We found 418 results that contain "tech tools"
Posted on: MSU Academic Advising

Training Tools and Guides
Academic Advisors use a range of systems and tools to support their work with students. This playlist contains range of training guides and tutorials, including features in the Student Information System, Electronic Student Academic Folder, transfer credit system, and more!
Posted on: #iteachmsu
Free Tech for Teaching at MSU: A to Z
You'll find an article for all of the applications and platforms listed here: https://tech.msu.edu/service-catalog/teaching/tools/
Posted on: MSU Online & Remote...

Tools for Modifying your Practice for Remote Teaching
In moving a face-to-face course into a remote online space, modifications will be necessary. MSU provides a suite of core teaching tools to help modify your course accordingly.
By using MSU core teaching tools, you can ensure students have access and that there is support from MSU for the tools you are using to teach. For further details on how to use the core tools for common remote teaching situations, please refer to the Implement playlist.
Photo by XPS on Unsplash
By using MSU core teaching tools, you can ensure students have access and that there is support from MSU for the tools you are using to teach. For further details on how to use the core tools for common remote teaching situations, please refer to the Implement playlist.
Photo by XPS on Unsplash
PEDAGOGICAL DESIGN
Posted on: MSU Academic Advising

Empowering Productivity through Tech-Driven Communication & Task Tools
This presentation was created for individuals that are both actively engaged with students and interested in learning more about technological tools designed to aid in both task management and communication.
AI and technology offer a range of opportunities and capabilities that can significantly enhance task management and communication, such as streamlined interactions with students and colleagues or prioritizing and managing daily tasks or large projects. In this session, we discuss how AI and tech tools can be appropriately used to support administrative tasks and outreach.
Upon completion of this learning experience participants will learn of new tools and platforms for communicating with students and colleagues, understand how to leverage technology to automate tasks and improve efficiency, and apply different tech tools to their individual spaces.
Locate presentation slides here
Handout - includes all tools shared and plan pricing
Not included in the handout
Mural – Create brainstorming boards for team collaboration and workshops. Free for 3 mural boards, $9.99 for team accounts and unlimited boards.
Miro ) – Similar to Mural, collaborate with teams using brainstorming boards and sticky notes. Free with educator account.
AI and technology offer a range of opportunities and capabilities that can significantly enhance task management and communication, such as streamlined interactions with students and colleagues or prioritizing and managing daily tasks or large projects. In this session, we discuss how AI and tech tools can be appropriately used to support administrative tasks and outreach.
Upon completion of this learning experience participants will learn of new tools and platforms for communicating with students and colleagues, understand how to leverage technology to automate tasks and improve efficiency, and apply different tech tools to their individual spaces.
Locate presentation slides here
Handout - includes all tools shared and plan pricing
Not included in the handout
Mural – Create brainstorming boards for team collaboration and workshops. Free for 3 mural boards, $9.99 for team accounts and unlimited boards.
Miro ) – Similar to Mural, collaborate with teams using brainstorming boards and sticky notes. Free with educator account.
Authored by: Katie Peterson
Posted on: #iteachmsu

Low Tech Vocab Check
You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.-Inigo Montoya, The Princess Bride
Although that is not the line for which Mandy Patinkin's Inigo is best known, my observations of students in my introductory pathology and molecular diagnostics courses certainly was bringing it to mind more and more often. They were hearing and repeating the right words, but the precise meaning, so important in medicine, was somehow never quite grasped. For reasons I didn't completely understand, what had worked for years wasn't working in my classroom anymore, so I set out to find a practical solution. My first step was discovering reasons for the change. The extended version of that "why" I discovered is material for another whole article. Emphasis on context-based strategies for learning vocabulary in K-12 education, multi-tasking while studying, the effects of reading from screens, not reading at all, decreasing attention spans, and the collective effects of education during the COVID-19 pandemic were all likely contributors to students' "light" understanding of the necessary vocabulary. I was pretty discouraged when I realized that I couldn't change any of those things! However, I wasn't ready to give up, so I started looking in the literature for strategies and solutions. As you might imagine, not a lot has been published about teaching vocabulary to college students, but I did find some ideas when I read about teaching vocabulary to bilingual students and students with learning differences.When you are learning a new language (or struggling with various aspects of accessing your own), you may be missing or misunderstanding the meaning of new words even in context. My students were learning a new language, kind of, as they built their medical vocabulary, weren't they? With that hypothesis in mind, one deceptively simple activity stood out from this research, something known as a "Does it Make Sense" or DIMS activity. Few resources were needed and little prep time. It didn't take a lot of class time to accomplish. It seemed like a low risk place to start.I created my version of a DIMS activity this way. I found about 25 3 x 5 cards moldering in the back of my desk drawer. On them, in bold black marker, I printed short statements about the current unit in pathology. I was teaching immunology, seredipitously the lessons in which learning precise language is most important in the course. The statements I wrote each had an error, a word or two that needed to be changed for the statement to be correct. At the end of a lecture with about 20 minutes of class time left, I pulled out the cards and asked the students to form groups of 4-5. Once the groups were formed, I gave these brief instructions:
Choose one person to read the statement on the card aloud. You may need to read it more than once.
Discuss the statement. Each statement has an error. Determine the error in the statement in your group.
Then decide how to change the statement to make it correct.
When you have your correction ready, raise a hand and I will come and hear your answer. If you get stuck, raise your hand and I will come over and help.
I handed a card to each group, and let the discussions begin. When a group finished and they gave me a correct answer, I gave them another card. Some groups flew through card after card. Others took their time and needed a hint or two to decode their statement. All of the groups had great discussions, and they seemed to stay on task the whole time. In fact, no one, including me, noticed that the activity continued through the end of class and beyond. We had stayed an extra ten minutes when I finally noticed and sent them home! I had one of the best days in the classroom that I had had in a long time. From what I could see as I ran around the room from group to group, most of the students had that "aha" moment that we want for them, the moment they understand and learn something new. What did they learn? Did they learn proper use of every word in the vocabulary of immunology that day? Not at all, but that wasn't the point. The objective was to show them the importance of precise language in medicine and to encourage them to work harder on their own to master the new words in a new context. Based on my observations in class that day and casual student feedback, I think I can say mission accomplished! I plan to expand my use of this type of activity and other low tech approaches in the next few semesters. I want to collect more formal outcomes data and do some actual analysis beyond casual observation. My gut is telling me that I'm on to something. Watch this space for more, and if you are interested, feel free to contact me about collaboration!References:How Grades 4 to 8 Teachers Can Deliver Intensive Vocabulary and Reading Comprehension Interventions to Students With High-Functioning Autism Spectrum DisorderDanielle A. Cravalho, Zaira Jimenez, Aya Shhub, and Michael SolisBeyond Behavior 2020 29:1, 31-41
Although that is not the line for which Mandy Patinkin's Inigo is best known, my observations of students in my introductory pathology and molecular diagnostics courses certainly was bringing it to mind more and more often. They were hearing and repeating the right words, but the precise meaning, so important in medicine, was somehow never quite grasped. For reasons I didn't completely understand, what had worked for years wasn't working in my classroom anymore, so I set out to find a practical solution. My first step was discovering reasons for the change. The extended version of that "why" I discovered is material for another whole article. Emphasis on context-based strategies for learning vocabulary in K-12 education, multi-tasking while studying, the effects of reading from screens, not reading at all, decreasing attention spans, and the collective effects of education during the COVID-19 pandemic were all likely contributors to students' "light" understanding of the necessary vocabulary. I was pretty discouraged when I realized that I couldn't change any of those things! However, I wasn't ready to give up, so I started looking in the literature for strategies and solutions. As you might imagine, not a lot has been published about teaching vocabulary to college students, but I did find some ideas when I read about teaching vocabulary to bilingual students and students with learning differences.When you are learning a new language (or struggling with various aspects of accessing your own), you may be missing or misunderstanding the meaning of new words even in context. My students were learning a new language, kind of, as they built their medical vocabulary, weren't they? With that hypothesis in mind, one deceptively simple activity stood out from this research, something known as a "Does it Make Sense" or DIMS activity. Few resources were needed and little prep time. It didn't take a lot of class time to accomplish. It seemed like a low risk place to start.I created my version of a DIMS activity this way. I found about 25 3 x 5 cards moldering in the back of my desk drawer. On them, in bold black marker, I printed short statements about the current unit in pathology. I was teaching immunology, seredipitously the lessons in which learning precise language is most important in the course. The statements I wrote each had an error, a word or two that needed to be changed for the statement to be correct. At the end of a lecture with about 20 minutes of class time left, I pulled out the cards and asked the students to form groups of 4-5. Once the groups were formed, I gave these brief instructions:
Choose one person to read the statement on the card aloud. You may need to read it more than once.
Discuss the statement. Each statement has an error. Determine the error in the statement in your group.
Then decide how to change the statement to make it correct.
When you have your correction ready, raise a hand and I will come and hear your answer. If you get stuck, raise your hand and I will come over and help.
I handed a card to each group, and let the discussions begin. When a group finished and they gave me a correct answer, I gave them another card. Some groups flew through card after card. Others took their time and needed a hint or two to decode their statement. All of the groups had great discussions, and they seemed to stay on task the whole time. In fact, no one, including me, noticed that the activity continued through the end of class and beyond. We had stayed an extra ten minutes when I finally noticed and sent them home! I had one of the best days in the classroom that I had had in a long time. From what I could see as I ran around the room from group to group, most of the students had that "aha" moment that we want for them, the moment they understand and learn something new. What did they learn? Did they learn proper use of every word in the vocabulary of immunology that day? Not at all, but that wasn't the point. The objective was to show them the importance of precise language in medicine and to encourage them to work harder on their own to master the new words in a new context. Based on my observations in class that day and casual student feedback, I think I can say mission accomplished! I plan to expand my use of this type of activity and other low tech approaches in the next few semesters. I want to collect more formal outcomes data and do some actual analysis beyond casual observation. My gut is telling me that I'm on to something. Watch this space for more, and if you are interested, feel free to contact me about collaboration!References:How Grades 4 to 8 Teachers Can Deliver Intensive Vocabulary and Reading Comprehension Interventions to Students With High-Functioning Autism Spectrum DisorderDanielle A. Cravalho, Zaira Jimenez, Aya Shhub, and Michael SolisBeyond Behavior 2020 29:1, 31-41
Authored by: Rachel Morris, Biomedical Lab Diagnostics
Posted on: New Technologies

Hybrid Tech Cart Demo
As a follow-up to our focus group we had on the Lecture Cam, The Hub and Academic Technologies conducted a demo of the total experience of using the updated tech in the model.
The purpose of this demo is to :
Provide a general Hybrid Tech Cart overview
Demonstrate best practices and provide recommendations for classroom facilitation
Answer specific questions in preparation for the Fall
The purpose of this demo is to :
Provide a general Hybrid Tech Cart overview
Demonstrate best practices and provide recommendations for classroom facilitation
Answer specific questions in preparation for the Fall
Authored by: Rashad Muhammad
Posted on: #iteachmsu
2024 EDUCAUSE Faculty Survey: Sharing experiences strengthens our tech future
MSU is asking educators to participate in the EDUCAUSE 2024 Faculty Survey.
Members of MSU faculty who participate will help the university learn about teaching experiences across different instructional modalities in higher education.
Please complete the survey here .
This web-based survey should take less than 15 minutes to complete, and responses are completely anonymous and confidential. The survey will be open until September 30, 2024.
By partnering with EDUCAUSE and peer institutions, this survey will help MSU understand the technology needed to support teaching, learning, and student success.
EDUCAUSE is a nonprofit association whose mission is to advance higher education using information technology. They equip the community with the knowledge, resources, and community-building opportunities needed to help shape strategic IT decisions at every level in higher education.
Your participation is appreciated and will help guide the university as we improve the technological environment for Spartans, and peers, for years to come.
Members of MSU faculty who participate will help the university learn about teaching experiences across different instructional modalities in higher education.
Please complete the survey here .
This web-based survey should take less than 15 minutes to complete, and responses are completely anonymous and confidential. The survey will be open until September 30, 2024.
By partnering with EDUCAUSE and peer institutions, this survey will help MSU understand the technology needed to support teaching, learning, and student success.
EDUCAUSE is a nonprofit association whose mission is to advance higher education using information technology. They equip the community with the knowledge, resources, and community-building opportunities needed to help shape strategic IT decisions at every level in higher education.
Your participation is appreciated and will help guide the university as we improve the technological environment for Spartans, and peers, for years to come.
Posted by: Caitlin Clover
Assessing Learning
Posted on: #iteachmsu

Quiz Question Converter Tools
Here are two of the easiest tools to upload existing questions to a D2L Quiz all at once.
You may need to spend a little time reformatting questions in your Word document (or other text) but it will save you a great deal of time over copying and pasting questions and answer choices one by one.
It is recommended to save a copy of your exam and then make formatting edits for pasting into the tool. If you do all of your edits in the textbox for the tool, you could lose your work. In some cases, it works to create a text file (use Notepad on a PC) and paste questions as text from your Word doc. Then you can add asterisks in front of the correct answer, which is needed in most of the tools.
Recommended Converter Tool:
Algonquin College Brightspace Test Question Generator opens in new window
All question numbers and enumerations are removed, which allows for moving questions around and shuffling questions in the quiz. Edit each question after importing to D2L and use “Options" to add enumeration back in, if needed.
Randomization of answer choices is possible by editing each question individually and selecting the option. It also includes fill-in-the-blank, which comes through as a short answer (SA) type.
This tool is recommended because it is less sensitive to spaces and gives a clear indication when the formatting of a question has an issue. Images can be added into the quiz later (per question using Insert Image).
Another easy question converter tool
Easy D2L CSV Multiple Choice Quiz Generator opens in new windowAll question numbers and enumerations are retained in the question and choices; this makes randomizing, moving question order, and shuffling difficult. Only uses MC, Multiple Choice, type. Images will need to be added to the quiz later.
For detailed instructions on using this tool see Fast Upload MC Questions opens in new window.
More Information
Find more question converter tools in the D2L Extended Tools module. If you have numerous images in your Word documents, you will want to use the Respondus Exam Authoring tool.
You may need to spend a little time reformatting questions in your Word document (or other text) but it will save you a great deal of time over copying and pasting questions and answer choices one by one.
It is recommended to save a copy of your exam and then make formatting edits for pasting into the tool. If you do all of your edits in the textbox for the tool, you could lose your work. In some cases, it works to create a text file (use Notepad on a PC) and paste questions as text from your Word doc. Then you can add asterisks in front of the correct answer, which is needed in most of the tools.
Recommended Converter Tool:
Algonquin College Brightspace Test Question Generator opens in new window
All question numbers and enumerations are removed, which allows for moving questions around and shuffling questions in the quiz. Edit each question after importing to D2L and use “Options" to add enumeration back in, if needed.
Randomization of answer choices is possible by editing each question individually and selecting the option. It also includes fill-in-the-blank, which comes through as a short answer (SA) type.
This tool is recommended because it is less sensitive to spaces and gives a clear indication when the formatting of a question has an issue. Images can be added into the quiz later (per question using Insert Image).
Another easy question converter tool
Easy D2L CSV Multiple Choice Quiz Generator opens in new windowAll question numbers and enumerations are retained in the question and choices; this makes randomizing, moving question order, and shuffling difficult. Only uses MC, Multiple Choice, type. Images will need to be added to the quiz later.
For detailed instructions on using this tool see Fast Upload MC Questions opens in new window.
More Information
Find more question converter tools in the D2L Extended Tools module. If you have numerous images in your Word documents, you will want to use the Respondus Exam Authoring tool.
Authored by: Casey Henley & Susan Halick
Assessing Learning
Posted on: d2l

D2L Extended Tools
D2L Extended Tools
Need more detailed help with quiz creation in D2L? Find tutorials on many topics here.
Additionally, the D2L Help Line (MSU Service Desk) is always available to assist faculty with all D2L-related questions, including quiz creation and use.
Local: (517) 432-6200
Toll Free: (844) 678-6200
D2L Quiz Overview Resources and Tips
Online Test Security (settings, time limits, and submission views)
Quiz Setup Check List
Types of Questions
Best Practices: The Quiz Tool
How To's for Quizzes
Brightspace Quick Start Webinar Series Part 6: Evaluating Your Students - Quizzes
Quiz Question Converter Tools
These tools allow you to create a CSV file for import into a quiz or the Question Library.
All D2L Quiz Question Converter Tools
Algonquin College Brightspace Test Question Generator
D2L Quiz Question Converter Tool
Quizzes - Create a New Quiz with Imported Questions - Instructor
Quiz Converter Tool - Blog
Quiz Creation
The how-to videos mention the Question Library when showing how to create each of the different question types. Keep in mind, however, that you can start in either the Library or a Quiz as you create. Any question you create can be imported (copied) to another area, regardless of where you start.
Whenever you import questions between quizzes and/or the Question Library, they are copied. They are only connected in such a way that the system remembers where they were copied from. When you edit any of the connected copies, the system will ask if you want the edit to be made in all connected questions.
Quizzes - Create a New Quiz using the Quiz Builder
Quizzes - Customize Question Delivery using Quiz Builder
Types of questions in Question Library
Creating Question Library Questions
Quizzes - Create a New Quiz with New Questions - Instructor
Quizzes - Associate a Quiz with a Grade Item - Instructor
Quizzes - Grant Special Access to Users for a Quiz - Instructor
Quizzes – Customize Submission Views – Instructor
Quizzes - Preview a Quiz as a Learner - Instructor
Quizzes - Shuffle Questions - Instructor
Quizzes - Create Bonus Quiz Questions - Instructor
Quizzes - Create a Quiz with Randomized Pool Questions
Give each learner a random set of quiz questions - D2L Help documentation
Quizzes - Populate a Quiz with Questions from Question Library - Instructor
Quizzes - Transfer Quiz Grades to Your Grade Book - Instructor
Quizzes - Reset Quiz Attempts for Learners - Instructor
Restore a Quiz Attempt
Teaching Tips - Measure How Long a Learner Takes to Complete Quiz Questions - Instructor
Teaching Tip - Disable Spell Check During a Quiz Attempt - Administrator
Competency & Quizzes – Associate Competencies with Quiz Questions - Instructor
Question Library
Note: You can create the questions in the Question Library to organize your collection of questions, or you can simply go straight to a quiz to create your questions. You can copy (import) questions to either the Library or a Quiz, regardless of which area you start in to create them initially.
Question Library - Benefits of Question Library - Instructor
Question Library - Create a New Section - Instructor
Question Library - Create a New Question - Instructor
Question Library - Import Questions into Question Library - Instructor
Question Library & Import/Export/Copy Components – Add Questions from Other Courses – Instructor
Quizzes: Other Resources
Managing Quizzes: Reset attempts, view event logs, and manage exemptions
Assess Activities - Instructor Guide
Alternative End-Of-Year Assessment Strategies
Quizzes - Why Can't I Access a Quiz? - Learner
Quizzes - Attach a Release Condition - Instructor
Understanding Brightspace Learning Environment Rounding Rules
Advanced Topics
Learning Environment - Making Use of the Equation Editor
Surveys and Self Assessments
Teaching Tips - Use Self Assessments as Study Aids - Instructor
Self Assessment - Create a Self Assessment - Instructor
Deciding Between Using Quizzes, Surveys Or Self Assessments
Need more detailed help with quiz creation in D2L? Find tutorials on many topics here.
Additionally, the D2L Help Line (MSU Service Desk) is always available to assist faculty with all D2L-related questions, including quiz creation and use.
Local: (517) 432-6200
Toll Free: (844) 678-6200
D2L Quiz Overview Resources and Tips
Online Test Security (settings, time limits, and submission views)
Quiz Setup Check List
Types of Questions
Best Practices: The Quiz Tool
How To's for Quizzes
Brightspace Quick Start Webinar Series Part 6: Evaluating Your Students - Quizzes
Quiz Question Converter Tools
These tools allow you to create a CSV file for import into a quiz or the Question Library.
All D2L Quiz Question Converter Tools
Algonquin College Brightspace Test Question Generator
D2L Quiz Question Converter Tool
Quizzes - Create a New Quiz with Imported Questions - Instructor
Quiz Converter Tool - Blog
Quiz Creation
The how-to videos mention the Question Library when showing how to create each of the different question types. Keep in mind, however, that you can start in either the Library or a Quiz as you create. Any question you create can be imported (copied) to another area, regardless of where you start.
Whenever you import questions between quizzes and/or the Question Library, they are copied. They are only connected in such a way that the system remembers where they were copied from. When you edit any of the connected copies, the system will ask if you want the edit to be made in all connected questions.
Quizzes - Create a New Quiz using the Quiz Builder
Quizzes - Customize Question Delivery using Quiz Builder
Types of questions in Question Library
Creating Question Library Questions
Quizzes - Create a New Quiz with New Questions - Instructor
Quizzes - Associate a Quiz with a Grade Item - Instructor
Quizzes - Grant Special Access to Users for a Quiz - Instructor
Quizzes – Customize Submission Views – Instructor
Quizzes - Preview a Quiz as a Learner - Instructor
Quizzes - Shuffle Questions - Instructor
Quizzes - Create Bonus Quiz Questions - Instructor
Quizzes - Create a Quiz with Randomized Pool Questions
Give each learner a random set of quiz questions - D2L Help documentation
Quizzes - Populate a Quiz with Questions from Question Library - Instructor
Quizzes - Transfer Quiz Grades to Your Grade Book - Instructor
Quizzes - Reset Quiz Attempts for Learners - Instructor
Restore a Quiz Attempt
Teaching Tips - Measure How Long a Learner Takes to Complete Quiz Questions - Instructor
Teaching Tip - Disable Spell Check During a Quiz Attempt - Administrator
Competency & Quizzes – Associate Competencies with Quiz Questions - Instructor
Question Library
Note: You can create the questions in the Question Library to organize your collection of questions, or you can simply go straight to a quiz to create your questions. You can copy (import) questions to either the Library or a Quiz, regardless of which area you start in to create them initially.
Question Library - Benefits of Question Library - Instructor
Question Library - Create a New Section - Instructor
Question Library - Create a New Question - Instructor
Question Library - Import Questions into Question Library - Instructor
Question Library & Import/Export/Copy Components – Add Questions from Other Courses – Instructor
Quizzes: Other Resources
Managing Quizzes: Reset attempts, view event logs, and manage exemptions
Assess Activities - Instructor Guide
Alternative End-Of-Year Assessment Strategies
Quizzes - Why Can't I Access a Quiz? - Learner
Quizzes - Attach a Release Condition - Instructor
Understanding Brightspace Learning Environment Rounding Rules
Advanced Topics
Learning Environment - Making Use of the Equation Editor
Surveys and Self Assessments
Teaching Tips - Use Self Assessments as Study Aids - Instructor
Self Assessment - Create a Self Assessment - Instructor
Deciding Between Using Quizzes, Surveys Or Self Assessments
Authored by: Susan Halick
Assessing Learning
Posted on: #iteachmsu

MSU tools for digital assessment
This document is a collection of software tools available at MSU to support online assessment.
Posted by: Dave Goodrich
Assessing Learning
Posted on: #iteachmsu

November’s collaborative tools training opportunities
Check out the November training courses available at no cost to all MSU students, faculty, and staff. Visit SpartansLearn for more information and to register.FEATURED TRAINING OF THE MONTHZoom – Getting Started
Tuesday, November 12, 10:00 a.m.
Engage new audiences, elevate customer experiences, and get more done together with an all-in-one communication platform! Our trainers will help you explore how Zoom seamlessly brings together remote teams for work that goes wherever you do. This course will cover the basics of Zoom Meetings to include settings prior to a meeting, starting a meeting, and managing meetings.
What participants are saying...
“I liked how IT Training took us step by step through everything they were talking about. I never got lost while they were asking questions.”NOVEMBER SCHEDULE
To register for the following virtual instructor-led training courses go to SpartansLearn.
OneDrive – Getting Started
Tuesday, November 5, 1:30 p.m.
Access, share, and collaborate on all your files from anywhere! This course will introduce the essential functions of OneDrive, the go-to app for storing data and synchronizing it across other Microsoft applications. Learn how to ensure that work is saved, backed up, and available wherever and whenever access is needed.
SharePoint for End Users
Wednesday, November 6, 1:00 p.m.
Join our live training to unlock the power of SharePoint! Discover its amazing features, effortlessly navigate the platform, create dynamic lists, and master the functionality of document libraries. Get ready for an engaging and hands-on learning experience.
Spartan 365 – Overview
Friday, November 8, 1:00 p.m.
Have you ever wanted to work collaboratively in a document or simultaneously on any device? Spartan 365 makes this type of teamwork easy! Spartan 365 offers robust features and a secure environment. This one-hour course will give an overview of the main Microsoft 365 apps including Forms, OneDrive, OneNote, Outlook, SharePoint, and Teams.
Microsoft OneNote – Getting Started
Thursday, November 14, 9:00 a.m.
Get rid of your traditional pen and paper and uncover features of the most versatile note-taking tool, OneNote. Learn the basics of OneNote, a digital note-taking app that provides a single place for keeping all notes, research, plans, and information.
Outlook – Calendar Basics
Monday, November 18, 1:00 p.m.
Outlook is not just for emails! In this exciting course, learn how to streamline your workflow and schedule using the Outlook calendar. Set up an Out of Office email, share your calendar with colleagues, and schedule meetings with multiple people without breaking a sweat using the Scheduling Assistant and Polls tools. Outlook - Calendar Basics is anything but basic!
Microsoft Teams – Getting Started
Thursday, November 21, 9:00 a.m.
Teams is one of the best tools at MSU for effective communication and collaboration. Join us as we dive into the basics and share how to chat and host meetings with individuals, groups, and entire teams.
OneDrive – Working with OneDrive
Friday, November 22, 9:30 a.m.
Expanding on the basics of OneDrive, learn more about this great storage tool. Discover navigation strategies, explore the desktop app settings and options, manage accessibility of files and folders, and more.
Can’t attend a live course? Watch on-demand anytime at SpartansLearn.
Monthly office hours are available for those with questions about content shared in the courses. Find the schedule at SpartansLearn.
All participants are invited to share anonymous feedback about their course through our End of Course Survey. Your feedback is incredibly valuable to help shape and inform our future offerings. Congratulations, Megan Stevenson in Social Sciences, our quarter 3 drawing winner for completing an End of Course Survey!
For any other questions about technology training, please contact train@msu.edu.
Tuesday, November 12, 10:00 a.m.
Engage new audiences, elevate customer experiences, and get more done together with an all-in-one communication platform! Our trainers will help you explore how Zoom seamlessly brings together remote teams for work that goes wherever you do. This course will cover the basics of Zoom Meetings to include settings prior to a meeting, starting a meeting, and managing meetings.
What participants are saying...
“I liked how IT Training took us step by step through everything they were talking about. I never got lost while they were asking questions.”NOVEMBER SCHEDULE
To register for the following virtual instructor-led training courses go to SpartansLearn.
OneDrive – Getting Started
Tuesday, November 5, 1:30 p.m.
Access, share, and collaborate on all your files from anywhere! This course will introduce the essential functions of OneDrive, the go-to app for storing data and synchronizing it across other Microsoft applications. Learn how to ensure that work is saved, backed up, and available wherever and whenever access is needed.
SharePoint for End Users
Wednesday, November 6, 1:00 p.m.
Join our live training to unlock the power of SharePoint! Discover its amazing features, effortlessly navigate the platform, create dynamic lists, and master the functionality of document libraries. Get ready for an engaging and hands-on learning experience.
Spartan 365 – Overview
Friday, November 8, 1:00 p.m.
Have you ever wanted to work collaboratively in a document or simultaneously on any device? Spartan 365 makes this type of teamwork easy! Spartan 365 offers robust features and a secure environment. This one-hour course will give an overview of the main Microsoft 365 apps including Forms, OneDrive, OneNote, Outlook, SharePoint, and Teams.
Microsoft OneNote – Getting Started
Thursday, November 14, 9:00 a.m.
Get rid of your traditional pen and paper and uncover features of the most versatile note-taking tool, OneNote. Learn the basics of OneNote, a digital note-taking app that provides a single place for keeping all notes, research, plans, and information.
Outlook – Calendar Basics
Monday, November 18, 1:00 p.m.
Outlook is not just for emails! In this exciting course, learn how to streamline your workflow and schedule using the Outlook calendar. Set up an Out of Office email, share your calendar with colleagues, and schedule meetings with multiple people without breaking a sweat using the Scheduling Assistant and Polls tools. Outlook - Calendar Basics is anything but basic!
Microsoft Teams – Getting Started
Thursday, November 21, 9:00 a.m.
Teams is one of the best tools at MSU for effective communication and collaboration. Join us as we dive into the basics and share how to chat and host meetings with individuals, groups, and entire teams.
OneDrive – Working with OneDrive
Friday, November 22, 9:30 a.m.
Expanding on the basics of OneDrive, learn more about this great storage tool. Discover navigation strategies, explore the desktop app settings and options, manage accessibility of files and folders, and more.
Can’t attend a live course? Watch on-demand anytime at SpartansLearn.
Monthly office hours are available for those with questions about content shared in the courses. Find the schedule at SpartansLearn.
All participants are invited to share anonymous feedback about their course through our End of Course Survey. Your feedback is incredibly valuable to help shape and inform our future offerings. Congratulations, Megan Stevenson in Social Sciences, our quarter 3 drawing winner for completing an End of Course Survey!
For any other questions about technology training, please contact train@msu.edu.
Posted by: Caitlin Clover
Posted on: #iteachmsu
Q/A - please respond to the question in the comments below!
What technology tools have you used in your work that you think others should know about? (Please share links to more information if you have it!)
What technology tools have you used in your work that you think others should know about? (Please share links to more information if you have it!)
Posted by: Makena Neal
Posted on: #iteachmsu
Q/A - please respond to the question in the comments below!
What technology tools have you used in your work that you think others should know about? (Please share links to more information if you have it!)
What technology tools have you used in your work that you think others should know about? (Please share links to more information if you have it!)
Posted by: Makena Neal
Posted on: Power Automate/Apps...
ChatGpt tool for designing Power Apps and PA Flows:
https://checkmygpt.com/powerpacman
https://checkmygpt.com/powerpacman
Posted by: David V. Howe
Posted on: #iteachmsu
What tools or strategies do you use to help your students feel a sense of community and belonging?
Posted by: Makena Neal
Pedagogical Design
Posted on: GenAI & Education
AI Commons Bulletin 3/10/2025
📖 Want a Playbook for Envisioning How AI Changes Your Curriculum?
A concise summary of a biomedical engineering educators’ summit on integrating AI into curricula. It covers aligning AI with industry shifts, using AI in courses, and tackling challenges like accreditation and curriculum overload through Q&A and strategic discussions.
Learn More: Khojah, R., Werth, A., Broadhead, K.W. et al. Integrating Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools and Competencies in Biomedical Engineering Education. Biomed Eng Education (2025).
💯 Estonia to Give All Students ChatGPTedu
Estonia, one of the top countries for ChatGPT usage, is aiming to provide all 10th and 11th grade students with ChatGPT Edu by September 2025, eventually expanding to all 200,000 students in the country.
Learn More: https://openai.com/index/estonia-schools-and-chatgpt/
💰 MSU Tech Store Now Has Full Copilot License for Purchase
MSU Tech Store now offers the full suite of Microsoft Copilot for purchase. The current price is $168 per license through August 2025. This includes access to Copilot within existing applications like Word, Teams, and Outlook.
Learn More: https://techstore.msu.edu/
🤖 Some Concrete Examples for Using and Assigning AI in a Database Course
Examples of using AI to create mini-cases, quiz questions, and slides, plus assignments analyzing AI-generated data and solutions. Students valued the experience, though its impact on critical thinking and problem-solving varied.
Learn More: Zhang, X. (2025). Teaching Tip Incorporating AI Tools Into Database Classes. Journal of Information Systems Education, 36(1), 37–52.
Bulletin items compiled by MJ Jackson and Sarah Freye with production assistance from Lisa Batchelder. Get the AI-Commons Bulletin on our Microsoft Teams channel, at aicommons.commons.msu.edu, or by email (send an email to aicommons@msu.edu with the word “subscribe”).
📖 Want a Playbook for Envisioning How AI Changes Your Curriculum?
A concise summary of a biomedical engineering educators’ summit on integrating AI into curricula. It covers aligning AI with industry shifts, using AI in courses, and tackling challenges like accreditation and curriculum overload through Q&A and strategic discussions.
Learn More: Khojah, R., Werth, A., Broadhead, K.W. et al. Integrating Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools and Competencies in Biomedical Engineering Education. Biomed Eng Education (2025).
💯 Estonia to Give All Students ChatGPTedu
Estonia, one of the top countries for ChatGPT usage, is aiming to provide all 10th and 11th grade students with ChatGPT Edu by September 2025, eventually expanding to all 200,000 students in the country.
Learn More: https://openai.com/index/estonia-schools-and-chatgpt/
💰 MSU Tech Store Now Has Full Copilot License for Purchase
MSU Tech Store now offers the full suite of Microsoft Copilot for purchase. The current price is $168 per license through August 2025. This includes access to Copilot within existing applications like Word, Teams, and Outlook.
Learn More: https://techstore.msu.edu/
🤖 Some Concrete Examples for Using and Assigning AI in a Database Course
Examples of using AI to create mini-cases, quiz questions, and slides, plus assignments analyzing AI-generated data and solutions. Students valued the experience, though its impact on critical thinking and problem-solving varied.
Learn More: Zhang, X. (2025). Teaching Tip Incorporating AI Tools Into Database Classes. Journal of Information Systems Education, 36(1), 37–52.
Bulletin items compiled by MJ Jackson and Sarah Freye with production assistance from Lisa Batchelder. Get the AI-Commons Bulletin on our Microsoft Teams channel, at aicommons.commons.msu.edu, or by email (send an email to aicommons@msu.edu with the word “subscribe”).
Posted by: Sarah Freye
Posted on: GenAI & Education
AI Commons Bulletin 2/10/2025
🚨 CSU Launches “AI Commons” – Sound Familiar?
The California State University (CSU) system just rolled out CSU AI Commons, a system-wide hub for AI tools, training, and research. Backed by Big Tech partnerships, it focuses on faculty development, student literacy, and workforce acceleration. BUT: AI strategy isn’t just about resources—it’s about who controls the narrative. With corporate-backed AI in higher education, what happens to independent faculty innovation?
Learn More: https://genai.calstate.edu/
🔍Tracking AI Policies in Higher Ed
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has compiled a Padlet featuring AI policies and guidelines from institutions worldwide. This evolving resource provides insight into how different universities are shaping their AI approaches.
Learn More: https://padlet.com/cetl6/university-policies-on-generative-ai-m9n7wf05r7rdc6pe
📚 AI Submissions Outperform Students in Recent Study
A PLOS ONE study found that 94% of AI-generated assignments went undetected, with grades averaging half a grade higher than those of real students. There was also an 83.4% chance AI submissions would outperform a random selection of student work across modules.
Learn More: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0305354#:~:text=The%20%27Turing%20Test%27%20is%20now,a%20predefined%20set%20of%20rules
⚞ Blurry Lines in AI and Assessment
A study in Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education highlights student and educator confusion over acceptable AI use in assessments. Many rely on personal judgment or Grammarly analogies. The authors propose the Dynamic Educational Boundaries Model to embed clear AI-use guidelines directly into assessments.
Learn More: https://doi.org/10.1080/02602938.2025.2456207
Bulletin items compiled by MJ Jackson and Sarah Freye with production assistance from Lisa Batchelder. Get the AI-Commons Bulletin on our Microsoft Teams channel, at aicommons.commons.msu.edu, or by email (send an email to aicommons@msu.edu with the word “subscribe”).
🚨 CSU Launches “AI Commons” – Sound Familiar?
The California State University (CSU) system just rolled out CSU AI Commons, a system-wide hub for AI tools, training, and research. Backed by Big Tech partnerships, it focuses on faculty development, student literacy, and workforce acceleration. BUT: AI strategy isn’t just about resources—it’s about who controls the narrative. With corporate-backed AI in higher education, what happens to independent faculty innovation?
Learn More: https://genai.calstate.edu/
🔍Tracking AI Policies in Higher Ed
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has compiled a Padlet featuring AI policies and guidelines from institutions worldwide. This evolving resource provides insight into how different universities are shaping their AI approaches.
Learn More: https://padlet.com/cetl6/university-policies-on-generative-ai-m9n7wf05r7rdc6pe
📚 AI Submissions Outperform Students in Recent Study
A PLOS ONE study found that 94% of AI-generated assignments went undetected, with grades averaging half a grade higher than those of real students. There was also an 83.4% chance AI submissions would outperform a random selection of student work across modules.
Learn More: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0305354#:~:text=The%20%27Turing%20Test%27%20is%20now,a%20predefined%20set%20of%20rules
⚞ Blurry Lines in AI and Assessment
A study in Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education highlights student and educator confusion over acceptable AI use in assessments. Many rely on personal judgment or Grammarly analogies. The authors propose the Dynamic Educational Boundaries Model to embed clear AI-use guidelines directly into assessments.
Learn More: https://doi.org/10.1080/02602938.2025.2456207
Bulletin items compiled by MJ Jackson and Sarah Freye with production assistance from Lisa Batchelder. Get the AI-Commons Bulletin on our Microsoft Teams channel, at aicommons.commons.msu.edu, or by email (send an email to aicommons@msu.edu with the word “subscribe”).
Posted by: Sarah Freye
Host: MSU Libraries
Intro to Modeling for 3D Printing: TinkerCad Zipper Pull
Get creative with 3D printing in this hands-on beginner workshop at the MSU Libraries Hollander Makerspace—a space where all students can explore, design, and make.
You’ll learn how 3D printing works, design your own custom zipper pull using simple modeling tools in Tinkercad, and watch it print before your eyes. No experience needed—we’ll guide you step by step as you combine shapes to bring your design to life. Your custom zipper pull is yours to keep—use it to fix a broken zipper, personalize your gear, or show off your new tech skills!
Attendees will need to arrive with or be willing to make a free Tinkercad account with a valid email address.
Navigating Context
Host: MSU Libraries
Best Practices in Data Visualization
Learn general best practices for creating data visualizations. This workshop will describe the overarching goals of data visualization and provide criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of a visualization. This workshop will also offer tool suggestions for beginners exploring data visualization.
Navigating Context
Host: MSU Libraries
3D Terrain Elevation Models for 3D Printing (Online)
Learn how to produce a 3D model of terrain elevation for printing on a 3D printer. We will learn about 3D models for 3D printing, digital elevation models (DEMs), where to find DEM data to create our printable export, and then use a plug in DEMto3D in the open source software QGIS to create a model. If time allows, basic tools for 3D model editing in Meshmixer or slicing software will be demonstrated.
Navigating Context
Host: MSU Libraries
A Decade of Making: Celebrating 10 Years of the Hollander Makerspace
Join us in celebrating 10 years of creativity, collaboration, and innovation at the Hollander Makerspace Open House! Explore the evolution of the space through hands-on demos, tool showcases, and conversations with past and present makers over coffee and cookies. Whether you're a curious newcomer or longtime supporter, this milestone event offers a chance to connect, create, and envision the future of making at MSU.
Navigating Context
Host: CTLI
Make It Count: High-Impact Assessment Feedback in Less Time
This workshop explores strategies for providing feedback that enhances student learning while helping you manage grading time. Participants will learn how to deliver intentional, elaborative feedback and how to prioritize higher-order concerns in written assignments. The session will also introduce educational technology tools and assessment strategies designed to streamline the feedback process. By the end, attendees will walk away with practical techniques to support student growth without increasing workload.
Upon completion of this learning experience, participants will be able to:
describe the role of feedback in promoting student learning
explain the benefits of providing students with intentional, elaborative feedback on multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
differentiate between higher-order and lower-order concerns in feedback on assignments
identify assessment strategies and educational technology tools that assist in time management when providing feedback.
Navigating Context
EXPIRED
Host: CTLI
Supporting Student Success Through Early Warning: Strategies for Graduate Teaching Assistants
On behalf of the GREAT office at The Graduate School, check out Supporting Student Success Through Early Warning: Strategies for Graduate Teaching Assistants
Date: Wednesday, September 10, 2025 - 11:00am to 12:00pm
Location: Zoom
Audience: Current Graduate Students & Postdocs
This interactive session is designed to support Graduate Teaching Assistants in recognizing and responding to early signs that students may be in need of support. Participants will explore their role in MSU’s early warning efforts and develop practical strategies to promote academic engagement, connection, and timely support. The session will include discussion of common indicators that students may be facing challenges affecting their educational success, strategies for effective communication, and how to use campus resources and reporting tools like EASE to provide timely support.
Facilitator(s):
Kanchan Pavangadkar, Director of Student Success for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR)
Dwight Handspike, Director of Academic Advising & Student Success Initiatives, Undergraduate Academic Services, Broad College of Business
Samantha Zill, Human Biology & Pre-Health Advisor, Michigan State University, College of Natural Science
Maria O'Connell, University Innovation Alliance Fellow, Undergraduate Student Success Strategic Initiatives Manager, Office of Undergraduate Education
Register Here
**Zoom link will be sent closer to the workshop date.
Navigating Context
EXPIRED
Host: CTLI
No Surprises: Designing Assignments Students Understand
This workshop introduces the Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) framework as a tool for designing clear, equity-minded assignments. Participants will explore how transparency supports student success, reduce confusion and grading time, and learn how to structure assignments using the Transparent Assignment Design (TAD) model. The session includes strategies to improve student motivation, performance, and clarity around expectations.
Upon completion of this learning experience, participants will be able to:
understand the history of the TILT and it’s related research findings
describe how the TAD framework relates to equitable learning
define transparent assignment design and its key elements (purpose, task, criteria)
apply TAD best practices
identify resources for implementing the TAD framework.
Navigating Context
EXPIRED
Host: CTLI
Setting the Tone from the Start
The way a course begins is crucial for educators to establish an environment that fosters engagement, collaboration, and a sense of belonging. Join us for a one-hour hybrid workshop where Educator Developers with MSU's Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation will share actionable strategies that lay the groundwork for an engaging and inclusive course experience from day one including items related to syllabi, expectation setting and pedagogical transparency, checking in on learner needs throughout the term, and way to build a sense of classroom community.
In this workshop, we'll delve into practical techniques and approaches educators can employ to create a welcoming and motivating atmosphere that resonates with learners. The content in this workshop will be primarily targeted to classroom instructors and settings, but tools and strategies are relevant for adaptation and use by any educator in any context. Whether you're a seasoned educator or just embarking on your teaching journey this academic year, "Setting the Tone from the Start" is designed to equip you with actionable insights that will make a difference in your classroom.
Upon completion of this learning experience, participants will be able to:
learn how to craft an engaging and purposeful course introduction that communicates the course's relevance, objectives, and expectations
discover techniques for fostering an inclusive and supportive learning community, understanding how to encourage peer connections and embrace diverse viewpoints
be equipped with a range of interactive strategies, including icebreakers and technology tools, to effectively engage students and cultivate an active learning environment that persists throughout the course duration.
The in-person location for this session is the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation. Please join us in the Main Library, Room W207. For directions to W207, please visit the Room Locations page..
Navigating Context
EXPIRED