FREE Online Tutoring for all UDC students through SMARTHINKING!

Did you know that all University of the District of Columbia students have access to FREE Online Tutoring through SMARTHINKING?


There are Math, Business, Nursing, and Writing subjects and over 1500 tutors to help you!

To access FREE tutoring:

1. Log into your Blackboard account

2. Select a course

3. Select "tools" on the left

4. Scroll down to click “Smarthinking login

If you have difficulties accessing your account, please call 202-274-5665 or email ejones@udc.edu. 
Once you are logged in, check out their Student Handbook here http://www.smarthinking.com/static/content/SMARTHINKING_Student_Handbook.pdf  and feel free to contact SMARTHINKING’s Customer Support Team at 888.430.7429 ext 1 or support@smarthinking.com. 

Methods for Blended Learning

Margaret Driscoll of IBM write a great article on examples of various methods for blended learning:


Here's the list, see the article for details:


1. Put the assessment online.
2. Follow up with a community of practice.
3. Make reference materials available.
4. Deliver pre-work online.
5. Provide online office hours.
6. Use mentoring/coaching as a tool.
7. Provide job-aids.
8. Access experts.
9. Create a "lifeline".
10. Maximize e-mail and messaging.


I always say that if you teach online the same way you teach face-to-face, then you're not really teaching online. How does your style change when you tech online?

Web 2.0 Tools and Student Engagement

Learning management systems have become ubiquitous in higher education.  While some daring institutions employ open-source solution at little cost, most institutions are straddled with Microsoft-like monopolic marriage with their chosen vendor.  Last week, I presented some techniques on Engaging Students Online to the Business School professors at the University of the District of Columbia.  We discussed some tools available via Blackboard, but most of the applications were from the world of Web 2.0.


I recently stumbled upon Duke University's web 2.0 toolkit, a comprehensive site which introduces faculty to classroom appropriate tools. 

The word 'introduces' is a bit troublesome as I've personally found it easier to transition tools I use personally into the classroom than vice versa.  Think back to your first time trying to keystone the image on your LCD projector...I can tell you from having owned a projector, it's a lot easier when 30 kids aren't staring at you and asking why the picture is warped.


The following graphic attempts to provide some steps for getting involved with Web 2.0.  Start slowly, make friends, and share your knowledge with others.

 Graphic by Andrew J Ryan -- don't steal!  

After viewing the Duke University site, why not choose a tool and see what it does?  Technology is experiential... GO FOR IT!