Collaboration, teamwork, community: these terms are familiar across disciplines and industries, and often, they reflect organizational values and goals. Collaboration is supposed to be a worthwhile practice for the benefit of the stakeholders involved. And yet, why do students dread group projects? As a lifelong student and instructor of adult learners, let’s together consider the …
Data-driven decision-making is becoming increasingly important across many sectors, including education. As an instructor, you might have come across the term “learning analytics.” But what exactly does it entail, and how can it benefit faculty and students? Read on to gain a better understanding of what learning analytics encompasses and how it may boost your …
In the rapidly evolving landscape of higher education, online courses have become a cornerstone of learning, providing flexibility and accessibility to students worldwide. Amid this shift, the role of multimedia in online course design has emerged as a key factor in shaping engaging and effective learning experiences. Enhanced Engagement and Retention Multimedia elements, such as …
In the dynamic landscape of higher education, staying abreast of evolving teaching methodologies and technological advancements is crucial for faculty members. Recognizing this imperative, Loyola is increasingly leveraging innovative approaches to enhance professional development opportunities for academic staff. The ITRS Pathways professional development series encompasses a diverse range of topics, including Sakai assessment tools, …
As we near the end of the calendar year, it’s an excellent time to review changes and updates to the statistical software offerings available through the university. Here are some critical updates to help you stay current as you look toward next semester! SPSS 29 Loyola currently supports SPSS 29. However, this version is incompatible …
This blog entry is about VoiceThread – a collaborative multimedia slide tool that enables users to upload multimedia in slides where their peers can interact asynchronously – and it’s new and improved interface. The best tools for asynchronous learning are the ones that can most effectively facilitate learning outside of the course meeting times while …
During my graduate degree coursework in composition and rhetoric, I came across a book titled Keywords in Writing Studies, edited by Paul Heiker and my professor himself, Peter Vandenberg. The book’s concept is given in its title: Keywords provides a fresh and concise array of essay entries, each packed with heavy research dedicated to unpacking …
Respondus LockDown Browser is a locked web browser that integrates with the Sakai Tests & Quizzes tool. LockDown Browser prevents users from accessing other programs and websites for the duration of their Sakai assessment. Taking tests can be stressful, so adding the additional step of having to use a system you are not used to …
Summer movie season is here, and many are looking forward to the new film, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. For those not familiar with the character of Indiana Jones, he is a well-known adventurer who travels the world in search of artifacts and knowledge. He is an iconic figure who has captured the …
This blog post is about the Sakai Lessons tool, links to other Sakai tools, VoiceThread, Top Hat, and how to maximize the effectiveness of a course using your Sakai site. Just as the main purpose of an LMS is to enhance the learning process, you can – and absolutely should – utilize Lessons in Sakai …