UNews - Curriculum Re-Development Centre

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in transition to Moodle

trevor.kenney — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 23:07:19 +0000

You've seen the teaser advertisements around campus for months now – Moodle is most definitely coming. But what is Moodle, why is it on the way and how can we make the most of it?

The Moodle transition is the final stage of a Learning Management System (LMS) migration being undertaken by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's Curriculum Re-Development Centre (CRDC). It's a massive project that will see the U of L replace the Blackboard/WebCT environment it has been operating in since 1999.

"We're very excited about the move to Moodle," says David Hinger, director of the CRDC. "Moodle is a very powerful tool designed to do many of the things you'd want to do in a face-to-face classroom in an online environment. It really takes advantage of the blended learning theory of education as it allows instructors to put delivery of their content within Moodle, so that they can really take advantage of face-to-face time in class."

The move to Moodle was precipitated by changes within the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's previous LMS. The U of L had been using WebCT since 1999, but in 2005, Blackboard Inc. took over the company and has since ceased providing updates to the WebCT product. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ therefore was forced to look at moving to a new LMS, whether it was to a Blackboard Learn LMS or some other product. A faculty steering committee was struck and Moodle emerged as a clear winner.

Hinger describes an LMS as, "an extension of your face-to-face course. It's a simple way to provide resources and activities, and to have an online presence for your teaching and learning needs."

The reasons the U of L decided to move to Moodle are many, including its design as a constructivist pedagogical model as opposed to Blackboard's content management system approach.

"Moodle is very much built the way educators sit down and design their courses," says Hinger. "It's very simple and intuitive, with a lot less clicking then what you'd do in Blackboard."

The steering committee also found that Moodle was the choice of incoming students, as more than 80 per cent of students had been exposed to a Moodle learning environment in high school. Add in the fact that it is an open source program that lends itself to customizable features, and Moodle seems like the perfect fit for the institution's teaching and learning needs.

"Being an open source program, if there are features that aren't there, we can build them," says Hinger. "If we identify unique needs for our faculty, we can build things within the Moodle environment to do what they need it to do."

The move to Moodle has already begun, with two courses used in the Fall 2010 Semester as part of a pilot program. Currently, 50 courses have been constructed in Moodle, utilizing the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's testing centre and including every manner of course, from art history to management. Feedback from instructors has been positive.

"Those who have had a chance to work with it so far have found it very user-friendly," says Hinger. "But we aren't going to throw instructors to the wolves, we're very committed to providing whatever support they need to use this product. A lot of instructors have looked at this as an opportunity to redesign what they are doing in an online environment and finding it a very valuable exercise. We'll assist them any way we can."

The CRDC will continue to support Blackboard/WebCT through the 2010-2011 academic year, with full implementation of Moodle scheduled for Fall 2011 and the 2011-2012 academic year.

To learn more about Moodle and the LMS migration process, go to the CRDC website at www.uleth.ca/crdc

GET THE FACTS

• The CRDC will be offering workshops to assist instructors with Moodle. As well, an online pool of resources is currently being created.

• The U of L is one of the first in Canada to move to this newest version of Moodle 2.0, which was just fully released in November 2010.

• The U of L previously had 640 courses (70 per cent) operating in Blackboard/WebCT, with over 6,000 students utilizing the program.

• Other features of Moodle include the ability to embed videos, moderate virtual chats and forums and conduct online exams.

Toth, Fowler, construction team honoured

trevor.kenney — Tue, 11 May 2010 15:34:38 +0000

The President's Award for Service Excellence recognizes exceptional service to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and members of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community. The award is given to two individuals: one AUPE staff member and one APO/Exempt Support Staff Member. In addition, a Team Award has been added this year.

Calvin Toth
(APO/Exempt support staff)

Renowned as a knowledgeable, hard working and positive member of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community, Cal Toth joined the Curriculum Re-Development Centre (CRDC) in May 2003 and has been a valuable asset ever since.

Toth is best known around the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ for his constant dedication to ensuring the numerous on-campus events have the high quality sound and event support needed to be successful.

Whether he's recording a voice over, representing the U of L at a conference, supporting events or assisting in the implementation of educational technology, his commitment to always go above and beyond the call of duty is ever present.

Toth is known for always saying, "Yes, we can do that," and is consistently willing to put in the extra effort required to make it happen.

A true testament to his commitment to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is evident to all those involved in the events that occur during convocation week. He is one of the first to show up in the morning and often the last person to leave, regularly juggling multiple engagements and working long hours.

More than that, despite the hectic days, he always has a smile on his face, and takes true pride in helping to make the U of L shine.

Kim Fowler
(AUPE staff)

A 20-year employee of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, Kim Fowler exemplifies customer service through her positive working relationships with students, co-workers, and members of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community as a whole.

Kim Fowler

Kim Fowler's positive nature and smiling disposition are infectious and she is well respected by everyone with whom she has contact. Responsible for the roommate assignment and placement of 586 students in residence each fall, she continuously seeks ways to improve the services offered to the resident student population.

One example of her dedication to improving the student experience is her work with students in the Nursing Program. These students take their first two years of study at Lethbridge College, and they are not always aware of the distance between the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and College campuses. Fowler spent considerable time contacting the 19 first-year applicants to the program, then co-ordinated with the College to determine when they would be making room offers for first-year students. This allowed the incoming class an opportunity to cancel their housing application and learn about how to apply for College housing.

This example is just one of many instances where Fowler goes over and above, seeking out solutions to potential problems and making students' needs her number one priority.

Team Recipient

Over the past 10 years the landscape of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Campus has been changing. Countless hours and a significant amount of dedication, skill and effort has been invested by a group to make the transformations we see a not only a reality but to ensure they are a success.

The Major Building Reconstruction Team. Back row (left to right) Bill Hudgins, Al Mueller, Will Tietz, Jason Baranec and Jim Vanderzee. Front row (left to right) Rick Baceda, Dan Sullivan, Brian Sullivan and John Federkeil.

The process to take a new project or renovation from conceptualization to a living and breathing space is complex. Requests for tender, adhering to building codes, balancing multiple stakeholder needs, co-ordinating services and materials and transitioning offices and classrooms to new spaces is not an easy task. The Major Building Construction Team consistently navigates these challenges.

The individual members of the team are experts in their field and put an incredible amount of effort into ensuring the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ gets the best value for its money and that construction details meet design requirements, all the while maintaining normal day-to-day operations. These thankless, tedious and often behind-the-scenes tasks are completed with little fanfare, but are necessary to bring a project to completion.

The members of the Major Building Construction Team are: Brian Sullivan, associate director, Facilities; Bill Hudgins, project manager; Jason Baranec, project co-ordinator; John Federkeil, utility operations; Will Tietz, electrical; Dan Sullivan, locks and doors; Jim Vanderzee, building maintenance; Rick Baceda, building envelopes and interiors; Al Mueller, painting & signage.

Campus is a better place because of people such as Jane O'Dea

trevor.kenney — Fri, 07 May 2010 17:47:45 +0000

As I approach the final weeks of my tenure as President of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, it's hard not to reflect on my 10 years here in southern Alberta and more specifically, on the many remarkable people I have met over that time.

Dr. Jane O'Dea is one of those people and it is both ironic and fitting that we would begin our positions on the same day, 10 years ago, and will now be leaving these positions on the same day at the end of June.

As the new Dean of the Faculty of Education, Jane had already been at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ for 10 years when she began her role. I was coming in from the outside and was fortunate to have Jane, among others, as a valuable resource to help learn about the U of L community.

Jane was very generous in her time to me early on, and I remember fondly accompanying her on my first visit to the Blood Reserve and Red Crow Community College. That was just the beginning of the Niitsitapi Teacher Education program, one that she supported, built and encouraged her colleagues to work on diligently.

Congratulations Madam Dean on all that you were able to accomplish during your term, and I know we will continue to see great things from you in the future.

The spring is a time for congratulations as we honour the many people who make the U of L such an exceptional place to work and study. Dr. Leah Fowler, this year's Distinguished Teacher, is to be commended for her wonderful work in the Faculty of Education, as is
Dr. Dave Morris, the Ingrid Speaker Medal recipient.

Dr. Fowler will be honoured at Spring Convocation while Dr. Morris will be recognized at the fall event.

I also want to make particular mention of the President's Award winners, Cal Toth from the Curriculum Re-Development Centre, Kim Fowler from Housing Services and the Major Building Construction Team from Facilities. This team is led by Brian Sullivan and includes Bill Hudgins, Jason Baranec, John Federkeil, Will Tietz, Dan Sullivan, Jim Vanderzee, Rick Baceda and Al Mueller. I am satisfied especially that these awards have recognized such a distinguished group over the years.

Now that the Michael Nolan campaign has concluded, I want to say a special thank you to Vice-President Advancement Chris Horbachewski for initiating what was the most satisfying fundraising experience with which I have ever been associated. It was a wonderful success, both in terms of money raised for student scholarships and the great amount of fun we had with the project.

I was very happy that a student, Joshua Og, won Michael Nolan, and I've heard that he has been putting the car to good use since he took ownership. My only advice to him, other than to enjoy the car and treat it well, was to never change its name.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the Farewell Fiesta in May, where I can
express my gratitude personally to all of you for how wonderful you have made my time here at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

Lastly, I will be presiding over my final convocation ceremonies next month, and I urge everyone to take some time to attend one of the four ceremonies. It's an excellent way to reaffirm why we work so hard to make the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ all that it is for our students.

President's Awards honour service

trevor.kenney — Wed, 05 May 2010 17:37:35 +0000

Calvin Toth
(APO/Exempt support staff)

Toth is known for always saying, "Yes, we can do that," and is consistently willing to put in the extra effort required to make it happen.

More than that, despite the hectic days, he always has a smile on his face, and takes true pride in helping to make the U of L shine.

Kim Fowler
(AUPE staff)

This example is just one of many instances where Fowler goes over and above, seeking out solutions to potential problems and making students' needs her number one priority.

Team Recipient

Search for new Associate VP

trevor.kenney — Tue, 19 May 2009 18:21:40 +0000

The search is on for a new Associate Vice-President (Academic) as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge looks to fill the position vacated by Dr. Kris Magnusson.

Magnusson leaves the U of L to take on the role of Dean of Education at Simon Fraser ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, creating an opening on the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's senior administrative team.

Nominations and applications are invited from current members of the faculty of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge for the position of Associate Vice-President (Academic). The Office of the Vice-President (Academic) is responsible for all undergraduate and graduate programs, for student services, for academic planning, for the Curriculum Re-development Centre, Institutional Analysis and the International Centre for Students, for relationships with the staff of Alberta Advanced Education and Technology and other relevant ministries, and for relations with other academic institutions. The roles and responsibilities of the Associate Vice-President (Academic) will be established by mutual agreement with the Vice-President (Academic) such that the office can respond appropriately to its mandate.

As a member of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's senior administrative team, the Associate Vice-President (Academic) will also be a member of General Faculties Council and Deans' Council.

The ideal candidate should be a full-time member of the faculty with tenure, preferably hold the rank of professor, possess administrative experience and be knowledgeable of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's structure, history and culture.

For more information, contact Dr. Andrew Hakin (hakin@uleth.ca), Vice-President (Academic) and Provost.

It is intended that the position will be filled by July 1 or as soon thereafter as possible. The process of reviewing applications will begin on June 1 but applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Interested candidates should send a current curriculum vitae, a letter of application describing their qualifications for and interest in the position, and also the names and contact information for three (3) references. All applications will be considered in confidence.

The position is open to all qualified applicants, although preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is an inclusive and equitable campus encouraging applications from qualified women and men including persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities and Aboriginal persons.

Time to book staff photos

trevor.kenney — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 19:06:44 +0000

Have you got a new look and want to show it off? Are you new to campus and need a photo for your website or the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ directory? Now is the time to book your directory photo.

The call is out to all new faculty or staff, those who have missed previous photo shoots, or those who just had a bad hair-day at their last sitting. Directory photos will be taken Mar. 4-6 in the Prentice Institute Boardroom (L1102). They are free of charge.

To sign up for a session is very easy. Visit fusion.uleth.ca/crdc/photoreg/ and pick the day and time you wish to have your picture taken, then enter your e-mail username. If later you find you are unable to attend your appointed time, log back into the system and cancel your appointment so that others have an opportunity to sign up for that time slot.

The picture taken can be used for various publications, conferences or personal websites. It will be a professional portrait taken by the Curriculum Re-Development Centre (CRDC) and will also be used for your current automatic directory home page. You can then add biographical information, research interests, curriculum vitae, links, office hours and more.

Contact the CRDC at 403-380-1856 for more information.

Time to book directory photos

trevor.kenney — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 16:29:16 +0000

Have you got a new look and want to show it off? Are you new to campus and need a photo for your website or the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ directory? Now is the time to book your directory photo.
The call is out to all new faculty or staff, those who have missed previous photo shoots, or those who just had a bad hair day at their last sitting. Directory photos will be taken Mar. 4-6 in the Prentice Institute Boardroom (L1102). They are also free of charge.
To sign up for a session is very easy. Just visit this directory photos link and pick the day and time you wish to have your picture taken, then enter your e-mail username.
If later you find you are unable to attend your appointed time, log back into the system and cancel your appointment so that others have an opportunity to sign up for that time slot.
The picture taken can be used for various publications, conferences or personal websites. It will be a professional portrait taken by the Curriculum Re-Development Centre (CRDC) and will also be used for your current automatic directory home page. That then enables you to add biographical information, research interests, curriculum vitae, links, office hours and so forth.
Contact the CRDC at 403-380-1856 for more information.

U of L debuts on iTunes U

trevor.kenney — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:23:01 +0000

Anybody who's anybody seems to be connected to Apple's iTunes so it only made sense that if the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge wanted to better connect with its students, it too would have to align itself with the indispensable download service.

Now, through iTunes U, students, staff and faculty can access a variety of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge programming at their own convenience, 24 hours a day. Guest lectures, significant media events, seminar series, convocation and much more are all available through the new service. Simply download content to your computer; sync your iPod or iPhone and a variety of U of L content is available to you wile you walk, drive or even work out in the gym.

For those who already have iTunes, simply click on iTunesU to check out the new service. If you're new to iTunes, it's easy to get involved. Head to this iTunes link and download the version of iTunes for free that works with your system. Both Mac and PC versions are available.

The Curriculum Re-Development Centre (CRDC) is working hard to add fresh content to the site every week and is open to content suggestions. To help out with the development of iTunesU content, send suggestions to the CRDC at crdc@uleth.ca or give them a call at 403-380-1856.

UNews - Curriculum Re-Development Centre

��Ѹ�����Դ���߿�Ƭ in transition to Moodle

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