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Training opportunities with your host Kelley Davis

Video Course Introductions with your host Kwame Rakes

Web Enhancements and Wimba with Chris Nickel

All January 2009 training opportunities have come-and-gone, but don't despair! CTL currently has some great classes on the schedule. Register for all training opportunities via the Regent Training System (RTS). Go there now

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eNews: An instructional resource for Regent's faculty.
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Stand Out: Blog for tips, tricks, and tutorials to help you create excellent courses.
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It's easy to create a video introduction for your online course. All you have to do is:

1. Write
2. Schedule, and
3. Show up!

First, write up a short script. In 2 to 3 brief paragraphs, introduce yourself and the name and number of the class with a word of welcome to the students. You can mention a highlight or two about what students will learn in the course. Tell your students what they need to do to contact you if they need any help.

Second, phone Diane Cooke at 757.352.4308 to set up an appointment for the date of the next video introduction shoot. Diane will request that you email her a copy of your completed script. We will load it into the teleprompter for your convenience - no need to memorize your material. Keep in mind that introductions are videotaped once a month. Look for the date in CenterPoint's Training Calendar.

Third, review the materials CTL will send you a few days before your shoot. We'll email you directions to our studio, tips on what looks best on camera, and a request for any last minute changes to your script. Then...

Just show up! The CTL Production Team will get you in and out in no time. You'll find your online students will really appreciate the personal touch of a video introduction and will feel a lot closer to you despite the sometimes distancing online environment. Now you know!

Wimba Live Classroom offers some great ways to engage and interact with your students.

For example, the webcam feature allows you or another presenter to be seen by your students. This feature helps students better understand the nuances of what you’re saying, and helps them better connect with you. The webcam feature would also work well if you had a guest speaker. Imagine how easy it could be to get an expert to speak to your class from across the country or around the world!

Another useful feature is the option for breakout rooms. Imagine that you are conducting a live classroom session and want to divide the students into small groups. This feature allows you to do just that. Furthermore, you can visit each of these breakout rooms to see and hear what your students are discussing.

The third feature is called Presenter-on-the-fly. This allows you as the presenter to promote any of your students to presenter in the middle of a class session. Once the student has become a presenter, they can lead discussions, upload documents, and have full control of the toolbox. What a great way to make your course more learner-centered and encourage student ownership of their learning!

Consider using Wimba Live Classroom in your own course. Contact the Center for Teaching and Learning for more information.