How do you beat the winter blues? Even if you have a penchant for producing snowmen, playing outside in the latest round of (seemingly never-ending) snow gets old after a while. So we suggest a little warm, toasty professional development, courtesy of your colleagues here at the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology.

There’s still time to register for the Technology Short Courses we’re offering this week. That includes a Microsoft Excel workshop that was postponed last week. Plus, we’re launching a new Teaching Excellence Series—an in-depth series of discussions about how to reflect our diverse student population in our approach to teaching.

Excel: Level 2
9 a.m.–noon Tuesday, February 4

This course continues the basics of creating and modifying charts that began in Excel: Level 1. Also explore useful tools like filtering, which makes viewing data accessible at a glance, and pivot tables to summarize values.

Technology courses are taught in a computer lab with limited seating, so registration is required. This course is also available April 2.

Introduction to ReggieNet: Part 2
1–4 p.m. Tuesday, February 4

Learn to create a variety of learning activities using built-in tools such as Discussions, Tests and Quizzes, Assignments. Discussion forums can promote student interaction with each other and course material. The Assignment tool permits online submission and grading of student work. Finally, you will learn to use Tests and Quizzes for various types of testing. Prerequisite: Introduction to ReggieNet – Part 1.

Technology courses are taught in a computer lab with limited seating, so registration is required. This course is also available April 2.

Teaching Excellence Series: Creating an Inclusive Learning Environment
Identity
1–2:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 5

This four-part series on “Creating an Inclusive Learning Environment” begins with a discussion about students and identity. Troy Johnson, the University’s associate vice president for Enrollment Management, will discuss the demographics of the Illinois State student population, how they have changed, and what they will look like in the future. Faculty will have the opportunity to explore their own identities and how this affects their teaching. Through this exploration, we will formulate teaching practices that create inclusive learning environments.

The session will be facilitated by representatives from CTLT, Diversity Advocacy, and Enrollment Management. No registration is required for this event.

Word: Creating Fillable Forms
10–11:30 a.m. Thursday, February 6

Learn how to create simple digital forms in Microsoft Word. You’ll explore this functionality and briefly talk about its advantages and disadvantages, and explore other options (such as creating forms in Adobe Acrobat).

Technology courses are taught in a computer lab with limited seating, so registration is required.  If seats for this workshop are filled, you can sign up for a wait list.

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