We found 219 results that contain "video"
Posted on: #iteachmsu
PEDAGOGICAL DESIGN
Benefits of Teaching a Large Course Using a Flipped Zoom Classroom
In Fall 2020, we conducted CSE 260 (Discrete Mathematics) as a flipped class, where students were expected to watch videos before class so that they could use class time to work together to solve problems. This class covers foundational mathematics for computer science and computer engineering students. Students need a lot of practice to master the methods and concepts. Unfortunately, these problems do not provide an instant feedback mechanism similar to programming projects. A flipped class where students work together in a group, along with regular assistance by the instructional team, provides such a mechanism. We surveyed students to gather their impressions on the course. Most students liked the flipped class structure and generally preferred it to a traditional lecture format. Furthermore, students reported it helped them develop friendships, something difficult to achieve in the Covid-era.
To access a PDF of the "Benefits of Teaching a Large Course Using a Flipped Zoom Classroom" poster, click here.Description of the Poster
CSE 260 Flipped Class (Lessons Learned)
Sandeep Kulkarni and Eric Torng
CSE 260: Discrete Mathematics
Topics Covered:
Propositional and predicate logic
Set Theory
Elementary Number theory and its applications to cryptography
Mathematical Induction
Counting and probability
Relations
Role in Curriculum
Foundational mathematics for computer science
Analog to calculus (continuous mathematics) for engineering and natural sciences
Why Flipped Class
Students need lots of practice to master the methods and concepts
Discrete math problems do not provide instant feedback to students if they do something wrong (unlike some programming errors such as a program failing to compile), so doing problems in class in groups helps students get quick feedback on any mistakes
For Fall 2020, student groups not only improved learning, they also created a sense of community for students who participated regularly.
80% of students responding to an end of semester survey reported they developed friendships through the homework groups
Flipped Class Design
Class enrollment roughly 200 (10-20% were outside the US, several in Asia)
Instructional Team
2 faculty, 6 TAs/ULAs
Online videos covered the core concepts
Each video had an associated homework assignment that would be worked on in class by student groups
Each video had an associated online quiz that every student was required to complete before working on the associated homework in class in groups
Homework group composition
20 groups, approximately 10 students per group
Group creation started about a month before the first class
Each student was asked to fill out a survey that asked two main things
Do you request specific group partners?
15% of students made such requests
What is your self-perceived math background and ability to lead a group discussion?
60% of students filled out the survey
Groups were created based on these responses (group partner requests and balancing self-perceived ability)
Groups did not change
Homework group technical support
Groups had a shared Google drive space for working on assignments
Groups had predefined Zoom breakout rooms
Some issues due to Zoom max of 200 participants for predefined breakout rooms
First Week Activities
The first week was focused on group work logistics and the daily structure
We discussed group roles and group dynamics
We had students practice their group collaboration on ungraded simple math exercises
We had several technical issues the first week including having to move roughly 80 students rather than the anticipated 20 students to their predefined Zoom breakout rooms
Daily Structure
At the end of every class, each group submitted a survey to identify (1) difficulties encountered, (2) their current status in solving the homework problems, (3) and their assessment of the group collaboration.
Before the next class, we prepared a few slides summarizing the responses in all three dimensions along with 2-3 quoted comments that best captured the current student sentiment.
At the start of the next class, we spent roughly 20 minutes covering those slides.
Afterwards, groups began their collaborative work in their assigned breakout rooms
The instructional team moved through the groups to help as needed for both content and to enforce good group dynamics.
The work done in class was submitted as (lightly graded) homework to ensure that it was completed
Common Difficulties
Internet issues
Some students not watching the videos before class
Freeloaders: some students not participating on a regular basis but getting the same homework grade leads to resentment from those that do participate.
Groups were not perfectly synchronized; leading groups might be 2-3 assignments ahead of trailing groups.
Lessons Learned
# instructional staff needs to be about 1/3 # of groups
This implies we can have at most ~20 groups with current instructional staff size
Need better mechanisms to address freeloaders
Perhaps more frequent individual assessments to ensure all students are participating and learning
Each class/week must have specific deliverables to ensure group synchronization
Stricter enforcement of requirements to watch videos before class
Survey
Administered by Qualtrics
Roughly 1/3 of students (65) responded
Selected Comments
I think the flipped model is much more effective when it has to be online and potentially I think it could work when in person classes are able to be taught again. I think some students learn a bit differently than others so I think having the option of flipped classes (maybe every other semester) could be beneficial to some and hindering to others.
I feel like there would be more participation if the flipped class happened in person rather than zoom. People would likely hold themselves more accountable.
I think the reason group work helped me learn was because it was over zoom. This way everyone is able to see a screen and hear each other. If it had been an in-person flipped class it would have been more difficult to communicate with such a large group, so groups would have to be smaller. The people sitting furthest away from wherever the work is being done would not participate. I think I learned the most when I was doing problems as a group.
Flipped classroom in person is very nice. For example CMSE 201, 202 and STT 180 all do very nice jobs of balancing the in class work and the pout of class lecture. Also, having TA's walking around to help is very nice.
Information from Graphs
Most students preferred flipped class
There was a preference towards flipped in-person class
Most students reported that they learnt a great deal from their peers
49% students preferred flipped class, 5% preferred any option, Remaining students were ok with either.
To access a PDF of the "Benefits of Teaching a Large Course Using a Flipped Zoom Classroom" poster, click here.Description of the Poster
CSE 260 Flipped Class (Lessons Learned)
Sandeep Kulkarni and Eric Torng
CSE 260: Discrete Mathematics
Topics Covered:
Propositional and predicate logic
Set Theory
Elementary Number theory and its applications to cryptography
Mathematical Induction
Counting and probability
Relations
Role in Curriculum
Foundational mathematics for computer science
Analog to calculus (continuous mathematics) for engineering and natural sciences
Why Flipped Class
Students need lots of practice to master the methods and concepts
Discrete math problems do not provide instant feedback to students if they do something wrong (unlike some programming errors such as a program failing to compile), so doing problems in class in groups helps students get quick feedback on any mistakes
For Fall 2020, student groups not only improved learning, they also created a sense of community for students who participated regularly.
80% of students responding to an end of semester survey reported they developed friendships through the homework groups
Flipped Class Design
Class enrollment roughly 200 (10-20% were outside the US, several in Asia)
Instructional Team
2 faculty, 6 TAs/ULAs
Online videos covered the core concepts
Each video had an associated homework assignment that would be worked on in class by student groups
Each video had an associated online quiz that every student was required to complete before working on the associated homework in class in groups
Homework group composition
20 groups, approximately 10 students per group
Group creation started about a month before the first class
Each student was asked to fill out a survey that asked two main things
Do you request specific group partners?
15% of students made such requests
What is your self-perceived math background and ability to lead a group discussion?
60% of students filled out the survey
Groups were created based on these responses (group partner requests and balancing self-perceived ability)
Groups did not change
Homework group technical support
Groups had a shared Google drive space for working on assignments
Groups had predefined Zoom breakout rooms
Some issues due to Zoom max of 200 participants for predefined breakout rooms
First Week Activities
The first week was focused on group work logistics and the daily structure
We discussed group roles and group dynamics
We had students practice their group collaboration on ungraded simple math exercises
We had several technical issues the first week including having to move roughly 80 students rather than the anticipated 20 students to their predefined Zoom breakout rooms
Daily Structure
At the end of every class, each group submitted a survey to identify (1) difficulties encountered, (2) their current status in solving the homework problems, (3) and their assessment of the group collaboration.
Before the next class, we prepared a few slides summarizing the responses in all three dimensions along with 2-3 quoted comments that best captured the current student sentiment.
At the start of the next class, we spent roughly 20 minutes covering those slides.
Afterwards, groups began their collaborative work in their assigned breakout rooms
The instructional team moved through the groups to help as needed for both content and to enforce good group dynamics.
The work done in class was submitted as (lightly graded) homework to ensure that it was completed
Common Difficulties
Internet issues
Some students not watching the videos before class
Freeloaders: some students not participating on a regular basis but getting the same homework grade leads to resentment from those that do participate.
Groups were not perfectly synchronized; leading groups might be 2-3 assignments ahead of trailing groups.
Lessons Learned
# instructional staff needs to be about 1/3 # of groups
This implies we can have at most ~20 groups with current instructional staff size
Need better mechanisms to address freeloaders
Perhaps more frequent individual assessments to ensure all students are participating and learning
Each class/week must have specific deliverables to ensure group synchronization
Stricter enforcement of requirements to watch videos before class
Survey
Administered by Qualtrics
Roughly 1/3 of students (65) responded
Selected Comments
I think the flipped model is much more effective when it has to be online and potentially I think it could work when in person classes are able to be taught again. I think some students learn a bit differently than others so I think having the option of flipped classes (maybe every other semester) could be beneficial to some and hindering to others.
I feel like there would be more participation if the flipped class happened in person rather than zoom. People would likely hold themselves more accountable.
I think the reason group work helped me learn was because it was over zoom. This way everyone is able to see a screen and hear each other. If it had been an in-person flipped class it would have been more difficult to communicate with such a large group, so groups would have to be smaller. The people sitting furthest away from wherever the work is being done would not participate. I think I learned the most when I was doing problems as a group.
Flipped classroom in person is very nice. For example CMSE 201, 202 and STT 180 all do very nice jobs of balancing the in class work and the pout of class lecture. Also, having TA's walking around to help is very nice.
Information from Graphs
Most students preferred flipped class
There was a preference towards flipped in-person class
Most students reported that they learnt a great deal from their peers
49% students preferred flipped class, 5% preferred any option, Remaining students were ok with either.
Authored by:
Eric Torng, Sandeep Kulkarni

Posted on: #iteachmsu

Benefits of Teaching a Large Course Using a Flipped Zoom Classroom
In Fall 2020, we conducted CSE 260 (Discrete Mathematics) as a flip...
Authored by:
PEDAGOGICAL DESIGN
Thursday, May 6, 2021
Posted on: #iteachmsu
Module 2: Webinar Hosting
Welcome to the Webinar Hosting module, where we'll dive into the world of online presentations! Here, you'll pick up tips and tricks on how to keep your audience hooked and your sessions interactive. Whether you're a pro or just starting out, this module will give you the tools to rock your webinars and keep your viewers coming back for more. Let's get ready to make some online magic happen!
What You'll Learn:
Captivating Your Audience: First impressions matter! Learn how to grab your audience's attention from the get-go with compelling introductions and engaging visuals. We'll explore techniques for crafting catchy titles, designing eye-catching slides, and using storytelling to hook your viewers.
Interactive Sessions: Keep your audience engaged and involved throughout your webinar with interactive elements. Discover how to incorporate polls, Q&A sessions, and live chats to foster participation and create a dynamic learning environment. We'll also cover techniques for managing audience questions and feedback effectively.
Managing Technical Challenges: Let's face it – technical issues can happen to the best of us. Learn how to troubleshoot common problems like audio or video glitches, screen sharing issues, and internet connectivity issues with grace and ease. We'll also discuss backup plans and contingency measures to ensure smooth sailing during your webinar.
Building Confidence: Hosting a webinar can be nerve-wracking, especially if you're new to the game. We'll share tips and techniques to boost your confidence and banish those pre-webinar jitters. From practicing your presentation to mastering your delivery, you'll learn how to exude confidence and command the virtual stage.
Post-Webinar Engagement: The conversation doesn't end when the webinar does! Discover strategies for keeping the momentum going after your session wraps up. We'll explore follow-up emails, surveys, and social media engagement to foster continued interaction and build a community around your content.
Why It Matters:
In today's digital age, webinars have become a powerful tool for education, marketing, and communication. Whether you're hosting a training session, promoting a product, or sharing your expertise with the world, effective webinar hosting skills are essential for success. By mastering the art of engaging online presentations, you'll not only captivate your audience but also establish yourself as a trusted authority in your field.
IDEAInterview or record a guest speaker from afar. Global Health and the International programs often have Zoom / Teams recordings of people in other places. The records are OK at best because of the environment that the host is in. If this were available the quality of these opportunities would be better. This was edited with Camtasia, but the output would have been better if the host was in the HushPod.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you're looking to enhance your professional skills, expand your audience reach, or simply connect with others in a virtual setting, the Webinar Hosting module in our HushPod Recording Studio has something for everyone. So grab your favorite mug of coffee, cozy up to your computer, and let's dive into the exciting world of webinar hosting together. Get ready to inspire, educate, and engage – one webinar at a time!
--> Module 3: Screen Recording
What You'll Learn:
Captivating Your Audience: First impressions matter! Learn how to grab your audience's attention from the get-go with compelling introductions and engaging visuals. We'll explore techniques for crafting catchy titles, designing eye-catching slides, and using storytelling to hook your viewers.
Interactive Sessions: Keep your audience engaged and involved throughout your webinar with interactive elements. Discover how to incorporate polls, Q&A sessions, and live chats to foster participation and create a dynamic learning environment. We'll also cover techniques for managing audience questions and feedback effectively.
Managing Technical Challenges: Let's face it – technical issues can happen to the best of us. Learn how to troubleshoot common problems like audio or video glitches, screen sharing issues, and internet connectivity issues with grace and ease. We'll also discuss backup plans and contingency measures to ensure smooth sailing during your webinar.
Building Confidence: Hosting a webinar can be nerve-wracking, especially if you're new to the game. We'll share tips and techniques to boost your confidence and banish those pre-webinar jitters. From practicing your presentation to mastering your delivery, you'll learn how to exude confidence and command the virtual stage.
Post-Webinar Engagement: The conversation doesn't end when the webinar does! Discover strategies for keeping the momentum going after your session wraps up. We'll explore follow-up emails, surveys, and social media engagement to foster continued interaction and build a community around your content.
Why It Matters:
In today's digital age, webinars have become a powerful tool for education, marketing, and communication. Whether you're hosting a training session, promoting a product, or sharing your expertise with the world, effective webinar hosting skills are essential for success. By mastering the art of engaging online presentations, you'll not only captivate your audience but also establish yourself as a trusted authority in your field.
IDEAInterview or record a guest speaker from afar. Global Health and the International programs often have Zoom / Teams recordings of people in other places. The records are OK at best because of the environment that the host is in. If this were available the quality of these opportunities would be better. This was edited with Camtasia, but the output would have been better if the host was in the HushPod.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you're looking to enhance your professional skills, expand your audience reach, or simply connect with others in a virtual setting, the Webinar Hosting module in our HushPod Recording Studio has something for everyone. So grab your favorite mug of coffee, cozy up to your computer, and let's dive into the exciting world of webinar hosting together. Get ready to inspire, educate, and engage – one webinar at a time!
--> Module 3: Screen Recording
Posted by:
Dave Goodrich

Posted on: #iteachmsu

Module 2: Webinar Hosting
Welcome to the Webinar Hosting module, where we'll dive into the wo...
Posted by:
Wednesday, Jul 17, 2024
Posted on: #iteachmsu
NAVIGATING CONTEXT
#iteachmsu Commons Overview
The #iteachmsu Commons is an educator-driven space for sharing teaching resources. It's here to help connect across educator networks and for growing in teaching practice. This tutorial provides a brief overview of the key features and functions of the site. Other tutorials will provide a detailed demonstration of how those features work. How to login:
To begin creating content of your own on the #iteachmsu Commons, simply click the green Login button in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. Your account will automatically be provisioned after successfully logging into the MSU Net ID login prompt. Currently, only authenticated MSU faculty, staff, and students can create content on the #iteachmsu Commons. However, external users are free to browse and share public-facing content without logging into the site.
The Homepage:
New articles posted will show at the top of the homepage. This can be expanded by clicking on the green arrow button.
You will also see people at MSU who have signed up and logged in to the #iteachmsu Commons. You can connect with them by viewing all again over to the right of the new people area.
Groups:
Groups are spaces to organize around topics, share information, and connect with others. You can select a group to view more information and join, or select the green arrow to browse all public groups. You are also invited to create a new group.
Playlists:
Playlists are collections of related posts curated by an individual or a unit.
Assessments:
Assessments are self-contained learning objects that may contain YouTube videos, embedded files, and text.
Click here to watch a video tutorial:
To begin creating content of your own on the #iteachmsu Commons, simply click the green Login button in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. Your account will automatically be provisioned after successfully logging into the MSU Net ID login prompt. Currently, only authenticated MSU faculty, staff, and students can create content on the #iteachmsu Commons. However, external users are free to browse and share public-facing content without logging into the site.
The Homepage:
New articles posted will show at the top of the homepage. This can be expanded by clicking on the green arrow button.
You will also see people at MSU who have signed up and logged in to the #iteachmsu Commons. You can connect with them by viewing all again over to the right of the new people area.
Groups:
Groups are spaces to organize around topics, share information, and connect with others. You can select a group to view more information and join, or select the green arrow to browse all public groups. You are also invited to create a new group.
Playlists:
Playlists are collections of related posts curated by an individual or a unit.
Assessments:
Assessments are self-contained learning objects that may contain YouTube videos, embedded files, and text.
Click here to watch a video tutorial:
Authored by:
#iteachmsu

Posted on: #iteachmsu

#iteachmsu Commons Overview
The #iteachmsu Commons is an educator-driven space for sharing...
Authored by:
NAVIGATING CONTEXT
Friday, Jun 14, 2024
Posted on: #iteachmsu
PEDAGOGICAL DESIGN
The importance of interpersonal engagement in an online master's degree program
Since 2017, the MSU Strategic Communication Online M.A. has been helping working professionals advance their careers with skills the marketplace demands. A tenet of the program has been the fostering of interpersonal engagement, by creating spaces for student-to-student interaction and student-to-staff interaction. Through surveys and interviews with current students, we measure the importance of program engagement for students by tracking the effectiveness of: various communication mediums and tools; and personal touchpoints with classmates and MSU StratCom staff.
To access a PDF of the "The importance of interpersonal engagement in an online master's degree program" poster, click here.
Description of the Poster
The importance of interpersonal engagement in an online master’s degree program
Introduction
The purpose of this report is to provide the Michigan State University Strategic Communication Online M.A. a summary of students’ perceptions of engagement in the program. This report focuses on the responses of currently enrolled students as of Spring semester 2021. Students voluntarily responded to a survey sent out via email and social media. Additionally, students were given the option to agree to a second phone interview for further insights. The report looks at engagement through students’ connection to each other, to staff and faculty, and facilitated through various tools and media.
Methodology
Survey Purpose and Methodology
To gain an understanding and perspective of students’ views on engagement in the StratCom program a written survey was sent by Daune Rensing, StratCom Student Advisor, via email.
The email was sent to the MSU email address of students currently enrolled in either the StratCom master’s or certificate program, on March 15, 2021.
Written reminders were sent March 22 and March 29.
A video reminder was posted by Jason Archer, StratCom Director, on StratCom’s Student Life, Teams and Facebook pages on March 29.
The 24-question survey was closed on April 2, extended from the original deadline of March 25.
Sixty-two responses were received with 2 incomplete surveys, resulting in 60 responses.
Phone Interview Purpose and Methodology
To expand the understanding and perspective students views on engagement in the StratCom program, a follow up phone interview was conducted. Forty students responded positively to a question on the survey asking if they would be willing to participate in a follow-up phone interview with a fellow student.
Limitations
The limited nature of the data set needs to be taken into consideration when weighing the meaning and significance of the insights reported here. The written surveys were completed by students enrolled anywhere from their first semester to last in the program, which may affect their perceptions of the program. All phone interviews were conducted by one person, which may result in some bias of interpretation.
Research Questions
To measure the importance of engagement in the StratCom program, the research questions in the survey and phone interview fell into three categories:
What tools and resources are important for student engagement in the StratCom program?
Do students feel the StratCom program is meeting their engagement needs?
What changes/improvements does the StratCom program need to make to meet students’ expectations?
Results
These graphs highlight responses to our first two questions of what students do value and what they don’t value, and that we are meeting their engagement needs. The conclusion, in more detail, addresses ways in which respondents feel StratCom can improve engagement.
Conclusion
Overwhelmingly, respondents felt that StratCom was meeting their engagement needs, in terms of tools used and connection to faculty and staff, and that it was an important part of their time in the program. To continue StratCom’s good start, some respondents had suggestions to strengthen their engagement experience even more:
Set expectations for tools and resources
More student onboarding
Intentional diversity throughout the program
Develop stronger bonds with fellow students and instructors
Standardization in the curriculum
Use the coursework to develop student-led engagement activities in the program
Future Work
Planning for StratCom’s future and creating a sustainable engagement model are themes respondents suggested. For instance, leadership contingency plans, consistency among courses and “keeping their finger on the pulse” of student needs and industry requirements were all important things to consider moving forward.
To access a PDF of the "The importance of interpersonal engagement in an online master's degree program" poster, click here.
Description of the Poster
The importance of interpersonal engagement in an online master’s degree program
Introduction
The purpose of this report is to provide the Michigan State University Strategic Communication Online M.A. a summary of students’ perceptions of engagement in the program. This report focuses on the responses of currently enrolled students as of Spring semester 2021. Students voluntarily responded to a survey sent out via email and social media. Additionally, students were given the option to agree to a second phone interview for further insights. The report looks at engagement through students’ connection to each other, to staff and faculty, and facilitated through various tools and media.
Methodology
Survey Purpose and Methodology
To gain an understanding and perspective of students’ views on engagement in the StratCom program a written survey was sent by Daune Rensing, StratCom Student Advisor, via email.
The email was sent to the MSU email address of students currently enrolled in either the StratCom master’s or certificate program, on March 15, 2021.
Written reminders were sent March 22 and March 29.
A video reminder was posted by Jason Archer, StratCom Director, on StratCom’s Student Life, Teams and Facebook pages on March 29.
The 24-question survey was closed on April 2, extended from the original deadline of March 25.
Sixty-two responses were received with 2 incomplete surveys, resulting in 60 responses.
Phone Interview Purpose and Methodology
To expand the understanding and perspective students views on engagement in the StratCom program, a follow up phone interview was conducted. Forty students responded positively to a question on the survey asking if they would be willing to participate in a follow-up phone interview with a fellow student.
Limitations
The limited nature of the data set needs to be taken into consideration when weighing the meaning and significance of the insights reported here. The written surveys were completed by students enrolled anywhere from their first semester to last in the program, which may affect their perceptions of the program. All phone interviews were conducted by one person, which may result in some bias of interpretation.
Research Questions
To measure the importance of engagement in the StratCom program, the research questions in the survey and phone interview fell into three categories:
What tools and resources are important for student engagement in the StratCom program?
Do students feel the StratCom program is meeting their engagement needs?
What changes/improvements does the StratCom program need to make to meet students’ expectations?
Results
These graphs highlight responses to our first two questions of what students do value and what they don’t value, and that we are meeting their engagement needs. The conclusion, in more detail, addresses ways in which respondents feel StratCom can improve engagement.
Conclusion
Overwhelmingly, respondents felt that StratCom was meeting their engagement needs, in terms of tools used and connection to faculty and staff, and that it was an important part of their time in the program. To continue StratCom’s good start, some respondents had suggestions to strengthen their engagement experience even more:
Set expectations for tools and resources
More student onboarding
Intentional diversity throughout the program
Develop stronger bonds with fellow students and instructors
Standardization in the curriculum
Use the coursework to develop student-led engagement activities in the program
Future Work
Planning for StratCom’s future and creating a sustainable engagement model are themes respondents suggested. For instance, leadership contingency plans, consistency among courses and “keeping their finger on the pulse” of student needs and industry requirements were all important things to consider moving forward.
Authored by:
Jason Archer, Beth Hoffman, Duane Rensing, Jennifer Trenkamp

Posted on: #iteachmsu

The importance of interpersonal engagement in an online master's degree program
Since 2017, the MSU Strategic Communication Online M.A. has been he...
Authored by:
PEDAGOGICAL DESIGN
Monday, May 3, 2021
Posted on: #iteachmsu
NAVIGATING CONTEXT
5 Things to do on #iteachmsu
Welcome to the #iteachmsu Commons! We’re excited you’ve joined us here and want to make sure you feel comfortable with the basic ways you can engage in this space; because after all, engagement is what it’s all about!
Here are five easy ways to get started on iteach.msu.edu!
Log-in
Iteach.msu.edu is a website that is publicly accessible, so anyone can visit to consume content. The opportunities grow exponentially if you’re affiliated with Michigan State University. By clicking the “Log In” button in the upper right corner of the home screen, you can enter your MSU netID (the same information you’d use for your Spartan Mail or EBS) and be logged in as an active user. Logging in is a great first step that opens a lot of #iteachmsu doors!
Profile
For example, after logging in, you can click on the arrow next to your name in the upper right corner and select “Profile”. Here you can add some basic information about yourself, your role, and your interests/areas of expertise (this helps the site search connect others with you based on keywords).
Join the Conversation
Once logged in, you can also engage with content shared in the space… You could comment on a post in the feed or on an article you find interesting by writing a response in the text box and clicking the green “comment” button. (You can also reply to comments made by others. Iteach.msu.edu is the space for educator conversations!)
Share
Do you have a question you’d like to pose to the broader MSU community of educators? Maybe you’re facing a particular challenge, or you have an idea of an activity but aren’t sure how to put it into action. You can share content like this, plus upload artifacts like PDFs, via “posts”! If you have longer reflections or insights you’d like to share, an “article” gives you more formatting options in addition to the ability to embed photos and videos!
Connect
If you’re looking to connect with other educators who share a common interest as you, join a group! Groups function as informal learning communities or communities of practice, with the same functions as the broader site. You can engage in a discussion on a post in the group feed, share articles, and “connect” with other members! (By clicking the “connect” button on a user’s profile or the connections page, you can send the direct messages.)
Bonus: Thank an Educator
Clicking “Thank an Educator” in the left navigation bar will take you to a page with a short survey where you can submit an MSU educator for recognition from #iteachmsu. Who have you noticed stepping up? Who has made a positive impact on your MSU experience? Anyone can be thanked via this initiative, so start celebrating others today! Learn more about Thank an Educator here.
The #iteachmsu Commons is a space “for educators, by educators”. But what does that mean? Please read more about the history of this platform on Medium here.
Here are five easy ways to get started on iteach.msu.edu!
Log-in
Iteach.msu.edu is a website that is publicly accessible, so anyone can visit to consume content. The opportunities grow exponentially if you’re affiliated with Michigan State University. By clicking the “Log In” button in the upper right corner of the home screen, you can enter your MSU netID (the same information you’d use for your Spartan Mail or EBS) and be logged in as an active user. Logging in is a great first step that opens a lot of #iteachmsu doors!
Profile
For example, after logging in, you can click on the arrow next to your name in the upper right corner and select “Profile”. Here you can add some basic information about yourself, your role, and your interests/areas of expertise (this helps the site search connect others with you based on keywords).
Join the Conversation
Once logged in, you can also engage with content shared in the space… You could comment on a post in the feed or on an article you find interesting by writing a response in the text box and clicking the green “comment” button. (You can also reply to comments made by others. Iteach.msu.edu is the space for educator conversations!)
Share
Do you have a question you’d like to pose to the broader MSU community of educators? Maybe you’re facing a particular challenge, or you have an idea of an activity but aren’t sure how to put it into action. You can share content like this, plus upload artifacts like PDFs, via “posts”! If you have longer reflections or insights you’d like to share, an “article” gives you more formatting options in addition to the ability to embed photos and videos!
Connect
If you’re looking to connect with other educators who share a common interest as you, join a group! Groups function as informal learning communities or communities of practice, with the same functions as the broader site. You can engage in a discussion on a post in the group feed, share articles, and “connect” with other members! (By clicking the “connect” button on a user’s profile or the connections page, you can send the direct messages.)
Bonus: Thank an Educator
Clicking “Thank an Educator” in the left navigation bar will take you to a page with a short survey where you can submit an MSU educator for recognition from #iteachmsu. Who have you noticed stepping up? Who has made a positive impact on your MSU experience? Anyone can be thanked via this initiative, so start celebrating others today! Learn more about Thank an Educator here.
The #iteachmsu Commons is a space “for educators, by educators”. But what does that mean? Please read more about the history of this platform on Medium here.
Authored by:
Makena Neal

Posted on: #iteachmsu

5 Things to do on #iteachmsu
Welcome to the #iteachmsu Commons! We’re excited you’ve joined us h...
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NAVIGATING CONTEXT
Monday, Feb 15, 2021
Posted on: #iteachmsu
PEDAGOGICAL DESIGN
#iteachmsu Settings and Notifications
*This feature will be added in our early fall release which is forthcoming.*This brief tutorial will demonstrate how you can update your #iteachmsu notifications and settings. How do I update my #iteachmsu settings?
After you have logged in using your MSU NetID and password, you will see your name in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. Select 'Settings' to manage your #iteachmsu Commons notification and language settings. AccountOn the settings page you will first see the "Account" section. You can select the edit button on the right to change your preferred language and country settings. NotificationsBelow is the "Notifications" section. At the top right of the section you will can toggle on or off all email notifications. You can also manage the specific types of alerts that you recieve from #iteachmsu. Under "Notifications" you can choose to turn on or off alerts for new connections, groups, or messages. Below you can also manage your notifications for new likes and comments on your #iteachmsu posts, articles, groups, playlists, and assessments. Click here to watch a video tutorial:
After you have logged in using your MSU NetID and password, you will see your name in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. Select 'Settings' to manage your #iteachmsu Commons notification and language settings. AccountOn the settings page you will first see the "Account" section. You can select the edit button on the right to change your preferred language and country settings. NotificationsBelow is the "Notifications" section. At the top right of the section you will can toggle on or off all email notifications. You can also manage the specific types of alerts that you recieve from #iteachmsu. Under "Notifications" you can choose to turn on or off alerts for new connections, groups, or messages. Below you can also manage your notifications for new likes and comments on your #iteachmsu posts, articles, groups, playlists, and assessments. Click here to watch a video tutorial:
Authored by:
#iteachmsu

Posted on: #iteachmsu

#iteachmsu Settings and Notifications
*This feature will be added in our early fall release which is fort...
Authored by:
PEDAGOGICAL DESIGN
Wednesday, Sep 15, 2021
Posted on: Educator Stories
PEDAGOGICAL DESIGN
Dustin De Felice's Educator Story
This week, we are featuring Dr. Dustin De Felice, Associate Professor and Director of MSU’s English Language Center. Dr. De Felice 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 Dustin’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?
One word = Language. I added my CV and resume into a WordCloud generator (https://www.jasondavies.com/wordcloud/) and both generations put that word in the center. I believe that it reflects my focus in my teaching, learning, and supporting.
What does this word/quality look like in your practice? Have your ideas on this changed over time? If so, how?
I believe I can best assess student understanding through the use of a variety of classroom tasks and assignments that build from and into each other. I rely very heavily on projects that give students the chance to engage in conversations, observations or interactions with language learning situations and language learners. I also believe in autonomous learning and the benefits students receive from working through material at their own pace. As such, I have been offering my courses in hybrid forms with some interactions in the classroom balanced with other interactions asynchronously. Within my classroom, I shy away from lecturing for more than twenty minutes and within those twenty minute blocks, I incorporate video, audio, or other multimedia files along with practical examples that I will ask the students to complete in small groups. I like to design packets of activities that encourage my students to learn the material while demonstrating their current level of understanding at the same time.
All of this direction comes from my earliest experiences with languages and language teaching. I remember being drawn to the English language from an early age. I was fascinated by dialects and accents, and I was especially taken by comedians, rappers and great orators and their abilities to make the English language entertain, inspire and provoke. However, it didn’t take me too long to realize I wasn’t drawn to the English language per se, but to all languages. I began taking courses in linguistics, education, humanities and sociology to help me better understand the world-at-large. Early in my career, I started teaching English as Second Language in Chicago, and I found the experience exhilarating. There I was midway through my B.A. and I was teaching three hour classes every morning and every night four times a week. I worked in a rundown building with no A/C in the summer and half-working space heaters in the winter. The classes were full of immigrants from all over Latin America and most of my classes had 35-55 students in them. Of course there were no textbooks, no curriculum or even a plan for that matter, but I loved the challenge. I loved every moment of trying to help these motivated adults learn something about English, about the city and about the U.S. I think that the challenge is what keeps me going. I sincerely enjoying working with students on succeeding at whatever tasks they have in front of them, and I especially enjoy doing so when it involves language of all kinds.
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?)
My educational setting includes the English Language Center as my primary home with multiple affiliations in or with graduate programs, undergraduate courses, service-oriented centers, and student-centered activities. I have a much smaller teaching load than I used to now that I spend most of my time in administration, but I specifically asked to maintain a teaching load because of how much I draw from my teaching. In fact, I don’t know how I would get through each semester without having the opportunity to work alongside students and their learning.
What is a challenge you experience in your educator role? Any particular “solutions” or “best practices” you’ve found that help you support student success at the university despite/in the face of this?
MSU is a big and sometimes confusing place. I see opportunities in my teaching as a way of making MSU a place where students can succeed. I strive to provide my students with a welcoming environment whereby their learning becomes one of many ways of helping them reach their long-term goals. I try to provide opportunities through my courses and daily interactions to educational experiences that will help shape students’ futures. I also strive to be someone the students are very comfortable approaching with questions and/or advice. This approach includes ensuring I am accessible and open for meetings as needed. Within my courses, I work to conscientiously provide my students with an interesting variety of tasks to help keep them curious, satisfied, and motivated.
What are practices you utilize that help you feel successful as an educator?
I am very interested in student success, so I often utilize a 2-week module schedule, which helps make tasks more manageable and less stressful than a 1-week module format. Many students have told me the additional week gives them enough time to understand readings and complete tasks without rushing, which leads to better quality submissions. I believe student success requires creativity and flexibility, so I design classes that give lots of new ways to integrate ideas into students’ lives. I intentionally design course activities and readings with a focus on practicality. I also strive to be very responsive and available to answer questions/concerns from students. Many students have told me that my timely comments and grading are very helpful to them. In my courses, I seek out extra resources based on student interest and need. That kind of searching often leads to flexibility in applying the course content to best serve the students. Because communication is a key component of the practices that help me feel successful, many students have commented on how they really enjoy the open communication between the students and me. I hope to let everyone focus on their interests and pull out what will be useful for them in their personal and professional lives. Part of that hope includes taking the time to get to know my students’ interests. Lastly, I always have modules up ahead of time, which really helps students plan their time.
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?
It has been a difficult few years with so many national and international events that I would like to hear more about keeping or reinvigorating the joy and passion in our teaching and learning. I often meet with students and faculty 1-to-1, and I have to say there are so many good ideas and perspectives to inspire and share.
What are you looking forward to (or excited to be a part of) next semester?
Now that my role is more administration than teaching, I look forward to learning more about what the faculty around me are doing in their classrooms. Of course, I get the pleasure of supporting their teaching, and I’m constantly amazed at the creativity I see in the faculty around me. I suppose the main reason I so enjoy learning about what the faculty are doing in their courses is because that level of creativity just brings out the best in our students. Watching our students learn, grow, and get closer to any and all their goals is just a rewarding endeavor.
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!
Read more about Dustin’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?
One word = Language. I added my CV and resume into a WordCloud generator (https://www.jasondavies.com/wordcloud/) and both generations put that word in the center. I believe that it reflects my focus in my teaching, learning, and supporting.
What does this word/quality look like in your practice? Have your ideas on this changed over time? If so, how?
I believe I can best assess student understanding through the use of a variety of classroom tasks and assignments that build from and into each other. I rely very heavily on projects that give students the chance to engage in conversations, observations or interactions with language learning situations and language learners. I also believe in autonomous learning and the benefits students receive from working through material at their own pace. As such, I have been offering my courses in hybrid forms with some interactions in the classroom balanced with other interactions asynchronously. Within my classroom, I shy away from lecturing for more than twenty minutes and within those twenty minute blocks, I incorporate video, audio, or other multimedia files along with practical examples that I will ask the students to complete in small groups. I like to design packets of activities that encourage my students to learn the material while demonstrating their current level of understanding at the same time.
All of this direction comes from my earliest experiences with languages and language teaching. I remember being drawn to the English language from an early age. I was fascinated by dialects and accents, and I was especially taken by comedians, rappers and great orators and their abilities to make the English language entertain, inspire and provoke. However, it didn’t take me too long to realize I wasn’t drawn to the English language per se, but to all languages. I began taking courses in linguistics, education, humanities and sociology to help me better understand the world-at-large. Early in my career, I started teaching English as Second Language in Chicago, and I found the experience exhilarating. There I was midway through my B.A. and I was teaching three hour classes every morning and every night four times a week. I worked in a rundown building with no A/C in the summer and half-working space heaters in the winter. The classes were full of immigrants from all over Latin America and most of my classes had 35-55 students in them. Of course there were no textbooks, no curriculum or even a plan for that matter, but I loved the challenge. I loved every moment of trying to help these motivated adults learn something about English, about the city and about the U.S. I think that the challenge is what keeps me going. I sincerely enjoying working with students on succeeding at whatever tasks they have in front of them, and I especially enjoy doing so when it involves language of all kinds.
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?)
My educational setting includes the English Language Center as my primary home with multiple affiliations in or with graduate programs, undergraduate courses, service-oriented centers, and student-centered activities. I have a much smaller teaching load than I used to now that I spend most of my time in administration, but I specifically asked to maintain a teaching load because of how much I draw from my teaching. In fact, I don’t know how I would get through each semester without having the opportunity to work alongside students and their learning.
What is a challenge you experience in your educator role? Any particular “solutions” or “best practices” you’ve found that help you support student success at the university despite/in the face of this?
MSU is a big and sometimes confusing place. I see opportunities in my teaching as a way of making MSU a place where students can succeed. I strive to provide my students with a welcoming environment whereby their learning becomes one of many ways of helping them reach their long-term goals. I try to provide opportunities through my courses and daily interactions to educational experiences that will help shape students’ futures. I also strive to be someone the students are very comfortable approaching with questions and/or advice. This approach includes ensuring I am accessible and open for meetings as needed. Within my courses, I work to conscientiously provide my students with an interesting variety of tasks to help keep them curious, satisfied, and motivated.
What are practices you utilize that help you feel successful as an educator?
I am very interested in student success, so I often utilize a 2-week module schedule, which helps make tasks more manageable and less stressful than a 1-week module format. Many students have told me the additional week gives them enough time to understand readings and complete tasks without rushing, which leads to better quality submissions. I believe student success requires creativity and flexibility, so I design classes that give lots of new ways to integrate ideas into students’ lives. I intentionally design course activities and readings with a focus on practicality. I also strive to be very responsive and available to answer questions/concerns from students. Many students have told me that my timely comments and grading are very helpful to them. In my courses, I seek out extra resources based on student interest and need. That kind of searching often leads to flexibility in applying the course content to best serve the students. Because communication is a key component of the practices that help me feel successful, many students have commented on how they really enjoy the open communication between the students and me. I hope to let everyone focus on their interests and pull out what will be useful for them in their personal and professional lives. Part of that hope includes taking the time to get to know my students’ interests. Lastly, I always have modules up ahead of time, which really helps students plan their time.
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?
It has been a difficult few years with so many national and international events that I would like to hear more about keeping or reinvigorating the joy and passion in our teaching and learning. I often meet with students and faculty 1-to-1, and I have to say there are so many good ideas and perspectives to inspire and share.
What are you looking forward to (or excited to be a part of) next semester?
Now that my role is more administration than teaching, I look forward to learning more about what the faculty around me are doing in their classrooms. Of course, I get the pleasure of supporting their teaching, and I’m constantly amazed at the creativity I see in the faculty around me. I suppose the main reason I so enjoy learning about what the faculty are doing in their courses is because that level of creativity just brings out the best in our students. Watching our students learn, grow, and get closer to any and all their goals is just a rewarding endeavor.
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!
Posted by:
Makena Neal

Posted on: Educator Stories

Dustin De Felice's Educator Story
This week, we are featuring Dr. Dustin De Felice, Associate Profess...
Posted by:
PEDAGOGICAL DESIGN
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
Posted on: #iteachmsu
PEDAGOGICAL DESIGN
Universal Design for Learning
What is Universal Design for Learning?
According to the CAST website, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is “a framework to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn.” Although UDL is not exclusive to digital accessibility, this framework prioritizes inclusivity and thus inherently lends itself to the creation of courses that are accessible to all students.
UDL is built on an understanding of the term learning as the interaction and layering of:
Recognition, or the “what”
Skills and Strategies, or the “how”
Caring and Prioritizing, or the “why”
The ultimate goal of UDL is to design a course that is accessible to everyone from its very inception and is open to flexibility. UDL can help instructors create accessible goals, methods, materials, and assessments.
UDL proposes the following three principles to upend barriers to learning:
Representation - present material in a variety of ways
Action and Expression - allow students to share what they know in their own
Engagement - provide students with choices
Explore this topic further in CAST’s “UDL at a Glance”:
UDL GuidelinesLearn more about the Guildlines for UDL via the accessible and interactive table on the CAST website.
Instructional Technology and Development’s Incorporating Universal Design for Learning (UDL) into Your Course Design
Further Reading
Michigan Tech’s guide for UDL
Weaver Library’s Research Guide Universal Design for Learning (UDL) & Accessibility for Faculty
Introduction to Universal Learning Design (UDL) by Shannon Kelly
Sources
About universal design for learning. CAST. (2024, March 28). https://www.cast.org/impact/universal-design-for-learning-udl
This article is part of the Digital Accessibility Toolkit.
According to the CAST website, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is “a framework to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn.” Although UDL is not exclusive to digital accessibility, this framework prioritizes inclusivity and thus inherently lends itself to the creation of courses that are accessible to all students.
UDL is built on an understanding of the term learning as the interaction and layering of:
Recognition, or the “what”
Skills and Strategies, or the “how”
Caring and Prioritizing, or the “why”
The ultimate goal of UDL is to design a course that is accessible to everyone from its very inception and is open to flexibility. UDL can help instructors create accessible goals, methods, materials, and assessments.
UDL proposes the following three principles to upend barriers to learning:
Representation - present material in a variety of ways
Action and Expression - allow students to share what they know in their own
Engagement - provide students with choices
Explore this topic further in CAST’s “UDL at a Glance”:
UDL GuidelinesLearn more about the Guildlines for UDL via the accessible and interactive table on the CAST website.
Instructional Technology and Development’s Incorporating Universal Design for Learning (UDL) into Your Course Design
Further Reading
Michigan Tech’s guide for UDL
Weaver Library’s Research Guide Universal Design for Learning (UDL) & Accessibility for Faculty
Introduction to Universal Learning Design (UDL) by Shannon Kelly
Sources
About universal design for learning. CAST. (2024, March 28). https://www.cast.org/impact/universal-design-for-learning-udl
This article is part of the Digital Accessibility Toolkit.
Posted by:
Katherine Knowles

Posted on: #iteachmsu

Universal Design for Learning
What is Universal Design for Learning?
According to the CAST websit...
According to the CAST websit...
Posted by:
PEDAGOGICAL DESIGN
Wednesday, Apr 24, 2024