From the early days of colored markers and overhead projectors, instructors have sought the best methods to engage students in learning in and out of the classroom.
Learn how to use today's latest instructional (or educational) technology to enhance your courses with collaborative learning, real-time feedback, virtual classrooms, learning management systems, and more. After successfully using new technology in a class, one FLC instructor commented, "I forgot how much I like my job!"
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The CTL staff created a resource center to help you improve your Canvas skills with tutorials and 24/7 support. Stay updated on Canvas changes and explore integrated educational apps within.
Learn more about Canvas
Our drone (and certified drone pilot, Clint Jacobsen) can record video footage and capture still images for your course to bring outdoor learning into the classroom. Check out the video for ideas on using drones in your courses.
A lightboard is a glass chalkboard illuminated internally with LED lights. As an instructional tool, it engages learners in immersive presentations where you can face your audience for a more personal connection. Check out our instructional video to learn how to use it.
The Padcaster transforms an iPad into an all-in-one mobile production suite. This video production system empowers you to create professional videos for your courses. Check out our Padcaster Guide to learn more about using the equipment and creating engaging videos for your students.
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Learn about other instructional technology tools trending in higher education from prominent institutional technology wizards.
Jen's pick: Mural
Mural is a free digital whiteboard app where students can collaborate, interact, and brainstorm ideas. FLC has access to free educational accounts, so you can contact the CTL if you want to learn more.
Clint's pick: Google Earth
Google Earth is a highly detailed globe that uses satellite imagery and aerial photos to create a 3D representation of Earth. Beyond its visual features, it is an effective teaching tool, integrating geospatial thinking into various subjects and enhancing students' learning and life skills.
Ayla's pick: hypothes.is
Hypothesis is an online social annotation tool where students collaborate on annotating a text (pdf) or a website. It's a great way for instructors to gauge the level of student engagement and comprehension of course readings and content. Another option is Perusal, which allows students to annotate images, too.
Virtual reality extends instruction possibilities beyond the campus walls, throughout time and space, and into worlds of the past and future. Higher education institutions have been exploring, using, and creating VR/AR/XR content for the past decade.
Learn how instructors can use CTL's Oculus Quest 2 VR headsets with students in their courses:
VR for BioPsych concepts (neural anatomy primarily) can provide an opportunity to demonstrate different types of conditioning and give students a "real life" glimpse into psychological disorders involving delusions and auditory/visual hallucinations.
Apps
Prepare future business leaders through VR team-building exercises that help students understand the power of communication and teamwork. (Schaffhauser, 2019)
Students can learn astronomy concepts that have been hard for them to understand with verbal explanations when they experience them visually. (Schaffhauser, 2019) Health students can gain exposure to clinical or emergencies by using VR to experience a scenario that simulates a real-life emergency with a patient, making rapid decisions about the patient's care during the scenario. (Schaffhauser, 2019) Interact with a 3D brain model, exploring microscopic levels within the brain to see and interact with the neurochemicals and neural structures involved in communication between neurons. (Flynn & Frost, 2021)
Use VR to study and recreate fake news through historical events and media sources, performing critical scenes from a re-creation of the event. (Schaffhauser, 2019) Step back in history by visiting a virtual World War II Japanese-American internment camp south of Denver. (Amache Project, University of Denver) Digitally tour a future Diné community, a relocation site of Church Rock, NM, to envision their home on the mesa, including architecture, ecology, waste treatment, and water collection. (Schaffhauser, 2019)
Visualize stage design for theater productions (App: AR Stagecraft) with an immersive experience on an empty stage. (Schaffhauser, 2019)
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