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2023 Educator Seminars are presented by MSU Libraries, the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation (CTLI), MSU IT Educational Technology, the Enhanced Digital Learning Initiative (EDLI) and MSU IT Training​. 
Day 1: August 23, 2023
Instructions: Click on the registration link and sign-up for the sessions you're interested in. After completing your registration you will receive an email with the Zoom link for the session.

9:00 - 9:30 am Opening Remarks (All Teams)
Join us for a session to kickoff the 2023 Fall Educators Seminars. This is your chance to meet representatives from the teams presenting the seminars. Each will provide an overview of the sessions offered over the three-day schedule and explain the services they provide to campus.
View the MediaSpace Recording 

9:30 - 10:30 am     Introduction to Quality Matters: Ensuring Excellence in Online Education
Facilitators: Dave Goodrich & Jay Loftus (CTLI)
The Introduction to Quality Matters (QM) session is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the QM framework and its significance in ensuring excellence in online education. This session serves as a starting point for educators, instructional designers, administrators, and anyone involved in developing and delivering online courses to familiarize themselves with QM and its core principles.
By the end of this Introduction to Quality Matters session, participants will have a solid foundation in the QM framework, enabling them to integrate best practices in online course design, promote learner engagement, and ensure the delivery of high-quality online education experiences.
View the MediaSpace Recording

10:30-11:30 pm       Introduction to Your Classroom Technology 
Facilitators: Rhonda Kessling & James Bender (IT & D)
This session is an interactive overview of the classroom technology, explaining the varying layouts, hardware and software available. Using this information, we will explore the affordances and constraints for blended and face-to-face courses. 
View the MediaSpace Recording

11:30am - 1:00pm      BREAK

1:00-2:00pm      Mid-semester Course Feedback 
Facilitator: Jeremy Van Hof (EDLI)
Student feedback can be a helpful tool for making course changes during a semester to allow students to meet course learning goals. This session will cover why and how to collect mid-semester feedback from students in ways that provide educators with actionable results.
View the MediaSpace Recording

2:00-3:00pm      Introduction to the MSU Libraries 
Facilitator: Holly Flynn (Libraries)
Enhance your teaching and research by learning about the Libraries’ extensive collections, services, spaces and expertise.
View the MediaSpace Recording

3:00-4:00pm      Spartan 365 Overview 
Facilitators: Michael Julian & Todd Ring (IT: Training)
This live Virtual Instructor-Led Training session will introduce learners to the suite of software that will help users store data, collaborate, and work efficiently. Spartan 365 has powerful tools that allow users to get more done with Microsoft apps like Outlook, Forms, OneNote, and OneDrive. Also learn how to work remotely with Microsoft Teams, the hub for teamwork.
View the MediaSpace Recording

Q: What is a Hybrid Classroom? 
A: Hybrid classrooms are specific classrooms located throughout campus that are optimized for simultaneous in-person and online instruction. These classrooms are equipped with integrated, HD cameras that can pan, tilt, and zoom to meet the specific needs of each lecture.  
Compatibility with Zoom is a top priority in the hybrid classroom design. In addition to cameras, each classroom features echo-cancelling technology that enables students to ask and answer questions, whether they are physically in the room or over Zoom.  
Q: How will I know if my classroom has Hybrid technology in it? 
A: The Office of the Registrar is working to ensure all classrooms where faculty have indicated Hybrid as their teaching modality to be placed in a room with Hybrid technology. MSU IT and the Office of Planning and Budgets is working to update 25 Live with Hybrid classroom features. 25 Live is located on the web at: https://25live.collegenet.com/pro/msu 
Q: How do I use Zoom with a Hybrid Classroom? 
A: Hybrid classrooms have integrated cameras. These cameras work with Zoom and feature the ability to pan, tilt and zoom. Users will be able to set their own pre-sets on the cameras. Rooms will also feature built-in echo cancelation so students not in the classroom can ask or answer any questions. Specific instructions are still being developed and will posted to several different websites including tech.msu.edu. 
Q: Where can I learn more about Zoom and how to set it up for my class? 
A: MSU IT has created several videos to help new Zoom users, including information about how to screen share and present. https://spartanslearn.msu.edu/tech-training/zoom/index.html Instructors who need additional help can contact the MSU IT service desk to be routed to an instructional designer who may be of assistance.  
Q: How do I get Support? Will it be in person? 
A: Please call the MSU IT service desk at 517-432-6200, for those requiring immediate assistance a classroom technology technician will be dispatched to your classroom. For questions about classroom technology that do not require immediate assistance visit https://tech.msu.edu/support or call 517-432-6200. 
Q: I have a question about D2L? 
A: MSU IT can assist with questions regarding D2L and other classroom technology tools, please contact the MSU IT service desk at 517-432-6200 
Q: How will instructions be provided? 
A: MSU IT is creating and producing content designed to show faculty how to use different parts of classroom technology. Content will be made available at https://spartanslearn.msu.edu.  Faculty wishing to schedule 1 on 1 training regarding classroom technology can contact the MSU IT service desk at 517-432-6200 or go to https://tech.msu.edu/support. 
Q: Will each classroom be cleaned between classes? 
A: Current guidance has classrooms scheduled to be cleaned daily with a focus on cleaning high touch surfaces more frequently. Cleaning will be provided by IPF or RHS depending on location.  
Q: If I wear a mask while lecturing will anyone hear me? 
A: The use of mask and an appropriately located microphone will provide the needed amplification for those in the room and remotely to hear you. The use of a microphone is highly encouraged in all classrooms regardless of teaching modality. If teaching and using Zoom or similar technology the use of a microphone is required and will allow students participating remotely to hear you. 
Q: How do I share my screen on zoom?  
A: MSU IT has created several videos to help new Zoom users, including information about how to screen share and present. https://spartanslearn.msu.edu/tech-training/zoom/index.html  
Q: I need an electronic whiteboard program/application, what can I use? 
A: Zoom has a built-in whiteboard application that can be accessed, by clicking share screen and selecting whiteboard. Many classrooms have touch enabled Dell monitors which permit annotation with a finger or stylus. This annotation feature is available with other applications such as the Microsoft Office 365 suite.  
Q: Can I play a video over Zoom? 
 A: While this is possible, some users with slower internet connections may experience issues with choppy or slow video. If possible, videos shown during class should be made available through a link prior to any class discussions or assignments.  
Q: I would like to get advanced training on using Zoom in the classroom. How do I schedule something? 
A: Please contact the MSU IT Service Desk at 517-432-6200 to have your request routed to the proper team for additional help or visit https://tech.msu.edu/support .  Video content regarding the use of zoom is also available at: https://spartanslearn.msu.edu/tech-training/zoom/index.html 

This week, we are featuring Brittany Dillman, MAET Graduate Certificate Program Coordinator, within the Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology and Special Education at MSU. Brittany was recognized via iteach.msu.edu's Thank and Educator Initiative! We encourage MSU community members to nominate high-impact Spartan educators (via our Thank an Educator initiative) regularly!
Read more about Brittany’s perspectives below. #iteachmsu's questions are bolded below, followed by their responses! 

You were recognized via the Thank an Educator Initiative. In one word, what does being an educator mean to you?  
Love.
Share with me what this word/quality looks like in your practice?
Being an educator is an act of love. I have always known this, but I don’t think I have always been able to (brave enough or self-secure enough) enact this in ways that I do now. 
Have your ideas on this changed over time? if so how?
In previous versions of my educator self, I put content first. Now, I put learners first. This includes checking in with them kindly, sharing myself and my humanity (flaws, quirks, and challenges), and giving them lots of chances. I have learned so much from the work of Lisa Laughman and the MSU Health4U program about emotional wellness to help me make the shift from content first to learners first.
Tell me more about your educational “setting.” This can include, but not limited to departmental affiliations, community connections, co-instructors, and students. (Aka, where do you work?)
I am the Graduate Certificate (GC) Programs Director for the Master of Arts in Educational Technology (MAET) program in the College of Education at MSU. This is my favorite job in my life (so far). In my position, I work very closely with my team to create and maintain curriculum, advise GC students, teach online and hybrid master’s-level courses, support a group of phenomenal adjunct instructors, promote our program and the amazing work of our instructors and learners via social media, recruit students, and anything else that comes up.
What is a challenge you experience in your educator role?
The biggest challenge we face in our program is the increasing prices of MSU tuition and the barriers that cause for potential learners, particularly those learners of color or disability. Our program is phenomenal and students are consistently, incredibly pleased with their experience with us, but the cost is prohibitive for too many learners. In addition to our “assigned duties,” my colleagues and I are looking for grants and other ways we can support our students financially. We haven’t had the success that we want with this, but are continuing to explore big and small ways we can support our learners.
Any particular “solutions” or “best practices” you’ve found that help you support student success at the university despite/in the face of this? What are practices you utilize that help you feel successful as an educator?
I work with an amazing team (program staff and adjunct faculty) and we intentionally focus time and energy on how we work as a team, building our team’s strength, and ways we can improve as a team. This provides the foundation for all of our other work. You’ll notice that most of my answers center around how my team functions because that is what supports me as an educator.

We have a shared mission and vision that we all believe in and buy into. We have it on our website, in our presentations, and on our meeting agendas. We use that to guide us in our decisions. I feel like that sounds a bit cheesy, but it’s true and it really helps!
We believe in and use backward design for course design, and also for program design and decisions to move us forward. So, we make decisions that lead us toward our mission and vision.
Along the way, we make mistakes and so we iterate. One of our instructors emailed me yesterday and wrote, “You are masters of iteration!” We aren’t perfect, but we try to get better.
We rely on each other and our strengths. I bring organization (and spreadsheets!). Other colleagues bring creativity, writing, and networking/connections. We don’t pigeonhole ourselves into these archetypes, but we build off of the best of what we can each bring.
We push each other, question each other, and engage in critical questioning with our ideas. We do this in safe and kind ways, but it helps us all get better when one person asks a question like “have we considered this other way?”
We treat each other, our learners, and instructors, as human beings who are amazing and flawed. We respect each others’ humanity and help when we can. It’s not perfect, but we do our best.

What topics or ideas about teaching and learning would you like to see discussed on the iteach.msu.edu platform? Why do you think this conversation is needed at MSU?
Because my program is educational technology, there is often an assumption that we know everything - all the tools, apps, programs, and all the tricks and shortcuts. We don’t. We ground our program in pedagogy and thoughtful design based on the TPACK Framework (Mishra & Koehler, 2006). I wish all Spartan educators would approach curriculum, design, teaching, instruction, and assessment from a thoughtful, human-centered perspective. How do you design your course to best fit your content, your context, your students, your available technologies, and pedagogies? Then, how do we teach in alignment with this? Then, how do we assess students? Then, how do we improve the whole cycle for the next round? Will specific technologies be a part of this process? Of course! But my wish is that we can keep students at the center of all our work. Two of my favorite MSU events that do this are the Accessible Learning Conference (held in the fall) and the Spring Conference on Teaching, Learning, and Student Success (held in May annually). So, if you are seeking fellow Spartans with this perspective, I recommend starting in those places.
What are you looking forward to (or excited to be a part of) next semester?
So much! 

My colleagues and I have been taking some Quality Matters courses to learn more about their research, best practices of online education. So, I am excited to use some of my new knowledge this fall with students and experience the impact of some of the design decisions we have made based on our new and improved knowledge.
I haven’t taught, yet, in 2021 (based on my work schedule and some course buyouts) so I am excited to teach this fall. Our program shifted to a program-wide ungrading philosophy and practice in Fall 2020 and I am excited to get “back” into that now that we’ve had a chance to iterate and improve it.
I am looking forward to my children starting school (they just turned 5) and to experience their continued growth and learning...and being a parent of kids who are in school (a new experience for me)
Finally (and maybe most of all) I’m looking forward to fall weather. I know we need to appreciate all of Michigan’s amazing seasons, but fall is my favorite! I look forward to crisp days, colorful leaves, apple cider, donuts, and pumpkin spice flavored everything for the few short weeks it’s with us. I’m so sorry that pumpkin spice has gotten such a bad reputation in the last few years (though pumpkin spice flavored goat cheese does take the trend a smidge too far for even me). So, if there are fellow fall and pumpkin spice lovers out there who want to connect (or talk about pedagogy and teaching), please email me: dillmanb@msu.edu 



Don't forget to celebrate individuals you see making a difference in teaching, learning, or student success at MSU with #iteachmsu's Thank an Educator initiative. You might just see them appear in the next feature! Follow the MSU Hub Twitter account to see other great content from the #iteachmsu Commons as well as educators featured every week during #ThankfulThursdays.

Edit a Question During its Availability
Occasionally, a test question will need to be edited while an exam is in progress.
 

Quizzes – Manually Grade a Quiz - Instructor
Short answer questions, although auto-graded by D2L, should be double-checked for grading accuracy.
 

D2L Assessment Analytics
Examining quiz question statistics can help instructors determine if a question is too easy, too challenging, or needs editing for clarification.
The following is a quick guide for D2L Quiz and Grade Item statistics to help you monitor and improve your assessment questions and results.
D2L Quiz Statistics
To see how students performed overall on each of the quizzes, in your own course go to Assessments > Quizzes > Statistics (click on Statistics from the tab view across the top).

This list displays all of your course quiz averages.
Click on a quiz to see more details including User Stats, Question Stats, and Question Details.

Question Stats
The Question Stats list the Standard Deviation, Discrimination Index, and Point Biserial value for each question. 

You can click on the link, "What do the statistics on this page mean?" above the table in your course to learn more. The information is also copied below.
What do the statistics on this page mean?
All statistics are calculated based on each user’s first attempt on the quiz. If a question is changed after attempts have been made, only the attempts on the newest version of the question are included in the statistics (ie. First attempts made before a question was changed are not included in the statistics for that question).
STANDARD DEVIATION
The standard deviation indicates how much scores vary from the average, ranging from 0% to 100%. A high standard deviation indicates that scores are spread out from the average, whereas a low standard deviation indicates that scores are close to the average.
DISCRIMINATION INDEX
The discrimination index indicates how well a question differentiates between high and low performers. It can range from -100% to 100%, with high values indicating a “good” question, and low values indicating a “bad” question.
POINT BISERIAL CORRELATION COEFFICIENT
The point biserial correlation coefficient is an analysis only applied to multiple choice and true/false question types that have only one answer with weight 100%, and all others with weight 0%.
Similarly to the discrimination index, the point biserial correlation coefficient relates individuals’ quiz scores to whether or not they got a question correct. It ranges from -1.00 to 1.00, with high values indicating a “good” question, and low values indicating a “bad” question.
*Note that only first attempts are included in that question's statistics.
Question Details
This tab will show you the summary of student responses for each question. If you notice a low or negative value for the Point Biserial or Discrimination Index, you may want to investigate the question. It could indicate a badly worded question or improperly keyed question answer.


 

For more, view the video tutorial on Generating Reports in D2L Learning Environment opens in new window. Currently, the statistics do not display for random "pool item" question types. Contact the MSU Service Desk to check on obtaining reports through the Data Hub.


Grade Item Statistics
To view grade item stats, in your own course go to, Assessments > Grades > (Grade Item) View Statistics – Use the pull down menu by a grade item title and select Statistics to display Class and User Statistics. If you have a grade scheme setup to display, you will also see the grade distribution chart on the page.

Working with student data

Keep the MSU Institutional Data Policy opens in new window in mind when storing data and making reports public in order to protect the security and confidentiality of student data.
Read more about best practices for handling data at secureit.msu.edu/data opens in new window from MSU IT Services – Academic Technology.

Addressing Issues of Academic Misconduct
What should you do if you discover cheating in your course? Follow the link to find out more. 
What is an Academic Dishonesty Report
If you give a penalty grade as a result of academic misconduct, you must submit an Academic Dishonesty Report (ADR) to the university. See the link above as an example. 

Finishing up the academic year isn’t the same flavor as past years. We’ve had a taste of a much different year and there’s no better time than the moment to reflect on what was accomplished, set aside, or re-imagined. With the spring sun comes a deep breath out, then pause, and inhale hope for the opportunities ahead.
Start with a 3 Breath Reset
At the start of each session of the Living in a Daring Way course, Lisa Laughman helps participants pause for a three breath reset. This practice is common in mindfulness-based stress reduction courses. Try this short technique to help you refocus and recenter yourself.

First breath: focus on your breath coming in and leaving your body.
Second breath: notice your tension in your body on the inhale. On the exhale take a more relaxed position.
Third breath: on the inhale try to connect to your deepest wisest self. On the exhale stay with your deepest wisest self and acknowledge that part of yourself.

Learn from Lisa Laughman, LMSW & ACSW in Health4U and the Employee Assistance Program. 
Season with Gratitude
“Throughout my career, I have found myself committed to appreciating the contributions of my colleagues, and the communities we served. Whether it was uplifting the stories of others or building structures to support gratitude sharing, giving thanks and holding space to appreciate others has been a constant,” said learning designer Makena Neal in a recent piece, Gratitude and the Culture of Care.
There’s evidence to support the importance of gratitude in the workplace. Practicing gratitude has significant impacts on positive affective well-being, can also promote kindness and generosity, and highlights our connection to one another. Moreover, triggers that inspire state gratitude, such as letters of appreciation, as well as institutionalized gratitude have been found to be predictors of job satisfaction.  
At MSU, you can formally Thank an Educator. You can also nominate your supervisor/administrator for this year’s Outstanding Supervisor Award by July 31, 2022. Anywhere you are you can send an email, verbally share your gratitude or send a token of appreciation. A small amount of gratitude can make a huge impact. So… who will you thank today?
Reflect on Accomplishments
Take a look at your personal accomplishments - not just the big hurray moments, but the moments of holding peace, wrapping up a long-tail project, and even finishing a very hard academic year. Sometimes survival is a success. Life isn’t just about reaching higher and higher peaks, sometimes it's about moving through the valleys, and just reaching a resting place is an endeavor worth honoring.
You can choose to track your professional success 
Jaimie Hutchison of the WorkLife Office provided this insight:
Often, after speaking with people, I learn how much more they actually have to offer than what shows up on their resume or LinkedIn profile. Here in the WorkLife Office, I do career consultations for faculty and staff. I have worked with faculty, executives, and staff members of all levels. In the end, the same advice and encouragement comes out:

By thinking through your impact and accomplishments, you can have a better sense of your contribution to your workplace.
You can have a better sense of yourself.
You can reflect on things you have done where you used your skills to the best of your ability.
You can reflect on projects or positions where you felt “meh” and it wasn’t the best fit for you.
You can also reflect on what skills, experience, and abilities you have that are not getting utilized. 

The Three Levels of Praxis: A Model for Reflection on Teaching 
Written by E. Cuevas, educator in WRAC, the article draws on what Paulo Freire called praxis, or reflection and action. “A belief in praxis accepts that we are both instructors and learners; we have much to learn from our students. Engaging in reflection is an important part of figuring out how to align your goals, with your teaching, with your research, and your place in your institution. In this post, I will continue to reflect on my personal positioning to offer a model for reflection and I will do this by meditating on my positionality on three levels: the personal, the classroom, and the institutional,” wrote E. Cuevas
 
Give it Time
The Well-being at Work Guide sheds insights on taking time away from work, in the forms of breaks, vacation time, or strengthening boundaries around employees’ workdays, is important. Taking breaks throughout the workday has benefits for both the employee and the organization, but many employees often neglect to take them. Skipping breaks can lead to faster burnout and higher stress levels. Employees stepping away from work for a few minutes increases their productivity, job satisfaction, mental health and wellbeing, in addition to restoring their motivation (Kohll, 2018; Selig, 2017). 
Taking a break from work increases focus when employees return to work, thus improving their productivity. Additionally, taking breaks relieves some stress, which helps employees’ mental health and wellbeing. These factors contribute to increased job satisfaction (Kohll, 2018). 

Learn from Nature
Nature can positively affect employees. There is evidence that time spent outdoors boosts people's wellbeing, and even five minutes of time in nature can improve mental health. Spending time outside benefits people because breathing fresh air increases oxygen intake and allows the lungs to work at their full capacity (Sandborn, 2018).  Exposure to vitamin D from the sun boosts people's moods, too. Time outside also can reduce employees’ chronic stress, physical and social stressors. These benefits are at their strongest when experiencing 21 to 30 minutes of nature time (Hunter, Gillespie, & Chen, 2019).

Beronda Montgomery talks "Lessons from Plants"
Watch the Replay 
Beronda L. Montgomery explores the vigorous, creative lives of organisms often treated as static and predictable. In fact, plants are masters of adaptation. They “know” what and who they are, and they use this knowledge to make a way in the world. Plants experience a kind of sensation that does not require eyes or ears. They distinguish kin, friend, and foe, and they are able to respond to ecological competition despite lacking the capacity of fight-or-flight. Plants are even capable of transformative behaviors that allow them to maximize their chances of survival in a dynamic and sometimes unfriendly environment.

Grow in Your Own Way
However you reflect, disconnect, recharge and rejuvenate this summer; do it in the way that works best for you. Try new things or shut out the world for a few hours at a time. Explore new skills, areas, and ideas, or retreat to your own quiet place to let your mind wander. Plot your next year or reflect solidly on the past. Remember all the challenges you’ve overcome, the people you met, and the opportunities you’ve discovered.

Greetings everyone! My name is Rashad Muhammad. I am a Learning Experience Designer in the Hub for Innovation in Learning and Technology. As we begin the new year, I am excited to step into the role of the project manager for the Catalyst Innovation Program. Catalyst Innovation Program was designed to incentivize the MSU community to develop creative and innovative student learning experiences by funding projects that encourage discovery and experimentation. 
In this spirit, it is with great enthusiasm that I present this year’s 2019-2020 Catalyst Innovation Program recipients:

Alice Lynn McMichaelHistoryExperiential Environments: Modeling the Past for Embodied Learning
Allison EdenDepartment of CommunicationScreen-based versus immersive virtual training platforms for improving public speaking
Andrea BieremaCenter for Integrative Studies in General ScienceCreating Open-Sourced H5P Adaptive Learning Modules
Ashley HewlettAsc Provost For Undergraduate EducationNew Student Orientation Online Experience
Brad WIlcuts, Daniel TregoDepartment of Theatre/ Al Academic And Information Tech SupportSocial Dancing and Culture meets Extended Reality
Dean AslamElectrical And Computer EngineeringFlipped STEM Learning Using Smartphones and Hands-On FBEI (Functionalized Bricks with Embedded Intelligence) Modules
Jennifer DunnDepartment of ManagementPilot Use of Qualtrics 360 Tool to Provide Multi-Rater Feedback to Students
Jeno RiveraCollege of Agriculture and Natural Resources Office of Academic Student Affairs and Institute of Agricultural TechnologyJamming together: Educational technologies to enhance collaborative learning
John PaskusMI Natural Features InventoryIncreasing Student Engagement via Teamwork, Collaboration, and Real World Connections 
Judy WalgrenSchool of JournalismHarnessing the Power of Immersive Media With MSU’s School of Journalism Students
Michelle GrimmMechanical EngineeringInteractive Digital Experience as an Alternative Laboratory (IDEAL): Creative Investigation with Data Analysis 
Nick Lepeschkin-NoelIT Services – Advanced Academic and Research TechnologyRemaking the Future – An Education Focused Simulation Framework  
Quentin TylerSchool of Planning, Construction and Design and Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources collaboration.Bridging Student Learning in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Through Virtual Reality
Rachel Morris and Michelle RussellBiomedical Laboratory Diagnostics ProgramUtilizing Genome Mutation Analysis Software to Enhance Student Learning, Preparation, and Engagement in Molecular Diagnostics 
Saul Beceiro-NovoBiomedical-Physical SciencesCurriculum reform for ISP209L
Zachary NealPsychologyBuilding a Social Simulation Makerspace

This year we increased the total number of winners from 10 to 16. Each proposal was double-blind peer-reviewed. Thirty-five applications were received, each seeking to improve the learning experience at MSU for and with students. 
Jeff Grabill, Associate Provost for Teaching, Learning, and Technology said “As we iterate toward a more explicit story about MSU’s digital learning future, it seems necessary to provide as many opportunities as possible for faculty and students to experiment, invent, make, and learn. This program is one of our small bets to create space for faculty and to see what happens.”
MSU’s Chief Digital Academic Officer Brendan Guenther points to the rapidity with which innovation happens, and how structures must adapt – “Catalyst awards give us a rapid investment lever for individuals in the #iteachMSU community, when they sense the need for innovation and have an inspired idea, we can give them the boost needed to make something happen.”
As the year progresses, we will share out stories to keep you updated on the progress these projects are making. Our goal is to empower our recipients to experiment, learn and share that knowledge with the rest of the MSU community. If you missed this application cycle, the next opportunity will be available in the Fall of 2020. Get your ideas ready!

This week, we are featuring, Nick Noel, Interim Manager of the Instructional Technology and Development Team, within the Department of Academic Technology in IT Services at MSU. Nick was recognized via iteach.msu.edu's Thank and Educator Initiative! We encourage MSU community members to nominate high-impact Spartan educators (via our Thank an Educator form) regularly!
Read more about Nick’s perspectives below. #iteachmsu's questions are bolded below, followed by his responses! 
You were recognized via the Thank an Educator Initiative. In one word, what does being an educator mean to you?  
It's difficult to pick a single word, but if I had to choose I'd say empowerment.
Share with me what this word/quality looks like in your practice?
I want teachers to feel that they are able to design and implement their courses in the way that they find the most effective. I want students to feel empowered by the course to contribute to the goals of the course, and make connections to their lives and interests.
Have your ideas on this changed over time? if so how?
Over time, I have increasingly advocated for greater student agency and collaboration. Basically, I have realized that while it is possible to design a course that anticipates all of the variations in backgrounds, interest, skills, and abilities of the students, it is a lot easier to just ask students what they want to get out of the course, what their goals are, and be flexible in how they demonstrate their knowledge, then build the norms of the course with them.
Tell me more about your educational “setting.” This can include, but not limited to departmental affiliations, community connections, co-instructors, and students. (Aka, where do you work?)
I am the Interim Manager of the Instructional Technology and Development Team, within the Department of Academic Technology in IT Services. We are a team of 8, with 5 postdoc positions and 4 Information Technologists positions. We all have different areas that we specialize in, but for the most part, we work on similar projects.
What is a challenge you experience in your educator role?
There are a few challenges I face, the one that comes up often when we’re consulting on a course is the balance of flexibility for students, without making it overwhelming for instructors. So we will often be in the role of advocating for student agency, while also anticipating potential bottlenecks that will lead to the instructors getting burned out during the course. We have a lot of dedicated and hardworking educators at MSU, and they often want to do really amazing things. So it can be a little strange to subtly advocate for their emotional and physical health while designing a course. However, we trust that the people we work with know their limits, and we’re also here to support them if they need to make changes during the course.
Any particular “solutions” or “best practices” you’ve found that help you support student success at the university despite/in the face of this? What are practices you utilize that help you feel successful as an educator?
In terms of best practices, implementing learning  authentic experiences, whenever possible, is really useful. That means trying to create an environment as close to what students experience outside of the course. So allowing for flexibility, student input, and even access to reference materials, when an exam is necessary, can all lead to more authentic and effective learning experiences.
What topics or ideas about teaching and learning would you like to see discussed on the iteach.msu.edu platform? Why do you think this conversation is needed at msu?
Student-focused vs instructor-focused courses is a common discussion in my work. But I would love to see a conversation around the unification of the student and instructor experience so that the course becomes exciting and interesting for everyone involved.
At various times throughout many courses, students and instructors are teaching and learning from each other, so though it might be difficult at times, it’s important to make that an intentional part of the experience.
What are you looking forward to (or excited to be a part of) next semester?
I’m new to my role, so it’s been interesting to see how the people and the dynamics of my team have changed over time. It’s been really awesome to see. So, in general, I’m excited to see that process continue.
Specifically, we are thinking of ways to provide opportunities for instructors to create things and engage in meaningful conversations around the tools and practices that we teach. I’m really excited to experiment with it and see how it works out.
Don't forget to celebrate individuals you see making a difference in teaching, learning, or student success at MSU with #iteachmsu's Thank an Educator initiative. You might just see them appear in the next feature! Follow the MSU Hub Twitter account to see other great content from the #iteachmsu Commons as well as educators featured every week during #ThankfulThursdays.

All of this year's #iteachmsu Educator Award recipients will be receiving a certificate of achievement from Dr. Jeff Grabill, Associate Provost for Teaching, Learning, and Technology and Director of the Hub for Innovation in Learning and Technology. This certificate will also include the "Thank an Educator" story that was submitted for each recipient that resulted in their award recognition. A sample of this year's award is below. 
 
Additionally, Intermin Provost Teresa Sullivan shares her congratulations to each award recipient in a letter that each educator will also receive via email. The body of the letter reads as follows:
"Dear 2020 #iteachmsu Educator Award recipient,
 
Congratulations on being recognized as a recipient of this year’s #iteachmsu Educator Award. Your outstanding work supports Michigan State University’s teaching and learning missions and contributes to student success in a vital way.
 
For the 2019-2020 academic year, over seventy educators from across campus were nominated for this award for the positive impact their work has had on students and student learning. This year’s recipients represent a diverse community of educators from units across campus: information technology staff, academic advisors, librarians, faculty members, and learning designers. Each of you have stepped up in your role in ways that added value and inspired others.
 
I encourage you all to continue to grow in your practice and share your expertise with other educators in the MSU community. The #iteachmsu Commons and Thank an Educator Initiative aim to recognize and support the community of individuals who help MSU students succeed. If you haven’t already, please join the #iteachmsu Commons at iteach.msu.edu, so we can continue to celebrate the innovative contributions to teaching and learning that educators make on our campus throughout the year.
 
Again, congratulations and thank you for your ongoing efforts to make the MSU student experience the best it can be. Thanks also to the individuals who extended the care and took the time to recognize your contributions. This year’s award recipients work at the forefront of our commitment to undergraduate education, and I am grateful for your skills and dedication."
 
While we wish circumstances allowed us to host a reception in celebration of these educators, we hope that the sentiments from Dr. Sullivan and the certificate from Dr. Grabill help show how grateful MSU is to have educators like you!