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Feedback and Gamification: How They Can Be Applied to An Online Course
In my first post on gamification, I talked about the difference between gamification and game-based learning. In the second, I gave some tips on how you can get more familiar with the idea of gamification. Now I would like … Read More
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Uncomplicating Alt-Text for Complex Images
Including alt-text on images is one of the most basic requirements for web accessibility. Alt-text is a brief description of the information conveyed by the image and allows blind and low-vision users to fully engage with all content on a … Read More
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Web 2.0 Digital Tools Selection Criteria
As an Instructional Technologist, receiving a daily barrage of emails from education tech companies is the norm. Each email offers a set of digital tools promising to “improve” the way our faculty deliver their content and “boost” our students’ learning … Read More
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SLATE 2016 Conference Reflections
On October 20, 2016, most of the SPS Distance Learning team attended and presented at SLATE 2016. There were numerous sessions and opportunities for conversations with our colleagues in distance learning and online education. Below are some reflections on … Read More
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Is Technology Driving Online Education Off A Cliff?
Is technology driving online education off a cliff? At the School of Professional Studies’ annual Distance Learning Symposium, David Noffs and I raised this question. As instructors and designers of new online courses in the Instructional Design Sequence in the … Read More
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What’s New in Canvas? – October 2016
Both Instructure (Canvas’ parent company) and Northwestern Information Technology are always making changes and improvements to Canvas – sometimes it can be hard to keep up! Keep reading to learn about some of the biggest and best new things in … Read More
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Three Things to Consider Before Gamifying Your Course
Gamification is one of those concepts that people hear about and want to try, but some are unsure of how to get started. Before diving right in, it is always best to take a step back and really understand what … Read More
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Estimating How Long it Takes to Make a Video
A fairly common question for anyone involved in making videos is “How long will it take?” A Venn Diagram triad is sometimes drawn in response to this question, it includes words like: Good, Fast, and Cheap. “Pick any two.” So … Read More
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Stories That Stick: Storytelling as a Meaningful Teaching Strategy Webinar: October 2016 Online Learning Webinar
Learning Designer Jessica Mansbach and Director of Faculty Programs at the Searle Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching Susanna Calkins hosted the October Online Learning Webinar, Stories That Stick: Storytelling as a Meaningful Teaching Strategy. Jessica and Susanna addressed … Read More
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Considering the Full Spectrum of Your Audience: An Interview with Terrill Thompson
Introduction What can be done to improve web accessibility practices? I spoke with Terrill Thompson, the chairperson for the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) Technology Special Interest Group, to find out. In addition to his role with … Read More