Tag: training

By Allyson Davis
Associate Director of Online Faculty Development
Clemson Online

In a recent study, more than 85 percent of respondents believed online discussions helped them to reinforce learning and ultimately retain knowledge.

“This certainly made me sit up a little straighter,” said researcher R. Todd Kane, a digital strategist with Clemson Online. “If students are retaining information presented in the discussions, then I, as the instructor, need to make sure that the information is not only relevant and tied to the learning objectives, but that it is correct.”

Todd recommends a few tips:

· Frame the discussion: Having clear expectations on what you want in the discussion forums is critical for students. Unexpectedly, using the announcements tool in Canvas can help with discussions. Post your expectations as an announcement to the class before your first discussion activity. You can also use announcements to post wrap-ups to each week’s discussion.

· Demonstrate expertise: Use the discussion forums as an opportunity to share real world experience. Connect subject matter to examples from your own career.

· Use technology: YouTube, TED Talks, and the Khan Academy have a wealth of videos to jump start your discussion boards. Don’t hesitate to record yourself using Canvas’ built in media recorder to begin the discussion board conversation.

Learn more
Digital Learning Strategist Todd Kane will present his top 10 tips on facilitating online classroom discussions at 2 p.m. Feb 13 via webinar. Don’t miss this informative and engaging presentation. Register here.

By Jackie Todd, office of Media Relations

The Office of Access and Equity will host its Stand Up, Speak Up series of trainings for faculty, staff and graduate students.

This effort, according to Jerry Knighton, Clemson’s Title IX coordinator builds upon the required Title IX online training that employees took earlier this year.

While this supplemental training is optional, Knighton said it will provide practical scenarios to engage in conversation so that participants can think through and practice to successfully engage students in a variety of issues.

“What should you say to a student who comes to you, who should you contact for help and what are the best practices for responding? All of these questions will be answered in these sessions,” explained Knighton.

These Title IX training sessions will start this month and continue through November. All sessions will take place from 1:30 until 2:30 p.m. in the Brown Room in the Cooper Library.

Session information:

Sept. 2
How to Report
Learn ways to help students as a responsible employee.

Oct. 21
In Their Shoes
In this scenario-based workshop, learn the complexities of relationship violence.

Nov. 18
Speak Up South Carolina
Learn to identify the relationship issues in South Carolina.

Participants should RSVP to ttyson@clemson.edu.

By Kat Snizaski
Professional Development Coordinator/Trainer
Customer Relations Training, CCIT

Learn on your own, at your own pace!

Find tons of learning resources such as books and online courses in Clemson’s online learning tool, Skillport. Just log onto www.clemson.edu/elearning with your Clemson user ID and password.

This week’s featured books are:

Communication Skills Training (By Maureen Orey)
Offering practical, road-tested strategies and tactics for use at all levels of your organization, this book provides the crucial tools you’ll need to help your workshop participants master the skills that drive performance.

Collins Business Secrets: Getting Things Done (By Rus Slater)
Presenting the secrets that experts and top professionals use to get things done, this quick, easy guide shows you how to: get more done in less time; manage upwards, downwards, and sideways; under-promise and over-deliver; overcome difficult people and issues; deliver projects on time and on budget; and more.

Quick Team-Building Activities for Managers, Second Edition (By Brian Cole Miller)
Containing 50 exercises that can be conducted in 15 minutes or less, this book presents each activity with all the relevant information including a list of materials needed, the purpose of the exercise, and handy tips for success.

Last week, a link to the required Title IX training was sent to the university’s faculty and staff. Read more about the training.

If you did not receive the link, please contact the Office of Access and Equity at CUAE@clemson.edu.

The deadline to complete the course is June 30, 2015.

Clemson’s Staff Development Program (SDP) is now accepting applications for the 2015-16 year. Staff members must be in a permanent, full-time position and have at least five years of university service to be eligible for the program.

The SDP allows for up to 25 staff members to complete 150 hours of professional development, personal development and university involvement/service activities; upon successful completion, participants will receive a permanent base salary increase. The program is one way the university works towards the 2020 Roadmap objective of attracting, retaining and rewarding top people.

Participants work with their supervisors to develop a concrete list of goals and a plan on how they will achieve those goals that benefit both themselves and the university. Participants will have approximately 10 months to complete their 150 hours of documented activities. Salary increases for successfully completing the program will take effect in July 2016.

Applications must be turned in by 4:30 p.m. April 7. Participants will be selected by June 1.

Need information?

Two information sessions have been scheduled for people who would like to learn more about the SDP and the application process:

• Tuesday, March 17, noon
• Thursday, March 26, 3:30 p.m.

Both sessions will be held in room 118 of the Academic Success Center.

As space will be limited, admission to these workshops will be on a first-come, first-served basis. As electronic completion of the application form is preferred, workshop leaders will not be able to assist with completion of individual applications. Instead, the sessions will focus on elements that make a strong application to the SDP.

For more information on eligibility requirements and to download an application, go to http://www.clemson.edu/sdp/eligibility.html or email sdp-L@clemson.edu.