Faculty and academic staff are invited to participate in several faculty seminars designed for instructors to learn about technologies and tools that enhance Distance and Continuing Education courses.

There is no cost, but registration is required. To register or for more information, contact Lyn DeLorme, Distance and Continuing Education instructional designer, at 1-6371 or lyn.delorme@ndsu.edu. 

Be There with Wimba – Introduction
Use Wimba to bring the human touch into your distance education courses easily and powerfully. This seminar provides an introduction to the features of Wimba Classroom and related Wimba technologies that bring video, voice and application sharing to teaching experiences. This seminar is conducted in a fully equipped computer lab, so participants will get a chance to experience the features of Wimba. It lasts 90 minutes and is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 15, at 10:15 a.m. in FLC 320 and for Monday, Nov. 9, at 2:15 p.m. in FLC 320.

Say It Quick with Pronto
Pronto is an instant-messaging tool from Wimba.com that integrates directly into your Blackboard course shell. With Pronto, you and your students are never further than a mouse-click away. Use Pronto to host impromptu office hours, connect with colleagues and send out quick announcements easily. The new version of Pronto also includes a whiteboard, video chat and desktop sharing. Students also can use Pronto for group work and “beyond-the-walls” learning. This seminar is conducted in a fully equipped computer lab, so participants will get a chance to experience Pronto. It lasts 60 minutes and is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 9 a.m. in FLC 320 and Monday, Nov. 9, at 1 p.m. in FLC 320.

Measuring the Learning with Blackboard
Blackboard offers many ways to incorporate both assessment and evaluation activities into courses. Learn how to use the assignment feature, discussion board, test manager and other features to give assignments, exams and other assessment and evaluation activities. This seminar is conducted in a fully equipped computer lab, so participants will get a chance to experience these Blackboard features. It lasts 90 minutes and a Blackboard Account is required. The seminar is planned for Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 10 a.m. in FLC 320 and Monday, Nov. 16, at 1 p.m. in FLC 320.

Be There with Wimba – Advanced
This session is designed for faculty and staff who have already attended “Be There with Wimba” training or have some experience using Wimba. This seminar will be conducted from the comfort of your office or home, via Wimba. Participants will be able to experience application sharing, breakout rooms, on-the-fly quizzing and polling and helpful tips. A Webcam and headset-microphone are required for the seminar and it lasts 60 minutes. It is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 23, at 1:30 p.m. and Thursday, Nov. 19, at 10 a.m. 

Discover Wimba Voice Tools
This seminar is conducted in a fully equipped computer lab, so participants will get a chance to experience talking-e-mails and class announcements, discussion boards that actually speak and podcasting features of Wimba. A Blackboard course shell is required for the seminar and it lasts 90 minutes. It is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 10 a.m. in FLC 320.