ENGR rooms 023 and 025 were also renovated over the summer and include new furniture. Room 023 will serve as an Active Learning classroom. An instructor in this room can experiment with different configurations similar to ENGR 102. The room is also a smart classroom, equipped with a touch-enabled interactive projector and features classroom audio enhancement, with wireless microphones throughout the room. There is a new wireless collaboration device that allows any device, whether it be iOS, Android, Windows, or Mac to share content wirelessly onto the projector. 

On the left is a before shot of ENGR 023 before it was renovated. On the right is the after shot, featuring mobile whiteboards and new furniture that can be moved around. 

ENGR 025 will continue to function as a training lab but no longer features desktop workstations. Instead, individuals will have to bring their own devices or check out Chromebooks for training. Multiple devices are supported in all of the spaces, so we encourage our faculty, staff, and students to bring laptops, tablets, or other portables. Since all the furniture can be moved around, these spaces provide more flexibility to promote active learning. 

Another shot of 023 and all the new furniture it has.

In September, the Faculty Sandbox will provide UMBC faculty and staff access to a flexible environment to test-drive innovative technologies, explore strategies to promote active learning, and engage in conversations about teaching & student success.

On the left, a small group discussion layout. On the right, this layout promotes pair or individual work and/or can be used for testing purposes. The dividers may be used for privacy.

Located in ENGR 102 and connected to ENGR 101 suite currently housing the Instructional Technology department and Faculty Development Center, the Faculty Sandbox features a dynamic floor plan that allows it to transform its layout depending on the needs of the activity. The room can support a range of activities from presentations, training, brown bags, workshops, meetings, and consultations. The room features 32 seats,16 tables with small whiteboards, 6 large whiteboards, and 2 media displays, all of which can be moved around. 

On the left, a traditional classroom layout where there is a designated front of the classroom where the facilitator conducts instruction. A media display can be placed up front, or the space can be lecture-driven. On the right is a seminar layout, U-shaped. This layout promotes larger group discussion. The facilitator has the ability to walk around the inside and outside of the seminar table.

DoIT manages the schedule 023 during the day, which allows for training, work meetings, and some classes, with the Registrar’s office scheduling classes during the evening hours. The schedule for 025 is coordinated by DoIT entirely. Please open an RT ticket to request these spaces. 

All calendar events for 102 are posted to the Instructional Technology and Faculty Development Center group pages on myUMBC. Faculty may also request access to the Sandbox for non-class activities by opening an RT ticket. 

The Faculty Sandbox, Active Learning Classroom, and Flex Lab are new spaces and new in concept at UMBC. ITNM looks forward to having conversations with faculty and staff to define and refine these spaces so that it can constantly evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of our campus community.

For more information about Instructional Technology:

• Follow the DoIT and Instructional Technology group page 
• Visit our FAQ collection 
• Open an RT ticket
• Request an appointment with an instructional technology specialist

Introduced in early 2016, Skill Builder workshops are designed for faculty who need to learn how to use core components of Blackboard & other supporting instructional technologies at UMBC. Skill Builder workshops are also useful for faculty who want to refresh their skills. The workshops are typically delivered monthly during the semester. However, we are introducing a new, all-inclusive format for instructors who would like to complete all Skill Builder workshops in one setting.

What is the Skill Builder Boot Camp?

The Skill Builder Boot Camp is a comprehensive 2-day workshop to provide hands-on training in Blackboard, Bb Collaborate, TechSmith Relay, Box, and other essential tools. The focus is on the technical function of the tools with some best practices; the pedagogical application of these tools in actual course design and instruction is emphasized in greater detail through the Course Designer track.

Throughout the Skill Builder Boot Camp, faculty will be given hands-on time to apply what they’re learning into their own Blackboard courses. Lunch will be provided both days. Upon completion of the Skill Builder Boot Camp, faculty will also receive a certificate.

Giving Feedback on the Skill Builder Boot Camp

We are collecting faculty feedback with a brief 2-question survey to gauge interest in the Skill Builder Boot Camp and to identify the ideal time period for scheduling the first event. Additional feedback may be emailed to Mariann Hawken at mariannhawken@umbc.edu.

Learn more about the Skill Builder track and the complete Alternate Delivery Program, including Course Designer and Quality Booster tracks.

Earlier this month, all UMBC employees with access to confidential student information – typically faculty and staff with access to advising records in PeopleSoft or the Report Exchange (REX) data warehouse – were notified about a new process for acknowledging their obligations to protect student data under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

If you see the FERPA acknowledgement screen below, you have 45 days to accept or your access to these systems will be disabled. For more information, an FAQ is available at https://wiki.umbc.edu/x/JgAEB

If you have additional questions about FERPA, please feel free to contact Pam Hawley, University Registrar, at x5-2832 or mcinnis@umbc.edu.

Comments

• Jerri Frick, Director of the Masters in Education Program, Education
  
• Kate Drabinski, Senior Lecturer, Gender and Women's Studies
• Liz Stanwyck, Lecturer, Mathematics and Statistics
  
• Nancy McAllister, Adjunct Instructor, Geography and Environmental Systems
• Tara Carpenter, Senior Lecturer, Chemistry and Biochemistry
  
• Tim Phin, Lecturer, Ancient Studies

• Tuesday, September 13 - A Rookie's Perspective on Using Blackboard
• Wednesday, September 21 - The Online and Hybrid Learning Experience
• Monday, September 26 - Innovative Ways to Use Blackboard Collaborate
• Thursday, October 20 - Using VoiceThread to Engage Students

If you have questions, please email the Instructional Technology team at instructionaltechnology@umbc.edu. See you at the workshops!

• Check our extensive FAQ collection

• Open a ticket via RT

• Follow the Instructional Technology myUMBC group

• Request a consult with a member of the instructional technology team

DoIT is very pleased to announce that Eric Ludy has joined our Development Team.  Eric will be responsible for Application Development activities and the infamous ‘other duties as assigned.’

Eric brings a wealth of experience and is joining us from ORACLE where he served as a PeopleSoft Technical Consultant for the past 6 years.  Prior to ORACLE, Eric spent 5 years in Higher Education as a Senior PeopleSoft Developer and another 5 years as a Senior Technical Instructor for PeopleSoft (PSFT).  Eric received his M.S. in Hydrogeology form Miami University and his B.S. In Geosciences form Radford University.

Eric’s office will be located on our floor in room AD601.  I encourage you to walk over on Monday and welcome Eric to the BSG Team!