Teaching, Learning, & Technology Blog

In-Person Workshop: Design for All – Mastering Accessibility – Tools and Techniques
2025-04-15 14:00 - 15:30, 2025-04-10 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago)
Registration: Since this is an in-person workshop, online registration is not available. Please email ssconline@ssc.edu to register.

Location: Teaching and Learning Center – Main Campus – Library – Room 1249

Please bring your own device: We will be doing hands-on activities, so bring your own laptop to follow along.

Join the Teaching and Learning Center for an interactive workshop focused on enhancing course accessibility through Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles. Learn how to use Ally within D2L to convert content into alternative formats, interpret Ally’s accessibility reports, and improve your course materials for greater inclusivity. We’ll cover tools and techniques to enhance your scores, ensuring all students have equitable access to learning. This workshop session is ideal for instructors looking to improve the accessibility of their content and provide a more inclusive learning environment.

Online Workshop: Design for All – Mastering Accessibility – Tools and Techniques
2025-04-14 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-04-09 16:00 - 17:30
Join the Teaching and Learning Center for an interactive workshop focused on enhancing course accessibility through Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles. Learn how to use Ally within D2L to convert content into alternative formats, interpret Ally’s accessibility reports, and improve your course materials for greater inclusivity. We’ll cover tools and techniques to enhance your scores, ensuring all students have equitable access to learning. This workshop session is ideal for instructors looking to improve the accessibility of their content and provide a more inclusive learning environment.

Register for this Event

Adjunct Faculty Micro-Credential Session: Using D2L Gradebook and Assignments for In-Person, Flex and Online Courses (Online Webinar)
2025-04-12 10:00 - 11:00
This webinar is part of the D2L Brightspace Basics Bootcamp Micro-Credential for Adjunct Instructors at South Suburban College. Webinar sessions are offered on Saturdays, but also offered during the working week. Adjunct Instructors are welcome to attend these sessions at a time and date convenient to them.

About the D2L Brightspace Basics Bootcamp Micro-Credential for Adjunct Instructors

Complete these three webinars presented by the Teaching and Learning Center before the end of the term to receive the certificate of completion and compensation:

D2L Basics Introduction

D2L Gradebook and Assignments

Using Practice Quizzes in D2L to Prepare Students for Higher Stakes Assignments

This session covers: Using D2L Gradebook and Assignments

Register for this Session

In-Person Workshop: D2L Media Library – Upload and/or Record Videos to Meet Accessibility Standards
2025-04-10 12:00 - 13:00
Registration: Since this is an in-person workshop, online registration is not available. Please email ssconline@ssc.edu to register.

Location: Teaching and Learning Center – Main Campus – Library – Room 1249

Please bring your own device: We will be doing hands-on activities, so bring your own laptop to follow along.

This workshop session on the D2L Media Library will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively use this robust tool for managing audio and video content within their D2L courses. This workshop will allow instructors to practice recording a short video and uploading a video file, then use the auto transcription feature. The video transcript that is generated can be downloaded by students as additional notes and study support. Providing transcriptions of audio and video is another great example of meeting accessibility standards for your students.

In addition, the training will explore advanced features of the D2L Media Library such as applying chapters to videos for better navigation, use the built-in video editing tools for minor adjustments, and record videos outside of specific D2L course for use across multiple course offerings. By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with the skills and confidence to effectively use the D2L Media Library to create dynamic, accessible, and efficient course content.

Online Workshop: D2L Media Library – Upload and/or Record Videos to Meet Accessibility Standards
2025-04-08 14:00 - 15:00
This workshop session on the D2L Media Library will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively use this robust tool for managing audio and video content within their D2L courses. This workshop will allow instructors to practice recording a short video and uploading a video file, then use the auto transcription feature. The video transcript that is generated can be downloaded by students as additional notes and study support. Providing transcriptions of audio and video is another great example of meeting accessibility standards for your students.

In addition, the training will explore advanced features of the D2L Media Library such as applying chapters to videos for better navigation, use the built-in video editing tools for minor adjustments, and record videos outside of specific D2L course for use across multiple course offerings. By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with the skills and confidence to effectively use the D2L Media Library to create dynamic, accessible, and efficient course content.

Register for this Event

Adjunct Faculty Micro-Credential Session: Anthology Ally – Accessibility Tools in D2L (Online Webinar)
2025-03-29 10:00 - 11:00
This webinar is part of the Inclusive Teaching Micro-Credential for Adjunct Instructors at South Suburban College. Webinar sessions are offered on Saturdays, but also offered during the working week. Adjunct Instructors are welcome to attend these sessions at a time and date convenient to them.

About the Inclusive Teaching Micro-Credential

Complete these three webinars presented by the Teaching and Learning Center before the end of the term to receive the certificate of completion and compensation:

Introduction to Teaching Best Practices

Anthology Ally (Accessibility Tools in D2L)

SSDO Passports & Accommodations (including pregnancy)

This session covers: Anthology Ally (Accessibility Tools in D2L)

Register for this Event

Adjunct Faculty Micro-Credential Session: Introduction to Teaching Best Practices (Online Webinar)
2025-03-26 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-03-01 10:00 - 11:00
Are you new to teaching at the college level and/or perhaps would like to pick up a few tips and tricks on teaching best practices? Join the Teaching and Learning Center as they provide helpful tidbits on communication with students, classroom management (in both face-to-face and virtual classroom settings) and discuss examples of designing content based on educational strategies.

We will conclude this session by introducing you to the new ION course entitled Welcome to Effective Teaching and Learning Strategies. This course is designed to take teaching best practices to the next step. Tuition for this 8-week, fully online ION course will be fully paid for by the college and will greatly enhance your teaching skills. A certification of completion will be granted, which you can provide to the Teaching and Learning Center to showcase your accomplishment.

Adjunct Faculty Micro-Credential Session: Introduction to Teaching Best Practices (Online Webinar)

This webinar is part of the Inclusive Teaching Micro-Credential for Adjunct Instructors at South Suburban College. Webinar sessions are offered on Saturdays, but also offered during the working week. Adjunct Instructors are welcome to attend these sessions at a time and date convenient to them.

About the Inclusive Teaching Micro-Credential

Complete these three webinars presented by the Teaching and Learning Center before the end of the term to receive the certificate of completion and compensation:

Introduction to Teaching Best Practices

Anthology Ally (Accessibility tools within D2L)

SSDO Passports & Accommodations (including pregnancy)

This session covers: Introduction to Teaching Best Practices (Online Webinar)

Register for this Event

2nd 8-Week Courses Begin
2025-03-24 08:00 - 17:00

Quality Matters: Manage Course Review Process (Vendor Webinar)
2025-03-19 13:00 - 14:00
Presented by Alise Hagan, Senior Instructional Designer, and Andrea Leonard, Senior Instructional Designer, from University of Louisiana Lafayette

UL Lafayette has conducted nearly 50 QM Subscriber-Managed course reviews: seven between 2019-2022 and 42 between 2022-2024. The increase in successful reviews was the result of a novel course review cohort model. This presentation will discuss (1) incorporating a cohort model in support of the established QM Subscriber-Managed review; (2) quantitative results reflecting the actual and perceived benefits to courses and faculty; and (3) lessons learned from implementing a cohort-review model.

Register for this Event

Special Note: SSC is a member of Quality Matters, so this webinar is free to instructors and staff. If prompted to create an account, use your SSC email.

Beyond Jarvis: Unleashing the Power of Generative AI in Educational Strategy and Design (Vendor Webinar)
2025-03-18 11:00 - 12:00
Discover the power of generative AI personas in this webinar designed to improve communication, build empathy, and solve challenges in academic and administrative settings. You’ll master a simple three-step process to create realistic, data-driven personas that are both relatable and effective. The session concludes with a dynamic role-playing activity, where we’ll navigate a tough conversation with a fictional professor resistant to online learning, using advanced techniques to uncover deeper motivations and address hidden concerns. Perfect for instructional designers, administrators, and faculty, this webinar offers practical strategies to transform your approach to problem-solving and collaboration.

Key Takeaways:

Understanding Generative AI: Define generative AI and explain its functionality, providing a solid foundation in how this technology works.

Best Practices in Prompting: Master effective prompting techniques with generative AI to achieve the best results, saving time and adding significant value

Strategic Planning with Limited Resources: Learn how to utilize Generative AI to identify and assess cost-effective strategies, essential for optimizing resources in budget-constrained environments.

Cost-Effective Instructional Design: Apply Generative AI tools to enhance course development, assessment design, and faculty training, increasing efficiency and scalability in instructional delivery.

Ethical AI Use in Education: Address the ethical challenges of employing Generative AI in educational settings, focusing on responsible and equitable practices.

Intended Audience:

Instructional designers, training professionals, faculty, administrators

Register for this Event

Spring 2025 Midterm Break - No Classes - College Open
2025-03-17 08:00 - 2025-03-21 17:00

Adjunct Faculty Micro-Credential Session: D2L Basics Introduction (Online Webinar)
2025-03-15 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-02-27 18:00 - 19:00
This webinar is part of the D2L Brightspace Basics Bootcamp Micro-Credential for Adjunct Instructors at South Suburban College. Webinar sessions are offered on Saturdays, but also offered during the working week. Adjunct Instructors are welcome to attend these sessions at a time and date convenient to them.

About the D2L Brightspace Basics Bootcamp Micro-Credential for Adjunct Instructors

Complete these three webinars presented by the Teaching and Learning Center before the end of the term to receive the certificate of completion and compensation:

D2L Basics Introduction

D2L Gradebook and Assignments

Using Practice Quizzes in D2L to Prepare Students for Higher Stakes Assignments

This session covers: D2L Basic Introduction

Register for this Event

Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education (Online Webinar)
2025-03-14 10:00 - 11:00
Join the Teaching and Learning Center for an insightful one-hour webinar tailored specifically for instructors at South Suburban College interested in integrating artificial intelligence, particularly ChatGPT, into their course design and assignment processes. This session will explore how AI can enhance curriculum development and provide a unique perspective on the student experience when using ChatGPT.

Objectives:

Understanding ChatGPT: Learn the basics of how ChatGPT works and its potential applications in education.

Course Design Enhancement: Discover strategies for incorporating ChatGPT into course design, including generating content ideas, creating assessments, developing quiz questions and online discussion prompts.

Student Perspective: Experience a live demonstration of how students are using ChatGPT along with best practices for guiding students in using AI responsibly.

Other Applications: If time permits, we’ll also demonstrate some other applications that may be helpful for course design such as creating images and music using AI software.

Who Should Attend: This webinar is designed for instructors at all levels who want to innovate their teaching methods and enhance student engagement through the use of AI technology.

Takeaways: Participants will leave with actionable insights on how to effectively incorporate ChatGPT into their course design and an understanding of the student’s experience with AI.

Register for this Event

Search Like a Pro: Discover Google Search Tricks to Empower Your Students (Online Webinar) (.25 PGU)
2025-03-13 10:00 - 11:00
Google remains the number one search engine globally. It dominates the search engine market with a significant share, handling over 90% of global search queries. But many enter search terms in a way that can sometimes provide millions of results that one must sort through.

Join the Teaching and Learning Center in this one-hour training designed to introduce faculty and staff to Google search operators—powerful tools that can accurately target your search results more precisely. These operators help users filter, exclude, or focus the information they’re looking for, making searches more efficient and effective.

Additionally, this training will equip faculty with the skills to assist their students in conducting more effective internet searches and fostering critical information literacy skills that can last a lifetime.

By the end of the session, participants will not only improve their own internet search skills but also be prepared to help their students conduct more efficient and targeted Google searches, enhancing both teaching and learning outcomes.

Register for this Event

Adjunct Faculty Micro-Credential Session: Getting to Know the Services for Students with Disabilities Office (SSDO) (Online Webinar)
2025-03-12 04:00 - 17:00
What do you do when a student provides you with an accommodation password from the Services for Students with Disabilities office?

Join Davina Davis, Manager of Services for Students with Disabilities (SSDO), in partnership with the Teaching and Learning Center, as she walks you through the process.

This virtual workshop will cover the following important topics:

What is an accommodation password and what is expected of the instructor.

Compliance issue and legal responsibilities (federal and state laws).

How to assist students that may need extra support during classtime (service animals in the classroom or pregnant and lactating students, just to name a few).

Where to find test proctoring and other services offered by the SSDO.

Active Learning: test your knowledge by completing “What Would You Do” scenarios with other faculty.

About the Inclusive Teaching Micro-Credential

Adjunct Faculty – Complete these three webinars presented by the Teaching and Learning Center before the end of the term to receive the certificate of completion and compensation:

Introduction to Teaching Best Practices

Anthology Ally (Accessibility tools within D2L)

SSDO Passports & Accommodations (including pregnancy)

This session covers: SSDO Passports & Accommodations (Online Webinar)

Register for this Event

Anatomy Online Courses: Who Says Bones Are Boring? (Vendor Webinar)
2025-03-11 14:00 - 15:00
Getting students to connect with bone anatomy can be a challenge — whether in the classroom, lab or online. But with the right strategies, you can boost engagement and deepen their understanding. In this interactive workshop, in partnership with HAPS, we’ll explore innovative ways to help students feel engaged, grasp bone features and apply their knowledge beyond the lab.

Together, we’ll tackle key questions:

Should bone anatomy be included in lectures?

How can we better reach, engage and support online learners?

How do we encourage independent study outside the confines of the classroom and lab environments?

We’ll share effective techniques and exchange tried-and-true methods used in various teaching settings, including large lectures, small community colleges and online courses. Bring your ideas and experiences to enrich the discussion!

You’ll leave with fresh, practical approaches to get your students excited about bone anatomy.

Register for this Event

Special Note: Even though this webinar is sponsored by Cengage, you do not need to be using a Cengage textbook to participate.

Introduction to Teaching Best Practices (Online Webinar)
2025-03-10 10:00 - 11:00
Are you new to teaching at the college level and/or perhaps would like to pick up a few tips and tricks on teaching best practices? Join the Teaching and Learning Center as they provide helpful tidbits on communication with students, classroom management (in both face-to-face and virtual classroom settings) and discuss examples of designing content based on educational strategies.

We will conclude this session by introducing you to the new ION course entitled Welcome to Effective Teaching and Learning Strategies. This course is designed to take teaching best practices to the next step. Tuition for this 8-week, fully online ION course will be fully paid for by the college and will greatly enhance your teaching skills. A certification of completion will be granted, which you can provide to the Teaching and Learning Center to showcase your accomplishment.

Register for this Event

Rubrics: Use Pre-Designed Rubrics created by SSC Outcomes Committee or Create Your Own (Online Webinar) (.25 PGU)
2025-03-06 16:00 - 17:00
Rubrics in D2L are a great way to easily communicate assignment expectations to students for any type of course (traditional, hybrid or online). Rubrics in D2L also saves faculty time evaluating and grading while providing quality and objective feedback on student assignments.

In this webinar, we’ll cover the following:

Attaching a pre-designed SSC General Education Rubric created by SSC Outcomes Committee.

Creating your own rubric from scratch and attaching it to an assignment.

Using two different rubrics for one assignment.

Using a rubric directly within gradebook column (for assignments from publisher or observing-type assignments, such as presentations or participation).

Grading an assignment using a rubric and discover how students see their feedback.

Rubric Data: demonstrate ways for instructors to view rubric reporting within a course and the latest customized data dashboard available to instructors which show case the institutional general rubric data collected from the Outcomes Committee. Guage the overall rubric use, with the ability to sort by semester, department, and rubric criterion level.

Join the Teaching and Learning Center for this online webinar as we get instructors started using Rubrics in D2L.

Unable to attend? View recordings of this session at: https://tl.ssc.edu/rubrics-at-ssc-general-education-and-course-level/

Register for this Event

Adjunct Faculty Micro-Credential Session: Using D2L Gradebook and Assignments for In-Person, Flex and Online Courses (Online Webinar)
2025-03-05 18:00 - 19:00
This webinar is part of the D2L Brightspace Basics Bootcamp Micro-Credential for Adjunct Instructors at South Suburban College. Webinar sessions are offered on Saturdays, but also offered during the working week. Adjunct Instructors are welcome to attend these sessions at a time and date convenient to them.

About the D2L Brightspace Basics Bootcamp Micro-Credential for Adjunct Instructors

Complete these three webinars presented by the Teaching and Learning Center before the end of the term to receive the certificate of completion and compensation:

D2L Basics Introduction

D2L Gradebook and Assignments

Using Practice Quizzes in D2L to Prepare Students for Higher Stakes Assignments

This session covers: Using D2L Gradebook and Assignments

Register for this Event

CARLI: Turning Data into Action: Responding to Illinois Student's Need for Equity in Course Material (Vendor Webinar)
2025-03-04 13:00 - 14:30
In this webinar, hear how a diverse group of institutions are responding to Illinois students’ course material experiences and preferences expressed in the 2023 Illinois Course Materials Survey: Student Perspective. Representatives from College of DuPage, Lincoln Land Community College, Millikin University, Oakton College, and Southern Illinois University Carbondale will describe their institutional support and methods for distributing the statewide survey, their methods for analyzing and sharing the survey data, and what impacts and benefits have resulted.

Presenters:

Amber Burtis, Southern Illinois University Carbondale;Scott Ebbing and Tammy Kuhn-Schnell, Lincoln Land Community College;Lauren Kosrow, College of DuPage;Michelle Oh, Oakton College;Amanda Pippitt, Millikin University.

Register for this Event

Instructor Training for LockDown Browser & Respondus Monitor: Prevent Cheating During Online Exams (Vendor Webinar)
2025-03-04 12:00 - 13:00
This comprehensive training webinar is intended for instructors who plan to use LockDown Browser and/or Respondus Monitor with online exams in Blackboard, Brightspace, Canvas, Moodle, and Schoology.

LockDown Browser is a custom browser that prevents digital cheating during an online exam. Respondus Monitor is a companion product for LockDown Browser that deters cheating when students take online exams in non- proctored environments. Students use their own computers with a standard webcam to record assessment sessions.

The training will cover:

– How to use LockDown Browser to prevent digital cheating in proctored testing environments

– How to use Respondus Monitor in non-proctored environments, to protect exam integrity and confirm student identity

– The student perspective using each application

– Efficient review of the assessment data collected, including the Review Priority system, timeline, and milestone features

– Best practices and tips for success with both applications

Register for this Event

Holiday - College Closed
2025-02-28 08:00 - 17:00

Adjunct Faculty Micro-Credential Session: Using Practice Quizzes in D2L to Prepare Students for Higher Stakes Assignments (Online Webinar)
2025-02-22 10:00 - 11:00
This webinar is part of the D2L Brightspace Basics Bootcamp Micro-Credential for Adjunct Instructors at South Suburban College. Webinar sessions are offered on Saturdays, but also offered during the working week. Adjunct Instructors are welcome to attend these sessions at a time and date convenient to them.

About the D2L Brightspace Basics Bootcamp Micro-Credential for Adjunct Instructors

Complete these three webinars presented by the Teaching and Learning Center before the end of the term to receive the certificate of completion and compensation:

D2L Basics Introduction

D2L Gradebook and Assignments

Using Practice Quizzes in D2L to Prepare Students for Higher Stakes Assignments

This session covers: Using Practice Quizzes in D2L to Prepare Students for Higher Stakes Assignments

Register for this Event

Introduction to D2L Media Library (Online Webinar) (.25 PGU)
2025-02-21 10:00 - 23:00
This one-hour training session on the D2L Media Library will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively use this robust tool for managing audio and video content within their D2L courses. Participants will learn how to access their media library and highlighting the auto transcription feature, which generates transcripts for media files that can be downloaded by students as additional notes and study support.

In addition, the training will explore advanced features of the D2L Media Library such as applying chapters to videos for better navigation, use the built-in video editing tools for minor adjustments, and record videos outside of specific D2L course for use across multiple course offerings.

By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with the skills and confidence to effectively use the D2L Media Library to create dynamic, accessible, and efficient course content.

Register for this Event

D2L Basics and Simple Syllabus Refresher (Online Webinar)
2025-02-19 16:00 - 17:00
Join the Teaching and Learning Center for this online webinar as we get instructors started using D2L.  We’ll demonstrate D2L navigation, how to add and organize content into modules, how to create assignments, basic gradebook functionality, and ways to communicate with your students.

In this webinar, we’ll cover the following:

Introducing the D2L Pulse App and easy notifications to students (sort of like text messaging to mobile phones).

Where to locate your Syllabus – using Simple Syllabus

Creating weekly modules and posting a variety of content into those modules (powerpoints, pdf’s, videos, etc.).

Creating assignments (discussion forum, written assignment, online practice quiz) and passing the score to the D2L gradebook.

Basic grading functionality and submitting attendance, midterm and final grades to the student information system.

Various ways to communicate with your students (announcement, emails, students who missed assignments, etc.).

Register for this Event

Quality Matters: Designing for Everyone: Accessibility, Usability and the New ADA Ruling (Vendor Webinar)
2025-02-19 12:00 - 13:00
Accessibility is not just about compliance; it’s about creating better experiences for everyone. In this session, we’ll outline the recent ADA updates that extend regulations to websites and mobile apps, and what they mean for organizations. We’ll also explore actionable strategies for improving accessibility, such as optimizing page structure, enhancing readability, and designing inclusive videos and images. Whether you’re new to accessibility or looking to refine your approach, this session will provide valuable insights to help you create more inclusive content.

Register for this Event

Note: SSC is a member of Quality Matters which provides instructors free accounts. If asked to create an account, please use your SSC email. There should be no charge for attending this event.
