The Hub

Starfish Open Lab: Drop-in Support and Collaboration (In-person)
2025-08-27 15:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York)
Whether you’re brand new to Starfish or have been using it for a while, this open lab is for you. Drop in any time to explore, ask questions, troubleshoot, or share ideas. There’s no set agenda — come to play, learn, and connect with colleagues. Support from experienced Starfish users will be on hand to answer questions, share tips, and help you make the most of Starfish to support students.

Navigating Difficult Dialogues in the Classroom (Virtual)
2025-08-27 18:00 - 19:00
Faculty will learn approaches to facilitate respectful conversations about complex or controversial topics. The session includes sample language, ground rules, and examples of how to respond in the moment.

Blackboard Ultra Open Lab (Virtual)
2025-08-27 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-08-29 10:00 - 11:00
This lab provides faculty with individualized support to set up or update Blackboard Ultra courses. Participants will configure navigation, grading tools, and accessibility features to ensure courses are ready for the start of the semester.

Blackboard Ally Open Lab (Virtual)
2025-08-27 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-08-29 10:00 - 11:00
Faculty will learn how Blackboard Ally can improve the accessibility of course materials. This session includes demonstrations of Ally’s scoring tools, remediation tips, and downloadable guides.

Design Thinking Activities that Inspire Curiosity (Virtual)
2025-08-27 18:00 - 19:00
This session introduces design thinking as a strategy to engage students in creative exploration and problem-solving. Faculty will participate in a sample exercise and draft an adapted version for their discipline.

Blackboard Ultra Data Analytics (Virtual)
2025-08-27 18:00 - 19:00
This session introduces Blackboard Ultra’s analytics tools for tracking student engagement, assignment submissions, and participation patterns. Faculty will learn to access dashboards, interpret data, and plan early interventions to improve student outcomes.

Experiential Learning for Student Engagement (Virtual)
2025-08-28 13:30 - 14:30
Join us for an engaging panel discussion on using experiential learning to increase student engagement as we explore how hands-on, real-world learning opportunities transform the student experience. This dynamic conversation will delve into innovative practices that deepen understanding, increase motivation, and foster lasting connections between classroom learning and life beyond campus. This panel will offer practical insights and inspiring examples of how experiential learning can spark curiosity, promote equity, and improve outcomes for all students.

Service Learning for Any Discipline (Virtual)
2025-08-28 14:30 - 15:30
Faculty will learn how to incorporate service learning into courses to connect academic content with community needs. The session includes examples, partnership ideas, and planning tools.

Creating a Trauma-Informed First Week (In-person at RV)
2025-08-28 15:30 - 16:30
This session equips faculty with trauma-informed practices to create a safe, supportive start to the semester. Participants will draft syllabus language and design early activities that foster trust and psychological safety.

Creating a Trauma-Informed First Week (In-person at TPSS)
2025-08-28 15:30 - 16:30

Creating a Trauma-Informed First Week (In-person at GT)
2025-08-28 15:30 - 16:30

Blackboard Ultra Open Lab (In-person at GT)
2025-08-28 15:30 - 16:30

Blackboard Ultra Open Lab (In-person at TPSS)
2025-08-28 15:30 - 16:30

AI + UDL: Creating Adaptive Course Materials (In-person at RV)
2025-08-28 15:30 - 16:30
This workshop guides faculty through using AI tools combined with Universal Design for Learning principles to create flexible, inclusive course materials. Participants will explore examples, test tools, and draft adaptive resources they can use immediately.

Blackboard Ultra Open Lab (In-person at RV)
2025-08-28 15:30 - 16:30

AI + UDL: Creating Adaptive Course Materials (In-person at TPSS)
2025-08-28 15:30 - 16:30

AI + UDL: Creating Adaptive Course Materials (In-person at GT)
2025-08-28 15:30 - 16:30

Empowering Neurodivergent Learners (In-person at RV)
2025-08-28 18:00 - 19:00
Faculty will learn strategies to create inclusive learning environments for neurodiverse students. The session covers Universal Design for Learning, examples of course adaptations, and practical tools to improve access and engagement.

Empowering Neurodivergent Learners (In-person at GT)
2025-08-28 18:00 - 19:00

Empowering Neurodivergent Learners (In-person at TPSS)
2025-08-28 18:00 - 19:00

Inclusive Syllabus (Virtual)
2025-08-28 18:00 - 19:00
This session guides faculty in revising their syllabi to reflect inclusion and belonging. Participants will review examples of inclusive language and leave with a draft syllabus statement and action plan.

Emotional Intelligence for Teaching Presence (Virtual)
2025-08-28 18:00 - 19:00
This workshop helps faculty develop emotional intelligence skills to strengthen teaching presence and connection with students. Participants will explore strategies for reflection, regulation, and rapport-building.

Finding and Adapting OER Quickly (Virtual)
2025-08-28 18:00 - 19:00
Faculty will learn practical steps to find, evaluate, and adapt open educational resources efficiently. The session includes guided searches, examples of customization, and strategies to integrate OER into your course design.

Starfish Open Lab: Drop-in Support and Collaboration (Virtual)
2025-08-29 10:00 - 11:00

Quality Assurance and AI (Virtual)
2025-08-29 10:00 - 11:00
MC Online is hosting a faculty workshop focused on integrating artificial intelligence tools into quality course design. This interactive session will explore how faculty can use AI effectively—especially through crafting strong prompts—to enhance teaching efficiency and improve student engagement.

Prompt Crafting AI Bootcamp (Virtual)
2025-08-29 10:00 - 11:00
This interactive bootcamp will guide faculty through writing effective prompts for AI tools to generate content, quiz questions, or summaries. Participants will leave with a resource bank of tested prompts.

BLACKBOARD ULTRA OPEN LABS CANCELLED - MC Closed
2025-09-01
BLACKBOARD ULTRA OPEN LABS CANCELLED – MC Closed

Blackboard Ultra Open Lab - Takoma Park
2025-09-02 09:30 - 11:30 | P3 206, Takoma Park
Faculty are invited to join the MC Learn Ultra transition team for in-person Blackboard Learn Ultra open labs. Open labs are available on all three main campuses on a drop-in basis with no registration required. Open labs are structured as group Q&A sessions where we work with each attendee in turn to answer questions and provide feedback and resources around MC’s transition to Blackboard Learn Ultra. Please note that open labs do not replace our existing training offerings.
• We encourage everyone to bring your own laptop, charger, and mouse (if desired) to in-person open labs.
• Virtual 1:1 office hours consultations are also available and may be scheduled here: https://outlook.office.com/book/UltraVirtualOfficeHours@montgomerycollege0.onmicrosoft.com
