilities!

To generate AI Practice questions with Lumi:

  • Navigate to Content.
  • Perform one of the following actions:
    • Click Create New > HTML Document.
    • Select an existing HTML file and click Options (…) > Edit.
  • Enter a File Title.
  • Select a position in the Page Content field.
  • Click Other Insert Options (+) > Insert Practice.
Figure: End result of the steps listed above.
  • Select a supported Practice type. These practice types are marked with a star on the right side.
Figure: Practice question types with AI-enabled badge on the right side

  • Click Generate Question.
  • If necessary, edit the Source Text field in the Generate Question dialog.
  • Click Generate Question.
Figure: Reviewing the Source Text in the practice generator

  • When your Practice question generates, review the question and perform one of the following actions:
    Regenerate Question: Click to generate a new question.
    Edit Source Text: Click to edit the Source Text and then click Regenerate Question.
    Discard Question: Delete the generated Practice question.
Figure: Review the generated Practice. You can choose to Regenerate Question, Edit Source Text, or Discard Question. Click Insert to add the Practice into your topic.
  • Click Insert.
  • Select the Close (X) icon in the dialog after your Practice is inserted.
  • Click Save and Close for your Content topic.

And there you have it, a brand new AI-Generated practice question using the materials provided in the source text box. This is a VERY broad overview and doesn’t delve too deep into the different question types, but feel free to experiment with this new feature!

Discussions – Reading View improvements | Updated

To improve the user experience for learners, this release introduces several updates to the learner Reading View in Discussions. These improvements include the following:

The Add Attachments section is wider on screen when learners create a new thread.

The Start New Thread button is duplicated at the bottom of the page when viewing a topic, eliminating the need to scroll back to the top of the page.

The Add Attachments section is opened by default when creating a new post or new topic. Previously learners had to open the section manually to add attachments.

Instructor Guided Training – Reminder

If you have not done so already, please feel free to access our D2L guided instructor training course by clicking the link with the D2L moose on your homepage. At first this training looks barren with only a few items, but as you complete each module a new one will open up! This training goes through the basics of D2L all the way through more advanced tools and is available to all instructors of the college. You will also be entered to win some D2L branded prizes such as a Morris the Moose plushie, travel pillows, and tumbler cups!

Figure: The instructor guided training link.

Piedmont Technical College
Piedmont Technical College avatar

Nita Staley-Abney

Join the PROPEL Division as we roll out exciting new professional development initiatives to kick off the fall 2024 semester at Piedmont Technical College! Professional development (PD) offers faculty, staff, and higher education administrators valuable tools, resources, and training sessions designed to enhance teaching methods and enrich the educational experience.

PD Navigating Academic Integrity in the Age of Generative AI Date – Friday August 30th, 2024 Presenter – Daiju Hoshino, Tarrant County College District, Forth Worth, Texas Location – Virtual Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am, ET Description – This workshop dives into the complex landscape of student usage of generative AI and its implications for academic integrity. We will discuss s on maintaining academic honesty, addressing academic dishonesty, and understanding the limitations of AI detection tools. The session will emphasize why relying solely on these tools or outright prohibiting the use of generative AI is not advisable. Instead, attendees will explore alternative strategies to promote ethical AI usage and uphold academic standards.

Deadline to register for the PD above is by Thursday August 29th by 12:00 noon ET.

Registration link: https://ptcgwd.wufoo.com/forms/z7e7y2r18hlk04/

Westview Behavioral Health Services (Westivew) PD – Substance use and the college student

Westview Behavioral Health Services (Westview) is a South Carolina-licensed and nationally-accredited facility focusing on behavioral issues which negatively effect a person’s well being and personal interaction. This particular PD session will explore alcohol and marijuana’s effect on the student.

PD Substance Use and the College Student Virtual Date: Friday September 6th, 2024 Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am ET

In-person PD session at the Newberry Campus Date: Tuesday September 10th, 2024 Time: 12:50 pm – 1:50 pm ET Room: 420 NN

Registration link: https://ptcgwd.wufoo.com/forms/zb18p1l06zrkwz/

Free Upcoming Honorlock Webinar
Free Upcoming Honorlock Webinar avatar

Nita Staley-Abney

August 26th 2024 at 1:00 pm ET – Registration link: https://honorlock.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UMEBXkmbTfG-ZoJOvvTpXA#/registration

September 4th, 2024 at 3:00 pm ET – Registration link:

https://honorlock.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_y2AGfKBeSdCHJd64n398Kg#/registration

August 27th, 2024 at 1:00 pm ET – Registration link:

https://honorlock.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_M6aF-nFzTla-VALdUnYbTg#/registration

September 10th, 2024 at 3:00 pm ET – Registration link:

https://honorlock.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0bxnDQBdRhW4TiWgV7gVRw#/registration

Fantastic Pre-Fall Semester 2024 PD Opportunities
Fantastic Pre-Fall Semester 2024 PD Opportunities avatar

Nita Staley-Abney

The Professional, Progression, and Enrichment Learning Division (PROPEL) at PTC is excited to provide professional development opportunities designed to empower and support our faculty and staff. These offerings are aimed at equipping you with the skills and knowledge needed to address the diverse needs of higher education students effectively. Click the link below to explore and register for pre-fall development opportunities. Additional opportunities will be available throughout the 2024-2025 academic year.

The PD opportunities that are available during the month of August are as follows:

  • XPAA-238 (90008) New Faculty Presentations Wednesday, August 14th from 9:00am – 11:00am, 155B Description: Effective teaching and learning require a collaborative and responsive approach, where teachers and learners work together to create a supportive and engaging learning environment that promotes growth and development. New Faculty graduate candidates will present techniques to assist faculty members with student and classroom engagement. Register now to learn more about impactful instructional strategies to use in the college courses. *To earn PD credit, attendees must stay for the duration of the new faculty class presentations.
  • XPOT-129 (90003) Situational Awareness Wednesday, August 14th from 11:00am – Noon, Room 209F Description: Situational awareness is important for effective decision-making in many environments. It is formally defined as: perception of the elements in the environment within a volume of time and space, the comprehension of their meaning, and the projection of their status soon. Situational awareness is the foundation for good decision-making. Situational awareness is formed by observing . . . and understanding what is happening in your environment, in the context of how time is passing. At the end of the day, situational awareness is all about being able to access the right mix of information, so you can make the best decision on an individual, team, and/or organizational level.
  • XPAA-236 (90004) Harnessing Generative AI: Practical Applications for Faculty, Administrative Specialists, and Staff. Wednesday, August 14th from 2:00pm – 3:00pm, Virtual  Description: This workshop provides a comprehensive exploration of the practical and tangible ways in which generative AI can be effectively integrated into the daily tasks and responsibilities of faculty, administrative specialists, and staff. Participants will gain hands-on experience and insights into leveraging AI to enhance productivity, streamline administrative processes, and support educational outcomes. Through real-world examples and interactive sessions, attendees will learn how to apply AI technologies to their specific roles, fostering a more innovative and efficient academic environment.
  • XPSS-111 (90005) Nonattendance and withdrawal form process Thursday, August 15th from 10:00am – 11:00am, Virtual  Description: The PD session aims to provide information regarding the revitalization of the nonattendance and withdrawal process here at PTC. The PD session will review the policy and procedures pertaining to non-attendance and withdrawal. The session will also introduce the new non-attendance and withdrawal dynamic form.
  • New date and time – XPAA-235 (90002) Instructional Engagement Strategies Thursday, August 15th from 2:00 pm – 3:30pm, Room 104S Description: Engagement goes beyond standard tools of instruction, recognizing their effectiveness and durability. Genuine engagement involves connecting with each student individually and personally, helping them envision their potential and realize their educational and career goals. This professional development session will delve into diverse instructional strategies across disciplines, aiming to cultivate meaningful engagement with students in higher education settings.
  • XPAA-237 (90006) Navigating Academic Integrity in the Age of Generative AI Friday, August 30th from 10:00am – 11:00am, Virtual Description: This workshop dives into the complex landscape of student usage of generative AI and its implications for academic integrity. We will discuss s on maintaining academic honesty, addressing academic dishonesty, and understanding the limitations of AI detection tools. The session will emphasize why relying solely on these tools or outright prohibiting the use of generative AI is not advisable. Instead, attendees will explore alternative strategies to promote ethical AI usage and uphold academic standards.

Registration Deadline For PD Scheduled For Wednesday August 14th and Thursday August 15th is Tuesday August 13th by 12:00 noon.

Pre-Fall PD Registration Link: https://ptcgwd.wufoo.com/forms/z7e7y2r18hlk04/

PTC’s Annual Adjunct Expo PD Event – Venue changed to James C. Self Conference Center Saturday August 10th, 2024!
PTC’s Annual Adjunct Expo PD Event – Venue changed to James C. Self Conference Center Saturday August 10th, 2024! avatar

Nita Staley-Abney

PTC’s Annual Adjunct Expo Professional Development Training Event will be held on Saturday August 10th, 2024 beginning at 8:00 am at the James C. Self Conference Center located at the Lex Walters Greenwood Campus.

A light breakfast will be provided. The event will take place from 8:00 am through 12:00 noon. No afternoon sessions will be provided.

All adjunct faculty are encouraged to attend this annual professional development event. Please click the link to register for the 2024 PTC Adjunct Expo Event: https://ptcgwd.wufoo.com/forms/zw1eyp50263id6/

Adjunct Expo Tips

  • Please bring your PTC ID with you to sign in to the event. If you do not have a PTC ID we can provide guidance on how to obtain.
  • If you do not have a PTC parking sticker, we can help with obtaining.  Please make sure to have your SC vehicle registration and SCDL  for the parking permits..

We look forward to seeing all of you soon!

Warm regards,

The 2024 Adjunct Expo Committee

PTC’s Annual Adjunct Expo PD Event – Saturday August 10th, 2024!
PTC’s Annual Adjunct Expo PD Event – Saturday August 10th, 2024! avatar

Nita Staley-Abney

PTC’s Annual Adjunct Expo Professional Development Training Event will be held on Saturday August 10th, 2024 beginning at 8:00 am at the James Medford Family Event Center located at the Lex Walters Greenwood Campus.

A light breakfast will be provided. The event will take place from 8:00 am through 12:00 noon. No afternoon sessions will be provided.

All adjunct faculty are encouraged to attend this annual professional development event. Please click the link to register for the 2024 PTC Adjunct Expo Event: https://ptcgwd.wufoo.com/forms/zw1eyp50263id6/

Adjunct Expo Tips

  • Please bring your PTC ID with you to sign in to the event. If you do not have a PTC ID we can provide guidance on how to obtain.
  • If you do not have a PTC parking sticker, we can help with obtaining.  Please make sure to have the make, model, and tag number for your car.

We look forward to seeing all of you soon!

Warm regards,

The 2024 Adjunct Expo Committee