This interactive workshop will provide hands-on experience in building a simple, online “Encouragement Board” that uplifts the collective morale of a class, by archiving students’ positive and encouraging messages for classmates. We will also explore how and why transforming traditional assessments, like timed and multiple-choice tests, into lively, weeklong video/audio discussions can reduce stress and anxiety. These asynchronous discussions turn “gotcha” tests and their focus on “correct answers” into enjoyable opportunities that encourage risk-taking, and support student success and retention by expanding peer learning and personalization of course content. Strategies for quickly assessing student discussion posts will also be presented.    

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Create an “Encouragement Board” using Padlet (for free), which they can insert into their online courses, or add to a Canvas module for their on-ground course,
2. Plan use of Flipgrid (for free) to transform traditional assessments like tests into video/audio discussions that reduce stress and anxiety, and present opportunities for peer learning, personalization, and individual success.

Speaker: Dr. Jamie A. Thomas is an Assistant Professor of Linguistics at Santa Monica College, and an Equity facilitator for the CVC/Online Network of Educators (@ONE). She supports the “Open for Antiracism” California community college initiative as a faculty coach–advocating for culturally responsive course content in which students can see themselves and their communities. In addition, Dr. Thomas is also an ACLS Community College Faculty Fellow (2021-2022) and Principal Investigator for the project, “Closing Racial Equity Gaps in Online Teaching of Introductory Linguistics.” Her research explores the racialized and embodied learning experiences of college students as connected to cultures of instruction and global popular culture. She has written and edited two books, Embodied Difference: Divergent Bodies in Public Discourse, and Zombies Speak Swahili: Race, Horror, and Sci-fi from Mexico to Tanzania and Hollywood (forthcoming). Connect with her on Twitter / Instagram: @jamieisjames and via her blog: jamieathomas.com

This session will include captioning via Zoom’s Live Transcript tool. If you require additional accommodations, please contact support@cvc.edu as soon as possible with details.

Note: Users cannot register for this webinar through the Vision Resource Center. This webinar requires access/registration outside of the Vision Resource Center. If you would like to track the time you spent attending any trainings from external providers please record your time using External Training and the time will be reflected on your Learning Transcript.

Registration Link: https://cccconfer.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_62DpGG_CTzS3IaZK9hJ2Ow