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.
