Author Archive
Posted by mathissexy on December 6, 2011
Tuesday Teaching Talk is a regular feature which, as the name implies, is an opportunity to talk explicitly about teaching (and learning) in the practical and philosophical sense that happens on, you guessed it, Tuesday. It could be a question, an article or a tip to name a few options.
It’s a final week free-for-all! Also, if you’re not busy between 2 and 3 today, stop into 1046 to find out who the new coordinator/vice coordinator are.
Now for the TTT. Speak your mind. Vent, gripe, rejoice! This is freestyle and open.
Posted in CAST, Curriculum, Faculty, Teaching | Tagged: CAST, TTT | 3 Comments »
Posted by mathissexy on November 29, 2011
Tuesday Teaching Talk is a regular feature which, as the name implies, is an opportunity to talk explicitly about teaching (and learning) in the practical and philosophical sense that happens on, you guessed it, Tuesday. It could be a question, an article or a tip to name a few options.
Not so quick advertisements…
1) Elections for CAST coordinator begin today. Full-timers, check your mailboxes. Look here for more info on the positions. There are 3 candidates for coordinator (and vice coordinator): Brigitte Maronde (ELL/WL), Amelia Lopez (English, Speech and Theatre) and Chris Sabino (Mathematics).
2) Today is the CAST research subgroup’s monthly meeting at 2 in 1046
3) This Friday, 12/2, join CAST for “Cookies and CAST” an informal gathering in 1046 starting around 10:30 a.m in which we grade, write exams, eat cookies and commiserate before the final week of the semester.
Now for today’s TTT.
This seemed apropos. Do you have anything to add to the list?
Posted in CAST, Curriculum, Faculty, Teaching | Tagged: CAST, ending on a high note, TTT | 12 Comments »
Posted by mathissexy on November 22, 2011
Tuesday Teaching Talk is a regular feature which, as the name implies, is an opportunity to talk explicitly about teaching (and learning) in the practical and philosophical sense that happens on, you guessed it, Tuesday. It could be a question, an article or a tip to name a few options.
Quick advertisements…
1) Nominations for CAST coordinator are due by Monday 11/28. Look here for more info.
2) Today is the CAST pedagogy subgroup’s monthly meeting at 2 in 1046
3) Next Friday, 12/2, join CAST for “Cookies and CAST” an informal gathering in 1046 starting around 10:30 a.m in which we grade, write exams, eat cookies and commiserate before the final week of the semester.
Now for today’s TTT.
It is Thanksgiving Week, so I’d like to thank you all for reading and rarely responding to the TTT’s this semester. 
Here comes my cliche post of the semester. I’m betting that there are many especially thankful faculty in our midsts, namely those who just submitted their 1st, 2nd and final portfolios (or post tenure if that’s due now). Congrats!. Besides that, what are you thankful for with respect to your teaching at HW? In the quiet, thoughtful moments what is it about your time/life at HW that you’re truly thankful for?
Have a nice little break before the end of another speedy semester. Gobble, gobble!
Posted in CAST, Curriculum, Faculty, Teaching | Tagged: CAST, TTT, what are you thankful for? | 4 Comments »
Posted by mathissexy on November 20, 2011
In case you missed the e-mail…
Hello all,
I hope the near end of the semester is going well for you. I’m excited to announce that the time has come for nominations for the CAST Coordinator. I’m even more excited to announce a few changes with respect to CAST officers and elections.
First, CAST now has 2 officer positions that have release time. Previously the coordinator received 3 hours of release time per semester. Now, the Vice coordinator will also receive 3 hours of release time per semester. You can find the descriptions for each position by clicking on the link below.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/18zRKQRpWfm5YoUSw9hn4BKtFQrRRGzzhAn28Br1ZUJI/edit
Second, once the nominations are in, an election will be held. The top vote-getter will be the coordinator and the 2nd highest vote-getter will be Vice coordinator. Note that both positions are for one year (January to December)
As for the nominations, to nominate a colleague, simply e-mail me at this address or at csabino@ccc.edu. I will then e-mail the nominee to verify her/his acceptance. THE DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS MONDAY 11/28. Elections will occur from Tues. 11/29-Mon. 12/5. The new officers will “inaugurated” at the final CAST meeting of the semester on Tues. 12/6 at 2 in room 1046 and will begin in their positions at the conclusion of the Fall semester. Note that CAST meetings occur on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 2 in room 1046.
Thanks for reading.
Chris Sabino
CAST coordinator
Assistant Professor Mathematics
P.S. Save the date! Cookies and CAST (a working title) is happening on Friday Dec. 2 in 1046 (now with some artwork). The room will be open for grading, socializing and technology questions (if applicable). It will also contain various baked goods from willing donors. The idea is to have the room open all day for this sort of interaction to end the semester on a high note.
Posted in CAST | Tagged: coordinator, Nominations, vice coordinator, yeah!! | 1 Comment »
Posted by mathissexy on November 15, 2011
Tuesday Teaching Talk is a regular feature which, as the name implies, is an opportunity to talk explicitly about teaching (and learning) in the practical and philosophical sense that happens on, you guessed it, Tuesday. It could be a question, an article or a tip to name a few options.
Today is the 2nd Technology Tools of the Trade!! Topics include Animoto by Vincent Wiggins, Glogster by Michal Eskayo, Course Content in the Cloud by Ephrem Rabin, Bookmarking by Camelia Salajean (tentatively) and something else (could be Prezi, Wordle, Google Docs, or pong in the classroom) by me.
Also, I’m writing this on Sunday night hoping that today (Tuesday, the day of the post) will be the day I find out about the release time (currently 3, hopefully 6) for the next CAST coordinator. Nominations and the unveiling of the new charter (which includes policies surrounding the use of room 1046) will occur this week, with any luck.
Now for the TTT.
Given the lack of response as of late, I’m making this a wildcard, freestyle, whatever you want in lieu of sharing some of the content of a very interesting conference call I took part in with folks from the Faculty and Staff Development task force having to do with changes to the tenure and post-tenure processes as well as professional development. Once I have more info, that will be its own post. I’m getting my notes and thoughts together. So post what you like about teaching, professional development, ponies, etc.
If you can’t stand that much freedom, here are a few questions.
What do you want from CAST?
What do you want in the way of professional development assuming you have time to engage?
What is your preferred medium for professional development (in person, in print, in-ternet, etc.)
What is your favorite type of cookie? Heads up for a cheap plug…CAST is having a cookies and grading day on Friday Dec. 2. The CAST room (1046) will be open and filled with baked goods (hopefully) to fire you up to grade or write papers or exams. I know that many in the English dept. will be in the throes of grading exit essays.
That’s all for now. Thanks for reading. See you at 2:30.
Posted in CAST, Curriculum, Faculty, Teaching, Technology | Tagged: CAST, FreeStyle, technology tools of the trade today | 1 Comment »
Posted by mathissexy on November 8, 2011
Blackboard Blitz
Friday November 11, 2011
Harold Washington College – Room 407
1. 9:00 – 10:00
Topics covered include:
- managing the environment
-creating announcements
-posting documents, videos, external links, and more
-accessing Control Panel functions
2. 10:00 – 11:00
Topics covered include Basic Grade Center features:
-customizing the view
-posting grades and student comments
-weighting grades
- generating reports
-downloading the Grade Center
3. 11:00 –12:00
Topics covered include:
-Communications Features (email, discussion board, internal messages)
- Digital Assignment Function
-Turnitin.com (plagiarism detection software)
Lunch (on your own)
4. 1:00 – 2:30
Blackboard Open Lab – Practice: Work on your spring courses.
Click on the link below to reserve your seat. (max. 25)
Response Deadline – noon Thursday November 10
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BB_in_a_day_workshop
Posted in Blackboard, Teaching, Technology | Tagged: Blackboard, Ephrem | 2 Comments »
Posted by mathissexy on November 8, 2011
Tuesday Teaching Talk is a regular feature which, as the name implies, is an opportunity to talk explicitly about teaching (and learning) in the practical and philosophical sense that happens on, you guessed it, Tuesday. It could be a question, an article or a tip to name a few options.
Today is the penultimate full CAST meeting of the semester and my penultimate as coordinator. I’ve included the agenda below (including a link to the draft of the revised CAST charter) in case you missed the e-mail. Also, next week is our 2nd Technology Tools of the Trade. Expect some more info on that very soon. Also look out for the rescheduling of our extended Technology Tools of the Trade event. Finally, think about who you’d like to nominate to be the next coordinator of CAST. The nomination form will be making its way around in paper and electronically by the end of the week or early next week at the latest.
1. Approve minutes
2. Reports from Subgroups
3. Room 1046 updates
4. Revised Charter (and approval?)
(https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Hhp5R73c4KcEWsY83wKJSYMcs2fQsJWiBXaDlVn55bg/edit)
5. Nominations for Coordinator and election
6. The remaining events for this semester
7. Other business
NOW for today’s Tuesday Teaching Talk.
With the last day for student initiated withdrawal less than a week away, this is the time when my office hours become much more popular. Maybe you have the same experience. I have no way of knowing unless I share an office with you. How do you handle the “should I drop” question? Also, since much of our teaching is informed by our lives as students, did you ever find yourself in the “should I drop” situation? This may be a bit more personal than you want to get on a Tuesday but I figured I’d ask. I’ll start the ball rolling if you’d humor me.
1. In H.S. I was enrolled in Spanish 4 (the highest Spanish course offered) my senior year. After a week, I was faced with a dilemma. The teacher and course were very challenging. I knew from the first week and from the word on the street. I already had a difficult course load and lunch only every other day due to 2 period Calc. Also, I was student-directing the fall play, planning to star in the musical, shooting for the school paper, etc. I made the decision to drop the class and have regretted the decision ever since (not that I’ve lost any sleep over it). I don’t regret it inasmuch as think I would have been that much more fluent in Spanish. I do regret not being able to participate in the inside jokes of my friends who stuck around. I regret taking the easy way out for the sake of balance but also keeping up my GPA (a major motivator back then).
2. In college, I was toying with the idea of double majoring in Math and Physics. I decided to talk the non-calc based physics because it fit into my schedule better, though not really. This was a big mistake. I despised the class and the professor. I also despised the time, M, W and F mornings, if I recall.. Needless to say, I was not a model student and found myself with a shamefully low grade mostly due to my negligence. When faced with the decision to drop or not drop, I stuck around knowing and took what I deserved. It was an important moment in my college career. I learned that physics wasn’t for me and that I needed to work at things that didn’t come naturally a bit more than I was.
Thanks for reading. I look forward to getting personal on this brisk, likely rainy, Tuesday.
Posted in CAST, Curriculum, Faculty, Teaching | Tagged: storytime, to drop or not to drop, what do I have to do to get a C? | 1 Comment »
Posted by mathissexy on November 3, 2011
In case you didn’t check your e-mail, CAST has decided to postpone this event due to myriad schedule conflicts. It is tentatively rescheduled for Friday, December 2. I’ll keep you informed. In the meantime, the next full CAST meeting is this coming Tuesday from 2-3 and the following Tuesday (11/15) from 2:30-3:30 is the bite-sized, speed dating style Technology Tools of the Trade.
Posted in CAST | 2 Comments »
Posted by mathissexy on October 31, 2011
Tuesday Teaching Talk is a regular feature which, as the name implies, is an opportunity to talk explicitly about teaching (and learning) in the practical and philosophical sense that happens on, you guessed it, Tuesday. It could be a question, an article or a tip to name a few options.
I’ll keep the CAST “adverts” to a minimum. This Friday 11/4 from 10-12 is an extended Technology Tools of the Trade. Also, the Open Doors/Observation Collective is underway. 9 of us are involved and a few are geared up to observe/be observed. I’ll let you know how that turns out. I’m pretty excited about both of these events. I’m also excited about the CAST research subgroup meeting today at 2 in 1046. The subgroup will discuss a new initiative having to do with advising and registration, two constantly hot topics.
Now for today’s TTT.
I’m feeling it. Are you feeling it? We’re in week 11. I consider this to be a very challenging time of the semester since the end is near, but not too near. Burn out and exhaustion could creep in if we’re not careful. Non-tenured faculty have something due in a few weeks. How do you fight the burn out and exhaustion? How do you maintain your energy and strength moving into the 4th quarter.
Posted in CAST, Curriculum, Faculty, Teaching | Tagged: time's not on my side | 1 Comment »
Posted by mathissexy on October 27, 2011
PhiloDave outdid himself yesterday. I’ve long believed that he conspires to bury my posts. Do a little mathematical analysis of your own. Anytime mathissexy posts, PhiloDave, within an hour, has already posted at least 2 posts thereby taking the post out of view. Yesterday, PhiloDave created one of the longest posts I’ve ever seen. I’m calling you out PhiloDave with this RebroadCAST! How many posts will you put on top of this one? I can see that there’s already one scheduled. Bring on the posts. In all seriousness, I hope “peeps” look directly below this post because I think the Going Meta post is extremely important and worthwhile. Of course, I hope this post is read first.
Hello from CAST!!! Here’s what’s happening in the next few weeks. As always you can check out the CAST page above to find meeting minutes.
- This Friday CAST is co-sponsoring a Faculty Development Workshop on Active learning from 9-3 in room 1115. Several of our esteemed faculty will be doing presentations. This event is required for non-tenured faculty.
- Next Friday, 11/4, will be CAST’s first mini-TIE day. You may remember a few semesters ago Ephrem Rabin’s TIE (Technology in Education). This is a shorter version. The event will run from 10-12. Topics may include Google docs, Blackboard ins and outs, Prezi, Jing, etc. We’re still finalizing the list of topics and presenters (our faculty again). If you’re interested in presenting, let me know ASAP. There may still be a slot for you. The presentations will run from 10:15-11 and 11:15-12 rooms TBD.
- SAVE THE DATE!!! Tuesday 11/15 will be the 2nd Technology Tools of the Trade from 2:30-3:30 in room 102. Topics will include Google Docs and/or Prezi, a blackboard roundtable, Animoto, etc… If you’re interested in presenting, let me know ASAP. There may still be a slot for you. Presentations occur simultaneously in “speed dating” style (i.e. attendees choose the topic, go to that table and watch/listen/interact for 10ish minutes before moving to the next table. It’s fast-paced, fun and a great chance to learn about several different technologies in a short amount of time. Here’s last week’s more detailed summary if you’re interested.
- The pedagogy subgroup of CAST is kicking off the yet-to-be-named peer observations. 8 faculty signed up to participate in these non-evaluative observations over the next several weeks. I’ll let you know how it goes.
- The research subgroup is attempting to compile a list of the research faculty are engaged in. Look out for an e-mail from your Department Chairs soon. Department Chairs, look out for an e-mail from me.
That’s all for now. Thanks for reading! We’ve got a lot going on. I hope to see you all soon. The CAST meeting schedule is on our page above as is the calendar for room 1046, our faculty lounge.
Oh, one more thing… CAST is in the process of rewriting its charter. Once completed, we’ll be calling for nominations for new officers. Keep an eye out for that.
Posted in CAST, Controversy, Events, Faculty, Fascinating, Teaching, Technology | Tagged: conspiracy theory, fighting for attention, PhiloDave out to get me, PhiloDave vs. mathissexy | 5 Comments »
Posted by mathissexy on October 26, 2011
Hello from CAST!!! Here’s what’s happening in the next few weeks. As always you can check out the CAST page above to find meeting minutes.
- This Friday CAST is co-sponsoring a Faculty Development Workshop on Active learning from 9-3 in room 1115. Several of our esteemed faculty will be doing presentations. This event is required for non-tenured faculty.
- Next Friday, 11/4, will be CAST’s first mini-TIE day. You may remember a few semesters ago Ephrem Rabin’s TIE (Technology in Education). This is a shorter version. The event will run from 10-12. Topics may include Google docs, Blackboard ins and outs, Prezi, Jing, etc. We’re still finalizing the list of topics and presenters (our faculty again). If you’re interested in presenting, let me know ASAP. There may still be a slot for you. The presentations will run from 10:15-11 and 11:15-12 rooms TBD.
- SAVE THE DATE!!! Tuesday 11/15 will be the 2nd Technology Tools of the Trade from 2:30-3:30 in room 102. Topics will include Google Docs and/or Prezi, a blackboard roundtable, Animoto, etc… If you’re interested in presenting, let me know ASAP. There may still be a slot for you. Presentations occur simultaneously in “speed dating” style (i.e. attendees choose the topic, go to that table and watch/listen/interact for 10ish minutes before moving to the next table. It’s fast-paced, fun and a great chance to learn about several different technologies in a short amount of time. Here’s last week’s more detailed summary if you’re interested.
- The pedagogy subgroup of CAST is kicking off the yet-to-be-named peer observations. 8 faculty signed up to participate in these non-evaluative observations over the next several weeks. I’ll let you know how it goes.
- The research subgroup is attempting to compile a list of the research faculty are engaged in. Look out for an e-mail from your Department Chairs soon. Department Chairs, look out for an e-mail from me.
That’s all for now. Thanks for reading! We’ve got a lot going on. I hope to see you all soon. The CAST meeting schedule is on our page above as is the calendar for room 1046, our faculty lounge.
Oh, one more thing… CAST is in the process of rewriting its charter. Once completed, we’ll be calling for nominations for new officers. Keep an eye out for that.
Posted in CAST, News | Tagged: Busy!, CAST, do I have to read all of this?, NewsCAST, verbose, wordy | 1 Comment »
Posted by mathissexy on October 25, 2011
Tuesday Teaching Talk is a regular feature which, as the name implies, is an opportunity to talk explicitly about teaching (and learning) in the practical and philosophical sense that happens on, you guessed it, Tuesday. It could be a question, an article or a tip to name a few options.
A shameless plug from last week…
AND
something new from Applied Science Faculty and CAST Vice Coordinator on Sabbatical Carrie Nepstad. Thanks Carrie!
AND
remember to check out the CAST page for meetings. We have a tech day coming up next Friday 11/4. I hope to have the specific topics within the next day or two. At today’s pedagogy meeting, we’ll discuss creating something similar to this.
Posted in CAST, Faculty | Tagged: CAST, how nice to be on sabbatical | Leave a Comment »
Posted by mathissexy on October 19, 2011
Though you just heard from me yesterday, I’ve got a few things to say today that just can’t wait. You’ll find a link to this post in your e-mail later today. Here’s some updates of CAST’s work this semester. We’ve been busy.
Yesterday CAST’s Technology Group held its first Technology Tools of the Trade. Though somewhat lightly attended, the event was a great kick-off to a new way for us to share the together we use with each other. Maybe you were grading. Maybe you forgot about it. Maybe, like so many, the time didn’t work with your schedule. Nonetheless, here’s what you missed.
5 presenters took their place at round tables. Attendees moved from table to table watching and engaging with the presenter for 10-15 minutes before moving to the next table in a speed dating-esque fashion. Below is a run-down of the specific topics at each table.
- Chris Sabino (me) showed the attendees how to create forms (surveys really) in Google docs.
- Gitte Maronde showed the attendees how to create blogs quickly and effectively. She had a very nice handout as well. (Speaking of which, I’ll make any materials from yesterday available to anyone who wants them.)
- Michal Eskayo showed attendees how to use online jeopardy in their classes.
- Liliana Marin showed attendees the wonders of Google earth.
- last but not least, Ephrem Rabin took a break from Blackboard and introduced attendees to Jing
If you wish you could have made it, don’t fret. The CAST technology group will be having a long technology session on Friday Nov. 4 from 10-12 and will have a 2nd Technology Tools of the Trade on Tuesday Nov. 15 from 2:30-3:30 in room 102. At TTotT 2, presenters will present on the same topics, if there’s a demand or new topics. Vincent Wiggins has already agreed to do a presentation on Animoto.
Also, if you’re wondering what the Pedagogy and Research groups have been up to, check out the now approved CAST meeting minutes on the CAST page at the top of this screen. The big initiative from the Pedagogy group is to get an “observation collective” in place in which faculty observe one another in a non-evaluative way. If you’re interested, click here. The research group has many plans that will soon come to fruition. One of them is to compile a list of faculty actively doing research. Another is to host a grant writing panel with members of our faculty who have had success obtaining grants. More pressing, the research group is hoping to team up with Dave Richardson and Kamran Swanson to host Great Books debriefs on the Tuesdays following the Great Books discussion weeks.
Other news…If you haven’t been to 1046 in a while you may have missed that we finally have some bookshelves. Feel free to fill them at will. CAST is working with the HW Library to see what journals and other publication HW has subscriptions to in hope of requesting other resources. Also, I had the pleasure of meeting with Vanessa Smith who is the gallery director for the Department of Art & Architecture. More pertinently, she manages the permanent art collection for the whole college. She took at look at 1046 and told me that she’d put in a request for artwork to cover the bare walls. These steps bring us closer to have a lounge that feels like a sanctuary and not just another classroom.
One last thing…If you’re untenured or going through post-tenure review and would like evidence that you attended FDW events, e-mail me. I’m in the process of scanning all of the sign sheets so I can easily e-mail them to interested parties.
Thanks for reading!
Posted in CAST | Tagged: Busy!, CAST, do I have to read all of this?, verbose, wordy | Leave a Comment »
Posted by mathissexy on October 18, 2011
Tuesday Teaching Talk is a regular feature which, as the name implies, is an opportunity to talk explicitly about teaching (and learning) in the practical and philosophical sense that happens on, you guessed it, Tuesday. It could be a question, an article or a tip to name a few options.
In honor of today’s first Technology Tools of the Trade from 2:30-3:30 in room 102 here’s an interesting article about, you guessed it, technology (student use of tech. in particular though I think it is relevant to faculty blog commenting during particularly busy weeks). Also, now that the smoke has cleared (almost) from midterm time, here’s a link to the survey from the CAST pedagogy subgroup’s Observation Collective (working title).
Posted in CAST, Curriculum, Faculty, Teaching, Technology | Tagged: observation collective, Technology, tools, trade, what CAST's doing | Leave a Comment »
Posted by mathissexy on October 13, 2011
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
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