Professional Development Opportunities

The Center for Teaching & Learning defines Active Learning as an approach to education that transforms traditional classrooms into interactive spaces designed to facilitate interactive learning strategies, flexible resources such as adaptable seating for both independent study and collaborative group work with integrated environmentally appropriate technology.

Active Learning committee

The Active Learning Committee met to collaborate and discuss the future of active learning at GC&SU. During the meeting, the group discussed teaching and learning in active learning classrooms and analyzed photos of active learning classroom renovations on campus. The group discussed future classroom renovations and reflected on using active learning strategies/opportunities and student success. We engaged in a process to identify potential classrooms to upgrade the technology, equipment, and furniture.   

In Fall 2019, CTL began developing a three-course sequence to provide instructors with in-depth training on using active learning classrooms and techniques. The first part of the three-course series, Active Learning 101, was launched in Spring 2023. 

Active learning 101 cohort completers

Spring 2023
Aurora Castillo-Scott, World Language & Cultures 
Candice Griffeth, Center for Student Success 
Lee Kirven, World Language & Cultures 
Wathsala Medawala, Chemistry, Physics & Astronomy 

Fall 2023
Amy Johnson, Government & Sociology 
Bailey Mcalister, English 
Clifford Towner, Music 
Gina Towner, World Language & Cultures 
Mehrnaz Khalajhedayati, Management 
Randall Bonser, English 
Stephanie Jett, Psychological Science

Spring 2024
Andrew Allen, Department of Music 
Mikkel Christensen, Department of Mass Communication
Sujani Gamage, Department of Chemistry, Physics & Astronomy 
Leeann Kelley, Department of Biological & Environmental Sciences 
Emily Pucker, Department of English 
Kushan Wijewardena, Department of Chemistry, Physics & Astronomy 

Digital Bootcamp is a 10-hour certificated course series designed to provide a framework of resources and support to facilitate online teaching at Georgia College & State University. The learning framework presented is based on Quality Matters (QM) principles, allowing learners to apply the concepts to an actual course using our current learning management system, GeorgiaVIEW/D2L.   

Throughout this course, learners are presented with several assignment artifacts, participate in discussions, and engage in interactive assignments. Upon completing this course series, participants will have built a fully developed online course vetted through the Center for Teaching and Learning. Also, the Digital Bootcamp will offer faculty three (3) certificate options:  

1. Brightspace Essentials and/or Advanced course (3 hours) – This portion of the course series focuses on using core tools in the LMS
2. Quality Matters (QM) Certification– This portion covers best practices for online course design, communication, assessment, and meeting QM standards
3. Digital Bootcamp Certification – After faculty have completed all components of the course, including the one (1) hour capstone, they will receive a Digital Bootcamp Certification

To learn more about how to enroll in the Digital Bootcamp course series, please contact the Center for Teaching and Learning at ctl@gcsu.edu or 478-445-1253.  

Faculty Learning Communities are small groups of faculty and staff who meet several times during the academic year to discuss, and build community around, a particular issue or approach to teaching and student learning at Georgia College. The Faculty Learning Communities meet approximately every three weeks, either virtually or face-to-face. For the purpose of this grants' program, Faculty Learning Communities should consist of 5-8 members from more than one academic discipline, and preferably from more than one department. 

Topics

A wide variety of topics and activities would qualify for consideration; the primary factor, of course, is to choose something related to teaching and student learning. Examples of appropriate topics would include but are certainly not limited to: GC Journeys, LEAP initiatives, diversity issues, technology integration, interdisciplinary teaching, service learning, problem-based learning, undergraduate research, reflective learning, role-playing simulations, computer simulations, GC1Y and GC2Y courses, GeorgiaVIEW, the flipped classroom, and integrative learning strategies. 

Proposals

Proposals should be 1-2 pages, and consist of the following:

1. Name/Title of the Faculty Learning Community
2. Names of FLC members with their disciplinary/departmental affiliations
3. Description of the project, in language clear to a non-specialist
4. Dollar amount requested (max. $500) 
5. Line-item budget (e.g., speakers, materials, travel)* and justification
6. Name of the FLC director who is responsible for submitting the proposal, tracking the budget, and submitting an outcome report.  An outcome report will include a description of what was accomplished along with a product that may vary in format.  For example, it might be a journal article, a conference presentation, a workshop, or any other scholarly report. 
   *Note:  Budget items should be used to enhance scholarship.  Funds do not cover food expenses.

Expected Learning Outcome Report

An outcome report may vary in format.  For example, it might be a journal article, a conference presentation, a workshop, or any other scholarly report. 

Proposal Deadline

Proposals for Faculty Learning Communities are due by the first of the month. The Faculty Learning Communities are made possible by Center for Teaching and Learning program funds.

Brightspace Essentials Training Course for Instructors - In this two (2) day certificated training, you can unlock the full potential of your online teaching with the Brightspace Essentials Training Course for Instructors. This comprehensive course equips you with the essential skills needed to effectively navigate and utilize the Brightspace Learning Management System (LMS). Learn to customize your course homepage, create engaging content modules, manage announcements, and streamline communication with students. Gain hands-on experience in setting up assignments, quizzes, and discussion forums, all while mastering the grade book and personalized learning tools. Ideal for those new to Brightspace or those seeking to enhance their online course delivery, this training provides the foundational knowledge and practical skills to create a dynamic and interactive online learning environment. 

Brightspace Advanced Training Course for Instructors - In this two (2) day certificated training, you will elevate your online teaching proficiency with the Brightspace Advanced Training Course for Instructors. Designed for those who have mastered the basics, this advanced course delves deeper into the powerful features of the Brightspace Learning Management System (LMS). Learn to create and manage student groups, set special access parameters, and utilize intelligent agents for automated course management. Develop and integrate rubrics into various assessment tools, and create engaging video quizzes. Ideal for instructors looking to refine their digital teaching strategies and enhance the interactivity and personalization of their courses, this training builds on the foundational skills acquired in the Brightspace Essentials Training Course for Instructors, which is a prerequisite.

To learn more about how to enroll in the Brightspace certificated course series, please contact the Center for Teaching and Learning at ctl@gcsu.edu or 478-445-1253.  

Sponsored through the Office of the Provost and GC Journeys and hosted by the Center for Teaching and Learning, the High Impact Practices (HIPs) Summer Institute offers faculty a certificated and funded summer professional development opportunity to engage in a course on Incorporating Transformative Experiences in the Classroom.  This summer course is designed to assist faculty in their journey to add a transformative experience/high-impact practice to one of their courses or to develop a course around an experience in Capstone, First-Year Experiences, International Education, Internships, Leadership, Service Learning, or Mentored Undergraduate Research & Creative Endeavors.

We are delighted that you are considering this institute.  Please contact the Center for Teaching and Learning at 478-445-2520 or ctl@gcsu.edu with questions or concerns.  

In the meantime, we'd like to share some of our past institute completers along with their department and their selected transformative experience:  

Summer 2024

Summer 2023

Summer 2022

Summer 2021

Summer 2020

The Center for Teaching and Learning offers certificated professional development opportunities through Quality Matters (QM) designed to help educators deliver the promise of quality online learning opportunities at every level of learning. Nationally recognized, QM is the global organization leading quality assurance in online and innovative digital teaching and learning environments.

To help you reach your professional development goals, the Center for Teaching & Learning (CTL) offers three (3) certificated courses: Applying the QM Rubric (APPQMR), Designing Your Online Course (DYOC), and Improving Your Online Course (IYOC) as follows:

CTL Certificated Offerings

To explore QM resources and offerings, visit https://www.qmprogram.org/myqm/.  There, you will create a GCSU account by using your GCSU email and selecting “No, I am new here.”  To register for any of the professional development opportunities mentioned, contact CTL at ctl@gcsu.edu or 478-445-2520.