With spring classes starting in a little more than a week, instructors are working hard on course preparation. Good teachers make teaching look easy—many who have never taught on the college level might be surprised at how much effort goes into creating or updating a class, even one the instructor has delivered before.
The Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology offers pedagogical and technological support for faculty members as part of Faculty Prep Week, January 7–11. In addition, CTLT and several other units on campus have a host of online resources covering topics like accessibility, online instruction, and syllabus language.
Faculty Prep Week
The special workshops offered this week no not require registration. Simply walk in, sit down at a computer, and start learning! We recommend that you plan to arrive a few minutes early. Parking is limited around our building, so please consider walking.
ReggieNet: Gradebook Clinic
- Monday, January 7 • 10 to 11 a.m.
- Friday, January 11 • 1 to 2 p.m.
The latest version of ReggieNet’s Gradebook tool offers a more “spreadsheet-like” experience for instructors. Join us for this one-hour workshop, where you’ll learn the ins and outs of this updated resource through hands-on experience. You’ll leave prepared to use the new Gradebook on your first day of classes.
Getting Started with ReggieNet
- Tuesday, January 8 • 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Thursday, January 10 • 1 to 3 p.m.
This brief workshop shows you all the basics of ReggieNet. Learn how to upload your syllabus and other course materials, set-up emails, and create assignments. Get a quick tour of the online grade book function.
Clickers: Introduction
- Friday, January 11 • 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Clickers are audience response devices that allow instructors to poll a face-to-face class in real time, displaying the results, and engaging students in their learning. Responses can be recorded and incorporated into grades in ReggieNet. You will explore the latest, cloud-based polling system from TurningPoint, the official vendor for campus. Discover how to integrate polls into your PowerPoint presentations to create interactive lectures and keep your students engaged in the course material.
Online resources
Accessibility
Providing an inclusive learning environment is critical to consider as we plan to teach. Several resources exist on campus to assist instructors:
- Start with this Accessibility Checklist, which includes links to examples and additional resources.
- You can also refer to this Web and Digital Accessibility guide.
- Student Access and Accommodation Services also maintains a resource page for faculty.
Creating your syllabus
CTLT’s website includes required and suggested language to include in your syllabi, gathered from across the University and reflecting research-based practices in student learning.
ReggieNet
Get help preparing to teach with ReggieNet, Illinois State’s customized learning management system. Discover how to copy resources from previous semesters, publish course sites, request two or more course sections be combined in to a common site, and much more.
Online learning
Teaching an online course presents a set of unique challenges. This brief guide will help you explore options for preparing and delivering a quality online learning experience.
Get help
Email CTLT@IllinoisState.edu or call (309) 438-2542 to schedule a one-on-one consultation with a member of the CTLT team.
Several episodes of CTLT’s podcast, Let’s Talk Teaching, address topics such as having a successful first day of class, syllabus design, and course prep. Listen at CTLT.IllinoisState.edu/Podcast.
