12-15 January:  Blackboard Ally online workshops

Learning, Teaching and Student Engagement is offering workshops focused on the new LJCU tool, Blackboard (Bb) Ally

Blackboard (Bb) Ally is now enabled in all 2021 subjects.  Bb Ally contributes to making subject content inclusive and flexible.

• For lectures, it provides accessibility scores against files and advice on how to improve those scores.
• For students, it provides flexible learning options by enabling alternative formats on digital learning materials.

The one-hour workshops will be offered throughout January-March 2021.

To register for the workshops, please click here.

28 January:  Mental Health First Aid (Standard) Refresher - JCU Townsville

This face-to-face course allows people who have previously completed the 12 Mental Health First Aid course to refresh their knowledge and skills including:

• Gaining an understanding of the latest research in the mental health field
• Learning the 3 key actions for helping someone feeling suicidal
• Working through complex mental health first aid interactions
• Practicing mental health first aid skills.

For people who are Accredited MHFAiders, the refresher courses offer an opportunity to extend their accreditation for a further 3 years.

For further information and bookings, contact Larissa Siliézar, Manager Student Equity and Wellbeing, at Larissa.Siliezar@jcu.edu.au

1 February:  Inclusive Learning Design:  quality and accessible learning

The Inclusive Learning Design: quality and accessible learning will explore and break down the principles of Universal design:

• Social and emotional learning
• Inclusive instructional practice
• Assessment for learning

Using the Universal design method allows you to;

• Create an inclusive learning environment for all students,
• Improve your students engagement,
• Improve your students’ academic success
• Create competent 21^st Century graduates.

Students engage better when they are part of the learning community and do not feel outside of it, this session will demonstrate some of the ways you can implement the principles within your subject design.

To register for the workshop please click here.

2 - 24 February:  Blackboard Ally workshops

Learning, Teaching and Student Engagement is offering workshops focused on the new LJCU tool, Blackboard (Bb) Ally.

Blackboard (Bb) Ally is now enabled in all 2021 subjects.  Bb Ally contributes to making subject content inclusive and flexible.

• For lecturers, it provides accessibility scores against files and advice on how to improve those scores.
• For students, it provides flexible learning options by enabling alternative formats on digital learning materials.

The one hour workshops will be offered throughout February - March 2021.

To register for the workshops, please click here.

3 February: Mental Health First Aid for Suicidal Persons - JCU Townsville

The Mental   Health   First   Aid for the Suicidal  Person course will teach you how to identify, approach and support someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviours using a practical, evidence-based Action Plan. You will also have the opportunity to practise your new skills in a safe environment.

Course Content

• How to identify warning signs for suicide
• How to confidently support a person in crisis
• How to help the person stay safe
• How to connect someone to appropriate professional help

Cost: the Mental Health First Aid for the Suicidal Person cost is $20, includes materials and delivery (self-catered).

For further information and bookings, contact  Larissa Siliézar, Manager Student Equity and Wellbeing, at Larissa.Siliezar@jcu.edu.au

4 - 5 February: Learning & Teaching @JCU: Induction for new full-time academic staff with teaching responsibilities - Cairns and Townsville

Foundations of Learning and Teaching @JCU is a two-day program for all newly appointed full-time academic staff with teaching responsibilities, which is to be completed as part of employment probation. Visit the Induction for New Academic Staff page for further information and instructions on how to register.

5 February: Mental Health First Aid (Standard) Refresher - Cairns - **POSTPONED**

This face-to-face course allows people who have previously completed the 12 Mental Health First Aid course to refresh their knowledge and skills including:

• Gaining an understanding of the latest research in the mental health field
• Learning the 3 key actions for helping someone feeling suicidal
• Working through complex mental health first aid interactions
• Practicing mental health first aid skills.

For people who are Accredited MHFAiders, the refresher courses offer an opportunity to extend their accreditation for a further 3 years.

If you are interested in attending this training please contact  Larissa Siliézar, Manager Student Equity and Wellbeing, at Larissa.Siliezar@jcu.edu.au

9  February: Student Support Showcase

JCU offers a wide range of free support services and activities to help students with their academic success as well as their physical, emotional, financial and social wellbeing.
This fast-paced showcase will deliver snapshots of all the support services at JCU to help academic and professional staff provide quality referrals and advice to commencing and continuing students.
Presentations from: The Learning Centre, Student Mentor Program, Careers and Employment, JCU Student Association, Student Equity and Wellbeing, Student Centre, International Student Support

To register for the showcase please click here

11 February: First-Year Experience Stakeholder Seminar - Transition Challenges and Advice

Are you teaching or supporting first-year students?
Come along to our annual professional development session, which will focus on common challenges that commencing students face at JCU.   As a professional and academic staff, it is important to understand barriers to success, so we can improve the student experience and support their long-term aspirations.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the seminar.

To register, please click here and select "11 Feb: First-Year Experience Stakeholder Seminar" from the drop-down box.

12 February: JCU Citation Information Session

JCU Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning are awarded to individual academics or teams of academics who have demonstrated an outstanding and effective contribution to student learning and success.

This workshop will explain the criteria, outline the procedure and timelines, help you determine your innovative and creative learning practice(s), and provide examples of narrative text and evidence bases for you to refer to in your compilation.

To register, please click here and select "12 Feb: JCU Citation Info Session" from the drop-down box.

15 February: AHE Fellowship Information Session

Professional Development Opportunity
Supported Associate Fellowship, Fellowship or Senior Fellowship
Application for recognition with advance HE (UK)

Acknowledge your commitment to professionalism in learning and teaching in higher education - over 135,000 Fellows across the world!

Find out more about what Fellowships have to offer you - Advance HE

To register, please click here and select "15 Feb: AHE Fellowship Info Session (Academic)" from the drop-down box.

16-18 February:  Teaching with LearnJCU series

LTSE is offering succinct webinars (30 to 45 minutes) focused on using the teaching tools in LearnJCU to your advantage.  These webinars aim to highlight how LearnJCU teaching tools can be used to enhance your teaching presence and practice. The four sessions focus on Collaborate, H5P, groups and Grade Centre.

Groups in Learn JCU

Group formation and management, students'  topic selection.

In this session, we will explore how you can support groups by designing your group task to encourage equal contribution to ensure fair marking processes and create a supported psychologically safe group environment.  See how innovative application of the LearnJCU group tool can decrease your administrative workload in managing groups and allocating students to topics.

For more information, please contact Terrie Paterson on 4781 3276 or at terrie.paterson@jcu.edu.au

To register, please click here and select "16 or 18 Feb: Groups in LearnJCU" from the drop-down box.

16 February: Sessional Staff Induction - Part 1

James Cook University sessional staff who are new to teaching or returning after more than three years are required to attend induction as part of their ongoing appointment. The program is presented as two x two-hour workshops and is available for new teaching staff at the beginning of each semester. Visit the Sessional Staff induction page for session information and instructions on how to register.

17 February:  Integrating H5P

You can create interactive content for your students with H5P.  This session will cover the basics of H5P: where to find it, what existing H5P content can you access, how to create, edit, insert H5P into LearnJCU documents and pages, and link to Grade Centre.  We will discuss strategies to use H5P to structure topic content and create practice opportunities for students on your subject site.  View and discuss two H5P items that will clarify (top of the topic page) and check students' achievement of learning intentions for each topic (bottom of topic page).

For more information, please contact Terrie Paterson on 4781 3276 or at terrie.paterson@jcu.edu.au

To register, please click here and select " 17 Feb: Integrating H5P" from the drop-down box.

22 February:  Assessment design and academic integrity

The rapid transition to online assessment in 2020 brought in to focus the need to better understand how we can improve online assessment and academic integrity in our assessment processes.  In this seminar, we explore a range of assessment options that can be used in place of traditional invigilated exams and other assessment while maintaining the rigour required for assessment purposes.

This session will be delivered via zoom and will be interactive.  We recommend you join the session from a computer or tablet, not from a smartphone.

To register, please click here

23 February: Sessional Staff Induction - Part 2

James Cook University sessional staff who are new to teaching or returning after more than three years are required to attend induction as part of their ongoing appointment. The program is presented as two x two-hour workshops and is available for new teaching staff at the beginning of each semester. Visit the Sessional Staff induction page for session information and instructions on how to register.

25 February:  Using Collaborate to engage students

How can you make Collaborate sessions meaningful and compelling? Experience and discuss strategies and resources that you can use to create an inclusive and inviting Collaborate culture in your subject.

To register, please click here

For more information, please contact Terrie Paterson on 4781 3276 or at terrie.paterson@jcu.edu.au

Teaching with LearnJCU

LTSE are offering succinct webinars (30 to 45 minutes) focussed on using the teaching tools in LearnJCU to your advantage. These webinars aim to highlight how LearnJCU teaching tools can be used to enhance your teaching presence and practice.  The four sessions focus on Collaborate, H5P, groups and Grade Centre.

1 & 5 March: Groups in Learn JCU

Group formation and management, students topic selection.  In this session, we will explore how you can support groups by designing your group task to encourage equal contribution to ensure fair marking processes and create a supported psychologically safe group environment.  See how innovative application of the LearnJCU group tool can decrease your administrative workload in managing groups and allocating students to topics.

Please note, due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements, there will be a limited number of spaces available for the face-to-face session.

To register for the workshops, please click here.

1 - 17 March:  Grade Centre

Tailoring the Grade Centre to your teaching and assessment needs for the whole semester is essential to the efficient management of marking and assessment.  This session will cover how to set up your Grade Centre.  Including set-up of:

• calculated columns;
• columns for tasks that are not submitted online;
• overall grade column; and
• rubrics.

Please note, due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements, there will be a limited number of spaces available for the face-to-face session.

To register for the workshops, please click here.

2 - 10 March:  Blackboard Ally workshops

Learning, Teaching and Student Engagement is offering workshops focused on the new LJCU tool, Blackboard (Bb) Ally.

Blackboard (Bb) Ally is now enabled in all 2021 subjects.  Bb Ally contributes to making subject content inclusive and flexible.

• For lecturers, it provides accessibility scores against files and advice on how to improve those scores.
• For students, it provides flexible learning options by enabling alternative formats on digital learning materials.

To register for the workshops, please click here.

5 March:  Creating educational media content

Creating educational media content has never been more important in these current times.  This workshop will explore the skills needed to create effective and efficient educational media content for the virtual campus.

In this 60 minute workshop, the following will be explored:

• structure and style of educational content
• screen recording - tools and processes
• mobile recording - record anywhere
• audio recording - hardware to improve audio quality
• tools and process for interactive media production showcase

Having the skills to create effective and efficient educational video will:
• allow you to engage your learners  in the online environment
• improve academic success
• ensure the longevity of the resources, by creating ae reusable educational objects
  

  Date	Time	Location
  Friday, 5 March 2021	12pm - 1pm	JCU Townsville, Bebegu Yumba campus, Douglas Room 134.021 JCU Cairns, Nguma-bada campus, Smithfield Room B1.106

Please note, due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements, there will be a limited number of spaces available for the face-to-face session.

To register for the workshops, please click here

8 March:  Assessment design and academic integrity

The rapid transition to online assessment in 2020 brought in to focus the need to better understand how we can improve online assessment and academic integrity in our assessment processes.  In this seminar, we explore a range of assessment options that can be used in place of traditional invigilated exams and other assessment while maintaining the rigour required for assessment purposes.

This session will be delivered via zoom and will be interactive.  We recommend you join the session from a computer or tablet, not from a smartphone.

To register, please click here

11-12 March:  Designing authentic assessment:  principles and practices

Students perform better when they are asked to perform tasks that require them to apply their acquired knowledge in a 'real-world scenario. One way of doing this is creating authentic assessment within your subjects.

This 45-minute workshop will be exploring:

• what is authentic assessment?
• how can authentic assessment be implemented?

Using authentic assessment allows you to:

• create 'real-world scenarios' for your students to become 21st Century graduates
• improve student engagement
• improve academic success

Please note, due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements, there will be a limited number of spaces available for the face-to-face session.

To register for the workshops, please click here.

12 March: Foundations of Learning and Teaching @JCU: New Staff Networking Breakfast

Staff who undertake the Foundations of Learning & Teaching @JCU in February will be invited to attend a networking breakfast. Email invitations will be sent following the induction, but please note the date in your diary!

Reminder about copyright

Copyright is an important consideration; the Library will offer sessions and support in the upcoming weeks.  An Info_BYTE with further details will come out shortly.

April:  Mental Health First Aid for Suicidal Persons - JCU Cairns - date soon to be confirmed!

The Mental   Health   First   Aid for the Suicidal  Person course will teach you how to identify, approach and support someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviours using a practical, evidence-based Action Plan. You will also have the opportunity to practise your new skills in a safe environment.

Course Content

• How to identify warning signs for suicide
• How to confidently support a person in crisis
• How to help the person stay safe
• How to connect someone to appropriate professional help

Cost: the Mental Health First Aid for the Suicidal Person cost is $20, includes materials and delivery (self-catered).

For further information and bookings, contact  Larissa Siliézar, Manager Student Equity and Wellbeing, at Larissa.Siliezar@jcu.edu.au

7 April:  Embedding Employability in Your Curriculum

The who, what, when and why of curriculum embedding for employability, this workshop will provide an overview of everything you need to review or start embedding in your course or subject.

• Overview of employability embedding principles
• Resources and support
• Case studies of embedded JCU programs
• Leading career conversations in the classroom

To register, please click here

7 April:  Capstone Experience Forum

The annual Capstone Experience Forum is on this month, which focuses on final year experiences at JCU, so we can optimise graduate outcomes as students transition into their early careers.  The focus for the 2021 forum will be the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and graduate capabilities at JCU.  In 2019, the AQF underwent a review, which has implications for how general capabilities might be developed and assured within universities.  We hope you can come join the professional conversation, best practice showcase, resources and strategy sharing hour about this emerging space, and reflect on the part you can play to optimise capabilities.

To register, please click here

7  April:  Course Coordinator Essentials Forum

The Course Coordinator Essentials Forum aims to enable Course Coordinators to fulfil their responsibilities as per the Charter of Academic Responsibilities for Academic Quality and Governance. The forum comprises essential topic areas led by various JCU presenters.

To register, please click here

20 April:  AHE Fellowship Writing Workshop

Note: Participants must have attended the AHE Information session and expressed their interest in participating in the JCU fellowship program.

The aim of this writing workshop is to prepare you to begin to write your AHE application for the level that you have nominated. The writing workshop will focus on:

• Elements of a successful application;
• Identifying evidence necessary to substantiate an application;
• Approaches to reflective writing.

A learning community approach is taken in this workshop which is facilitated by a number of collaborative activities and opportunities for peer review. In order to make the most of this workshop you should bring your completed evidence map and an outline of one area of activity.

Attendance at this workshop is necessary for you to progress your application.  To register, please click here

22 April:  SoTL Series: Planning your SoTL Project

Do you want to investigate your teaching and your students’ experience of learning but have never been entirely sure how to approach it? This workshop is focussed on supporting you to develop a plan for a scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) project. During this workshop it is intended that you should be able to:

1. Identify steps for completing a SoTL project;
2. Create a plan for a SoTL project.

A learning community approach is taken in this workshop which is facilitated by a number of collaborative activities and opportunities for discussion. To make the most of this workshop you should come with an idea for a SoTL project.

To register, please click here and select "22 April: SoTL Series" from the drop-down box.

1 June: Subject Coordinator: Advanced Forum

Engaging students in online learning and maintaining staff and student wellbeing are current hot topics in the higher education sector. This workshop will support Subject Coordinators with actionable strategies for continuing to refine your online teaching practice in order to support student learning. In addition, it will also provide you with some strategies to support your own wellbeing as well that of your students.

To register, please click here

2 June: Engaging Students in Online Learning

To register, please click here and select "2 June: Engaging Students in Online Learning" from the drop-down box.

22 - 23 June: Mental Health First Aid (Standard)Training - To be Confirmed

The Standard Mental Health First Aid (SMHFA) course is based on the international MHFA Guidelines. Curriculum content is evidence-based, and has been created with the input of mental health professionals, researchers, and consumer advocates. This 12-hour course teaches adults how to provide mental health first aid.  Mental health first aid is the help provided to a person who is developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of an existing mental health problem, or who is in a mental health crisis. The first aid is given until the appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves.

Course Content

The SMHFA course teaches adults how to provide initial support to adults who are developing any of the following mental health problems, experiencing a worsening of an existing mental health problem, or mental health crises:

• Developing mental health problems
• Depression
• Anxiety problems
• Psychosis
• Substance use problems.
• Mental health crises
• Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
• Non-suicidal self-injury
• Panic attacks
• Traumatic events
• Severe psychotic states
• Severe effects from alcohol or other drug use
• Aggressive behaviours

Cost: Standard Mental Health First Aid costs $80 for the 2 days, including materials and delivery (self-catered).

The course will run from 9:00 am - 5.00 pm on both days, and is capped at 25 participants. To register for this event, please click here.

For more information, contact Larissa Siliezar, Manager Student Equity and Wellbeing at Larissa.Siliezar@jcu.edu.au

TBC: Learning and Teaching Evidence for Promotion

Details to come soon!

21 & 22 July:  SoTL Writing Retreat

The aim of this writing retreat is to facilitate some aspect of SoTL writing, whether that be a review of literature, preparing an ethics application or drafting a SoTL manuscript that you intend to submit for peer review.

Wherever you are ‘at’ with your SoTL project, the writing retreat provides you with dedicated time and collegial ‘space’ to concentrate on writing.  A community of practice approach is taken in this writing retreat which will be facilitated by a number of activities and opportunities for peer discussion and review.

In order to make the most of this workshop you should have an identified SoTL project which is at any stage of progress that you can use to focus your writing.

To register please click here.

20 & 27 July: Sessional Staff Induction

James Cook University sessional staff who are new to teaching or returning after more than three years are required to attend induction as part of their ongoing appointment. The program will be presented as two x two-hour workshops and is available for new teaching staff at the beginning of each semester. Visit the Sessional Staff induction page for session information and instructions on how to register.

4 August: Mental Health First Aid for Suicidal Persons

The Mental   Health   First   Aid for the Suicidal  Person course will teach you how to identify, approach and support someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviours using a practical, evidence-based Action Plan. You will also have the opportunity to practise your new skills in a safe environment.

Course Content

• How to identify warning signs for suicide
• How to confidently support a person in crisis
• How to help the person stay safe
• How to connect someone to appropriate professional help

Cost: the Mental Health First Aid for the Suicidal Person cost is $20, includes materials and delivery (self-catered).

For further information and bookings, contact  Larissa Siliézar, Manager Student Equity and Wellbeing, at Larissa.Siliezar@jcu.edu.au

13 August: Supporting Students with a Disability or Health Condition

This session is designed for course coordinators and First-Year coordinators, however, all staff are welcome to attend.

Topics covered include:

• Understand the issues for students with a disability in a Tertiary Environment
• Understand the JCU supports available for students with a disability
• Understand and know how to implement the roles & responsibilities for both students and staff at JCU
• Increased awareness, understanding and skills for inclusive teaching, working with AccessAbility Services and implementation of reasonable adjustments
• Apply the guiding principles and relevant legislation
• Develop an understanding of how to approach obstacles for students with a disability now and into the future

To register, please click here and select "13 August:  Supporting Students with a Disability".

Multiple Choice Questions workshops

Learning, Teaching and Student Engagement is offering workshops focused on writing Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).  We will explore MCQ good practice guidelines and you will have the opportunity to deconstruct your MCQs with colleagues.

The one-hour workshops will be offered twice a day with a maximum of 20 participants per workshop.  To register for the workshops below please click here.

29 September: Teaching Diverse Students: Pedagogies that make a difference for neurodiverse students

This event is being postponed until early November, please contact Larissa Siliezar, Manager Student Equity and Wellbeing, larissa.siliezar@jcu.edu.au for further details.

7 October: Celebrating Excellence in Learning & Teaching @JCU

Every year, JCU celebrates the enormous contributions our teaching and support staff make to the JCU student experience. This event will encompass the Inclusive Practice Awards, Inclusive and Accessible LearnJCU Site Award, the Sessional Teaching Awards, and the JCU Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning.

Please join us as we recognise the significant contributions our staff make to the JCU learning and teaching community.

When:  3.30pm - 4.30pm Thursday 7 October 2021

Where:  A link to a zoom room will be provided upon registration

To register for this event please click here

2 November: Course Coordinator: Advanced Workshop

The Course Coordinators: Advanced workshop is an interactive forum that builds on the foundations established by the Course Coordinator Essentials. It enables Course Coordinators to remain up-to-date with current institutional practices and new directions across the higher education sector.

More details to come soon.

3 December: Mental Health First Aid (Standard) Refresher

This face-to-face course allows people who have previously completed the 12 Mental Health First Aid course to refresh their knowledge and skills including:

• Gaining an understanding of the latest research in the mental health field
• Learning the 3 key actions for helping someone feeling suicidal
• Working through complex mental health first aid interactions
• Practicing mental health first aid skills.

For people who are Accredited MHFAiders, the refresher courses offer an opportunity to extend their accreditation for a further 3 years.

For further information and bookings, contact  Larissa Siliézar, Manager Student Equity and Wellbeing, at Larissa.Siliezar@jcu.edu.au