CTL Blog

Last Call for Summer Learning Sessions

Don’t Miss Out! Last Call for Summer Learning!

Last Call! Summer Learning Opportunities in the CTL

Don’t miss out on your chance to learn something new in the MCC Center for Teaching & Learning this summer. Register through HRMS (Time & Labor System) Registration Instructions Need Assistance? Call us at (480) 461-7331 and we will register you. Please register, sessions will be canceled due to low enrollment. See our Full Summer Guide for descriptions and more!

The Access Series

Reach your entire audience by creating universally designed content. Creating Accessible Documents (Word, PowerPoint & PDF) Wednesday, July 30, 3:00p.m. – 5:00p.m.; Course/Session#: 002074/0005 WAVE Tool Training (Reviewing Web Pages for Accessibility) Thursday, July 31, 9:00a.m. – 10:30a.m.; Course/Session#: 002083/0007 View the full calendar.


Please register, sessions will be canceled due to low enrollment.Questions? Call the CTL 1-7331. For a full description of the workshops visit the CTL Calendarctl.mesacc.edu/events/calendar.
PVCC Summer Fun Technology Week

PVCC Summer Fun Technology Week July 14-17

Stop by Paradise for Some Summer Fun!

Paradise Valley Community College is hosting its annual Summer Fun Technology Week Monday, July 14 – Thursday, July 17. A popular summer destination, this week is full of engaging sessions designed to help you teach, work and you and your students learn better with technology. Stay for a single session, a day or the whole week. Register Today!

MCC is Presenting!

The MCC Center for Teaching & Learning training team will be presenting a variety of sessions at PVCC including:

Captioning with YouTube – Wednesday, July 16, 1-2pm – Q305

Learn how to create captions and transcripts for your video files using the free YouTube web site. In this hands-on session participants will learn how to adjust settings in their YouTube account so uploaded video files are automatically transcribed and captioned. Participants will also learn how to adjust and correct captions within YouTube; and how to download subtitle files onto their own computers.

Building Awesome Infographics, Wednesday, July 16, 2-3pm – Q305

Infographics are a visual way for people to creatively display complex data simply. Attend this overview session to find out what infographics are, how they can be created, and how to integrate them into your department marketing plan or class assignments using free tools on the internet.

Flip it Real Good! Exploring the Flipped Model, Wednesday, July 16, 3-4pm – Q305

What is the Flipped Model? In this session we will take a look at this pedagogical model where the lecture and homework aspects of course work are reversed OR flipped! The important elements to building a flipped model will be discussed. Bring your own lessons to work on flipping.

The Art & Technology of Microlectures, Wednesday, July 16, 4-5pm – Q305

Maximize your lecture impact by micromanaging the length and focus. In this session we will identify short lecture techniques and practice using tools for lecture capture. Discover how quickly you can flip your classroom, connecting students to material online in a meaningful way and saving precious classroom time for engaging activities, collaboration and problem-based learning.

Additional Event Information

PVCC Summer Fun Week Session Schedule

PVCC Summer Fun Week Session Descriptions

Planning an extended stay? Meals are on your own, so take advantage of the Area Restaurants.

Don’t miss out on this exciting week! Register Today!

Live FREE streaming sessions from InstructureCon 2014

Canvas InstructureCon 2014 Live Sessions June 17-19

CANVAS – Keynote Sessions Streamed Live from InstructureCon 2014

Join us in the Mesa Community College Center for Teaching & Learning June 17-19, 2014 for the Canvas LMS event of the year, InstructureCon! Keynote speakers and product updates can be accessed online from your home/office via LiveStream or head to the CTL Lobby (AS Building, Southern & Dobson Campus) to watch with the MCC user community.

Tuesday, June 17, 5:30p.m. – 6:30p.m.

CONFERENCE KICKOFF: Josh Coates

Calling All Heroes
Online Access Only, NO CTL LOBBY – Register for the LiveStream – Passcode: instructur3

Josh Coates was an early investor and now CEO of the Canvas LMS.  Hear from Josh on the current state of Canvas and where this disruptive innovation to the educational LMS landscape will go the future.

Wednesday, June 18, 8:00a.m. – 8:45a.m.

DAY 2 KEYNOTE: Luz Rivas

From Apple iiE to MIT to DIY Girls
Online and CTL LOBBY (AS Building, Southern & Dobson Campus) – Register for the LiveStream – Passcode: instructur3

Luz Rivas is the founder and executive director of DIY Girls, an after-school program that encourages 5th grade girls to hack, make and be inspired to pursue technical careers. Inspired by her own computer background fostered in her school, Rivas will discuss her goal to developing future technologists through STEM education. Learn more about Luz and DIY Girls.

Wednesday, June 18, 12:00p.m. – 1:00p.m.

GENERAL PRODUCT SESSION: Jared Stein

Lossless Learning
Online and CTL LOBBY (AS Building, Southern & Dobson Campus) – Register for the LiveStream – Passcode: instructur3

Hear from the makers of Canvas. Tune-in for Canvas updates, future plans, big ideas and more.

Thursday, June 19, 12:00p.m. – 1:00p.m.

GENERAL PRODUCT SESSION: Joel Dehlin

Online and CTL LOBBY (AS Building, Southern & Dobson Campus) – Register for the LiveStream – Passcode: instructur3

Hear from the makers of Canvas. Tune-in for Canvas updates, future plans, big ideas and more.

CTL Custom Service

The CTL is your partner as you encourage and implement innovative teaching, learning and workplace strategies. From general support to consultation services and tailored training, we are here to help you, your department or division reach your goals for student success!

About the CTL at MCC

The mission of the MCC Center for Teaching & Learning is to lead and inspire the advancement of innovative teaching and learning for student success. Learn more about the CTL staff and programs at ctl.mesacc.edu. Visit the CTL Calendar for dates for all upcoming sessions.

Open for Summer

The MCC Center for Teaching & Learning is Open for Summer! Spend some time learning with us in June and July. We are offering sessions on Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, alternative presentations tools, accessibility resources/tips and more. View the Summer Guide Book for details.

Be a learning star in the CTL this summer!

Be a Learning Star This Summer in the CTL

The Mesa Community College Center for Teaching & Learning has planned an exciting Summer filled with learning opportunities just for you. From Adobe Photoshop to the latest in online presentation tools, there is something for everyone. Topics include: Photoshop, InDesign, Alternative Presentation Tools, Accessibility, Gmail and more. So come on in, the MCC Center for Teaching & Learning is Open for Summer!

Our Summer Learning Guide:

See our Summer Guide Book 2014 for descriptions and dates for our upcoming opportunities. Check our calendar for updates.

Register Now, Via HRMS (Time & Labor):

Our registration system is through HRMS (Time & Labor). This allows for an up-to-date attendance system that integrates with your employee record and allows for wait-lists for busy sessions. Each opportunity has a unique course and session number to make it easy to identify and register for. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about how to register with this new system.

Register through HRMS – http://tinyurl.com/MCCRegisterNOW

Registration Instructions HRMS – http://tinyurl.com/hrmsregister

Please Register! Sessions will be canceled due to low enrollment.

Learning Opportunities:

Adobe CS Suite, InDesign Basics Series

InDesign is the industry standard design and layout program made by Adobe Systems. It is used to create a variety of publications including posters, catalogs, flyers, brochures and more. This  amazing program is considered to be one of the top skills that any person should have on their resume. In this two part basics series you will learn how to navigate the interface, use the program tools, layout publications, work with images and text, apply styles, use master pages, create interactive PDF documents and more! It is highly recommended that you take these sessions in order.

Pt.1 Settings, Layout & Printing   
Monday, June  23, 9:00a.m. – 11:00a.m.; Course/Session#: 001853/0008

Pt. 2 Styles, Master Pages & Interactive Elements
Tuesday, June 24, 9:00a.m. – 11:00a.m.; Course/Session#: 001854/0008

Adobe CS Suite, Photoshop Basic Series

Photoshop is the industry standard graphics and photo editing program made by Adobe Systems. Used by professional photographers, graphic designers and artists this amazing program is considered to be one of the top skills that any person should have on their resume. In this three part basics series you will learn how to navigate the interface, use the program tools, complete basic photo adjustments, work with selections, and correct and manipulate photos. It is highly recommended that you take these sessions in order.

Pt.1 Interface, Tools, Cropping & Adjustments      
Tuesday, July 8, 3:00p.m. – 5:00p.m.; Course/Session#: 001753/0015

Pt. 2 Working with Selections
Tuesday, July 15, 3:00p.m. – 5:00p.m.; Course/Session#: 001754/0011

Pt. 3 Correcting & Manipulating Images
Tuesday, July 22, 3:00p.m. – 5:00p.m.; Course/Session#: 001755/0009

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Web-Based Teaching & Learning Summer 2014

Interested in Teaching Online? Summer Opportunities

Prepare to Teach Online with CIS 236 & 237 at Mesa Community College this Summer

The CIS 236 and CIS 237 series is designed to help you get started in teaching & learning in the hybrid and online formats. First, experience the ‘student’ perspective and discover new digital teaching tools in CIS 236 and then explore course design and content creation in CIS 237. Instructors will complete the series with practical tips, researched pedagogy and a duplicative structure for building and facilitating an online or hybrid format class.

Advantages of the Open Entry / Open Exit Format

Mesa Community College is offering CIS236 and CIS237 in the Open Exit/Open Exit format for the Summer 2014.

Flexible Learning!

  • Pick your own start date (5/27 – 6/6)
  • Set your own pace over an 8 week period
  • No hard deadlines.

Enroll Today

Enrollment through My.Maricopa.edu.

  1. Complete your Student Information Form
  2. Register for Class
  3. Pay for the course, Learn About MCCCD Tuition Waivers: http://www.maricopa.edu/publicstewardship/resources/tw.php

If you have difficulties registering or have questions about these courses, contact the instructor:

CIS 236:  Web Based Teaching & Learning I (2 credits), Section #16276

Experience using a web-based learning environment from an online student’s perspective. Use communication tools, submit assignments, use evaluation tools, and navigate an online-learning environment.  Introduction to the basics of online pedagogy and lots of hands-on experience with a web-based learning environment and digital teaching tools! Prerequisites: CIS133CA or CIS 133DA, or permission of instructor. Contact instructor for override code.

  • Offered fully online during Summer 2014 (Open Entry/Open Exit) – Choose a start date between May 27 and June 6. Students will have 8 weeks to finish the course from the start date.

CIS 237:  Web Based Teaching & Learning II (3 credits), Section #16277

Discuss theories, methods, and best practices for designing, developing, and delivering an online course including Classroom Assessment Techniques, Flipped Classroom, Quality Matters and more.  Create an online or hybrid course module using a web-based learning environment.  Prerequisites: CIS 236, or permission of instructor. Contact instructor for concurrent enrollment code (allowing students to take CIS236 and CIS237 simultaneously).

  • Offered fully online during Summer 2014 (Open Entry/Open Exit) – Choose a start date between May 27 and June 6. Students will have 8 weeks to finish the course from the start date.
Camp Innovate May 19-May22

Welcome Campers!

Reminders & Pre-Camp Activities for MCC’s 5th Annual Camp Innovate

The Mesa Community College Center for Teaching & Learning 5th Annual Camp Innovate event is just a few days away. We are looking forward to seeing you at your respective sessions Monday, May 19 – May 22 at the MCC Southern and Dobson Campus. So air out your tent and grab your gear to participate around the campfire of innovative teaching and learning!

Your Camping Sessions

You will receive individual email reminders for each session you register for, but you can also review your requested sessions by visiting the HRMS Time & Labor System. After you log-in with your MEID and MEID Password, follow this path, Main Menu > Self-Service > Learning & Development > Training Summary to review your sessions.

See the Full Week Guide for a day-to-day listing and description of all events.

Pre-Camp Activities & Camp Participant Canvas Course

We have created a special camping guide (Canvas Self-Enroll Course) just for you! In this course you will find general information about camp, pre-camp activities, session information/resources, session evaluations, online camp activities and more! Presenters will place all session resources and content into this guide throughout the week. We hope that you utilize this course to find resource, interact with fellow participants!

Self-Enroll Now to Access this Course and don’t forget to complete the Pre-Camp Activities!

Camping Area, Tent Locations & Camper Parking

All Camping Sessions will be hosted in the AS Building; Southern & Dobson Campus. We recommend that you leave your camper in the Northwest Parking Lot (Lot A) which is closest to the AS Building. Review the schedule for specific tent locations.

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Canvas Draft State User Information Sessions

Canvas Draft State User Information Sessions

Introducing the Canvas Draft State

Canvas has recently released the highly anticipated Draft State feature that allows for content in Assignments, Quizzes, Modules, Pages, and Discussions to be in an unpublished (draft) state even if the course is published. Draft content will be invisible to students and excluded from grade calculations.

Draft State will become a standard, permanent part of Canvas on July 5, 2014 and will be activated for all Canvas courses within MCCCD on Saturday, May 10, 2014. 

Teaching this Summer? ‘Opt-in’ to Draft State Now
The Draft State feature will impact all of the major instructional user interfaces within Canvas and will have a small cosmetic impact on the student view of courses. Because this change is anticipated for the middle of the summer session, we highly recommend that you remain ‘opted-in’ to the draft state feature before your summer course starts to avoid any potential disruption, albeit small, for students.

Draft State User Information Sessions
The MCC Center for Teaching & Learning has scheduled a few information sessions to help users with this transition.

Register Now

Registration Instructions

Choose from the following:
Monday, May 12, 9:00 a.m.  –  10:00 a.m. 
HRMS Course #002116, Session #0002; CTL Lab AS Building, Room 175

Monday, May 12, 4:00 p.m.  –  5:00 p.m. 
HRMS Course #002116, Session #0003; CTL Lab AS Building, Room 175

Thursday, May 15, 11:00 a.m.  –  12:00 p.m. 
HRMS Course #002116, Session #0004; CTL Lab AS Building, Room 175

Monday, May 19, 1:00 p.m.  –  2:00 p.m. 
HRMS Course #002116, Session #0001; CTL Lab AS Building, Room 175

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Camp Innovate May 19-May22

Mark Your Calendar for the 5th Year of Camp Innovate at MCC!

Head to Camp This Summer with the MCC CTL!

Monday, May 19 – Thursday, May 22

The Mesa Community College Center for Teaching & Learning will be holding its 5th Annual Camp Innovate training camp Monday, May 19 – May 22 on the MCC Southern and Dobson Campus. So air out your tent and grab your gear to participate around the campfire of innovative teaching and learning!

Camp Innovate is a week of sessions and engaging activities offered every summer at the MCC Center for Teaching & Learning that address excellence in education, technology, teaching and learning.

Visit the Camp web site for more information.

Register Now

Camp Schedule

Event topics will include Accessibility, Digital Tools, Captioning, Screencasting, Lesson Design, Adventure-Based Learning, Multimedia, Retention Strategies, Educational Technology, Canvas and more! See the Full Week Guide for a day-to-day listing and description of all events.

Camp Location & Registration

Camp Sessions will be hosted in the AS Building; Southern & Dobson CampusReview the schedule for cabin assignments.

All MCCCD faculty and staff are welcome. Attend one session, attend one day or attend all, we hope to see you there!  Space is limited, so register soon.

Note: Registration is through HRMS Time & Labor. 
Registration Instructions.

Is Camping Gear Required?

No! We won’t actually be camping. Just bring you and maybe a friend or two to enjoy the learning and community. Light provisions will be provided each day and at the Maker Party! Event Celebration on Thursday, May 22, 3:00 – 5:00pm. Register for the celebration.

Earn a Digital Badge for Participation and More

“Campers” can earn digital badges for participating in sessions, bringing guests and evaluating the event. These digital badges can be added to your professional portfolio. Learn more about using digital badges in education. The MCC Center for Teaching & Learning will track and award badges based on the individual badge criteria.

1st Time Camper Badge –Camp Innovate Digital BadgeAttend 1 Session

Avid Camper Badge  –
Attend 3 or More Sessions

Camp Inspector –
Submit an Event Evaluation

Happy Camper –
Bring a Friend to Camp

Contact Us

Need assistance with registration? Call us at (480) 461-7331 and we will register you. Questions? Send us an email at ctl@mesacc.edu.

Canvas End of Semester Updates

Canvas Update: End of Semester Reminders

Finish the Semester Strong!

In order to ensure a smooth, end of the semester, please consider following the best practice activities for closing your course and transitioning to the next semester.

Important Note: Withdrawn student data, downloading of data, and sending of messages is not available after final grades have been entered in My.Maricopa (SIS).

BEFORE Grading in My.Maricopa (SIS)

  • Archive Grades – Download your gradebook to CSV to archive it locally on your computer or flash drive (Click on Grades > Click on the Gear symbol > Click on Download to CSV)
  • Gather Data – Download any course surveys, quizzes or exam results to archive them locally on your computer or flash drive (Click on Quizzes > Select the Quiz > Click on Quiz Statistics > Select the download option of Student and/or Item Analysis)
  • Send Final Communications – Send end-of-course messages to students, if desired

AFTER Grading in My.Maricopa (SIS)

  • End Course – You can leave your course “as is” and it will automatically go into a read-only mode for students. They will no longer be able to submit assignments or communicate with the class. If you prefer, you can also end your course (Settings > Edit Course Details > Enter an Ending Date for the course). We DO NOT recommend concluding your course as it becomes inaccessible to you.
  • Locking Content – If you do not want students to view Quiz Questions after the end of a semester you will need to set and ending date for your course. Click on Settings > Edit Course Details > Enter an Ending Date for the course. 

PREPARING for Summer/Fall

  • Course Copy – Get ready for Summer/Fall by copying your course shells. Navigate to the Summer or Fall 2014 course, open Settings and then follow the Course Copy Instructions.
  • Enable Draft State – Draft State (view feature video) will become a permanent change to the Canvas interface on July 5, but will be implemented for all Summer/Fall courses by MCCCD on May 10. Information sessions about this new feature will be offered in May and before the fall semester.
  • Clean Your Inbox – Archive your Spring messages in your Conversation Inbox so that you can start the Summer/Fall semester(s) with a clean slate. Archiving Conversations.
  • Customize Your Course Menu – Remove your Spring classes from and add your Summer/Fall courses to your course drop-down menu. Customize Course Menu.

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Congratulations to MCC’s 2013 Excellence Award Recipients!

The League for Innovation in the Community Colleges annual John and Suanne Roueche Excellence Award honors faculty and staff in the community college for their outstanding leadership and contributions to the community college. This year MCC is proud to announce the two recipients of this years awards:

Join us in congratulating them both for their outstanding contributions to student success.