In this Issue: More EdTech Tools in Your Palette
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- Redirect Tool in Canvas
- Writing Mathematical Expressions in Canvas Using LaTeX
- Hidden Gems – Multimedia Presentations with Microsoft Sway
- Formative feedback with Bluepulse
- Cascadia Open Education Summit
- DEU support and contact information
Redirect Tool in Canvas
DEU often uses platforms like WordPress, Pressbooks and other content management systems for building learning technology functions beyond the capabilities of a standard LMS. We tend to think of the LMS as a central learning hub where students can branch out from to access pockets of content across the world wide web. However, once unleashed into the vast sea of the internet students can, at times, lose focus and be set adrift. It would be nice if we could “wrap” these outside websites, news channels, homework systems etc. inside of Canvas in order to keep students within the walls of the LMS and on task. The Redirect Tool does just that, and we’ll show you how.
Writing Mathematical Expressions in Canvas Using LaTeX
A Feb. 20th update to Canvas should be of interest to anybody involved in courses that use mathematical or chemical expressions, equations, and formulae. The update will allow Canvas users to use LaTeX markup language basically anywhere they can input text, and know that their mathematical symbols will appear in a predictable way.
Find out more about writing Mathematical Expressions in Canvas using LaTeX
Hidden Gems – Multimedia Presentations with Microsoft Sway
Microsoft Sway is a web-based digital storytelling platform that enables instructors and students to create visually appealing, presentations, interactive reports, and newsletters. What makes it unique is that you can use it to combine text and media to create a presentable website quickly and easily. You can pull content locally from your computer, or from internet sources such as Bing, Flickr, OneDrive, and YouTube. This platform is designed to be easy to use and to create a storyline. Templates and functions are accessible and shareable, and the presentations are responsive, playing beautifully on any device.
Find out more about using Microsoft Sway in your classes
Formative feedback with Bluepulse
Bluepulse is a “continuous listening platform” integrated into Canvas that allows you to check-in with your students throughout the term for a variety of feedback. More than just a survey tool, bluepulse allows for quick pulse checks on a smaller, more casual scale. Check-in at the start of group assignments, after a mid-term exam, or before a synchronous meet-up to gauge the direction of conversation making announcements more of a two way street. These quick pieces of feedback can help you shape your online teaching and better meet the needs of your students throughout the term, helping them get the support and instruction they need to be successful in your course through better discourse.
Cascadia Open Education Summit
Cascadia Open Education Summit 2021 is an event offered by BCcampus; California State University, Office of the Chancellor; Open Oregon Educational Resources; and the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.
From BCcampus:
“This free digital conference explores innovation, research, and best practices in open education around the theme of “Regional influence. Global impact.” We are featuring a keynote speaker from each of our four represented regions to celebrate the achievements in open education made here on the West Coast. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect virtually with new and old colleagues, watch live and pre-recorded presentations, and learn about homegrown open education projects that could go on to change the world.” April 27–29, 2021
For more information, visit the event website: https://cascadia.bccampus.ca/