Entries Tagged as 'Newsletters'

Thinking Smarter

Company , FREE Resources , Newsletters , SmarterFaculty , SmarterMeasure , SmarterProctors , SmarterServices , SmarterSurveys , Thinking Smarter

  Formerly Known As 

Thinking Smarter (formerly eToolsAlert) August 2010

Do you want to THINK SMARTER?  Do you want to work SMARTER, NOT HARDER?  Our new monthly newsletter is designed to help you make minutes count. It is our new commitment to you.  Organizing your data and giving it back to you in a format that empowers you to make an informed decision.  Let's start THINKING SMARTER together!

What is Your Learning Style?
Have you ever taken the learning styles component of SmarterMeasure learning readiness indicator?  Based on the 7-multiple intellegences model, the learning styles section helps you discover how you learn best, what makes you tick, and what the world looks like through your eyes.  Over the past decade SmarterMeasure has evolved from client input and analysis of the data received.  Based on this feedback we are modifying the learning styles section.  The rationale for our enhancements include needing to improve the variability of the existing three-point by using a bipolar, four-point scale, the wording of some questions because two constructs were measured in a single question, along with multiple requests to decrease the length of the assessment. The important dates are listed below.  For more details about the change click here.

As of September 1, 2010 - an optional 21-item instrument will be available to all clients.  This abbreviated version still measures each of the seven learning styles.  The questions are measured on a 4-point scale.
As of October 15, 2010 - the 35-item instrument will be slightly modified with improved wording of some questions and the scale will be shifting from a 3-point scale to a 4-point scale.
As of October 15, 2010 - all new test taker groups created will default to the 21-item instrument in the learning styles section.  However, you may manually choose the 35-item instrument by following the instructions below.

SmarterMeasure Survey Says...
Recently we sent out a survey to all of our SmarterMeasure administrators to get input on how to improve our support for users.  The survey sought input regarding a virtual user's conference, adding a contact directory, good practices webinar, and shared implementation plans, among others.  A brief synopsis of the results is listed below-take a look!  If you haven't responded yet, there is still time.  Click here and answer the short 8 question survey.  We value your feedback and are committed to providing you with the resources that best meet your needs as SmarterMeasure clients!

A majority of responders said they would be interested in an Annual Virtual User's Group Conference. Another very popular idea was to add a "best practices" list to the admin panel resources tab.  About 75% of responders agreed that a shared contact directory would be helpful and said they would like to be included in it.  Almost 95% of responders stated they would possibly, probably, or definitely attend a free annual best practices webinar.  Adding a users' group meeting onto a widely attended conference appealed to about 70% and the most popular conferences were Blackboard World, Sloan-C, and eLearning-ITC. Stay tuned to learn more about how we plan to implement some of the most popular ideas!

FREE Webinar-SmarterMeasure Webinar - Using Disaggregate Mode
Tuesday, September 14th, 2:00-3:00 pm CST
This webinar is designed for current clients who use SmarterMeasure and are interested in learning more about how to use the disaggregate mode which is now available to all clients.  This webinar is for you if you are concerned about the length of SmarterMeasure, would like more flexibility for each section, or if you are interested in separating out the sections of SmarterMeasure. Register today for this FREE webinar!

FREE Webinar-Managing Information for and About Faculty
Tuesday, September 21st, 2:00-3:00 pm CST

Do you have questions about how to manage your faculty information more efficiently?  Would you like to learn more about how to collect faculty credentials, accomplishments and activities and make the data more meaningful?  Are you interested in evaluating a faculty member’s readiness to teach online classes?  If you answered yes to any of these questions, this webinar is for you! Join Dr. Mac Adkins from SmarterServices and L.K. Williams and Scott Wymer of Data180 for this FREE webinar to learn about specific tools that will assist you in managing information for and about faculty in the most efficient way!  Join us on Tuesday, September 21st, 2:00-3:00 pm central for the SmarterServices webinar and learn more about solutions to your challenges. If time allows, we will also be asking for input about ways your school has overcome these challenges.  Register today for this FREE fall webinar! 

 

Did you miss out on our FREE summer webinar - Tools for Scaling your Distance Learning Program? Don't worry, you can access the archived session here.

 
Case Studies
Are you currently using one or more of our products?  Would you like your school to be in the "spotlight"?  Periodically we highlight one school's case study in our monthly or quarterly publications. Case studies are important because they give the school free advertising and also provide ideas to other users about how they can improve implementation of our services.  If you are interested, please contact our VP of Marketing & Operations, Julie Owen, at julie@SmarterServices.com.  Some schools may be concerned about "unauthorized endorsements".  However, our case studies are written to report the factual account of your school's product usage and are not solely meant to advertise a school's endorsement of the product.  The process is easy and begins with a basic questionnaire.  The final case study is approved by all parties before being published in various locations including web, print, and collateral. 
   
August Issue: 
  • What is your Learning Style?
  • SmarterMeasure Survey Says
  • FREE Webinars
  • Case Study
  • SmarterServices Gives Back
  • Ideas to Improve SmarterMeasure 
SmarterServices
Gives Back


This month we heard about a group of our soldiers in Iraq putting together a 10K run to boost morale.  Requesting prizes, we gladly mailed a box of frisbees to give away.  Recreation is a great way to unwind.

Do you have a great idea to improve SmarterMeasure?

We want to hear from you!  We have just launched an official form that allows all SmarterMeasure admins to suggest new features.  Just click here and give us your ideas.  Select items will be chosen for future upgrades.

 Tell the World you "Like" SmarterServices


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FREE SmarterMeasure
Training Series
Do you need some training on the administrative features of SmarterMeasure?  We provide bi-monthly 30 minute - FREE training sessions to all current clients.  To view a calendar of opportunities and register, click here.
 
 
 
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Thinking Smarter

Thinking Smarter eNews

Case Study , Newsletters , SmarterFaculty , SmarterMeasure , SmarterProctors , SmarterServices , Thinking Smarter , Webinars

Thinking Smarter (formerly eToolsAlert) June 2010

Do you want to THINK SMARTER?  Do you want to work SMARTER, NOT HARDER?  Our new monthly newsletter is designed to help you make minutes count. It is our new commitment to you.  Organizing your data and giving it back to you in a format that empowers you to make an informed decision.  Let's start THINKING SMARTER together!

Case Study Spotlight:
Anne Arundel Community College and SmarterMeasure

In late 2009, Dr. Martha A. Smith, president of Anne Arundel Community College, announced plans to help its students be more successful in reaching their educational goals.  Part of that plan consisted of implementing a first-semester experience that included SmarterMeasure Learning Readiness Indicator.  The Virtual Campus at Anne Arundel uses SmarterMeasure to help their students make an informed decision if online education is right for them.  In addition, the learning style results are used to help students understand how they can learn best using their preferred learning style.  To read the complete case study click here. 


SmarterProctors Wants You!

The month of June marked the beginning of our SmarterProctors campaign.  SmarterProctors (formerly known as TestProctors.com) is a database of individuals who are available to proctor high stakes exams (currently in beta version).  With all 50 states represented, our database is growing daily.  This Fall we hope to open it up for students and schools to search from and find neutral, local proctors to administer exams.  The site will provide a secure payment process so no money changes hands at the time of the test.  If you would like to create a FREE profile click here.  If you are interested in learning more about SmarterProctors contact our sales team at sales@SmarterServices.com.

FREE Webinar-Tools for Scaling your Distance Learning Program
Thursday, June 24th, 2:30-3:30 pm CST


Are you facing challenges in your distance learning program?  Are you interested in learning more about measuring student readiness?  Do you struggle with finding qualified online faculty?  Would you like to know more about how to automate your end of course data?  Is testing integrity an issue at your school or organization?  Join us on Thursday, June 24th, 2:30-3:30 pm central for the SmarterServices webinar and learn more about solutions to your challenges. If time allows we will also be asking for input about ways your school has overcome these challenges.  Register today for this FREE summer webinar! 

 
Case Studies

Are you currently using one or more of our products?  Would you like your school to be in the "spotlight"?  Beginning next month in our quarterly newsletter "SmarterServices", we will be highlighting a school that has agreed to participate in a case study.  We have selected a few schools thus far but are still looking for additional schools to spotlight.  Case studies are important because they give the school free advertising and also provide ideas to other users about how they can improve implementation of our services.  If you are interested, please contact our VP of Marketing & Operations, Julie Owen, at julie@SmarterServices.com.  Some schools may be concerned about " unauthorized endorsements".  However, our case studies are written to report the factual account of your school using our product and are not solely meant to advertise a school's endorsement of the product.  The process is easy and begins with a basic questionnaire.  The final case study is approved by all parties and will be published in various locations including web, print, and collateral. 
   
New Features in July

Do you read our quarterly newsletter?  It will be going out next month and we have several product enhancements to announce so be sure and watch for it mid July.  You'll be pleased as we continue to increase our speed, efficiency, and commit to the evolution of our services.

 
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SmarterMeasure Training Series
Do you need some training on the administrative features of SmarterMeasure?  We provide bi-monthly 30 minute - FREE training sessions to all current clients.  To view a calendar of opportunities and register, click here.
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Thinking Smarter eNews

Thinking Smarter

Newsletters , SmarterFaculty , SmarterMeasure , SmarterProctors , SmarterServices , SmarterSurveys

  Formerly Known As 

Thinking Smarter (formerly eToolsAlert) May 2010

Do you want to THINK SMARTER?  Do you want to work SMARTER, NOT HARDER?  Our new monthly newsletter is designed to help you make minutes count. It is our new commitment to you.  Organizing your data and giving it back to you in a format that empowers you to make an informed decision.  Let's start THINKING SMARTER together!

Life Factors Section of SmarterMeasure Makes Its Debut!

Life Factors is now available!  We are so excited to announce the launch of our new section of SmarterMeasure called Life Factors.  For the past eight years SmarterServices have been doing a good thing. Now we are preparing to do a great thing.  Our SmarterMeasure learning readiness assessment (formerly known as READI – Readiness for Education At a Distance Indicator) has been helping students understand things that internal to themselves that impact their ability to succeed in an eLearning environment.  Examples of these internal aspects include their learning styles, their individual attributes like motivation and willingness to ask for help, their technical competency, their typing ability and their reading ability.  Helping students understand more about these things  are internal to them has been a good thing.  But experienced educators know that many times students do not continue their education because of things that are external to them.  These external factors can be things in their life like having to work many hours at a job, health issues, financial issues, lack of support from family, etc.  With the addition of the new Life Factors section, SmarterMeasure will help students because they will receive a measure of the impact that these “life factors” may have on their educational plans.  To learn more about the new section, click here and view a message from the president, Dr. Mac Adkins.


Our First Month as SmarterServices

Since our recent name change, we have been overwhelmed at all of the positive growth our company has experienced!  We are excited about the changes and appreciate your patience as we continue to communicate with clients about what’s happening.  Thank you for your continued support.  We’d also like to welcome our new clients, St. Louis CC, Northwest Arkansas CC, North Central Michigan College, Broward College, Argosy University, Cincinnati Technical and CC, Roxbury CC, Yorktown University, Central New Mexico CC, Virginia College,  South Arkansas CC, University of Nebraska at Kearney eCampus, and Anoka-Ramsey CC. 

SmarterSurveys in Full Swing!

Are you currently evaluating your end of course evaluation system?  Would you like to replace pencil and paper?  Are you interested in saving time with valuable reports in clicks? Would you like to increase participation in your end of course evaluations?  SmarterSurveys offers flexible, dependable, affordable automated surveys.  With a survey builder, data upload wizard, and email integration, SmarterSurveys will save you time and money!  Call or email today and ask about our Fall 2010 discount!

   
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SmarterMeasure Training Series
Do you need some training on the administrative features of SmarterMeasure?  We provide bi-monthly 30 minute - FREE training sessions to all current clients.  To view a calendar of opportunities and register, click here.
 
 
 
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SmarterServices | 696 N. Silver Hills Dr, Suite 110, Prattville, AL 36066
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Thinking Smarter

eLearningToolBox Newsletter Summer 2009

Company , ELTB 101 , FacultyFinder , Newsletters , PostCourse , Product Tips , Promotions , READI , Webinars
eLearningToolBox Newsletter Summer 2009

The Latest in Distance Learning

READI Announces Integration with the eCollege Learning Management System

eLearningToolBox.com, the provider of READI, is pleased to announce that it has completed a project through which READI can be integrated into the eCollege learning management system.  Students of schools which are using eCollege can now access READI from within their eCollege course without having to re-authenticate into the READI system.  This single sign on capability reduces the number of user names and passwords that schools and students have to keep track of.  A student can also submit their READI report internally through the communication features of eCollege to their instructor for review.  If students and/or their instructors need to access the student’s report at a later date, they may do so through eCollege.

eLearningToolBox.com has several client schools which use eCollege and requested this integration.  The next learning management system which is slated for integration with READI is Blackboard.  If your school is interested in learning more about the integration of READI into your learning management system please contact your Account Manager or support@readi.info

What's New in the ToolBox?

Personalized Online Student Readiness Report

Are you interested in knowing how your students compare to the national averages of online student readiness? Recently we launched the 2009 Online Student Readiness Report. It included data collected from over 150,000 students at 272 institutions. We are now offering a personalized report that contains data from your students. For a small fee, you can have access to statistical information to help you understand your students' strengths and weaknesses. This data can provide guidance for future course design and insight about remedial tools that you may want to consider in your planning of the online program. To view a sample of this school specific report or for a price quote, contact your Account Manager.

The Most Efficient Way to Find Out What Students Really Think

It is coming! PostCourse 2.0 will be available next month! It will feature easy data upload with an integrated wizard, intuitive real-time reporting, tiered role-based administrative access, unlimited surveys and much more! Account Managers are setting up demos in August and Setptember to highlight the new features. Postcourse is a web-based tool that will allow administrators to totally manage all data through an administrative control panel. If you would like to find out about how much you save over your current process, contact an Account Manager today at sales@eLearningToolBox.com.

Change is Good

New Feature Added to READI

READI Administrator, do you have a student test taker login group that needs to be inactivated but not deleted? Often times, schools create new login groups and although they want to keep the data in the old group, they do not want students to accidentally login using the old information. We've added a new feature to READI that allows administrators to choose "inactive" for login groups. This allows administrators to continue to view the data in the group but prevents a student from using the old user/pass combo. To access this feature follow the instructions below.

1. Login to http://admin.readi.info
2. Click on "Manage Account"
3. Click on "Admin & Test Taker Groups"
4. Click on specific test taker group
5. Use drop down box to select "active or inactive"
6. Save and close (Notice the login group is now designated with a red button instead of green)

Neat to Know

How to export READI data

  1. Go to admin.readi.info and login to your account
  2. Click on "Test Search and Export"
  3. Designate preferred filters
  4. Once you reach "Data At a Glance" click "Export Data"

For more READI tips, visit our tutorials link at readi.info/tutorials

Water Cooler

Tips to Increase Website Participation for Students
1. Require it; Making assignments optional will generally result in little if any participation. Even those who are motivated to succeed will generally use extra time on tasks they see as most important which are generally "required activities". Requiring participation, helps motivated students to prioritize and unmotivated students to keep up.
2. Play hide and seek. Hide extra credit activites, special notes for the test, create scavenger hunt clues, make it fun, and reward those who follow through.
3. Make it fun by adding new content weekly like a personal top 10 list, music, or a funny slideshow.

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If you want to learn about what's going on with eLearningToolBox first, follow us on twitter.

Blog
What do we have to say about things? Check out our blog at eLearningToolBox.com/Blog for weekly updates of our two cents.

 





 
In this edition:
  • The Latest in Distance Learning
  • What's New in the ToolBox?
  • Change is Good
  • Neat to Know
  • WaterCooler
  • Free Stuff
  • Coming Soon

There is Still Time to Cash in on Our FREE Summer Webinar Series!

Are you looking for a way to squeeze in some training this summer before school gets started? You've come to the right place! There is still time to take advantage of our FREE Summer Webinar Series.

Don't have time or money to travel to a classroom session? No worries, you are invited to our virtual classroom.

To register, just click on the session below. All attendees will be entered into a drawing for $50 cash!

Thursday, July 30th, 2:00 pm central

Academic Integrity in Online Education

Featuring - Lori McNabb, University of Texas System TeleCampus

Thursday, August 6th 2:00 pm central

Tools for Enhancing eLearning

Featuring - Dr. Mac Adkins, CEO eLearningToolBox.com

Coming Soon!

Fall Webinar Planned in late September forREADI Administrators

We have READI data but...
"What Do We Do With It Now?"

This webinar is designed to help you understand the READI data and how to use it. We will also explore ways to use READI data to assist you in your planning process. Key points of discussion will be:

  1. What can I learn about my students from the READI data?
  2. How can I use it in developing courses for the future?
  3. What resources should we be providing based on our READI scores?
  4. Who should be looking at the data?
  5. How do my students compare to those at other colleges and universities?

FREE READI Training Webinars

Do you need some additional training on the administrative features READI has to offer? Check out readi.info/webinars to find the complete schedule and register for the sessions that fit your schedule.

Looking for someone to teach your online classes? Are you tired of sorting through the stack of paper resumes? Facultyfinder.com can help. Go to www.FacultyFinder.com for unlimited free searches! Search our database of over 10,000 profiles to find the right person for the job.

EXTENDED OFFER!

PLACE A JOB AD ON FACULTYFINDER.COM FOR JUST $50! NO DISCOUNT CODE NEEDED

 

 
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eLearningToolBox Newsletter Summer 2009

December 2008 Newsletter - FacultyFinder

FacultyFinder , Newsletters
FacultyFinder.com Newsletter December 2008
In today’s economy it is important to have additional ways to supplement your teaching income. This newsletter contains information about the following two ways:
  1. Serve as a test proctor through TestProctors.com.
  2. Design and teach an online course through CourseCity.com.
Make additional money and serve students by being a test proctor

You are invited to participate in a beta test of TestProctors.com. This beta test is now under way and upon completion we will announce the full launch of TestProctors.com in early 2009. TestProctors.com will be a searchable database of neutral testing proctors. Many schools have criteria which their proctors must meet, but they assign the student to find the proctor. This process could compromise the objectivity of the proctoring process. Using TestProctors.com schools will be able to identify neutral test proctors within a specified range of the student’s address.

Just as is the case with FacultyFinder.com, there is no cost for you to create a profile in TestProctors.com. As schools and their students are needing a proctor in your area, if you meet their criteria they may contact you to proctor an exam for a student of another school.

You may choose to provide proctoring services free as a service to the greater good or you may choose to charge a fee for the proctoring service. Standard fees are typically about $25 but can range from $10 to $100 per hour.

Are your students ready for distance learning?

As you are teaching online courses have you noticed that some students just seem to be more ready for distance learning than others? Those students who are not ready are often at risk of dropping out of the course. When this happens it is not good for the student, the faculty or the school.

Wouldn’t it be great if you could identify who these students are for whom distance education may be a challenge?

The same company which provides FacultyFinder.com also provides a tool called READI – Readiness for Education At a Distance Indicator. (www.READI.info). READI is used by over 330 colleges and universities and has been taken by over a quarter of a million students.

To find out how your school can pilot READI for one academic term with no cost or obligation email sales@readi.info or call toll free 1-866-411-3582.

10,000th faculty member creates profile on FacultyFinder.com

The recent spike in fuel prices and the slowing economy have signaled an increase in distance education at many institutions. Interest in distance education is also evidenced by the fact that recently the 10,000th faculty member created a profile on FacultyFinder.com. FacultyFinder.com is a searchable database of persons who are available to teach online courses. As the distance learning programs of colleges and schools continue to grow they need academically qualified, experienced online faculty. Using FacultyFinder.com schools can efficiently find online faculty who meet their criteria.

Initial usage of PostCourse.com is very positive

In 2008 eLearningToolBox.com, the company which provides FacultyFinder.com, launched a new service called PostCourse.com. Many of our client institutions were so pleased with the way that we managed their student readiness data and their online faculty data through READI and FacultyFinder.com that they asked us to manage their end-of-course perception data as well. Out of this need grew PostCourse.com. Because the response to this tool has been so strong we have currently suspended accepting any new clients until additional functionality can be developed to make the process totally manageable through a web-based administrative control panel. If you would like for your school to be on the waiting list of client schools for PostCourse.com, please send an email to sales@eLearningToolBox.com.

New branding scheme for eLearningToolBox.com

We are not your father's tool box any more. Early in 2009 we will release a new branding scheme for eLearningToolBox.com, the parent company of FacultyFinder.com. You will see the new scheme on the website, in our conference display booth and on all printed and electronic communications. Here is a sneak peak at the new logo:



Corporate offices moving December 15, 2008

In an effort to be a more "green" company the corporate offices of eLearningToolBox.com will be moving out of the urban, downtown offices in Montgomery, AL to a bedroom community where several of our employees live – Prattville, AL. This move will allow for a shorter commute plus this office suite has more windows. This move will be transparent to most of you. All phone numbers and email addresses will remain the same. The new mailing addresses will be PO Box 681025, Prattville, AL 36068 or 696 N. Silver Hills Drive, Suite 110, Prattville, AL 36066.


Here is an interesting idea for those of you looking for new resources to help with blended or online courses. AliveTek's release of their CourseCity website on December 1, 2008 marks the beginning of a new concept in the e-Learning market. CourseCity bridges the gap between full-service course developers (like AliveTek) and self-service sites that lack quality standards, subject matter experts, or controls.

The CourseCity model bridges the price gap between these, as well – with a nominal course commitment fee. Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) with an existing course, or an idea for a course, work with Course City designers to create a curriculum. CourseCity course designers handle the aesthetics and flow of the course, using the SMEs content, quiz questions, etc. and apply best practices in pedagogical design to complete the highest quality online courses available. CourseCity hosts the course online, provides a secure e-commerce function for customers to buy, and provides all the facilities for learners to communicate & collaborate from anywhere in the world. The SME is asked to have an existing market, and to facilitate the course, which simply means answering any student questions through e-mail or discussion boards online.

Perhaps best of all, it provides a significant revenue stream to the SME. CourseCity splits sales revenue for each course – as much as 50% - with the SME. Compared to book royalties, that’s a huge difference, and with online course fees ranging from $30 to over $1000, online courses can be very lucrative.

Current courses include topics such as:
  1. Avoiding plagiarism and cheating in online courses (“How to Cheat Online” – by John Krutsch)
  2. Grammar rules for high-school seniors to college sophomores (“Grammar Grand Prix”)
  3. Regulatory mandates for pharmaceutical manufacturers (“Intro to Laboratory CGMPs: A Quality Systems Based Approach”)
  4. Becoming a certified Grant-Writer for a non-profit organization (“Writing Winning Grant Proposals”)
As their library of courses builds, CourseCity plans to target non-credit workforce training in several areas, potentially granting CEUs as appropriate.

If you are interested in submitting a proposal for your course at CourseCity, please visit www.coursecity.com or email to help@coursecity.com.

For those of you involved in blended or online courses, you can sign up for John Krutsch’s entertaining and informative course on avoiding academic dishonesty online by clicking here.
 
As a valued client, we want to hear from you! Part of our commitment to you is continued improvement of our services and products. We depend on you to help us make positive enhancements that will benefit you and your students. Please email your suggestions or comments on how we can serve you better!
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December 2008 Newsletter - FacultyFinder