I have participated in NaNoWriMo a few times. The first time resulted in my book, Read to Succeed. My last attempt has sparked progress to a book I am currently finalizing. I am hoping to have it released in the next couple of months. I am using this NaNoWriMo event as a catalyst to feed my latest book idea. NaNoWriMo is a perfect vehicle for jump-starting a writing project. I think this is a wonderful challenge for students. It is a stretch goal, but it lets them know what is possible. Students will learn how to break down a large task into smaller, more manageable parts as well as manage a schedule to deliver on time. This week, I am going to tell you about NaNoWriMo and my writing strategy. I will also encourage you to join me in this year’s NaNoWriMo. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/  Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom  Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc140  Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/  Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander  Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/ 

In the Classroom with Stan Skrabut

ITC: 140 - Here is a Challenge to Participate in NaNoWriMo

When I was in the Air Force, I had taken courses on instructional systems design or ISD. I learned about Gagné's 9 Events of Instruction. As I was pursuing my degrees, I was exposed to ADDIE, which is a waterfall design method. Along the way, I also learned about agile programming and its underlying methodology. During my exploration, I learned how to apply agile programming to instructional design. I was not the only one seeing the connection. Dr. Michael Allen developed a more rapid design methodology called SAM or the Successive Approximation Model. It uses agile iterative design as its core to test and improve ideas. The goal is to develop working modules quicker. You prototype a solution, test it, and then make updates. This week, we are going to take a closer look at SAM and how it can be useful for your course design. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/  Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom  Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc139  Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/  Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander  Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/ 

ITC: 139 - Putting SAM to Work in Your Classroom - A Rapid Design And Development Model

An ARS can automatically collect and report out student responses in a classroom. You can use them to test student opinions as well as test their knowledge on a subject. They can be used throughout a class period. Instructors can use an ARS in face-to-face classes and in some cases, depending on the system, in online courses. This week, we are going to take a closer look at why you would want to use an audience response system as well as some options. Additionally, we will discuss question development and success tips. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/  Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom  Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc138  Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/  Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander  Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/ 

ITC: 138 - Using Audience Response Systems in your Classroom

The first time I had heard about Digital Powerups was while listening to episode 295 of the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast. Bonnie Stachowiak was interviewing Travis Thurston, the Assistant Director of Empowering Teaching Excellence. I immediately knew I needed to share this with you. Basically, students and the instructor use hashtags based on Bloom’s Taxonomy to code different aspects of their online discussion posts. This enhancement helps to move the discussions to a high level as well as highlight associations between posts. This week, we are going to take a closer look at digital powerups. We will look at the different hashtags as well as provide tips for implementing them in your classroom. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/  Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom  Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc137  Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/  Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander  Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/ 

ITC: 137 - Take Your Discussions to the Next Level with Digital Powerups

Throughout this podcast, I have referenced active learning but I have never really explained myself. The concept of active learning has been around since the 1860s. I suspect that it is not used in classrooms more is because it is not convenient for instructors. It is much easier to just spew out information as though students were sponges. But research has demonstrated over and over again that this is not the best way to learn. We tend to learn best when confronted with opportunities to work with concepts. This week, we are going to take a closer look at active learning and provide a list of techniques that you can use in your classroom. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/  Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom  Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc136  Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/  Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander  Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/ 

ITC: 136 - Using Active Learning Strategies in the Classroom

What is Quest-based Learning? According to Chris Haskell, “Quest-based learning is an instructional design theory of game-based learning that focuses on student activity choice within the curriculum.” The key to this is that the learning design takes its cue from game design. Some of the elements that I find important to quest-based learning include: Choice of assignment Multiple pathways Multiple attempts Additive grading This week, we are going to take a closer look at quest-based learning to include key elements and tips for success. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/  Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom  Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc135  Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/  Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander  Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/ 

ITC: 135 - Using Quest-based Learning in the Classroom

Over the years, I have sat in countless presentations. Many of them are extremely boring; however, some of the most fun, informative, and engaging presentations have adhered to the Pecha Kucha rules. The campus where I work is about to launch a writing, math, and presentation center for our students. I have been tossing around the idea of using Pecha Kucha as a way to draw students to the center as well as holding fun informative contests. According to Wikipedia, Pecha Kucha is Japanese for chit-chat. It is a storytelling presentation format. Presenters show 20 slides. Each slide is displayed for 20 seconds each. They, therefore, have 6 minutes and 40 seconds or 400 seconds to present. Slides advance automatically. This week, we are going to highlight why you would want to use them in your classroom, tips for an engaging presentation, and how to introduce them in your classroom. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/  Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom  Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc134  Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/  Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander  Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/ 

ITC: 134 - Pecha Kucha in the Classroom

There are many different activities for engaging students online. Students like an engaging class; however, in many cases, these activities are not being used. In this episode, we will examine 12 strategies that are easy to implement and will increase engagement and interest in your course. While there is a need to be consistent in your course design, you will want to offer different types of assignments as well as vary your communication methods. It helps make the class more interesting. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/  Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom  Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc133  Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/  Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander  Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/ 

ITC: 133 - 12 Strategies for Increasing Engagement in Online Courses

I have been using the Google the alphabet technique for many years. I just didn’t realize there was a name for it. I learned this strategy while listening to other bloggers, podcasters, and vlogger pros. These folks constantly shared their methods and tools for generating topic ideas. This week, we are going to walk through the Google the alphabet technique. Additionally, we are going to learn how to find content ideas that will make a difference to others. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/  Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom  Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc132  Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/  Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander  Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/ 

ITC: 132 - Topic Research Using the Google the Alphabet Technique

While I was a cadet candidate at the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School, I was subjected to the Thayer Method of Instruction. With this method, students are able to recognize problems, think logically, define solutions using resources they possess and those they can acquire, and finally, they are able to communicate clearly and logically. It is definitely learner-centric as students are responsible for their own learning. This week, we are going to take a closer look at the Thayer Method of Instruction and its components. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/  Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom  Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc131  Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/  Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander  Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/ 

ITC: 131 - Employing the Thayer Method: An Active Teaching Strategy

I have been using Diigo since 2008 when I switched from Delicious, another social bookmarking tool. Diigo’s prime purpose is to bookmark websites and documents that you want to refer to later. I have nearly 21,000 items organized with 1,842 different tags. My primary use for Diigo when supporting a class is the curation of resources while I am researching a topic. I do this with all my research projects. In my classes, I will share a tag link rather than list countless resources. Every time I add something new to Diigo and that specific tag, the list automatically updates. Students get the latest and greatest from my research efforts. This week we are going to take a closer look at Diigo and how you can use it in the classroom. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/  Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom  Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc130  Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/  Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander  Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/ 

ITC: 130 - Using Diigo in the Classroom

If our current rank and file classrooms are such a productive learning environment, why doesn’t the campus leadership team use them to conduct their meetings? Instead, they use conference rooms. Quite simply, there is power with discussion. Ideally, we are trying to create a classroom that is student-centered that has a high level of communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. Rank and file classrooms do not achieve this goal. Research has also shown that instructor behavior changes based on the environment. If there is a front of the classroom, that is where the instructor will go and they will then perform from that stage. When considering an active learning classroom: Make the furniture mobile Provide ample workspaces Remove the front of the room Maximize opportunities for creativity and interaction Enhance technology It is important to remember that change to an active learning classroom is for naught if instructors primarily teach using the lecture method. This week we are going to take a closer look at essential elements for active learning classroom design. Fortunately, much can be done without running up the tab. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/  Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom  Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc129  Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/  Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander  Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/ 

ITC: 129 - 5 Essentials of Active Learning Classroom Design

Learning is about dialogue. When we have conversations, we must adhere to established protocols, even when only having discussions with friends. During daily conversations with others, in the classroom, and through academic research, there are protocols that we must follow in order to be successful. However, in each situation, there are some basics: One must have some knowledge of the topic. You should acknowledge your sources. You need to understand that the conversation has a past and will have a future. This week we are going to take a closer look at teaching research as an ongoing conversation. I also share a simple exercise showing the conversation through journal articles as well as provide tips for helping students see their part in the conversation. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/  Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom  Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc128  Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/  Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander  Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/ 

ITC: 128 - Teaching Students to Treat Research as a Conversation

Over a couple of decades working as an instructional technologist, I have developed my ideas on what a good assignment should cover. In preparation for this episode, I rediscovered the principles outlined by TILT - Transparency in Learning and Teaching. Since they mirror my principles and that are already documented, I am going to focus on transparent assignment design. The goal of this episode is to help you develop assignments that help students achieve your learning objectives. This week we are going to take a closer look at the three elements of Transparent Assignment Design. These elements are supported by Universal Design for Learning. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/  Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom  Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc127  Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/  Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander  Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/ 

ITC: 127 - Improving Assignments with Transparent Assignment Design

I used after-action reviews for the last 40 years. I was first exposed to them in the Air Force as a strategy for continuous improvement. AARs have served me well. I continue to use them today. I also use them in the classroom and you can as well. AARs are easy to conduct and yield a lot of valuable information about your course and its activities. The key is to do something with what you learn. This week we are going to take a closer look at after-action reviews and how you can improve your courses. Come learn more. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheClassroomPodcast/  Other podcast episodes: https://tubarksblog.com/intheclassroom  Show notes: https://tubarksblog.com/itc126  Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/  Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/textexpander  Sponsor: https://tubarksblog.com/read-to-succeed/ 

ITC: 126 - Using After Action Reviews in the Classroom

Welcome to In the Classroom with Stan Skrabut where we will explore different tools and strategies for creating more engaging courses. In this podcast, Stan works out loud while prepping and teaching different courses in the higher education realm. He also will be sharing ideas that he is exploring to solve faculty teaching issues. Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/

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In the Classroom with Stan Skrabut

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