Volume 3, Issue 2 | ELITE Digest | October 2023
Welcome to the October edition of the ELITE Digest!
Warm greetings to all! As we embark upon the energizing journey of the Fall semester, moving steadily towards the mid-terms for our 7-week classes, we are thrilled to present the fresh October edition of the ELITE Digest.
Highlighting September’s Remarkable Event
In retrospect, the September spotlight shines on ‘Embracing the Human Element in Digital Learning’. The inaugural workshop of a six-part Pedagogical Discussions series, held on September 22, 2023, was met with enthusiastic participation. Dr. Paul Miller’s insightful delivery underscored the criticality of human connection in our digitally enhanced educational landscape. Explore the future enriching workshops here.
Dive into Diverse Learning Opportunities
This month’s Digest is a treasure trove of learning and growth. Delve into enriching segments, including Multicultural Moments, Teaching Tip, and @Work Tip of the Month, alongside an engaging MC Forward Podcast. Beyond these, explore various professional development opportunities, including the Fall Inclusion by Design Summit, presented by our collaborators at the Universal Design Center.
Fall 2023 Professional Development Catalog
Enhance your professional journey with the Fall 2023 Professional Development Catalog. This evolving catalog offers a seamless registration process for all ELITE-sponsored events, ensuring faculty and staff access to the most up-to-date professional development opportunities.
Celebrate October with Us!
As the leaves transform and the air chills, October heralds the festive anticipation of Halloween! Join in the fun by participating in our interactive game as we prepare delightful MC treats for two fortunate members of our esteemed MC community.
To play, send your answers by 5 p.m. on Friday, October 6, 2023, for an opportunity to emerge victoriously. Winners, chosen randomly, will be informed via email. Multiply your chances by “liking” the October ELITE Digest post on the Montgomery Employees Facebook page within the same deadline.
Continuous Support for Your Growth
The ELITE team remains steadfast in supporting and elevating your professional development journey. Your engagement with the ELITE Digest solidifies our communal dedication to unceasing growth and learning.
Send Us Your Feedback
Your thoughts and suggestions are crucial in refining the ELITE experience. Contact us for any inquiries or feedback regarding this edition of the ELITE Digest.
At-a-Glance – October
- ELITE after Dark: Effective Uses of Instructional Media-10/2/2023 7:00 PM
- Microsoft PowerPoint Essentials – 10/3/2023 1:00 PM
- ELITE after Dark: MS Forms for Excel: Tips & Tricks – 10/3/2023 7:00 PM
- Microsoft Excel Essentials – 10/4/2023 9:00 AM
- Let’s Get Started with Experiential Learning! – 10/4/2023 3:00 PM
- ChatGPT Open Discussion – 10/4/2023 3:00 PM
- Experiential Crucial Conversations – 10/9/2023 3:00 PM
- Pivoting for Active Listening – 10/10/2023 – 1:30 PM
- Microsoft Outlook Essentials – 10/11/2023 9:00 AM
- The SAMR Hammer: Using the SAMR Model to Integrate Technology into Classroom Activities – 10/11/2023 10:00 AM
- YuJa Video Basics – 10/12/2023 2:00 PM
- Teaching Inclusively: A Discussion of Inclusive Teaching: Strategies for Promoting Equity in the Classroom by Hogan and Sathy – 10/12/2023 2:00 PM
- Using ChatGPT to Support Student Learning – 10/13/2023 12:00 PM
- Pedagogical Discussion # 2: Trends in Higher Education: Analyzing and Acting on Data to Advance the College’s Mission – 10/13/2023 1:00 PM
- Microsoft Teams Essentials – 10/17/2023 1:00 PM
- Creating Interactive Virtual Exhibits for Student Learning and Engagement – 10/18/2023 1:00 PM
- Using Graphic Organizers to Enhance Learning – 10/19/2023 2:00 PM
- Digging into Data-Informed Decisions – 10/20/2023 1:00 PM
- Flipping Out Over Flipped Learning – 10/23/2023 1:00 PM
- Tech-it-Out, October 2023 – 10/23/2023 2:00 PM
- The Virtual Campus: Transforming Teaching and Learning – 10/23/2023 2:00 PM
- Discover the Power of Pressbooks: Your Gateway to Seamless Publishing and Open Educational Resources – 10/23/2023 3:30 PM
- Microsoft Excel Essentials Plus – 10/25/2023 9:00 AM
- Tame Your Digital To-Do Lists: Microsoft To Do and Planner – 10/26/2023 10:00 AM
- How to use ChatGPT Ethically and with RESPECT – 10/27/2023 12:00 PM
Inclusion by Design Summit
MC’s Universal Design Center (UDC) is thrilled to host its Fall 2023 Inclusion by Design Summit. This virtual conference on November 3, 2023, will offer multiple workshops, speed sessions, and a keynote speaker! Key Details: November 3, 2023. 9:30 am – 3:30 pm EST.
ELITE After Dark
ELITE is pleased to announce the return of ELITE After Dark Professional Development programming to support your busy schedule. ELITE After Dark offers some of ELITE’s most popular workshops on the first Monday and Tuesday of each month between 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm.
Learn more
International Dialogue Towards Excellence in Academia (IDEA) NEW
Join us in launching the IDEA Learning Community – where innovation, diversity, and global collaboration converge!
Immerse yourself in an international network of dedicated higher education instructors and professional development experts spanning various prestigious institutions worldwide. Our committed members unite with a common goal: to amass and foster knowledge about pioneering and transformative college teaching approaches.
Learn more
Virtual Campus Information Sessions
ELITE would like to invite you to hear about virtual campus updates. During these information sessions, you can learn about the role of the virtual campus on faculty and student success, including priorities, resources, and professional development. Specific topics will include online education, open education, and the Digital Learning Center. Register in MC Learns for the session entitled “The Virtual Campus: Transforming Teaching and Learning” scheduled for October 23rd at 2:00 p.m. There will be additional information sessions throughout the year.
For more information, please contact Dr. Shinta Hernandez, Dean of the Virtual Campus
Oral Tradition and Storytelling
Stories of creation, heroes, and natural phenomena have been passed down orally within cultures for generations. Some view the Oral Tradition as primitive and unreliable, while others recognize it with the same value as formal scholarship. This issue of Multicultural Moments highlights the oral tradition and storytelling and its importance in society.
Learn More about Multicultural Moment.
Addressing Bias in Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Tip 1: Identify Bias in AI Responses
A common challenge of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools is the presence of bias, which could be related to gender, race, age, etc. Here are a few tips to help as we use AI for teaching and learning.
Learn More about Teaching Tip of the Month.
How do you know that your students understand the assigned reading?
Create a hypothesis assignment to help students understand the reading through collaborative social annotation. Hypothesis allows students to engage with the reading by allowing them to insert comments and replies to others within the virtual margins.
Learn More about Teaching Tips with Technology.
TIP OF THE MONTH: Practice Gracious Communication
In every interpersonal communication, leaders should err on the side of kindness. This statement sounds simple, but it takes courage to do so. The environment in which we live does not promote meaningful connections with each other. We lack focus: it is not unusual for you or the other person to check the phone or multitask when talking. We rush: we run from one thing to the next without reflecting on the human implications of what we just did.
Learn More about @ Work Tip of the Month.
FOCUS ON: Learning Pathways: Communication and Conflict
In September, you read about the structure and benefits of the learning pathways. One of the most popular learning pathways is the Communication and Conflict LP, which is not surprising since poor communication is at the root of most problems people have with each other. It is also updated annually to offer the latest approaches and thinking on conflict.
Learn More
HRSTM
Check out the latest edition of Employee Matters.
MC Wellness: Nurturing Your Mind and Body
15-Minute Virtual Movement and Stretch Breaks for Employees, 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, On-going.
You can join for as long or as little as your schedule allows. Links are available on the MC Wellness virtual schedule at MC Wellness | Montgomery College, Maryland
In-person wellness classes are offered weekly at all locations and can also be found at MC Wellness.
Wednesday, October 4, 2023, Live Long, Be Well, led by Beth Ridings, Department Chair, Health Education, Exercise Science, and Physical Education, at noon in CT S108 BOT Gallery and on Zoom. Being physically active can improve your brain, help manage your weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen your bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities. Join Professor Ridings as she shares healthy tips and ideas for adding physical fitness to your busy schedule for lifelong wellness. Active Aging booklets from the National Institute on Aging will be handed out. Light snacks and door prizes will also be available. If you cannot attend in person and would like the Zoom link or a copy of the booklet, please contact Megan Cooperman, Employee Wellness Specialist.
October 19, Noon, Are you Financially on Track for Retirement? Webinar with ComPsych (Recorded for future viewing) One of the top financial goals for individuals and couples is to be financially secure in retirement. This goal is not one that can be planned for in just the last few years leading up to the planned retirement date but must be set and have milestones identified throughout the different stages of life. There are many “rules of thumb” or theories on the proper amount and type of savings and investments one should have in setting aside money for retirement, but in reality, there is not one plan or solution that fits everyone.
To register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4620800304269777238
October 25, 2023, Noon, The Psychology of Saving Money and Other Good Financial Habits, Webinar with ComPsych (Recorded for future viewing). Most people can honestly say they believe it’s important to spend within their means and to save money for the future. Unfortunately, good intentions are often at odds with how our mind works. For example, many people want to save for the future but have no motivation to because they have not imagined that future. This course addresses the psychology behind saving money and adopting good financial habits. It will examine recent research on how and why people save vs. spend and identify strategies for participants to change their financial mindset and develop new habits. Register at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5186095515995523927
Office of Equity and Inclusion
Safe Zone
Safe Zone is an informative and experiential full-day training. It runs for 6.5 hours. Participants will be able to explore their assumptions and understanding of LGBTQ+ people. Core concepts about LGBTQ+ identity development, stereotypes and stigmas, homophobia and heterosexism, the coming out process, respectful vocabulary, common LGBTQI+ student needs and concerns, and resources for continued learning and sharing will be presented. How to be an ally–how to support LGBTQ+ staff and students who may seek your support and how to respond to incidents of discrimination and harassment will be explored through various activities.
If you have taken Safe Zone training before, you are encouraged to enroll in this workshop, which contains newly updated information.
Sponsored by MC Pride and Allies, Office of Equity and Inclusion, and Office of E-Learning, Innovation, and Teaching Excellence.
Register for Safe Zone workshops
Antiracism Badge
The anti-racism badge is a four-part microcredential that will explore the possibilities of engaging in antiracist action at Montgomery College and in the community. This badge is an opportunity to examine one’s knowledge of racism and antiracism, and to reflect on ways to challenge racism in one’s spheres of influence. Through interactive sessions, participants will gain important background information and resources to better understand how racism impacts us as individuals and as a society. The sessions will examine implicit bias and how it contributes to racism. They will then analyze how social movements and antiracist actions can operate effectively in order to apply this knowledge to develop an individual action plan.
Register for Anticism Badge
MC Pride and Allies
National Coming Out Day
National Coming Out Day is a momentous occasion celebrating the power of being one’s true self on October 11th of each year. The day coincides with LGBT History Month, a time for celebrating the lives and achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people throughout time. This year, MC Pride & Allies is thrilled to be hosting a virtual event commemorating National Coming Out Day on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, from 2:00-3:00 pm.
Join us to celebrate love, diversity, and the power of embracing one’s true self! With fun activities and information on LGBTQ+ resources at MC and beyond, we will come together to share support and learn from each other.
Register to attend via Zoom
MC Pride & Allies is dedicated to the inclusion of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Respect will shine brightly during this meaningful celebration of love, diversity, and inclusion. Please check the MC Pride & Allies website for more information.
ELITE H5P Activity
