The 30-Minute Tech Tools series is a dynamic and concise professional development program designed to empower educators with the latest and most efficient technological tools for teaching and learning. Each session, lasting just 30 minutes, is packed with practical tips and actionable strategies, focusing on a specific tool or feature to maximize its potential in the educational environment.
New content is offered every semester. Peruse current offerings and sign up here, or suggest a 30-Minute Tech Tools session here.
Past sessions, listed below, have covered a wide range of topics, ensuring that educators are well-equipped to handle various aspects of digital education.
Blackboard
Blackboard Ultra Course View
August 25, 2022; 9:00 – 9:30am
Facilitator: Jonathan Sikora and Dr. Gene Kleppinger
This session will review the tools and new design features of Blackboard Ultra.
Recording Available Here
Blackboard Ultra: Grade Center
Ultra View: February 22, 2023; 9:00 – 9:30am
Facilitator: Jonathan Sikora
Join us for an overview of Blackboard Grade Center, both in Ultra view.
Ultra View Recording Available Here
Blackboard: Best Practices in a Face-to-Face Class
September 9, 2022; 9:00 – 9:30am
Facilitator: Jonathan Sikora
Blackboard can be an effective complement to in-person instruction. This session will discuss some ways that you can make the most out of your online course page, even if you are not teaching online.
Recording Available Here
Blackboard: Embedding Video and Media
Facilitator: Jonathan Sikora
January 27, 2022; 9:00 – 9:30am
This session will discuss the basics of how to easily share videos and other types of media with your students in Blackboard.
Recording Available Here
Blackboard: Video Feedback
February 1, 2023; 9:00 – 9:30am
Facilitator: Dr. Shirley O’Brien
Providing students with video feedback in place of, or in addition to, written feedback can allow instructors to connect in a different way. In this session, the presenter will demonstrate how to leave video feedback in grade center, and will discuss why this tool can be a valuable addition for students.
Recording Available Here
Blackboard: Weighted Columns in Grade Center
April 21, 2022; 9:00 – 9:30am
Facilitator: Jonathan Sikora
Grades can be calculated in a variety of ways using Blackboard’s Grade Center. This session will look at how weighted columns can be used, and will address audience questions regarding Grade Center.
Recording Available Here
Canva
Creating Easy Designs in Canva
October 13, 2022; 9:00 – 9:30am
Facilitator: Brad Powell
Canva is a graphic design platform that helps anyone create beautiful presentations, posters, documents, social media graphics, and other visual content. This session will demonstrate some of the features of Canva.
Google Suite
Getting More Familiar with Google Suite
March 24, 2022; 9:00 – 9:30am
Facilitator: Brad Powell
You’re probably familiar with Google Docs, but have you ever used Google Sheets, Slides, Forms, or Jamboard? This session will give an overview of some of the tools that are available to us via Google.
Recording Available Here
Tips for Organizing in Google Drive
February 17, 2022; 9:00 – 9:30am
Facilitator: Brad Powell
Google Drive allows us to store and collaborate on work, but sometimes we can end up with a jumble of electronic documents that are difficult to find. This session will share some strategies for organizing and finding things in your Google Drive.
Recording Available Here
Microsoft
Microsoft Bookings
February 14, 2023; 9:00 – 9:30am
Facilitator: Brad Powell
Microsoft Bookings is an online scheduling program included in EKU’s Office 365 subscription. If you’re looking for an easy way for students or others to be able to schedule meetings with you, join us for this brief demonstration.
Recording Available Here
Microsoft Stream vs. YouTube
August 31, 2022; 9:00 – 9:30am
Facilitator: Brad Powell
Come and learn about the pros and cons of posting videos on Microsoft Stream versus YouTube.
Recording Available Here
Microsoft Teams
February 3, 2022; 9:00 – 9:30am
Facilitator: Brad Powell
Wondering what Microsoft Teams can do for you? Come learn about some of the features associated with this program.
Recording Available Here
Microsoft Word: Creating Tests and Quizzes
February 16, 2023; 9:00 – 9:30am
Facilitator: Brad Powell
Have you spent much longer than you should have fighting with auto-formatting “features” in Word, when trying to create student documents? This session will explore easier ways to create items like tests or quizzes.
Recording Available Here
PlayPosit
Create Interactive Videos with PlayPosit
September 22, 2022; 9:00 – 9:30am
Facilitator: Brad Powell
PlayPosit is an easy-to-use platform that enables uses to create interactive videos. Engage your students by inserting questions, discussion points, or interesting facts inside your recordings.
Recording Available Here
Quizizz
Quizizz
March 8, 2023; 9:00 – 9:30am
Facilitator: Brad Powell
Quizizz is an online learning platform that allows instructors to create quizzes and additional interactive content for students. Brad Powell will demonstrate the features that are available with the free level of this platform.
Zoom
Polling Options: Zoom and Mentimeter
March 3, 2022; 9:00 – 9:30am
Facilitator: Brad Powell
Classroom polling can be a convenient way to get just-in-time feedback on how your class is understanding course material. This session will discuss two options for conducting free and easy polls for online and in-person classes.
Recording Available Here
New Features in Zoom
September 30, 2022; 9:00 – 9:30am
Facilitator: Brad Powell
The latest updates in Zoom have introduced many new features, including a whiteboard, “focus” view, and apps. Come learn about how these new additions may be useful in your classes.
Recording Available Here