Professional Development
Distance Learning and Instructional Media Services offers several hands-on workshops, in addition to one-on-one assistance, for a variety of instructional technology and online learning topics, such as:
- Media Streaming Services
- Instructional Technology Tools
- ADA Accessibility Best Practices for Online Content
- Other topics vary by semester
Upcoming workshops are listed below. To request one-on-one assistance, or for questions regarding the following workshops, contact Distance Learning and Instructional Media Services.
View and Register for Upcoming Workshops
Descriptions for all workshops are shared on this page. To view the dates of the workshops, view the Online Learning Training Calendar.
The register for a workshop, complete the Workshop Registration Form.
Learning Management System (LMS) Training
The current USF System Learning Management System (LMS) is Blackboard Learn. Blackboard Training is always available. Contact Gary Austin, at (727) 873-4404, or visit Distance Learning Library Support for more information.
In preparation for the move to a new Learning Management System, the following workshops will be provided to introduce Canvas. All sessions will be 90 minutes long and take place in POY 218. Open Labs will be 2.5 hours long and will also take place in POY 218. Dates for all workshops are listed on the Online Learning Training Calendar.
Canvas Overview
A introduction to the Canvas interface from a student and faculty perspective. It will provide a demonstration of the highlights of Canvas and explain some of the differences between Canvas and Blackboard.
The Great Migration
An introduction to the migration process for getting a course from Blackboard to Canvas. The course is limited to 10 participants since it will intensively 'hands-on' with DL staff available to help faculty get started.
Open Lab
The open lab will give faculty an opportunity to sit down at a computer to work on their class with DL staff available to answer questions and provide assistance. No registration required.
Course Templates
Distance Learning Instructional Design Strategies
Distance Learning and Instructional Design Strategies Bootcamp
Dates: Thursday, June 13
Time: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Location: POY 218
In this bootcamp, participants will gain an understanding of best practices for effective course design through presentations, activities, and group discussions. Topics will include the eight standards of the Quality Matters Rubric: Course Overview and Introduction, Learning Objectives, Assessment and Measurement, Instructional Materials, Learner Interaction and Engagement, Course Technology, Learner Support, and Accessibility. By the end of the workshop, instructors will have had created an entire learning module based off of best practices in Instructional Design and the principles of Quality Matters. You must be in attendance for the entire training to receive credit.
Quality Matters
Quality Matters Peer Reviewer Certified Training Course
We are currently seeking faculty and staff who would like to participate in the next step of Quality Matters and become a Peer Reviewer. This Peer Reviewer Course (PRC) is intended to prepare faculty to become Quality Matters Certified Peer Reviewers. The PRC includes a review of Quality Matters, practice critiquing and writing helpful recommendations, and a Practice Review in which participants are asked to review specific standards in an online course using a simulated online rubric tool.
This is a two week online course and participants will be expect to spend at least 8-10 hours per week completing the required activities. Upon successful completion of this course, online teaching faculty will be able to complete an online application to become a QM Certified Peer Reviewer. QM Certified Peer Reviewers are eligible to serve on both QM-managed and Subscriber-managed course reviews. There are several start dates in the upcoming weeks/months for you to choose from so you will be able to pick what best fits your schedule.
If interested, we will pay for your seat and email you an invoice number to use when registering. Please do not register just yet! Submit your information through the Peer Reviewer Course interest form.
Additional Workshops
The Canvas Overview workshop (listed above) is a required prerequisite for each of the following workshops.
Creating an Effective Rubric
Tuesday June 4, 10:00AM - 11:00AM
Participants will learn the basic principles of constructing a rubric for the common types of assessments and how to use the Rubric tool with Canvas.
Panopto Workshop
Tuesday June 11, 2:00PM - 3:30PM
Participants will learn the basics of recording, editing, and uploading media into your course using Panopto. Participants must bring a laptop with Panopto installed.
Camtasia Workshop
Tuesday June 18, 1:00PM - 2:30PM
Participants will learn the basics of recording, editing, and uploading media into your course using Camtasia. Participants must bring a laptop with Camtasia installed.
Online Accessibility for Students with Disabilities
Academic Impressions held a two part webinar series on accessibility and distance education. Session One covered regulations and guidelines. Session Two covered tools, tipcs, and best practices. CDs of the previously recorded webinars are available for loan. Each session was approximately 90 minutes in length. Handouts and slides are included on the CD. Contact Karla Kmetz at 727-873-4474 for more information.