The Digital Spark
Issue 7: December 11, 2017
Last Issue of the Year!
As the office reflects on the year, we have seen some good people move on and we have also had many good people come and stay! Our team is hitting on all cylinders right now with a group of incredibly talented, innovative, and dedicated people. We moved--two times! If you haven't come to visit us in our new digs (central wing, 2nd floor, Ritenour) maybe you can get by before or after break. We can let you see (and try) all the cool things we are doing! We are especially proud of all the new faculty connections we have made this year and the ones who have continued to move our World Campus and digital initiatives forward. We couldn't do this without YOU! THANK YOU!
That said, come check out our One Button Studio! It should be up and running for you to explore. The lightboard is lit and ready to go! Come see what we are doing with VR, gitbooks, H5P, HAX, ELMS:LN, and more! It's always a joy working with a curious, open, and innovative community–there's no place else we would rather be! See you all next year!
P.S. Do me a favor, click the button below, and let me know what you'd like to learn or see next year!! ~ melissa
Examity Training Scheduled for December 15
Examity will offer two training sessions on December 15 for faculty interested in learning more about the online proctoring tool that can be integrated into Canvas courses. To learn more about Examity, please see Examity tool for online proctoring now integrated with Canvas.
Sessions will be offered from 10 a.m. to noon, and from 1 to 3 p.m. Participants can attend either in person in 121H Outreach Building, or via Zoom.
To connect via Zoom, please visit:
- Morning session — https://zoom.us/j/545224609
- Afternoon session — https://zoom.us/j/699824424
The first session will be recorded and posted to the Examity at Penn State website for anyone unable to attend.
Note: Examity is a for-fee online proctoring service that is charged to each individual department. Department heads must sign off on the use of Examity before it will be turned on.
Congratulations ODL's Michael Potter!
ODL meets ETS: Virtual Reality
ODL’s Chuck Lavera revisits his first trip into Virtual Reality (VR) as the ODL team explores Blender, A-Frame, and web components using the HTC Vive.
Read his blog: “Exploring Virtual Reality / A-Frame using the HTC Vive.”
Tech Talk: Ximera
Ximera is an open-source software project that seeks to help course instructors create learning materials for their students in the form of interactive web pages and high quality PDF documents. The strategy to achieve this goal is to separate content from deployment.
The Math Department has been doing some research on using this tool to deliver content online and in residence. We believe combining Ximera with ELMS:LN and other open source tools, we could improve the learning experience for students, as well as make the teaching experience more effective.
If you are interested in learning more about Ximera, please let us know!
Accessibility: Does Your Video need Audio Descriptions?
Try listening to this youtube video with your eyes closed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WdC4DaYIeQ.
Would you know what is going on in the video if you couldn't see it?
Now listen to the same video with an added audio description and your eyes closed:
Check out the article at the following link to learn more about audio descriptions, when to use them and to experience more examples and capable video players: http://www.3playmedia.com/2017/10/31/does-your-video-need-standard-extended-description/
Contact our office if you want to learn more or want to discuss your accessibility needs.
Events and Opportunities
ECOS Digital Innovation Group (DIG)
Wednesday, Dec 13, 2017, 02:30 PM
327 Thomas Building
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
Canvas WinterFest 2017 Training Sessions Announced
Winterfest courses will run January 3–5, 2018, and will be available via Zoom, which makes access easy across the entire University.
Visit any of the below links to learn more about the classes and register. Spots can fill up quickly, so make sure to register today if you want to get the most out of Winterfest 2018. If you have any questions, please contact itld@psu.edu.
- Canvas: An Introduction (via Zoom) - Wednesday, January 3, from 9:45 to 11:00 a.m. via web
- Canvas: Creating and Delivering Effective Content (via Zoom) - Thursday, January 4, from 8:45 to 11:30 a.m. via web
- Canvas: Creating Assignments and Quizzes (via Zoom) - Thursday, January 4, from 12:45 to 3:30 p.m. via web
- Canvas: Using the Gradebook (via Zoom) - Friday, January 5, from 8:45 to 11:30 a.m. via web
- Canvas: An Introduction (via Zoom) - Friday, January 5, from 1:45 to 3:00 p.m. via web
Teaching and Learning with Technology (TLT) Symposium
The Penn State Symposium for Teaching and Learning with Technology is an annual one-day event to showcase ways that technology can be used to enhance teaching, learning, and research. Our intent is to give faculty and staff the opportunity to share how they are using technology in unique ways, network with other colleagues, and generate new project ideas.
The symposium is a free event that welcomes all Penn State faculty, staff, and students.
Saturday, Mar 17, 2018, 07:30 AM
The Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center, Innovation Boulevard, State College, PA, United States
Creativity: Make Your Own Snowflakes!
The Office of Digital Learning
The Office of Digital Learning (ODL) helps faculty and students make the most of digital learning technology. We collaboratively design and build tools for any pedagogy.
Dream it and we can help bring it to life.
Email: odl@science.psu.edu
Website: odl.science.psu.edu
Phone: (814) 867-1391
Twitter: @eberly_odl