As I get ready for the semester to start, there are several things I’m thankful that I did the last time I taught this class. However, I am frustrated with my ‘past-self’ for not being very kind to my ‘future self’ in one particular instance. When I taught this class before, I created graphics that…Read More
Other Syllabus Resources
As you continue to refine your syllabi, you may want to explore further resources related to this foundational document in your course. The following information was shared by Angela Jenks on the Teaching in Higher Ed Podcast with Bonni Stachowiak, Episode 289. Communicating Your Plans and Intentions Syllabus Basics from the IUB Center for Innovative Teaching…Read More
Vanguard University Syllabus Template
While there is latitude for syllabi to look and feel vastly different from one another, some common elements must be contained in all course syllabi at Vanguard. Below is the Vanguard University syllabus template and supporting resources. Changes made for the 2022 – 2023 academic year are described, as well. Core Syllabus Components A syllabus…Read More
Dr. Elizabeth Powell – A Legacy of Teaching Excellence
Teaching complex subjects often requires new approaches with every class and each new student. In this series of clips, Dr. Elizabeth Powell describes the ways in which her teaching evolved over many years and how she found joy in fostering community in her classes. Elizabeth completed her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University. In…Read More
Design for Accessibility
In the context of your courses, accessibility means making it possible for all students, regardless of physical or developmental impairment, to use all course materials and tools. A course is accessible to the degree that every student can get to, perceive, and navigate course content and assignments; submit assignments, and successfully use all course tools.…Read More
Maximize Usability and Findability
Usability, findability, and visual design are critical aspects of the way your students experience your course. A good student experience requires a functional and usable course. A great student experience also needs thoughtfulness. Think about how your students may feel when beginning a task or trying to navigate the course. Imagine someone close to you…Read More
How to Keep Class Sessions on Schedule
This article on How to Get Students to Join You for Office Hours was originally posted on the EdSurge website and is reposted here with permission. It is part of the guide Toward Better Teaching: Office Hours With Bonni Stachowiak. You can pose a question for a future column here. Dear Bonni, How can I design my class sessions to fit the available…Read More
Culturally Responsive Teaching and Digital Pedagogy
In the Spring of 2020, the Institute for Faculty Development is conducting a survey regarding our faculty members’ use of culturally responsive teaching, as well as the ways in which we use educational technology to meet a more diverse student body. As we sent around a draft of the survey, several people mentioned that it…Read More
New Designing and Teaching for Impact Course
David Rhoads, our Director of Teaching Excellence and Digital Pedagogy, has customized an online course from Indiana University, one of the leaders in online learning across the nation. So far over 20 professors are currently enrolled and three professors have now completed the course and are now certified! Below are the topics included in the…Read More
Changes are Coming to Canvas
There are changes coming to the Canvas LMS. This post provides an overview of what’s coming in terms of: the new gradebook, analytics, and quizzes. It also shares about an event coming up that will provide an overview of the changes and an opportunity to have your questions answered. New Gradebook (switches over for everyone on 01/18/20;…Read More
How to Get Students to Join You for Office Hours
This article on How to Get Students to Join You for Office Hours was originally posted on the EdSurge website and is reposted here with permission. It is part of the guide Toward Better Teaching: Office Hours With Bonni Stachowiak. You can pose a question for a future column here. Dear Bonni, I work at a small institution, where the…Read More
2019 Fall Events
What a wonderful season it has been experiencing all the beginning-of-the-year events. This year, we held our annual faculty gathering – and also added some new events to the mix to support our new and emerging faculty members. FACULTY GATHERING Our annual faculty gathering was held on August 20-21. The event kicked off with addresses…Read More
2019 Summer Reads (Recommended by Vanguard Faculty)
I invited some members of the Vanguard faculty to share their 2019 recommended reads. Thanks to each of you for these great ideas for what to read this summer. I’m not even sure where to start, as they all look like such superb books. The Accidental Creative: How to be Brilliant at a Moment’s Notice by…Read More
How do I Use Turnitin Inside and Outside Canvas?
Using Turnitin.com Q: How do I set up Turnitin within an assignment in Canvas? A: Please review the Set Up a Turnitin Assignment in Canvas instructions. Q: How do I get an account on the Turnitin.com site? A: As a Canvas instructor, you already have an account on Turnitin.com if you have created at least…Read More
Vanguard Shares HSI Research at the AHSIE Conference
A group of us faculty and staff presented at the annual conference for the Alliance for Hispanic-Serving Institution Educators (AHSIE). From the AHSIE Conference website: “The Alliance of Hispanic Serving Institution Educators (AHSIE) exists to support the work of the nation’s Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) as they seek to provide quality, relevant educational opportunities to…Read More