Memory, Attention, and Retrieval Practice
2025-11-21 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Discover evidence-based strategies to improve student learning and retention such as cumulative quizzes and practice tests, diagnostic charts to identify weak areas, group quizzing that converts assessments into learning experiences. Leave with practical tools to boost metacognition, reduce test anxiety, and reinforce long-term memory in any course.

BLACKBOARD ULTRA OPEN LABS CANCELLED - Thanksgiving Week
2025-11-25, 2025-11-28
BLACKBOARD ULTRA OPEN LABS CANCELLED – Thanksgiving Week

Blackboard Ultra Open Lab - Germantown
2025-12-02 09:30 - 11:30, 2025-12-05 12:30 - 14:30, 2025-12-09 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-12-12 09:30 - 11:30, 2025-12-16 14:00 - 16:00 | PK 170, Germantown
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

Blackboard Ultra Open Lab - Rockville
2025-12-02 12:30 - 14:30, 2025-12-05 09:30 - 11:30, 2025-12-09 09:30 - 11:30, 2025-12-12 12:30 - 14:30, 2025-12-16 14:00 - 16:00 | MT 214, Rockville

Blackboard Ultra Open Lab - Takoma Park
2025-12-02 14:00 - 16:00 | P3 206, Takoma Park

Faculty Friday Workshops
2025-12-05, 2025-12-12
Please note: Sessions are encouraged but not required.

AI for Scaffolded Learning: Integrating the 4 C’s of 21st Century Education
2025-12-05 09:30 - 11:00
This workshop explores how generative AI can support scaffolded learning aligned with the 4 C’s of 21st century education: Critical Thinking, Creativity, Communication, and Collaboration. Faculty will learn how to design learning activities that intentionally develop these competencies using AI as a co-designer, not just a tool.
Participants will engage with hands-on AI activities, reflect on real classroom scenarios, and receive guided support to begin integrating AI into a course module or assignment.

Blackboard Ultra Open Lab - Takoma Park
2025-12-05 09:30 - 11:30 | ST 331, Takoma Park

The ABCs of Motivating Learners: Competence
2025-12-05 10:30 - 11:30
How can we help students feel capable and confident in their learning? This third session in our First Faculty Fridays series about motivation explores Competence—the experience of making progress and feeling effective in one’s efforts. When students experience mastery and receive feedback that supports growth, their motivation and engagement increase (Deci & Ryan, 2000; Robbins et al, 2004). We’ll first examine competence through the lens of Bandura’s concept of self-efficacy, then discuss seven strategies that help build students’ sense of competence. You’ll be invited to share your own classroom strategies and identify at least one new one you would like to try.
Note that you do not need to have attended previous workshops in the series in order to participate in this one.

Reflective Practice in Service-Learning
2025-12-05 11:00 - 12:00
This workshop explores how reflection deepens the learning process in service-learning and civic engagement projects.

Finding Harmony with AI and Teaching and Learning (In-person at RV)
2025-12-05 13:00 - 14:00 | SV 416, Rockville
Whether you view AI as a disruptive nuisance or a useful tool, it has likely impacted your teaching in some way. So how do we manage the prevalence and use of AI tools while ensuring students develop the AI literacy skills needed for the future? In this session we will reflect on the impact of AI and explore ways to build a learning culture that acknowledges the importance of AI while honoring discipline standards and authentic learning experiences.

Teaching for a Connected World: Designing Assignments with Purpose and Perspective (In-person at TPSS)
2025-12-05 14:00 - 15:00 | ST 332, Takoma Park
In this one-hour workshop, faculty will learn how to design assignments that foster intercultural awareness, critical thinking, and social responsibility. Participants will explore strategies for helping students engage with diverse perspectives, examine global and local issues, and reflect on their roles as informed and responsible citizens. The session will showcase examples of assignments from various disciplines and provide guided time for faculty to develop or adapt an assignment that promotes these learning outcomes. By the end of the workshop, participants will have practical tools to cultivate deeper intercultural understanding and civic engagement in their courses. This session is applicable to all teaching modalities and disciplines.

Backward Design Leveraging Generative AI
2025-12-05 15:00 - 16:00
This workshop introduces faculty to the principles of backward design, enhanced by the capabilities of generative AI. Participants will learn how to start with clearly defined learning outcomes and use AI tools to inform the development of assessments and instructional strategies that align with those outcomes. This hands-on session will demonstrate how generative AI can streamline course design, foster creativity, and ensure a cohesive learning experience for students.

From Passive to Purposeful: Empowering Students with Metacognition (In-person at TPSS)
2025-12-12 10:00 - 11:00 | ST 332, Takoma Park
In this one-hour workshop, faculty will explore how fostering metacognition and self-regulation can empower students to take greater ownership of their learning. Participants will learn how to integrate reflection activities and self-assessment tools into their courses to help students monitor their progress, identify challenges, and make adjustments. The session will showcase practical examples and provide guided time for faculty to design or revise an activity or assignment. By the end of the workshop, participants will be equipped with strategies to promote deeper learning and student autonomy. This workshop is valuable for instructors in any discipline or teaching modality.

The ABCs of Motivating Learners: Meaning
2025-12-12 10:30 - 11:30
Why does learning matter to our students and how can we help them see its relevance? In this final session, we focus on Meaning—a deeper source of motivation tied to students’ values, goals, and sense of purpose. We’ll explore seven strategies for infusing meaning and relevance into course design, assignments, and class interactions, from real-world connections to reflective practices. Join us as we close out the series with a conversation about purpose-driven learning in a changing world.
Note that you do not need to have attended previous workshops in the series in order to participate in this one.

Go Interactive with Your Syllabus!
2025-12-12 11:00 - 12:00
What happens to your syllabus after the first week of class? How and when do students engage with the syllabus?  In this workshop, you will learn ways to transform your syllabus (both paper and digital) into a living, interactive tool to support student learning and success.

Blackboard Ultra Open Lab - Takoma Park
2025-12-12 12:30 - 14:30, 2025-12-16 12:30 - 14:30 | ST 328, Takoma Park

The CLEAR Framework – MC’s Response to Digital Accessibility
2025-12-12 13:00 - 14:00
With the recent updates to ADA Title II, digital accessibility is more critical than ever. Montgomery College (MC) has developed the CLEAR Framework to support faculty and staff in meeting digital accessibility requirements and fostering inclusive learning environments. This session will introduce the CLEAR Framework and its role in ensuring compliance, equity, and usability in digital spaces. Participants will gain practical insights into how the framework can be applied to create accessible documents, media, and learning experiences that benefit all users.

Cognitive Load Made Simple
2025-12-12 14:00 - 15:00
In this workshop, you will learn how to optimize learning by reducing cognitive overload. We will discuss how to breakdown content into manageable and accessible chunks, diversify delivery formats to enhance information processing, and integrate check-ins throughout the learning process to gauge understanding. This approach to teaching ensures that students are building a solid foundation of knowledge, ultimately leading to deeper understanding and retention.
