Renton Technical College
Instructional Improvement
January 2007
Volume 5, No .5
The second word in our title is faculty and the focus is on items of interest in the technical college classroom. This
includes what faculty are doing well in their programs, timesaving tips, and proven resources. We encourage articles
from faculty and will help you present an idea if writing isn’t your cup of tea. So don’t hide your light under the
proverbial bushel, let it shine. Contact us to share news we can all use.
The Modernization of a Classroom…. and a Teacher
Tim Culler of Computer Science took Ron Bleed’s In-Service comments about where students are more
likely to study to heart. He created a flexible learning environment, the “Computer Science Internet Café” in
an otherwise unused corner. Read Tim’s entire article at
http://webs.rtc.edu/ii/Publications/Modernization%20of%20a%20Classroom.doc
What’s next in Interactive Online Encyclopedias
Can scholars build a better version of Wikipedia? Larry Sanger, a co-founder who has since become a critic of
the open-source encyclopedia, intends to find out. Sanger has announced the creation of the
Citizendium (a new online, interactive encyclopedia that will be open to public contributors but
guided by academic editors. The site aims to give academics more authorial control -- and a less
combative environment -- than they find on Wikipedia, which allows all users to have the same
editing privileges, whether they have any proven expertise or not. The Citizendium, for "citizen's
compendium," will is starting a pilot project to determine many of its basic rules and operating
procedures.” http://citizendium.org
Millions of Books in Digital Form.
Need free reading material online? Several libraries have allowed Google to scan public domain
books (books no longer protected by copyright) to be shown entirely and will allow them to show snippets
from copyrighted material, which the company believes is “fair use.” To search the site, go to
http://books.google.com
Become a more Effective Presenter
This author sitting through what he describes as "The Worst Presentation Ever." He goes on to
provide five useful tips for presenters, starting with "Know thy audience." Educators frequently have
to make presentations, within the class, at a recruitment event or at a professional conference. Have
you been trained to be an effective presenter?
http://www.techlearning.com/blog/2006/09/the_worst_presentation_ever.php
Avoiding Death by PowerPoint
If we had a dime for every time we’ve reminded instructors not to be a “talking PowerPoint” we could fund a
parking garage—honest! Here are some hints to keep those students focused and interested in your
PowerPoint show.
http://www.presentersuniversity.com/delivery_tapping.php
Morning Message
Many teachers write a message to their students every morning to anchor the day's learning. The article
"Good Morning, Learners" from the Responsive Classroom website explains the goals of morning messages and
gives useful tips for creating them http://www.responsiveclassroom.org/articlelibrary/feature_50.asp
Hundreds of new ideas for free
See what other instructors around the world are doing by visiting these recommended blogs.
http://www.techlearning.com/blog/2006/11/vote_me_off_the_island_the_new.php
Using Manipulatives in Teaching
So many of our students are tactile learners, it only makes sense that the hands-on approach would be very
effective for abstract subjects like math. Here are some ideas.
http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/hdenney/
Keeping lectures interactive
One page, nine great tips for making your lecture more interactive.
http://trc.virginia.edu/Publications/Teaching_Concerns/Spring_1995/TC_Spring_1995_Students_
Thinking.htm
UDL Project Update
UDL ProjectHave a student who has a hard time seeing small print or pictures on the computer? Donna
Maher of Medical Office Programs found a FREE screen magnifier called Lens- Magnifying Glass. It is easy
to use and sits over other programs. Magnifies up to 64 times! Try it: http://www.download.com/LensMagnifying-Glass/3000-2347_4-10262078.html?tag= Need more? Contact Cathy Jenner or Cheryl
Culwell for ZoomText, a more sophisticated, licensed program for the visually impaired. More and more
students are letting instructors know that they have learning challenges. Remember, even if a student tells you
about a disability or challenge, it is important to KEEP THE INFORMATION CONFIDENTIAL. Be
careful about talking in non-private places. Give us a call or email if you would like help supporting a student
with a learning challenge or disability. : Contact Cathy Jenner x5639 or Cheryl Culwell x5724
Google courting teachers with new tech resource
Google for Educators, offers guides and lesson plans detailing creative ways to use Blogger, Google Maps,
Google Earth and nine other Google applications in the classroom. The site also offers links to a training
academy that will allow teachers to become "Google certified." Silicon.com (10/12)
Quote of the Month
"A master can tell you what he expects of you. A teacher, though, awakens your own
expectations.” ~ Patricia Neal ~
Renton Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, or age in its
programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: HRD
Director, 3000 NE 4th Street, Renton, WA 98056, 425-235-7873