First day of TXDLA 2009

This is the first day of sessions at TXDLA 2009, and some great ones they were. First one attended dealt with the READI assessment tool. Lots of institutions beginning to use this to assess the readiness of students taking online courses. We've been using it since 2008 but found out about some customizing features such as creating custom text per group and displaying national averages. Need to check out the features of the latest edition.

Also attended a session on a qualitative research study dealing with faculty attitudes about teaching online. They suggested setting up peer training sessions so that faculty could assist each other with learning new technology skills. Gotta try that one. They also suggested relating the addition of technology skills with tenure portfolio. Give recognition for the amount of time required for learning new skills.

I then attended  a session on an Adobe product for easy vlogging. The presenter mentioned a Microsoft product called Windows Media Encoder which is a free screen capture utility. Never heard of this one but can't beat the price.

The last session of the day was the VCT Coordinator's Update provided by Ron Thomson. Ron always has some great things in the works and this session was no different. New apps being purchased for 2010 include CARAT, an online course review process. This is similar to Quality Matters but in an online format. Can't wait to see this in the fall when released. Also the possibility of Presidium and Turnitin, but these last two aren't guaranteed due to budget worries. VCT is also working with NETNet on a master course in Biology or A&P. This would be available to all VCT institutions and include learning objects developed using Softchalk.