It may be a shorter work week because of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday observance, but at the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology (CTLT), it will also be a busy one.

From our popular introduction to Microsoft Excel, to using Clickers in the classroom, to a highly requested workshop on Prezi, there really is something for everyone this week. Plus, seats are still available—though filling fast—for these workshops!

We also invite current and former teachers to attend on Friday, January 24, a special Brown Bag lunch called “Learn from My Mistakes.” It’s a chance to share your experiences, even the ones you don’t put on your curriculum vitae, so that others can learn from what you’ve learned. And mark your calendars for the following week, which sees the semester debut of a new Teaching Excellence Series, Intro to ReggieNet, and a new workshop on accessibility.

Excel: Level 1
Tuesday, January 21 • 9 a.m. to noon

An introduction to Microsoft Excel: The class will cover basic features like spreadsheet arrangement (rows, columns, and cells), entering, editing, and formatting data. Also learn about formulas and graph creation. Technology courses are taught in a computer lab with limited seating, so registration is required. This course is also available March 19.

Clickers
Wednesday, January 22 • 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Clickers use hand-held devices and special software to poll students instantly in class. This introductory workshop is designed for anyone who wants to use Clickers in the classroom or for meetings. This workshop is open only to faculty, administrators, and staff. This is Windows-only software. Technology courses are taught in a computer lab with limited seating, so registration is required. This workshop will be repeated at other times this semester.

Word: Level 1
Thursday, January 23 • 9 a.m. to noon

This is an introduction to Microsoft Word’s basic tools. You will learn to create new documents, enter and edit text, and save files. Technology courses are taught in a computer lab with limited seating, so registration is required.

Prezi
Thursday, January 23 • 2 to 4 p.m.

Explore the fundamentals of this Web-based alternative to PowerPoint. Prezi allows users to create stunning animated presentations. Learn how to use Prezi’s powerful tools to lead your audience visually, step-by-step, through a narrative. This workshop is designed for both instructors who wish to use Prezi in the classroom and staff members who want to use Prezi for meetings and business presentations. Technology courses are taught in a computer lab with limited seating, so registration is required. This course will be repeated April 11.

“Learn From My Mistakes”
Brown Bag discussion
Friday, January 24 • noon to 1 p.m.

As teachers, we often tell students that failure is a learning opportunity. But we rarely take our own advice. In this lunchtime conversation, veteran and emeritus faculty members will share mistakes they’ve made as instructors, how they used the experiences to learn and grow, and what they would do differently. No registration is required. Just bring your lunch!

Questions? Email the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology at CTLT@IllinoisState.edu. If you need an accommodation to fully participate in a workshop or event, call the CTLT front desk at (309) 438-2542.