Unit outline

  • Welcome

    Bits & Bytes - Hosted by CTET

    • What: “Bits & Bytes” sessions are drop-in, single-topic, practical sessions about teaching with technology at RRU. In each 30-minute session, a CTET team member explores a different topic related to teaching with technology, including practical demonstrations and time for participants to ask questions and share ideas.

      When: 12:00pm – 12:30pm on the 1st Wednesday of each month.

      Where: Sessions are offered online via Zoom. Please email facdev@royalroads.ca for the password. The same Zoom link and password will be used each time, so participants only need to email once.

      How: Registration is not required; simply join the Zoom room for the sessions you wish to join and skip the rest. Cameras and microphones are optional, so please feel free to simply listen while you enjoy your lunch.

  • Session 1

    Topic: 3 simple strategies to make your online course more user-friendly

    Facilitator: Lauren Halcomb-Smith

    Date: Wednesday, October 5, 2022

    Description: In this session, Lauren explained and showed three strategies for making online courses more user-friendly, including: (1) writing course schedules as to-do lists; (2)  adding images to units and pages; and (3) recording audio versions of text pages. 

    View Recording

    Session Materials/Resources: Please see below

  • Session 2

    Topic: Tips for recording audio feedback when grading assignments

    Facilitator: Ken Jeffery

    Date: Wednesday, October 19, 2022

    Description: In this session, Ken demonstrated two easy ways to record audio feedback when grading: using Kaltura Capture, and by recording with the third-party software, Audacity. Tips for making your recording authentic and approachable were also discussed.

    View Recording

    Session Materials/Resources: please see below

  • Session 3

    Topic: How to grade an assignment and release feedback all at once

    Facilitator: Zara Hossain

    Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2022

    Description: In this session, Zara demonstrated marking workflow and how to release grades and feedback at once.

    View Recording

    Session Materials/Resources: please see below

  • Session 4

    Topic: Balancing student workload in a 3-credit course

    Facilitator: Lauren Halcomb-Smith

    Date: Wednesday, November 16, 2022

    Description: In this session, Lauren described and demo-ed strategies for supporting a 99-hour student workload in a 3-credit course. 

    View Recording

    Session Materials/Resources: please see below

  • Session 5

    Topic: Using images in Moodle

    Facilitator: Ken Jeffery

    Date: Wednesday, December 21, 2022

    Description: In this session, Ken described and demo-ed strategies for using images effectively in a Moodle course. Both pedagogical and technical tips were shared to maximize student engagement and learning.

    View Recording

    Session Materials/Resources: please see below

  • Session 6

    Topic: Playlists, Channels and Sharing Videos in Kaltura/My Media

    Facilitator: Keith Webster

    Date: Wednesday, January 04, 2023

    Description: In this session, Keith described and demo-ed how to create playlists and channels and how to share videos in Kaltura/My Media.

    View Recording


    • Session 7

      Topic: Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and course reading lists

      Facilitator: Lauren Halcomb-Smith

      Date: Wednesday, January 18, 2023

      Description: In this session, Lauren explained and showed some simple strategies for helping students to actually do the course readings.

      View Recording


      • Session 8

        Topic: Groups & Groupings

        Facilitator: Ignacio Estrella

        Date: Wednesday, February 1, 2023

        Description: In this session, Ignacio demonstrated how to set up groups and groupings in a Moodle course.

        View Recording

        Session Materials/Resources: Please see below


      • Session 9

        Topic: Moodle Profiles

        Facilitator: Lauren Stedman

        Date: Wednesday, February 15, 2023

        Description: In this session, Lauren demonstrated how to update your Moodle profiles, including adding your pronouns.

        View Recording

        Session Materials/Resources: Please see below


      • Session 10

        Topic: Editing Zoom Recordings

        Facilitator: Ken Jeffery

        Date: Wednesday, March 1, 2023

        Description: In this session, Ken will give a tour and a demonstration of Zoom's new video trimming feature. Perfect for removing unwanted beginnings and endings from your class recordings!

        View Recording

        Session Materials/Resources: Please see below


      • Session 11

        Topic: Group Choice

        Facilitator: Tami Saj

        Date: Wednesday, March 15, 2023

        Description: In this session, Tami explained how Group Choice can be a great option for instructors and students, with a demo on setting up a Group Choice and how a student would use it.

        View Recording

        Session Materials/Resources: Please see below