Annual TLT technology survey is now available

Annual TLT technology survey is now available

Teaching and Learning with Technology (TLT) is seeking feedback on teaching and learning experiences to help deepen its understanding of how technology impacts the University community.

TLT’s annual technology survey, published Jan. 24, enables instructors and students to provide details about their respective experiences with education technology. With two versions tailored to each specific audience, the survey can gather valuable information about technology’s role in teaching and learning at Penn State. The survey’s goal is to help identify gaps in technology experience and tailor programming that supports the community.

“The survey responses play a critical role in improving the teaching and learning experience at Penn State,” said Crystal Ramsay, interim director of TLT. “The survey results will be shared widely across the University and members of administrative units, academic departments, and support units can request access to the results so they can be used to make improvements.”

“Every Penn State instructor and student, across all campuses, who participates in this survey will provide a helping hand to current and future Penn Staters,” added Ramsay.

The student survey aims to assess, among other things, the best way for the University to share resources related to learning with technology, what technology has been most helpful to students, what device(s) students use to complete most of their coursework, and what technology-related challenges students have faced.

The instructor survey, meanwhile, will allow them to provide feedback on items such as challenges in adapting course design, teaching tools and resources they would like to explore further, and their biggest concerns related to teaching with technology.

Both instructors and students can expect to spend fewer than 10 minutes completing the survey. The window for responses will be open through Feb. 4.

Technical teaching assistants available for Spring 2022

Technical teaching assistants available for Spring 2022

Technical teaching assistants (Tech TAs) debuted at Penn State in March 2020 to support faculty teaching in virtual and hybrid modes. Since then, the program has evolved to provide assistance with in-person instruction, and it is set to continue for spring 2022.

Tech TA request forms are available online now so that faculty can secure help using Zoom or Canvas in their course(s). Upon being paired with a Tech TA, faculty will receive an introductory email and then a direct follow-up from their Tech TA to determine specific needs and next steps.

Tech TAs originated as “Zoom gurus” who managed virtual classroom technology and allowed faculty to focus exclusively on teaching. They continue to serve in that capacity for in-person, hybrid, and virtual courses this spring while also assisting with Canvas.

In Zoom, a Tech TA’s work can include creating and assigning breakout rooms, moderating the chat, running polls, and processing a class’s Zoom recording. In Canvas, meanwhile, they can migrate and input course content, activate learning tool integrations (LTIs), build assignments or quizzes, and more.

Faculty should note that Tech TAs are not trained to proctor or grade exams, quizzes, or assignments. Additionally, Tech TAs cannot design course material or attend in-person classes or events.

Adobe Substance 3D apps now available to all Penn Staters

Adobe Substance 3D apps now available to all Penn Staters

Penn State students, faculty, and staff now have access to Adobe Substance 3D apps as part of their free subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud.

The newly added apps cover Penn Staters’ 3D needs from asset creation to scene design to rendering. The apps are:

The Adobe Creative Cloud provides resources to create a wide array of multimedia content and tell stories digitally. The Penn State community can learn more about what Creative Cloud has to offer, and sign up for their free account.

TLT launches One Button Studio 2.0

TLT launches One Button Studio 2.0

Since spring 2012, tens of thousands of Penn Staters have used Teaching and Learning with Technology’s (TLT) One Button Studio for professional-quality video production. This fall marks the debut of One Button Studio 2.0 with new features that improve on recording, saving, and sharing video projects.

“As with the original One Button Studio, version 2.0 provides lighting, audio, and camera pre-sets in a dedicated studio to simplify the recording process,” said Bart Pursel, director of innovation for Teaching and Learning with Technology (TLT). “Now, the new in-studio controls and ability to upload finished videos directly to the cloud lower the barrier of entry even farther.”

Visitors to the upgraded One Button Studios at University Park and Commonwealth Campuses will operate the studio’s controls with a stand-mounted iPad. This method allows for step-by-step visual confirmation throughout the recording process, including the “start” button to begin a session.

Completed recordings can then be uploaded directly to Penn State’s cloud-based media management system, Kaltura. Thanks to Kaltura’s integration with Canvas, faculty and students can seamlessly integrate their One Button Studio videos into course materials and classwork.

Since its debut, One Button Studio has received awards from Campus Technology and the American Library Association.

One Button Studio is a part of Media Commons, a University-wide initiative to enrich teaching and learning through multimedia content, classroom training, and direct support. Faculty and students can use One Button Studio to enhance a wide range of coursework from language practice, sit-down interviews, pitch videos, and more. The Media Commons staff offers workshops to help the University community get the most out of One Button Studio.

Discover what is new at Maker Commons

Discover what is new at Maker Commons

Penn State’s return to primarily in-person instruction allows for increased access to on-campus teaching and learning resources. Maker Commons, located inside Pattee Library at University Park, is one such resource that has been utilized by nearly 3,000 students since 2018.  

“We’re thrilled to have faculty and students back inside Maker Commons this fall,” said Bart Pursel, director of innovation for Teaching and Learning with Technology. “Our staff has worked hard to update the technology and services available at Maker Commons so that faculty and students get the support needed to fuel their innovation and creativity.”  

Faculty and students will be able to explore the educational power of newly-added physical prototyping technology such as; dye sublimationE-textiles, consumer-level die cutters, robotics kits, and sewing. Maker Commons also continues to offer access to 3D printing, 3D scanning, and microprocessing and circuitry. 

For those who have an interest in digital prototyping and wish to think creatively about how to incorporate these technologies into their coursework, you can reach out to a consultant for a consultation with a Maker Commons consultant, or schedule a workshop for your class. New to the lineup this year are sessions in 3D modeling in virtual reality and Adobe Illustrator for Cricut. There are also workshops available for prototyping app development with Adobe XD, Arduino with Tinkercad and 3D modeling with Tinkercad.

Maker Commons resources are available at every Penn State location throughout the Commonwealth. There are many options to get in touch with the team and bring the educational power of making to your class.