Category Archives: Uncategorized

An OER Book: AI Hacks for Educators

 

AI Hacks for Educators Books Cover

click for book

More books from the conference Teaching and Learning with AI (the last is OER also):

Brightspace update

The June 2024 release is scheduled to be deployed on the evening of June 13th, 2024. Full release notes can be found here: https://community.d2l.com/brightspace/kb/articles/25983-june-2024-20-24-6.

Below we have outlined a few of the updates that we feel are most impactful. Please note that the Slim Announcement widget updates outlined in the release notes are currently being discussed with D2L. We expect to send a follow-up communication regarding this update once we have the full (and correct) information to share with Campus Administrators.

Assignments – Annotations update from Version 2023.4.0 to 2024.3.0:

 

This update fixes several defects (undocumented in release notes) within Annotations; in addition, the icons used in the several areas within Annotations have received minor updates. Included below are a few examples:

Current view on left, new view on right:

Here is another comparison, again, the current view is on the left and the new view is on the right:


With this update, we also wanted to highlight the following warning from D2L within the release notes: Safari browsers using versions older than version 15.4 are no longer supported for the Annotations software. This is currently a legacy browser. For more information, refer to Browser support.

 

Assignments – Google and Microsoft 365 options available in File Upload:

Faculty will find that the option to directly upload a file from Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive is now available when editing and evaluating an assignment. Users can upload a file by clicking File Upload, and then clicking Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive in the Add a File window.

Previously, Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive files could only be added as link attachments.


Brightspace Editor – Updated storage location for feedback attachments in Assignments, Discussions, and Quizzes:

When using Insert Stuff file picker to attach feedback, feedback files are now stored in a ‘Feedback Files’ location. This area is designated for storing learner feedback. As a result, Learners can now review feedback files from the Grades page, similar to how they can currently view attached Feedback Files.

Previously, Feedback Files added using Insert Stuff file picker were stored in Manage Files within the course.

Note: Only feedback added from the Overall Feedback field and the Completion Summarypage in Quizzes appears in Grades for learners.

Additionally, upon testing we found that unlike ‘Manage Files’ the new ‘Feedback Files’ location is not an area that can be navigated to from within a course – files are simply stored there and are accessible to Learners via the Grades.

Manage Dates – Bulk edit and offset dates for recurring Intelligent Agents | Updated:

With this update, users can edit multiple intelligent agents that had previously been set up with a recurring schedule. Users can also use Bulk Edit Dates to add or remove a new start or end date for Intelligent Agents, or use the Bulk Offset Dates to offset the start / end dates from the Manage Dates tool.

In our testing we found that it should be emphasized that this does not apply to agents that are set to just run one time. These agents will still need to be edited via the Intelligent Agent tool.

A note about Brightspace updates:

Brightspace uses a Continuous Delivery model for monthly updates and SUNY is part of “Wave 3” on the update schedule. Please see this Wave Schedule for the date range of when an update will be deployed:https://community.d2l.com/brightspace/kb/articles/1048-wave-schedule. Current, past and future release notes can also be located in the sidebar of this page.

Echo360 e3 Tech Grant Program

We are currently accepting applications

Now is your opportunity to lead the future of inspired learning with Echo360, we are currently accepting applications for 2024.

Echo360 e3 Tech Grants will award up to 20 recipients with cash or software grants US $2,000 in cash or up to $5,000 in software in each of the program’s two categories:

 

EchoImpact Grants:   For partners already using an Echo360 solution.

Join a small group of your peers to support adoption of Echo360 at your institution. Instructors, researchers and central staff interested in improving learner outcomes with Echo360 are encouraged to apply.

Each winning application will receive –

  • US $2,000 in cash to support a project of their choice.
  • Full funding to join their peers in a 2 day on-site workshop (inc. flights, meals and accommodation) to discuss the adoption of Echo360 at their institution.

 

EchoInnovation Grants: providing software solutions to help teachers and trainers develop innovative practices that improve learning engagement. Each winning application will be able to use Echo360’s interactive software up to the value of US $5,000 from the following products: EchoVideo, EchoAuthor, EchoEngage or EchoExam.  Please note: for some software options, organizational IT and Administration must provide access for integrations to ensure full access to the platforms are available.

January 17: Launch of e3 Tech Grants Program
March 22: Applications close
April 1: Grant recipients notified
April 17-18: EMEA EchoImpact Grants Workshop
May 7-8: APAC EchoImpact Grants Workshop
October 2024: North America Grants Workshop (dates TBD)

For questions, please contact Alison Maloney, Director Echo360 Professional Learning echoanzchampion@echo360.com