Facilitator: Dr. Leah Gutenson
Would you like to incorporate more technology into the assessments you create for learners? Are you unsure of how to get started? If you answered yes to either of these questions, this workshop series is for you. Earn a Digital Toolbox badge if you participate in all 4 workshops. Current offerings are listed on our Calendar of Events.
This four-part series invites participants to explore using instructional design tools to develop assessments that encourage student engagement and critical thinking skills. Specific tools spotlighted include Microsoft Sway, Adobe Spark Page, Canva, Venngage, and Insight Maker. A combination of tool demonstration, facilitated group discussion, and hands-on engagement will empower participants to create assessments across the curriculum that meet the following Quality Matters (QM) standards:
Instructional Materials
4.1 The instructional materials contribute to the achievement of the stated course and module/unit learning objectives or competencies.
4.2 Both the purpose of instructional materials and how the materials are to be used for learning activities are clearly explained.
4.3 All instructional materials used in the course are appropriately cited.
4.4 The instructional materials are current.
4.5 A variety of instructional materials is used in the course.
4.6 The distinction between required and optional materials is clearly explained.
Course Technology
6.1 The tools used in the course support the learning objectives and competencies.
6.2 Course tools promote learner engagement and active learning.
6.3 Technologies required in the course are readily obtainable.
6.4 The course technologies are current.
6.5 Links are provided to privacy policies for all external tools required in the course.
Accessibility and Usability
8.1 Course navigation facilitates ease of use.
8.2 Information is provided about the accessibility of all technologies required in the course.
8.3 The course provides alternative means of access to course materials in formats that meet the needs of diverse learners.
8.4 The course design facilitates readability.
8.5 Course multimedia facilitates ease of use.
Each session will close with a Q&A session where participants will be encouraged to share their assessment ideas, challenges, and insights. Ultimately, participants will gain a better understanding of how to use instructional design tools to design creative assessments that are both interactive and engaging.
Part 1: Beyond the Academic Essay: Using Microsoft Sway to Create Multimedia Assessments
This hands-on workshop will introduce participants to Microsoft Sway, an interactive storytelling application that can be used to create and share multimedia essays, presentations, and reports. Participants will learn how to use this tool in order to engage multiple teaching and learning modalities. Further, participants will gain an understanding of how to incorporate the app into assessments that meet the Quality Matters (QM) standards for instructional materials, course technology, and accessibility and usability. All faculty, instructors, and teaching assistants with an interest in incorporating technology into assessment are invited to attend. Participants are encouraged to come prepared with an idea of the type of assessment they would be interested in creating by using the app.
Current offering – Wednesday, September 15, 2021, 10-11:30 am
Part 2: More than Words: Using Adobe Spark Page to Design Assessments
This hands-on workshop will introduce participants to Adobe Spark Page, a multimedia storytelling application that all students at The University of Alabama have access to through the Adobe Creative Campus program. The app allows learners to experiment with the creation of web pages, visual essays, memes, comic strips, and other forms of desktop publishing. Participants will familiarize themselves with the app in order to design creative multimedia assessments that engage images, audio recordings, gestures, or other semiotic resources. These assessments will meet the Quality Matters (QM) standards for instructional materials, course technology, and accessibility and usability. All faculty, instructors, and teaching assistants with an interest in incorporating technology into assessment are invited to attend. A preexisting familiarity with Adobe Spark is not necessary. However, participants are encouraged to come prepared with an idea of the type of assessment they would be interested in creating by using the app.
Current offering – Wednesday, October 13, 2021, 10-11:30 am
Parts 3 and 4 coming in Spring 2022.