June 22, 2009

Good Morning Developers,

I hope everyone had a nice weekend and an enjoyable Father's Day! We are quickly approaching the half-way course completion point for this round of developments with next Monday, June 29, marking the 50% completion deadline. At that point we will be going into your course(s) to see how things are coming along. If you are unable to meet this deadline, please let me know as soon as possible.

As you continue working on your course development(s), please be thinking of ways to enhance the learning experience for your students through the use of technology, interaction, and other course enhancements. On the right side of this blog you will find a listing and links to various learning enhancement resources, please take a moment to explore at least one of these resources and implement into your course(s).

Another resource that could be very beneficial to your students is the implementation of Skillsoft. You may have participated in a Skillsoft course as an employee so may be familiar with the resource already, but if Skillsoft is new to you, here is a brief explanation from the Skillsoft User's Guide of what it is and what it has to offer:

"SkillPort� is a web-based e-Learning portal where you can access a range of training resources at work, at home, and on the road ... whenever and wherever you have the need and time.
SkillPort allows you to:" assign or implement various learning opportunities related to your coursework such as:

• Specific topic training courses;
• Skillbriefs, Job Aids, and Express Guides to further explore individual terms, concepts, or topics;
• Simulations for interactive participation with a topic or concept;
• TestPrep Exams;
• Books 24x7 to offer free access to additional course readings that relate to the course content;
  
• And other great resources.

To explore all Skillsoft has to offer, contact the GEN helpdesk at helpdesk@msbcollege.edu to verify your username and log-in and then click here to access the log-in page: Skillport Log-in. Once in Skillport, click on the Guided Tour tab on the left hand of the screen to learn more and to begin searching for resource and training opportunities to add to your course development(s). If you'd like some specific suggestions on ways to implement this resource into your course(s), please let me know and I'd be happy to work with you individually on this.

Amy Ode, the Online Curriculum Manager, will be returning from family medical leave next Monday, June 29. At that time you will begin working with her on your development project(s) once again, but please don't hesitate to contact me for any assistance also as we are both here to help in any way we can.

Have a great week and thank you for all of your hard work on these courses!

Heather