We found 64 results that contain "#onlinelearning"
Posted on: #iteachmsu
ASSESSING LEARNING
Exam Strategy for Online and Distance Teaching
Authors: Jeremy Van Hof, Stephen Thomas, Becky Matz, Kate Sonka, Sarah Wellman, Daniel Trego, Casey Henley, Jessica Knott, David Howe With our guiding principles for remote teaching as flexibility, generosity, and transparency, we know that there is no one solution for assessment that will meet all faculty and student needs. From this perspective, the primary concern should be assessing how well students have achieved the key learning objectives and determining what objectives are still unmet. It may be necessary to modify the nature of the exam to allow for the differences of the online environment. This document, written for any instructor who typically administers an end-of-semester high-stakes final exam, addresses how best to make those modifications. In thinking about online exams we recommend the following approaches (in priority order) for adjusting exams: multiple lower-stakes assessments, open-note exams, and online proctored exams. When changes to the learning environment occur, creating an inclusive and accessible learning experience for students with disabilities should remain a top priority. This includes providing accessible content and implementing student disability accommodations, as well as considering the ways assessment methods might be affected.
Faculty and students should be prepared to discuss accommodation needs that may arise. The team at MSU Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) will be available to answer questions about implementing accommodations. Contact information for Team RCPD is found at https://www.rcpd.msu.edu/teamrcpd. Below you will find a description of each of the recommendations, tips for their implementation, the benefits of each, and references to pertinent research on each.
There are three primary options*:
Multiple lower-stakes assessments (most preferred)
Open note exams (preferred)
Online proctored exams (if absolutely necessary)
*Performance-based assessments such as laboratory, presentation, music, or art experiences that show proficiency will be discussed in another document
Multiple lower-stakes assessments
Description: The unique circumstances of this semester make it necessary to carefully consider your priorities when assessing students. Rather than being cumulative, a multiple assessment approach makes assessment an incremental process. Students demonstrate their understanding frequently, and accrue points over time, rather than all at once on one test. Dividing the assessment into smaller pieces can reduce anxiety and give students more practice in taking their exams online. For instance, you might have a quiz at the end of each week that students have to complete. Each subsequent quiz can (and should) build on the previous one, allowing students to build toward more complex and rigorous applications of the content. Using this approach minimizes your need to change the types of questions that you have been asking to date, which can affect student performance (e.g. if you normally ask multiple-choice questions, you can continue to do so). For the remainder of the semester, use the D2L quizzes tool to build multiple smaller assessments. Spread out the totality of your typical final exam over the month of April. This can be as simple as dividing a 100 question final exam into eight 12-question “synthesis activities” that students complete bi-weekly.
Benefits as noted from the literature:
No significant differences were observed in terms of keystroke information, rapid guessing, or aggregated scores between proctoring conditions;
More effective method for incentivizing participation and reading;
Encourages knowledge retention as each subsequent assessment builds on the last
Rios, J. A., & Liu, O. L. (2017). Online proctored versus unproctored low-stakes internet test administration: Is there differential test-taking behavior and performance?. American Journal of Distance Education, 31(4), 226-241. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/08923647.2017.1258628 Schrank, Z. (2016). An assessment of student perceptions and responses to frequent low-stakes testing in introductory sociology classes. Teaching Sociology, 44(2), 118-127. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0092055X15624745 VanPatten, B., Trego, D., & Hopkins, W. P. (2015). In‐Class vs. Online Testing in University‐Level Language Courses: A Research Report. Foreign Language Annals, 48(4), 659-668. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/flan.12160
Open note exams
Description: Open note assessments allow students to refer to the Internet and other materials while completing their assessments. By design, this disincentives academic dishonesty. Often instructors put time parameters around open note exams. These types of exams also lend themselves to collaborative work in which multiple students work together to complete the assessment. With an open note strategy, you can keep your general exam schedule and point structure, but you may need to revise questions so they are less about factual recall and more about the application of concepts. For instance you might give students a scenario or case study that they have to apply class concepts to as opposed to asking for specific values or definitions. If you plan to make such changes, communicate your intent and rationale to you students prior to the exam. One effective open note testing technique is to use multiple-true/false questions as a means to measure understanding. These questions (called “multiple selection” questions in D2L) pose a scenario and prompt students to check all the boxes that apply. For example, students may be prompted to read a short case or lab report, then check all statements that are true about that reading. In this way a single question stem can assess multiple levels of complexity and/or comprehension.
Benefits as noted from the literature:
Open-book exams and collaborative exams promote development of critical thinking skills.
Open-book exams are more engaging and require higher-order thinking skills.
Application of open-book exams simulates the working environment.
Students prefer open-book exams and report decreased anxiety levels.
Collaborative exams stimulate brain cell growth and intricate cognitive complexes.
Johanns, B., Dinkens, A., & Moore, J. (2017). A systematic review comparing open-book and closed-book examinations: Evaluating effects on development of critical thinking skills. Nurse education in practice, 27, 89-94. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1471595317305486
Couch, B. A., Hubbard, J. K., & Brassil, C. E. (2018). Multiple–true–false questions reveal the limits of the multiple–choice format for detecting students with incomplete understandings. BioScience, 68(6), 455-463. https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biy037
Implementation for multiple lower-stakes and open note assessment strategies:
Timed vs. untimed: On the whole, performance on timed and untimed assessments yields similar scores. Students express greater anxiety over timed assessments, while they view untimed assessments as more amenable to dishonest behavior.
NOTE: If you typically have a time limit on your face-to-face assessments, increase it by 20% to allow for the added demands a remote (distinct from online) environment places on students.
If the exam is meant to be taken synchronously, remember to stay within your class period. Adjust the length of the exam accordingly.
Reduced scope: Decreasing content covered in the exam may be necessary to create an exam of appropriate length and complexity, given the unique circumstances this semester.
Question pools: Create a pool of questions, and let D2L randomly populate each student’s quiz. This helps reduce dishonest behavior
For example, a 10 question quiz might have 18 total questions in the pool, 10 of which are randomly distributed to each student by D2L.
Randomize answer order: In questions in which it makes sense, have D2L randomize the order in which the answer options appear.
Individual question per page: This can reduce instances of students taking the assessment together. It is even more effective when question order is randomized and a question pool is used. <//li>
Honor code attestation: Give students an opportunity to affirm their intent to be honest by making question one of every assessment a 0-point question asking students to agree to an honor code. You can access the MSU Honor Code: https://www.deanofstudents.msu.edu/academic-integrity
Live Zoom availability: In D2L Quizzes, set a time window during which the assessment will be available to students.
Hold a live open office hours session in Zoom at some point during that window, so that students who want to can take the assessment while they have direct access to you - this way they can ask questions if any arise.
Ultimately, our guiding principles for online teaching are flexibility, generosity, and transparency. Try to give students as much of an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge as possible.
Consider allowing multiple attempts on an assessment.
When conditions allow, consider allowing multiple means of expression.
Can students choose to demonstrate their knowledge from a menu of options
M/C test
Written response
Video presentation
Oral Exam (via Zoom)
Consider giving students choices. Perhaps they can opt out of answering a question or two. Perhaps they can choose which of a series of prompts to respond to. Perhaps students can waive one test score (to help accomodate for their rapidly changing environments)
Proctored assessments
Description: Respondus Lockdown Browser and Respondus Monitor are tools for remote proctoring in D2L. More information is available at https://help.d2l.msu.edu/node/4686. Please consider whether your assessments can be designed without the need for Respondus. While Respondus may be helpful in limited circumstances (e.g., when assessments must be proctored for accreditation purposes), introducing a new technology may cause additional stress for both students and instructors, and academic integrity is still not assured. High-stakes exams (those that are a large percentage of a student’s grade) that use new technologies and approaches can decrease student performance and may not reflect students’ understanding of the material. Please do not use an online proctored approach unless your assessment needs require its use.
Benefits:
Increases the barrier to academic dishonesty. Allows for use of existing exams (assuming they are translated in D2L’s Quizzes tool).
Implementation:
Any online proctored exam must be created and administered using D2L’s Quizzes tool.
Prior to offering a graded proctored exam, we strongly recommend that you administer an ungraded (or very low-stakes) practice test using the proctoring tool.
Clear communication with students about system and hardware requirements and timing considerations is required.
MSU has gained temporary no-cost access to a pair of online proctoring tools provided by Respondus: https://help.d2l.msu.edu/node/4686
Respondus Lockdown Browser requires that students download a web browser.
When they click into your exam, the Lockdown Browser opens, and prevents users from accessing anything else on their computer.
Respondus Monitor requires use of Respondus Lockdown Browser and a webcam.
Students are monitored via the webcam while they complete the exam in Lockdown Browser.
Additional Resources:
Remote Assessment Quick Guide
Remote Assessment Video Conversation
D2L Quizzes Tool Guide
Self-training on D2L Quizzes (login to MSU’s D2L is required; self-enroll into the training course)
References: Alessio, H.M.; Malay, N.; Mauere, K.; Bailer, A.J.; & Rubin, B.(2017) Examining the effect of proctoring on online test scores, Online Learning 21 (1) Altınay, Z. (2017) Evaluating peer learning and assessment in online collaborative learning environments, Behaviour & Information Technology, 36:3, 312-320, DOI: 10.1080/0144929X.2016.1232752
Couch, B. A., Hubbard, J. K., & Brassil, C. E. (2018). Multiple–true–false questions reveal the limits of the multiple–choice format for detecting students with incomplete understandings. BioScience, 68(6), 455-463. https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biy037 Cramp, J.; Medlin, J. F.; Lake, P.; & Sharp, C. (2019) Lessons learned from implementing remotely invigilated online exams, Journal of University Teaching & Learning Practice, 16(1). Guerrero-Roldán, A., & Noguera, I.(2018) A Model for Aligning Assessment with Competences and Learning Activities in Online Courses, The Internet and Higher Education, vol. 38, pp. 36–46., doi:10.1016/j.iheduc.2018.04.005.
Johanns, B., Dinkens, A., & Moore, J. (2017). A systematic review comparing open-book and closed-book examinations: Evaluating effects on development of critical thinking skills. Nurse education in practice, 27, 89-94. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1471595317305486 Joseph A. Rios, J.A. & Lydia Liu, O.L. (2017) Online Proctored Versus Unproctored Low-Stakes Internet Test Administration: Is There Differential Test-Taking Behavior and Performance?, American Journal of Distance Education, 31:4, 226-241, DOI: 10.1080/08923647.2017.1258628 Schrank, Z. (2016). An assessment of student perceptions and responses to frequent low-stakes testing in introductory sociology classes. Teaching Sociology, 44(2), 118-127. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0092055X15624745 Soffer, Tal, et al. “(2017) Assessment of Online Academic Courses via Students' Activities and Perceptions, Studies in Educational Evaluation, vol. 54, pp. 83–93., doi:10.1016/j.stueduc.2016.10.001.
Tan, C.(2020) Beyond high-stakes exam: A neo-Confucian educational programme and its contemporary implications, Educational Philosophy and Theory, 52:2, 137-148, DOI: 10.1080/00131857.2019.1605901
VanPatten, B., Trego, D., & Hopkins, W. P. (2015). In‐Class vs. Online Testing in University‐Level Language Courses: A Research Report. Foreign Language Annals, 48(4), 659-668. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/flan.12160
Faculty and students should be prepared to discuss accommodation needs that may arise. The team at MSU Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) will be available to answer questions about implementing accommodations. Contact information for Team RCPD is found at https://www.rcpd.msu.edu/teamrcpd. Below you will find a description of each of the recommendations, tips for their implementation, the benefits of each, and references to pertinent research on each.
There are three primary options*:
Multiple lower-stakes assessments (most preferred)
Open note exams (preferred)
Online proctored exams (if absolutely necessary)
*Performance-based assessments such as laboratory, presentation, music, or art experiences that show proficiency will be discussed in another document
Multiple lower-stakes assessments
Description: The unique circumstances of this semester make it necessary to carefully consider your priorities when assessing students. Rather than being cumulative, a multiple assessment approach makes assessment an incremental process. Students demonstrate their understanding frequently, and accrue points over time, rather than all at once on one test. Dividing the assessment into smaller pieces can reduce anxiety and give students more practice in taking their exams online. For instance, you might have a quiz at the end of each week that students have to complete. Each subsequent quiz can (and should) build on the previous one, allowing students to build toward more complex and rigorous applications of the content. Using this approach minimizes your need to change the types of questions that you have been asking to date, which can affect student performance (e.g. if you normally ask multiple-choice questions, you can continue to do so). For the remainder of the semester, use the D2L quizzes tool to build multiple smaller assessments. Spread out the totality of your typical final exam over the month of April. This can be as simple as dividing a 100 question final exam into eight 12-question “synthesis activities” that students complete bi-weekly.
Benefits as noted from the literature:
No significant differences were observed in terms of keystroke information, rapid guessing, or aggregated scores between proctoring conditions;
More effective method for incentivizing participation and reading;
Encourages knowledge retention as each subsequent assessment builds on the last
Rios, J. A., & Liu, O. L. (2017). Online proctored versus unproctored low-stakes internet test administration: Is there differential test-taking behavior and performance?. American Journal of Distance Education, 31(4), 226-241. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/08923647.2017.1258628 Schrank, Z. (2016). An assessment of student perceptions and responses to frequent low-stakes testing in introductory sociology classes. Teaching Sociology, 44(2), 118-127. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0092055X15624745 VanPatten, B., Trego, D., & Hopkins, W. P. (2015). In‐Class vs. Online Testing in University‐Level Language Courses: A Research Report. Foreign Language Annals, 48(4), 659-668. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/flan.12160
Open note exams
Description: Open note assessments allow students to refer to the Internet and other materials while completing their assessments. By design, this disincentives academic dishonesty. Often instructors put time parameters around open note exams. These types of exams also lend themselves to collaborative work in which multiple students work together to complete the assessment. With an open note strategy, you can keep your general exam schedule and point structure, but you may need to revise questions so they are less about factual recall and more about the application of concepts. For instance you might give students a scenario or case study that they have to apply class concepts to as opposed to asking for specific values or definitions. If you plan to make such changes, communicate your intent and rationale to you students prior to the exam. One effective open note testing technique is to use multiple-true/false questions as a means to measure understanding. These questions (called “multiple selection” questions in D2L) pose a scenario and prompt students to check all the boxes that apply. For example, students may be prompted to read a short case or lab report, then check all statements that are true about that reading. In this way a single question stem can assess multiple levels of complexity and/or comprehension.
Benefits as noted from the literature:
Open-book exams and collaborative exams promote development of critical thinking skills.
Open-book exams are more engaging and require higher-order thinking skills.
Application of open-book exams simulates the working environment.
Students prefer open-book exams and report decreased anxiety levels.
Collaborative exams stimulate brain cell growth and intricate cognitive complexes.
Johanns, B., Dinkens, A., & Moore, J. (2017). A systematic review comparing open-book and closed-book examinations: Evaluating effects on development of critical thinking skills. Nurse education in practice, 27, 89-94. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1471595317305486
Couch, B. A., Hubbard, J. K., & Brassil, C. E. (2018). Multiple–true–false questions reveal the limits of the multiple–choice format for detecting students with incomplete understandings. BioScience, 68(6), 455-463. https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biy037
Implementation for multiple lower-stakes and open note assessment strategies:
Timed vs. untimed: On the whole, performance on timed and untimed assessments yields similar scores. Students express greater anxiety over timed assessments, while they view untimed assessments as more amenable to dishonest behavior.
NOTE: If you typically have a time limit on your face-to-face assessments, increase it by 20% to allow for the added demands a remote (distinct from online) environment places on students.
If the exam is meant to be taken synchronously, remember to stay within your class period. Adjust the length of the exam accordingly.
Reduced scope: Decreasing content covered in the exam may be necessary to create an exam of appropriate length and complexity, given the unique circumstances this semester.
Question pools: Create a pool of questions, and let D2L randomly populate each student’s quiz. This helps reduce dishonest behavior
For example, a 10 question quiz might have 18 total questions in the pool, 10 of which are randomly distributed to each student by D2L.
Randomize answer order: In questions in which it makes sense, have D2L randomize the order in which the answer options appear.
Individual question per page: This can reduce instances of students taking the assessment together. It is even more effective when question order is randomized and a question pool is used. <//li>
Honor code attestation: Give students an opportunity to affirm their intent to be honest by making question one of every assessment a 0-point question asking students to agree to an honor code. You can access the MSU Honor Code: https://www.deanofstudents.msu.edu/academic-integrity
Live Zoom availability: In D2L Quizzes, set a time window during which the assessment will be available to students.
Hold a live open office hours session in Zoom at some point during that window, so that students who want to can take the assessment while they have direct access to you - this way they can ask questions if any arise.
Ultimately, our guiding principles for online teaching are flexibility, generosity, and transparency. Try to give students as much of an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge as possible.
Consider allowing multiple attempts on an assessment.
When conditions allow, consider allowing multiple means of expression.
Can students choose to demonstrate their knowledge from a menu of options
M/C test
Written response
Video presentation
Oral Exam (via Zoom)
Consider giving students choices. Perhaps they can opt out of answering a question or two. Perhaps they can choose which of a series of prompts to respond to. Perhaps students can waive one test score (to help accomodate for their rapidly changing environments)
Proctored assessments
Description: Respondus Lockdown Browser and Respondus Monitor are tools for remote proctoring in D2L. More information is available at https://help.d2l.msu.edu/node/4686. Please consider whether your assessments can be designed without the need for Respondus. While Respondus may be helpful in limited circumstances (e.g., when assessments must be proctored for accreditation purposes), introducing a new technology may cause additional stress for both students and instructors, and academic integrity is still not assured. High-stakes exams (those that are a large percentage of a student’s grade) that use new technologies and approaches can decrease student performance and may not reflect students’ understanding of the material. Please do not use an online proctored approach unless your assessment needs require its use.
Benefits:
Increases the barrier to academic dishonesty. Allows for use of existing exams (assuming they are translated in D2L’s Quizzes tool).
Implementation:
Any online proctored exam must be created and administered using D2L’s Quizzes tool.
Prior to offering a graded proctored exam, we strongly recommend that you administer an ungraded (or very low-stakes) practice test using the proctoring tool.
Clear communication with students about system and hardware requirements and timing considerations is required.
MSU has gained temporary no-cost access to a pair of online proctoring tools provided by Respondus: https://help.d2l.msu.edu/node/4686
Respondus Lockdown Browser requires that students download a web browser.
When they click into your exam, the Lockdown Browser opens, and prevents users from accessing anything else on their computer.
Respondus Monitor requires use of Respondus Lockdown Browser and a webcam.
Students are monitored via the webcam while they complete the exam in Lockdown Browser.
Additional Resources:
Remote Assessment Quick Guide
Remote Assessment Video Conversation
D2L Quizzes Tool Guide
Self-training on D2L Quizzes (login to MSU’s D2L is required; self-enroll into the training course)
References: Alessio, H.M.; Malay, N.; Mauere, K.; Bailer, A.J.; & Rubin, B.(2017) Examining the effect of proctoring on online test scores, Online Learning 21 (1) Altınay, Z. (2017) Evaluating peer learning and assessment in online collaborative learning environments, Behaviour & Information Technology, 36:3, 312-320, DOI: 10.1080/0144929X.2016.1232752
Couch, B. A., Hubbard, J. K., & Brassil, C. E. (2018). Multiple–true–false questions reveal the limits of the multiple–choice format for detecting students with incomplete understandings. BioScience, 68(6), 455-463. https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biy037 Cramp, J.; Medlin, J. F.; Lake, P.; & Sharp, C. (2019) Lessons learned from implementing remotely invigilated online exams, Journal of University Teaching & Learning Practice, 16(1). Guerrero-Roldán, A., & Noguera, I.(2018) A Model for Aligning Assessment with Competences and Learning Activities in Online Courses, The Internet and Higher Education, vol. 38, pp. 36–46., doi:10.1016/j.iheduc.2018.04.005.
Johanns, B., Dinkens, A., & Moore, J. (2017). A systematic review comparing open-book and closed-book examinations: Evaluating effects on development of critical thinking skills. Nurse education in practice, 27, 89-94. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1471595317305486 Joseph A. Rios, J.A. & Lydia Liu, O.L. (2017) Online Proctored Versus Unproctored Low-Stakes Internet Test Administration: Is There Differential Test-Taking Behavior and Performance?, American Journal of Distance Education, 31:4, 226-241, DOI: 10.1080/08923647.2017.1258628 Schrank, Z. (2016). An assessment of student perceptions and responses to frequent low-stakes testing in introductory sociology classes. Teaching Sociology, 44(2), 118-127. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0092055X15624745 Soffer, Tal, et al. “(2017) Assessment of Online Academic Courses via Students' Activities and Perceptions, Studies in Educational Evaluation, vol. 54, pp. 83–93., doi:10.1016/j.stueduc.2016.10.001.
Tan, C.(2020) Beyond high-stakes exam: A neo-Confucian educational programme and its contemporary implications, Educational Philosophy and Theory, 52:2, 137-148, DOI: 10.1080/00131857.2019.1605901
VanPatten, B., Trego, D., & Hopkins, W. P. (2015). In‐Class vs. Online Testing in University‐Level Language Courses: A Research Report. Foreign Language Annals, 48(4), 659-668. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/flan.12160
Authored by:
Jeremy Van Hof, Stephen Thomas, Becky Matz, Kate Sonka, S...

Posted on: #iteachmsu

Exam Strategy for Online and Distance Teaching
Authors: Jeremy Van Hof, Stephen Thomas, Becky Matz, Kate Sonka, Sa...
Authored by:
ASSESSING LEARNING
Wednesday, Sep 2, 2020
Posted on: MSU Online & Remote Teaching
NAVIGATING CONTEXT
Tips for Remote Learning Students: External Resources
Studying and Learning
Study Tips for Open Book and Take Home Exams
Study Through Active Recall
How to Read Your Textbook More Efficiently
Study Less, Study Smart
How to Motivate Yourself to Study
How to Study by Subjects
How to Study for Any Test or Exam
How to Improve Your Memory: A Comprehensive, Science-Backed Guide
How-To Videos
How to Learn Faster with the Feynman Technique
How to Make Effective Flash Cards
How to Remember More – Spaced Repetition
How to take Better Notes: The 6 Best Note-Taking Systems
How to Make Studying Fun
How to Deal with Essay Questions on Exams
How to Improve Your Grades on Multiple Choice Tests
How to Overcome Test Anxiety – 5 Strategies that Work
How to Create a Study Schedule for Final Exams
Confidence Tracking: A Brain Hack for Improving Your Exam Grades
How to Recover from a Failure
Math Resources
mathTV.com
Khan Academy
Worksheets (Kutasoftware)
Online Graphing Calculator (Desmos)
Print Your own Graph Paper:
Rectangular
Polar
Science Resources
Biology Online
Chemistry Resources
Virtual Organic Chemistry Textbook
Physics Resources
In-House Guidelines
Academic Planning Calendars
Instructions for Academic Planning Calendars
Strategies and Tips for Online Learning
Getting the Most Out of Mathematics
Post-Test Evaluation (Math)
Study Tips for Open Book and Take Home Exams
Study Through Active Recall
How to Read Your Textbook More Efficiently
Study Less, Study Smart
How to Motivate Yourself to Study
How to Study by Subjects
How to Study for Any Test or Exam
How to Improve Your Memory: A Comprehensive, Science-Backed Guide
How-To Videos
How to Learn Faster with the Feynman Technique
How to Make Effective Flash Cards
How to Remember More – Spaced Repetition
How to take Better Notes: The 6 Best Note-Taking Systems
How to Make Studying Fun
How to Deal with Essay Questions on Exams
How to Improve Your Grades on Multiple Choice Tests
How to Overcome Test Anxiety – 5 Strategies that Work
How to Create a Study Schedule for Final Exams
Confidence Tracking: A Brain Hack for Improving Your Exam Grades
How to Recover from a Failure
Math Resources
mathTV.com
Khan Academy
Worksheets (Kutasoftware)
Online Graphing Calculator (Desmos)
Print Your own Graph Paper:
Rectangular
Polar
Science Resources
Biology Online
Chemistry Resources
Virtual Organic Chemistry Textbook
Physics Resources
In-House Guidelines
Academic Planning Calendars
Instructions for Academic Planning Calendars
Strategies and Tips for Online Learning
Getting the Most Out of Mathematics
Post-Test Evaluation (Math)
Posted by:
Makena Neal

Posted on: MSU Online & Remote Teaching

Tips for Remote Learning Students: External Resources
Studying and Learning
Study Tips for Open Book and Take Home Exams
...
Study Tips for Open Book and Take Home Exams
...
Posted by:
NAVIGATING CONTEXT
Tuesday, Jul 7, 2020
Posted on: MSU Academic Advising
PEDAGOGICAL DESIGN
On-Campus Training and Courses for Academic Advisors
MSU offers an array of development options for employees to enhance skills and continue professional growth. Explore a list of campus trainings, courses, and free media resources below. Campus Trainings MSU offers a wide range of learning opportunities to help academic staff meet their professional development goals. These include:
ElevateU is a free online training resource, offering programs that cover leadership, IT & desktop, business, finance, change management, project management, interpersonal skills and more. Courses are offered through videos, books, and preparation for a professional certificate. You can access ElevateU by logging into the EBS portal and locating the ElevateU tile under the "My Career & Training" tab, or by clicking on the image below.
The Office of Faculty & Staff Development offers programs and additional training opportunities for advisors, including leadership development, career enhancement and growth, and professional development workshops that foster engaging conversations and collaboration among academic specialists.
The Organization and Professional Development division of MSU Human Resources provides instructor-led courses and workshops on a broad-range of topics. This includes leadership development, methods for enhancing communication skills, and opportunities to expand knowledge in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Kognito for Faculty & Staff helps us learn to notice signs of distress, use techniques to discuss our concerns, and, if necessary, refer students to appropriate resources. Practice these challenging conversations at your own pace through role-play with virtual students. In a national study of effectiveness, this simulation has been shown to increase the number of student referrals to counseling.
Tuition Assistance All academic specialists with fixed term, probationary, or continuing appointment status and who have a minimum of 24 FTE (full-time equivalent) university service months and are appointed 50% time or more are eligible to apply.
Coverage is limited to four (4) credits per semester with a maximum of twelve (12) credits per academic year at the rate corresponding to the student’s academic level. Only MSU credit courses are covered.
Additional information and eligibility requirements can be found on the Academic Specialists Professional Development Support Program (this link opens in a new window/tab) page of the Human Resources site.
To apply, navigate to the Enterprise Business Systems (EBS) portal, select Educational Assistance System under the My Careers & Training category, and then Apply at the top left of the page. The application will be sent to your supervisor for approval before being submitted to HR for final review.
Free Media MSU Libraries have purchased licenses to various news sources so MSU students and employees can access them for free. These include:
The Chronicle of Higher Education: A leading source for news coverage on the academic sector, student life, online learning, college and university job openings, and more.
From a computer on campus, simply go to the Chronicle website: chronicle.com. The entire MSU IP range is covered by the new subscription, so no login or password is needed. From a computer off-campus, you must connect through the library’s proxy server: http://ezproxy.msu.edu/login?url=http://chronicle.com. Without this step, the Chronicle site will not be able to authenticate you as an MSU user. Sign in with your MSUnet ID and password for full access to Chronicle content.
Major Daily Newspapers: Access Detroit Free Press, Lansing State Journal, New York Times, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal through MSU Libraries' Newspaper Guide. Additional newspaper databases and and alternatives to mainstream media are also offered through MSU Libraries.
ElevateU is a free online training resource, offering programs that cover leadership, IT & desktop, business, finance, change management, project management, interpersonal skills and more. Courses are offered through videos, books, and preparation for a professional certificate. You can access ElevateU by logging into the EBS portal and locating the ElevateU tile under the "My Career & Training" tab, or by clicking on the image below.
The Office of Faculty & Staff Development offers programs and additional training opportunities for advisors, including leadership development, career enhancement and growth, and professional development workshops that foster engaging conversations and collaboration among academic specialists.
The Organization and Professional Development division of MSU Human Resources provides instructor-led courses and workshops on a broad-range of topics. This includes leadership development, methods for enhancing communication skills, and opportunities to expand knowledge in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Kognito for Faculty & Staff helps us learn to notice signs of distress, use techniques to discuss our concerns, and, if necessary, refer students to appropriate resources. Practice these challenging conversations at your own pace through role-play with virtual students. In a national study of effectiveness, this simulation has been shown to increase the number of student referrals to counseling.
Tuition Assistance All academic specialists with fixed term, probationary, or continuing appointment status and who have a minimum of 24 FTE (full-time equivalent) university service months and are appointed 50% time or more are eligible to apply.
Coverage is limited to four (4) credits per semester with a maximum of twelve (12) credits per academic year at the rate corresponding to the student’s academic level. Only MSU credit courses are covered.
Additional information and eligibility requirements can be found on the Academic Specialists Professional Development Support Program (this link opens in a new window/tab) page of the Human Resources site.
To apply, navigate to the Enterprise Business Systems (EBS) portal, select Educational Assistance System under the My Careers & Training category, and then Apply at the top left of the page. The application will be sent to your supervisor for approval before being submitted to HR for final review.
Free Media MSU Libraries have purchased licenses to various news sources so MSU students and employees can access them for free. These include:
The Chronicle of Higher Education: A leading source for news coverage on the academic sector, student life, online learning, college and university job openings, and more.
From a computer on campus, simply go to the Chronicle website: chronicle.com. The entire MSU IP range is covered by the new subscription, so no login or password is needed. From a computer off-campus, you must connect through the library’s proxy server: http://ezproxy.msu.edu/login?url=http://chronicle.com. Without this step, the Chronicle site will not be able to authenticate you as an MSU user. Sign in with your MSUnet ID and password for full access to Chronicle content.
Major Daily Newspapers: Access Detroit Free Press, Lansing State Journal, New York Times, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal through MSU Libraries' Newspaper Guide. Additional newspaper databases and and alternatives to mainstream media are also offered through MSU Libraries.
Posted by:
Katie Peterson

Posted on: MSU Academic Advising

On-Campus Training and Courses for Academic Advisors
MSU offers an array of development options for employees to enhance...
Posted by:
PEDAGOGICAL DESIGN
Sunday, Nov 19, 2023
Posted on: #iteachmsu
The Provost’s Office has brought together resources from around the university to support the necessary ongoing professional development of faculty to help transition from remote teaching to the development of online course curriculum. These efforts have resulted in both asynchronous and synchronous options being available to faculty through our SOIREE (Summer Online Instructional Readiness Educational Experience) and ASPIRE (ASynchronous Program for Instructional REadiness) workshops.
These workshops have been created to help you better prepare to teach online. You will learn online pedagogical principles and develop proficiency with a variety of technologies. By the workshop’s conclusion, you will have drafted a course structure and learned strategies for aligning content delivery, learning activities, and assessment for your course goals. In addition, you will have learned more solid online teaching practices.
Please note that the SOIREE and ASPIRE workshops are equivalent; you should not sign up for or complete both. Each workshop will take roughly 20 hours to complete.
Professional Development Registration Dates:
The SOIREE (synchronous, facilitated) workshop will take place during the following times this summer. The five-day workshop will have facilitated sessions that occur from 9-10 a.m. and 4-5 p.m. These sessions will be recorded and can be reviewed at a later time.
July 13-17
August 17-21
The ASPIRE (asynchronous, self-paced) workshop will open on the following date this summer:
June 15
To Register for SOIREE:
To register for the SOIREE (synchronous, facilitated) workshop, please complete this Sign-up Form (please link to: https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1AdVlXQcAoHWof3) . We are limiting each workshop to a total of 200 people on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, if you do not see the July workshop date as an option, that means that its maximum enrollment has been met. The registration deadline for each workshop is two weeks prior to its start date.
To Register for ASPIRE:
Registration and self-enrollment for the ASPIRE (asynchronous, self-paced) workshop will open June 15is now open. We will send a reminder email on the day registration opens, with a D2L self-enrollment link. Please follow the link below to enroll:
https://apps.d2l.msu.edu/selfenroll/course/1153446
If you have questions related to any of the workshops, please direct them to Ashley Braman (behanash@msu.edu) or Breana Yaklin (yaklinbr@msu.edu) for additional support.
In addition to the workshops mentioned above, the College of Education, building on its tradition of excellence in online instruction, is offering a free, limited-enrollment, intermediate-level course for faculty during the months of July and August that will lead to earning a college Micro-Credential in Online College Teaching. This four-week course has a total of a 20-hour time commitment (over the four weeks) and can be taken after the completion of SOIREE or ASPIRE.
The College of Education also has a free, self-paced introduction to remote teaching that can be taken as a prerequisite to the Micro-Credential in Online College Teaching. You can find more information about this here: https://edwp.educ.msu.edu/maet/2020/03/30/maetminimooc/.
Registration for the intermediate-level course, which leads to the Micro-Credential in Online College Teaching, will begin within individual colleges; associate deans for undergraduate education (and other associate deans in graduate/professional-only colleges) will receive information about this opportunity and will share with faculty. This course will add to what you will have already learned about online and hybrid approaches looking into next year, with particular attention on:
Designing the student experience and flow of your online course
Designing engaging and accessible online learning experiences
Developing and sustaining community
Online assessment and feedback
If you have questions related to the Micro-Credential in Online College Teaching, please reach out to Kaitlin Klemp (klempkai@msu.edu) for additional support.
Summer 2020 Professional Development
The Provost’s Office has brought together resources from around the university to support the necessary ongoing professional development of faculty to help transition from remote teaching to the development of online course curriculum. These efforts have resulted in both asynchronous and synchronous options being available to faculty through our SOIREE (Summer Online Instructional Readiness Educational Experience) and ASPIRE (ASynchronous Program for Instructional REadiness) workshops.
These workshops have been created to help you better prepare to teach online. You will learn online pedagogical principles and develop proficiency with a variety of technologies. By the workshop’s conclusion, you will have drafted a course structure and learned strategies for aligning content delivery, learning activities, and assessment for your course goals. In addition, you will have learned more solid online teaching practices.
Please note that the SOIREE and ASPIRE workshops are equivalent; you should not sign up for or complete both. Each workshop will take roughly 20 hours to complete.
Professional Development Registration Dates:
The SOIREE (synchronous, facilitated) workshop will take place during the following times this summer. The five-day workshop will have facilitated sessions that occur from 9-10 a.m. and 4-5 p.m. These sessions will be recorded and can be reviewed at a later time.
July 13-17
August 17-21
The ASPIRE (asynchronous, self-paced) workshop will open on the following date this summer:
June 15
To Register for SOIREE:
To register for the SOIREE (synchronous, facilitated) workshop, please complete this Sign-up Form (please link to: https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1AdVlXQcAoHWof3) . We are limiting each workshop to a total of 200 people on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, if you do not see the July workshop date as an option, that means that its maximum enrollment has been met. The registration deadline for each workshop is two weeks prior to its start date.
To Register for ASPIRE:
Registration and self-enrollment for the ASPIRE (asynchronous, self-paced) workshop will open June 15is now open. We will send a reminder email on the day registration opens, with a D2L self-enrollment link. Please follow the link below to enroll:
https://apps.d2l.msu.edu/selfenroll/course/1153446
If you have questions related to any of the workshops, please direct them to Ashley Braman (behanash@msu.edu) or Breana Yaklin (yaklinbr@msu.edu) for additional support.
In addition to the workshops mentioned above, the College of Education, building on its tradition of excellence in online instruction, is offering a free, limited-enrollment, intermediate-level course for faculty during the months of July and August that will lead to earning a college Micro-Credential in Online College Teaching. This four-week course has a total of a 20-hour time commitment (over the four weeks) and can be taken after the completion of SOIREE or ASPIRE.
The College of Education also has a free, self-paced introduction to remote teaching that can be taken as a prerequisite to the Micro-Credential in Online College Teaching. You can find more information about this here: https://edwp.educ.msu.edu/maet/2020/03/30/maetminimooc/.
Registration for the intermediate-level course, which leads to the Micro-Credential in Online College Teaching, will begin within individual colleges; associate deans for undergraduate education (and other associate deans in graduate/professional-only colleges) will receive information about this opportunity and will share with faculty. This course will add to what you will have already learned about online and hybrid approaches looking into next year, with particular attention on:
Designing the student experience and flow of your online course
Designing engaging and accessible online learning experiences
Developing and sustaining community
Online assessment and feedback
If you have questions related to the Micro-Credential in Online College Teaching, please reach out to Kaitlin Klemp (klempkai@msu.edu) for additional support.
Posted by:
Makena Neal
Posted on: #iteachmsu
The Provost’s Office has brought together resources from aro...
Summer 2020 Professional Development
The Provost’s Office has brought together resources from aro...
Posted by:
Monday, Jun 15, 2020
Posted on: Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation
NAVIGATING CONTEXT
Educator of Impact: Tom Cheng
At the heart of Michigan State University’s Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation [CTLI] is Tom Cheng [he/him], a Senior Learning Experience Designer whose journey from Hong Kong to East Lansing embodies the transformative power of education.
Growing up in a grassroots community in Hong Kong, Tom understood the importance of equitable education from an early age. Despite attending a high school where university admittance was hard to achieve, Tom’s intellectual curiosity and drive propelled him forward. Wanting to become a local English teacher, he pursued a double degree at The Chinese University of Hong Kong [CUHK], earning a Bachelor of Arts in English Studies and a Bachelor of Education in English Language Education.
Tom’s educational journey took him beyond Hong Kong’s borders. Through his university program, he taught in Beijing and rural South Korea, experiences that would later shape his perspective on diverse educational needs.
After becoming a first-generation graduate in 2018, Tom began his career teaching English at various high schools in Hong Kong. It was during his second year of teaching that COVID-19 emerged, sparking his interest in online learning processes. This pivotal moment led him to pursue a Master’s in Learning Design and Technology at Stanford University, fully funded by a unique scholarship. The Bei Shan Tang Scholarship provides support to an ‘outstanding [CUHK] graduate’ to pursue postgraduate study at the Graduate School of Education of Stanford University.
“Teachers don’t just teach,” Tom reflects on his time in K-12 education. “Of course, I can teach exam skills or what’s in a textbook, but a lot of what teachers do is show care to students, especially if they’re not getting care at home.” This experience taught Tom to be more sympathetic and to consider things from a student’s perspective – skills that prove invaluable in his current role.
Now at MSU’s CTLI, Tom brings his diverse background in education to bear on several exciting projects. He’s currently working on improving online.msu.edu and teachingcenter.msu.edu, as well as developing a self-directed course for MSU educators called ‘Spartan Learning Experience Design’. Based on the nationally recognized ‘Quality Matters’ framework, this course aims to help educators, especially one’s just beginning their career in education, design effective online and in-person courses. Tom is also collaborating with the Forest Carbon Management Program at MSU on a successful Coursera course, with more modules in development. These projects showcase Tom’s commitment to making quality education accessible to a wider audience.
As a relatively new face at MSU, having only started six months ago, Tom is focused on establishing himself within the community. He is running the Spartan Learning Experience Design Sessions, aiming to build the kind of reputation that his long-standing colleagues retain. Tom acknowledges the unique challenges of working in higher education, where one often advises highly knowledgeable educators on changing their teaching practices. “It can be an uphill battle,” he admits, emphasizing the importance of building credibility and rapport within a university.
For Tom, success isn’t about wealth or quantifiable metrics. “It’s about how much positive impact you can make to the community you care about,” he explains. “Sometimes it’s just about touching lives, and in education, you never know how many lives you’ve touched until one day someone tells you, ‘Hey, you recommended this tool, and it works great.’”
As Tom continues to innovate and inspire at MSU’s CTLI, his journey serves as a testament to the power of education to transform lives and communities. His work bridges cultures, technologies, and teaching methodologies, embodying the very essence of learning experience design in the 21st century.
Growing up in a grassroots community in Hong Kong, Tom understood the importance of equitable education from an early age. Despite attending a high school where university admittance was hard to achieve, Tom’s intellectual curiosity and drive propelled him forward. Wanting to become a local English teacher, he pursued a double degree at The Chinese University of Hong Kong [CUHK], earning a Bachelor of Arts in English Studies and a Bachelor of Education in English Language Education.
Tom’s educational journey took him beyond Hong Kong’s borders. Through his university program, he taught in Beijing and rural South Korea, experiences that would later shape his perspective on diverse educational needs.
After becoming a first-generation graduate in 2018, Tom began his career teaching English at various high schools in Hong Kong. It was during his second year of teaching that COVID-19 emerged, sparking his interest in online learning processes. This pivotal moment led him to pursue a Master’s in Learning Design and Technology at Stanford University, fully funded by a unique scholarship. The Bei Shan Tang Scholarship provides support to an ‘outstanding [CUHK] graduate’ to pursue postgraduate study at the Graduate School of Education of Stanford University.
“Teachers don’t just teach,” Tom reflects on his time in K-12 education. “Of course, I can teach exam skills or what’s in a textbook, but a lot of what teachers do is show care to students, especially if they’re not getting care at home.” This experience taught Tom to be more sympathetic and to consider things from a student’s perspective – skills that prove invaluable in his current role.
Now at MSU’s CTLI, Tom brings his diverse background in education to bear on several exciting projects. He’s currently working on improving online.msu.edu and teachingcenter.msu.edu, as well as developing a self-directed course for MSU educators called ‘Spartan Learning Experience Design’. Based on the nationally recognized ‘Quality Matters’ framework, this course aims to help educators, especially one’s just beginning their career in education, design effective online and in-person courses. Tom is also collaborating with the Forest Carbon Management Program at MSU on a successful Coursera course, with more modules in development. These projects showcase Tom’s commitment to making quality education accessible to a wider audience.
As a relatively new face at MSU, having only started six months ago, Tom is focused on establishing himself within the community. He is running the Spartan Learning Experience Design Sessions, aiming to build the kind of reputation that his long-standing colleagues retain. Tom acknowledges the unique challenges of working in higher education, where one often advises highly knowledgeable educators on changing their teaching practices. “It can be an uphill battle,” he admits, emphasizing the importance of building credibility and rapport within a university.
For Tom, success isn’t about wealth or quantifiable metrics. “It’s about how much positive impact you can make to the community you care about,” he explains. “Sometimes it’s just about touching lives, and in education, you never know how many lives you’ve touched until one day someone tells you, ‘Hey, you recommended this tool, and it works great.’”
As Tom continues to innovate and inspire at MSU’s CTLI, his journey serves as a testament to the power of education to transform lives and communities. His work bridges cultures, technologies, and teaching methodologies, embodying the very essence of learning experience design in the 21st century.
Authored by:
Cara Mack

Posted on: Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation

Educator of Impact: Tom Cheng
At the heart of Michigan State University’s Center for Teaching and...
Authored by:
NAVIGATING CONTEXT
Tuesday, Aug 13, 2024
Posted on: #iteachmsu
PEDAGOGICAL DESIGN
Open Call: Catalyst Innovation Program 2021-2022 cohort
MSU seeks new ideas aimed at improving the digital learning experience. Incorporating digital strategies to support pedagogy can enhance students’ learning experiences and offer efficiencies in assessment and analysis. Many digital learning innovations impacting institutional initiatives at scale often start small. Innovations may spring from novel pedagogical approaches in individual courses, as collaborative experiments across disciplines, or the result of student feedback and needs analysis. We recognize the value of providing support and resources to change the student experience for the better. MSU's Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation is committed to facilitating new ideas and announces the following call for proposals for the Catalyst Innovation Program.
Catalyst Innovation Program
The Catalyst Innovation Program seeks to fund creative and innovative uses of tools, technology, and pedagogical approaches up to $10,000 for the purposes of allowing experimentation in spaces with the potential to enhance student learning experiences.
Please note that these funds are intended to fund software, technology, and/or services but are not able to support salary lines, including faculty, staff, undergraduate and graduate students. We are especially interested in proposals that include one or more of the following criteria:
Learning
Demonstrate learning, conceptual understanding, or increased content knowledge
Inclusivity and Accessibility
Increase access, as defined as “providing the means for all qualified, motivated students to complete courses, degrees, or programs in their disciplines of choice (Online Learning Consortium, n.d.; MSU Learning Design Strategy.)” For example, reduced or zero cost to students beyond tuition, universally designed experiences, and the like
Contribute to more equitable and inclusive digital learning experiences and environments
Experiences that are universally designed and accessible
Feedback and Adaptivity
Increase formative feedback (assessment for learning)
Provide learning analytics to educators to enable adaptive or personalized pedagogy
Provide mechanisms for student input and collaboration
Increase student engagement as defined by your discipline. For example as increased participation, collaboration, peer learning, and so on
Proposals
Proposals should include a description of the innovation and idea, implementation approach, evaluation and assessment plan, and budget. Click the following link to apply (Application closed)
Timeline
The Call for Proposals opens: December 16, 2021
Proposals are due: 5:00 pm EST, January 21, 2022
Awards will be announced: February 7, 2022
Once awarded, funding is available through June 30, 2022.
Selection Criteria
Completeness of the idea proposal
Clearly explained potential impact on student engagement, mastery, or success
Challenge or shift current teaching and learning practices
Readiness to implement
Plan to implement during the funding period in an existing course or program
Opportunity for scale/re-use
Assessment and evaluation plan for your project
Proposed budget
Alignment with MSU Learning Design Strategy
Quality
Inclusivity
Connectivity
References
https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/about/quality-framework-five-pillars/
http://lds.msu.edu
Catalyst Innovation Program
The Catalyst Innovation Program seeks to fund creative and innovative uses of tools, technology, and pedagogical approaches up to $10,000 for the purposes of allowing experimentation in spaces with the potential to enhance student learning experiences.
Please note that these funds are intended to fund software, technology, and/or services but are not able to support salary lines, including faculty, staff, undergraduate and graduate students. We are especially interested in proposals that include one or more of the following criteria:
Learning
Demonstrate learning, conceptual understanding, or increased content knowledge
Inclusivity and Accessibility
Increase access, as defined as “providing the means for all qualified, motivated students to complete courses, degrees, or programs in their disciplines of choice (Online Learning Consortium, n.d.; MSU Learning Design Strategy.)” For example, reduced or zero cost to students beyond tuition, universally designed experiences, and the like
Contribute to more equitable and inclusive digital learning experiences and environments
Experiences that are universally designed and accessible
Feedback and Adaptivity
Increase formative feedback (assessment for learning)
Provide learning analytics to educators to enable adaptive or personalized pedagogy
Provide mechanisms for student input and collaboration
Increase student engagement as defined by your discipline. For example as increased participation, collaboration, peer learning, and so on
Proposals
Proposals should include a description of the innovation and idea, implementation approach, evaluation and assessment plan, and budget. Click the following link to apply (Application closed)
Timeline
The Call for Proposals opens: December 16, 2021
Proposals are due: 5:00 pm EST, January 21, 2022
Awards will be announced: February 7, 2022
Once awarded, funding is available through June 30, 2022.
Selection Criteria
Completeness of the idea proposal
Clearly explained potential impact on student engagement, mastery, or success
Challenge or shift current teaching and learning practices
Readiness to implement
Plan to implement during the funding period in an existing course or program
Opportunity for scale/re-use
Assessment and evaluation plan for your project
Proposed budget
Alignment with MSU Learning Design Strategy
Quality
Inclusivity
Connectivity
References
https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/about/quality-framework-five-pillars/
http://lds.msu.edu
Posted by:
Rashad Muhammad

Posted on: #iteachmsu

Open Call: Catalyst Innovation Program 2021-2022 cohort
MSU seeks new ideas aimed at improving the digital learning experie...
Posted by:
PEDAGOGICAL DESIGN
Wednesday, Jan 26, 2022
Posted on: #iteachmsu
PEDAGOGICAL DESIGN
Open Call Deadline Extended: Catalyst Innovation Program Summer 2022 cohort
MSU seeks new ideas aimed at improving the digital learning experience. Incorporating digital strategies to support pedagogy can enhance students’ learning experiences and offer efficiencies in assessment and analysis. Many digital learning innovations impacting institutional initiatives at scale often start small. Innovations may spring from novel pedagogical approaches in individual courses, as collaborative experiments across disciplines, or the result of student feedback and needs analysis. We recognize the value of providing support and resources to change the student experience for the better. MSU's Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation is committed to facilitating new ideas and announces the following call for proposals for the Catalyst Innovation Program.
Catalyst Innovation Program
The Catalyst Innovation Program seeks to fund creative and innovative uses of tools, technology, and pedagogical approaches up to $10,000 for the purposes of allowing experimentation in spaces with the potential to enhance student learning experiences.
Please note that these funds are intended to fund software, technology, and/or services but are not able to support salary lines, including faculty, staff, undergraduate and graduate students. We are especially interested in proposals that include one or more of the following criteria:
Learning
Demonstrate learning, conceptual understanding, or increased content knowledge
Inclusivity and Accessibility
Increase access, as defined as “providing the means for all qualified, motivated students to complete courses, degrees, or programs in their disciplines of choice (Online Learning Consortium, n.d.; MSU Learning Design Strategy.)” For example, reduced or zero cost to students beyond tuition, universally designed experiences, and the like
Contribute to more equitable and inclusive digital learning experiences and environments
Experiences that are universally designed and accessible
Feedback and Adaptivity
Increase formative feedback (assessment for learning)
Provide learning analytics to educators to enable adaptive or personalized pedagogy
Provide mechanisms for student input and collaboration
Increase student engagement as defined by your discipline. For example as increased participation, collaboration, peer learning, and so on
Proposals
Proposals should include a description of the innovation and idea, implementation approach, evaluation and assessment plan, and budget. Click the following link to apply: https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cSa6sOXdRCQxPtc
Timeline (Extended deadline)
The Call for Proposals opens: April 29, 2022
Proposals are due: 5:00 pm EST, June 3, 2022
Awards will be announced: June 15, 2022
Once awarded, funding is available through December, 2022.
Selection Criteria
Completeness of the idea proposal
Clearly explained potential impact on student engagement, mastery, or success
Challenge or shift current teaching and learning practices
Readiness to implement
Plan to implement during the funding period in an existing course or program
Opportunity for scale/re-use
Assessment and evaluation plan for your project
Proposed budget
Alignment with MSU Learning Design Strategy
Quality
Inclusivity
Connectivity
References
https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/about/quality-framework-five-pillars/
http://lds.msu.edu
Catalyst Innovation Program
The Catalyst Innovation Program seeks to fund creative and innovative uses of tools, technology, and pedagogical approaches up to $10,000 for the purposes of allowing experimentation in spaces with the potential to enhance student learning experiences.
Please note that these funds are intended to fund software, technology, and/or services but are not able to support salary lines, including faculty, staff, undergraduate and graduate students. We are especially interested in proposals that include one or more of the following criteria:
Learning
Demonstrate learning, conceptual understanding, or increased content knowledge
Inclusivity and Accessibility
Increase access, as defined as “providing the means for all qualified, motivated students to complete courses, degrees, or programs in their disciplines of choice (Online Learning Consortium, n.d.; MSU Learning Design Strategy.)” For example, reduced or zero cost to students beyond tuition, universally designed experiences, and the like
Contribute to more equitable and inclusive digital learning experiences and environments
Experiences that are universally designed and accessible
Feedback and Adaptivity
Increase formative feedback (assessment for learning)
Provide learning analytics to educators to enable adaptive or personalized pedagogy
Provide mechanisms for student input and collaboration
Increase student engagement as defined by your discipline. For example as increased participation, collaboration, peer learning, and so on
Proposals
Proposals should include a description of the innovation and idea, implementation approach, evaluation and assessment plan, and budget. Click the following link to apply: https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cSa6sOXdRCQxPtc
Timeline (Extended deadline)
The Call for Proposals opens: April 29, 2022
Proposals are due: 5:00 pm EST, June 3, 2022
Awards will be announced: June 15, 2022
Once awarded, funding is available through December, 2022.
Selection Criteria
Completeness of the idea proposal
Clearly explained potential impact on student engagement, mastery, or success
Challenge or shift current teaching and learning practices
Readiness to implement
Plan to implement during the funding period in an existing course or program
Opportunity for scale/re-use
Assessment and evaluation plan for your project
Proposed budget
Alignment with MSU Learning Design Strategy
Quality
Inclusivity
Connectivity
References
https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/about/quality-framework-five-pillars/
http://lds.msu.edu
Posted by:
Rashad Muhammad

Posted on: #iteachmsu

Open Call Deadline Extended: Catalyst Innovation Program Summer 2022 cohort
MSU seeks new ideas aimed at improving the digital learning experie...
Posted by:
PEDAGOGICAL DESIGN
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
Posted on: #iteachmsu
NAVIGATING CONTEXT
MSU Resources on Civility and Community Enhancement in Academic Environments
MSU Resources on Civility and Community Enhancement in Academic Environments
Michigan State University is a large and diverse institution hosting a variety of climates and cultures. Understanding and navigating these cultures can sometimes be challenging, so this list of resources is provided to increase awareness of the opportunities for learning and growth that are available to enhance our community and those that engage with it. It is the responsibility of everyone at MSU to contribute to an academic environment that welcomes every individual and respects their unique talents as we all work toward preparing future generations of Spartans.
Resources available at MSU
Conflict Resolution:
The Faculty Grievance Office responds to inquiries from MSU faculty, academic staff and administrators concerning alleged violations of MSU policies and practices.
The Office of the University Ombudsperson assists students, staff members, instructors, and administrators sort through university rules and regulations that might apply to specific student issues and concerns and help to resolve disputes.
MSU Human Resources offers Organizational Development Consulting Services on a variety of topics including climate/culture/interpersonal relationships.
The Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives offers programs and resources to bridge understanding across difference:
Inclusive Communications Guide (coming soon).
One-page Tip Sheets (printable/shareable .pdfs) These were designed to aid in building inclusive classrooms, but many of the concepts are more broadly applicable to other academic spaces and environments.
Setting up an Inclusive Classroom (PDF)
Some Dialogue Basics (PDF)
Intercultural Dialogue Facilitation (PDF)
Strategies for Managing Hot Moments in the Classroom (PDF)
Interrupting Bias: A Technique (PDF)
Microaggressions: A Primer (PDF)
Learn at Lunch this informal series welcomes anyone to bring their lunch and join the conversation. A variety of topics related to inclusion, social justice and equity will be highlighted - the schedule for the year is posted on the website in August.
Implicit Bias Certificate Program (available through MSU HR in EBS): this series of three sessions include topics on Creating an Inclusive Environment, Implicit Bias and Microaggressions, and Preparing for the Next Encounter. Sessions can be attended consecutively or combined to complete a certificate.
List of diversity and inclusion workshops offered (examples include Building an Inclusive Workplace, Disrupting Bias in the Academy, Racial Literacy, Building an Inclusive Classroom, Inclusive Leadership, Diversifying and Retaining Faculty and Staff)
MSU Dialogues a cohort-based experience exploring deep conversations about race, gender and other important aspects of identity. Undergraduate, graduate, faculty and staff groups are formed through application and the series of 6-8 meetings is offered each semester.
MSU Human Resources also has information and workshops available to further productive conversations about workplace culture and environments:
List of behavioral competencies
Free online learning opportunities through elevateU including topics such as:
Building a High-Performing Work Culture (example topics: personal skills, optimizing team performance, leadership skills)
E-books available in the Library (titles on health and wellness, etc.)
In-person workshops in collaboration with units across campus. Access to these programs is through EBS - Some of these include:
Building Capacity-Resilience as a Leader
Creating & Sustaining Positive Workplace
Creating an Inclusive Environment
Crucial Accountability
Crucial Conversations
Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
Engaging Teams for Maximum Performance
Ethics: How Do We Deal With "Gray Areas"
Honing Your Emotional Intelligence
Inclusive Communication Series
Managing Difficult Customers
Prohibited Harassment: for employees, for supervisors, student employees
Thriving through Change
Prevention, Outreach and Education Department offers a variety of trainings on violence prevention and bystander intervention, healthy ways of practicing consent and establishing boundaries, creating a culture of respect in the workplace, navigating boundaries in professional settings and more.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): no cost, confidential counseling service offered to MSU faculty, staff, retirees, graduate student employees, and their families.
Health4U Program: some examples of resources provided include: emotional wellness coaching, courses, events and resources to support more healthy habits and practice
The Academic Advancement Network offers thriving sessions for Academic Specialists, Fixed-term Faculty, and Tenure-System Faculty are focused on supporting career progression. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with people who can help individuals and units navigate the various appointment types at MSU.
LBGTQ Resource Center offers QuILL training: Queer Inclusive Learning and Leadership Training for understanding the experiences of people who may be marginalized by their gender identity.
Office of Cultural & Academic Transitions offers intercultural leadership training for departments and organizations
Other useful external resources
Climate/Culture/Inclusive Environments
Link to SHRM article: 6 Steps for Building an Inclusive Workplace
Definition of Workplace Bullying and other resources from WBI
More information about workplace bullying, what to do, difference between hostile work environment
Forbes article on commonality and bullying in the workplace
Book: Lester, J. (Ed.). (2013). Workplace bullying in higher education. Routledge.
Belsky, G. (2013). When good things happen to bad people: Disturbing news about workplace bullies. Time.
Wilson, S. M., & Ferch, S. R. (2005). Enhancing resilience in the workplace through the practice of caring relationships. Organization Development Journal, 23(4), 45.
Youssef, C. M., & Luthans, F. (2007). Positive organizational behavior in the workplace: The impact of hope, optimism, and resilience. Journal of management, 33(5), 774-800.
Work Culture and Environment - Key Principles
Arianna Huffington: 10 Ways to Actually, Finally Improve Company Culture
Inspiration & Personal Growth
Brené Brown video on shame, guilt and empathy and empathy vs sympathy
Alain de Botton, TED talk on A kinder, gentler philosophy on success
8 Secrets to Success TED talk with Richard St. John
Free edX course on Happiness at Work
Free edX course on Mindfulness and Resilience to Stress at Work
There are also numerous resources available at the MSU Library:
Taking the Liberty of Incivility: Workplace Bullying in Higher Education by Lee Gloor, Jamie, Human Resource Development Quarterly, 02/2014, Volume 25, Issue 1, pp. 121–126, Article PDF: Download Now Journal Article: Full Text Online (book review)
Workplace bullying policies, higher education and the First Amendment: Building bridges not walls by Coel, Crystal Rae and Smith, Frances L. M First Amendment Studies, 07/2018, Volume 52, Issue 1-2, pp. 96–111, Article PDF: Download Now, Journal Article: Full Text Online
Workplace Bullying as Workplace Corruption by Vickers, Margaret H Administration & Society, 10/2014, Volume 46, Issue 8, pp. 960–985, Article PDF: Download Now, Journal Article: Full Text Online
Bully University? The Cost of Workplace Bullying and Employee Disengagement in American Higher Education by Hollis, Leah P SAGE Open, 06/2015, Volume 5, Issue 2, p. 215824401558999, Article PDF: Download Now, Journal Article: Full Text Online
The Gendered Nature of Workplace Bullying in the Context of Higher Education by Ambreen Anjum and Amina Muazzam, Pakistan Journal of Psychological Research, 07/2018, Volume 33, Issue 2, pp. 493–505, Journal Article: Full Text Online
Michigan State University is a large and diverse institution hosting a variety of climates and cultures. Understanding and navigating these cultures can sometimes be challenging, so this list of resources is provided to increase awareness of the opportunities for learning and growth that are available to enhance our community and those that engage with it. It is the responsibility of everyone at MSU to contribute to an academic environment that welcomes every individual and respects their unique talents as we all work toward preparing future generations of Spartans.
Resources available at MSU
Conflict Resolution:
The Faculty Grievance Office responds to inquiries from MSU faculty, academic staff and administrators concerning alleged violations of MSU policies and practices.
The Office of the University Ombudsperson assists students, staff members, instructors, and administrators sort through university rules and regulations that might apply to specific student issues and concerns and help to resolve disputes.
MSU Human Resources offers Organizational Development Consulting Services on a variety of topics including climate/culture/interpersonal relationships.
The Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives offers programs and resources to bridge understanding across difference:
Inclusive Communications Guide (coming soon).
One-page Tip Sheets (printable/shareable .pdfs) These were designed to aid in building inclusive classrooms, but many of the concepts are more broadly applicable to other academic spaces and environments.
Setting up an Inclusive Classroom (PDF)
Some Dialogue Basics (PDF)
Intercultural Dialogue Facilitation (PDF)
Strategies for Managing Hot Moments in the Classroom (PDF)
Interrupting Bias: A Technique (PDF)
Microaggressions: A Primer (PDF)
Learn at Lunch this informal series welcomes anyone to bring their lunch and join the conversation. A variety of topics related to inclusion, social justice and equity will be highlighted - the schedule for the year is posted on the website in August.
Implicit Bias Certificate Program (available through MSU HR in EBS): this series of three sessions include topics on Creating an Inclusive Environment, Implicit Bias and Microaggressions, and Preparing for the Next Encounter. Sessions can be attended consecutively or combined to complete a certificate.
List of diversity and inclusion workshops offered (examples include Building an Inclusive Workplace, Disrupting Bias in the Academy, Racial Literacy, Building an Inclusive Classroom, Inclusive Leadership, Diversifying and Retaining Faculty and Staff)
MSU Dialogues a cohort-based experience exploring deep conversations about race, gender and other important aspects of identity. Undergraduate, graduate, faculty and staff groups are formed through application and the series of 6-8 meetings is offered each semester.
MSU Human Resources also has information and workshops available to further productive conversations about workplace culture and environments:
List of behavioral competencies
Free online learning opportunities through elevateU including topics such as:
Building a High-Performing Work Culture (example topics: personal skills, optimizing team performance, leadership skills)
E-books available in the Library (titles on health and wellness, etc.)
In-person workshops in collaboration with units across campus. Access to these programs is through EBS - Some of these include:
Building Capacity-Resilience as a Leader
Creating & Sustaining Positive Workplace
Creating an Inclusive Environment
Crucial Accountability
Crucial Conversations
Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
Engaging Teams for Maximum Performance
Ethics: How Do We Deal With "Gray Areas"
Honing Your Emotional Intelligence
Inclusive Communication Series
Managing Difficult Customers
Prohibited Harassment: for employees, for supervisors, student employees
Thriving through Change
Prevention, Outreach and Education Department offers a variety of trainings on violence prevention and bystander intervention, healthy ways of practicing consent and establishing boundaries, creating a culture of respect in the workplace, navigating boundaries in professional settings and more.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): no cost, confidential counseling service offered to MSU faculty, staff, retirees, graduate student employees, and their families.
Health4U Program: some examples of resources provided include: emotional wellness coaching, courses, events and resources to support more healthy habits and practice
The Academic Advancement Network offers thriving sessions for Academic Specialists, Fixed-term Faculty, and Tenure-System Faculty are focused on supporting career progression. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with people who can help individuals and units navigate the various appointment types at MSU.
LBGTQ Resource Center offers QuILL training: Queer Inclusive Learning and Leadership Training for understanding the experiences of people who may be marginalized by their gender identity.
Office of Cultural & Academic Transitions offers intercultural leadership training for departments and organizations
Other useful external resources
Climate/Culture/Inclusive Environments
Link to SHRM article: 6 Steps for Building an Inclusive Workplace
Definition of Workplace Bullying and other resources from WBI
More information about workplace bullying, what to do, difference between hostile work environment
Forbes article on commonality and bullying in the workplace
Book: Lester, J. (Ed.). (2013). Workplace bullying in higher education. Routledge.
Belsky, G. (2013). When good things happen to bad people: Disturbing news about workplace bullies. Time.
Wilson, S. M., & Ferch, S. R. (2005). Enhancing resilience in the workplace through the practice of caring relationships. Organization Development Journal, 23(4), 45.
Youssef, C. M., & Luthans, F. (2007). Positive organizational behavior in the workplace: The impact of hope, optimism, and resilience. Journal of management, 33(5), 774-800.
Work Culture and Environment - Key Principles
Arianna Huffington: 10 Ways to Actually, Finally Improve Company Culture
Inspiration & Personal Growth
Brené Brown video on shame, guilt and empathy and empathy vs sympathy
Alain de Botton, TED talk on A kinder, gentler philosophy on success
8 Secrets to Success TED talk with Richard St. John
Free edX course on Happiness at Work
Free edX course on Mindfulness and Resilience to Stress at Work
There are also numerous resources available at the MSU Library:
Taking the Liberty of Incivility: Workplace Bullying in Higher Education by Lee Gloor, Jamie, Human Resource Development Quarterly, 02/2014, Volume 25, Issue 1, pp. 121–126, Article PDF: Download Now Journal Article: Full Text Online (book review)
Workplace bullying policies, higher education and the First Amendment: Building bridges not walls by Coel, Crystal Rae and Smith, Frances L. M First Amendment Studies, 07/2018, Volume 52, Issue 1-2, pp. 96–111, Article PDF: Download Now, Journal Article: Full Text Online
Workplace Bullying as Workplace Corruption by Vickers, Margaret H Administration & Society, 10/2014, Volume 46, Issue 8, pp. 960–985, Article PDF: Download Now, Journal Article: Full Text Online
Bully University? The Cost of Workplace Bullying and Employee Disengagement in American Higher Education by Hollis, Leah P SAGE Open, 06/2015, Volume 5, Issue 2, p. 215824401558999, Article PDF: Download Now, Journal Article: Full Text Online
The Gendered Nature of Workplace Bullying in the Context of Higher Education by Ambreen Anjum and Amina Muazzam, Pakistan Journal of Psychological Research, 07/2018, Volume 33, Issue 2, pp. 493–505, Journal Article: Full Text Online
Authored by:
Patti Stewart
Posted on: #iteachmsu
MSU Resources on Civility and Community Enhancement in Academic Environments
MSU Resources on Civility and Community Enhancement in Academic Env...
Authored by:
NAVIGATING CONTEXT
Tuesday, Nov 5, 2019