Snow Day Instructional Technology Resources

A few years ago Seattle Pacific University’s Dean’s Cabinet asked me to put together a list of eLearning tools that faculty can use if classes are cancelled due to inclement weather. Today’s snowy weather along with a prompting from my boss encouraged me to share an updated version with SPU faculty.

Instructional Technology Services provides training and support for all tools mentioned below. Our website includes a list of recent workshops. SPU Faculty: If you have questions about a particular tool and can’t reach me, there is probably a professor in your school who has experience.

Ideas

• Discussions:
  • Asynchronous: Blackboard Discussion Board, VoiceThread
  • Synchronous: Adobe Connect, Skype
• Online Assessments:
  • Quizzes
  • Tests
  • Surveys
  • Rubrics
  • Grade Center
• Collaboration:
  • Asynchronous: Blackboard Wikis, Blogs, Groups, Google Sites, WordPress
  • Synchronous: Google Docs
• Lectures, Presentations, Screencasts, Office Hours:
  • Asynchronous: Camtasia Relay
  • Synchronous: Adobe Connect, Skype

ITS also provides instructional graphics, scanning, and digital audio/video services. While I don’t like the idea of  having an emergency situation that forces professors to use these tools, I do like the raised awareness of our digital services and tools.  Maybe, just maybe, some new professors will consider using these tools and techniques for their everyday instruction.