01._Introduction_to_Technology

Introduction to Technology

Overview of key concepts and platforms used in technology education.

References

Textbook Reference: Duffy, J. & Cram, C. (2024). The Illustrated Collection Microsoft 365 & Office, First Edition. Cengage. Graphics/Charts: Sourced from the above references unless indicated otherwise. Copyright Notice: Images used in accordance with Fair Use policies regarding educational purposes (Section 107 of the US Copyright law). Contact Pierce Mortuary Colleges, Inc. for copyright concerns.

Platforms & Digital Tools

• Blackboard: An educational platform for course management that allows for the organization and facilitation of courses, assignments, and various forms of communication.

• Teams for School: Collaboration tool designed to enhance communication among students and instructors, supporting various forms of assignment management, group projects, and real-time discussions.

• Microsoft 365: A comprehensive suite of cloud-powered productivity applications designed to streamline work processes, enhance collaboration, and improve educational outcomes. Key applications include:

  • Microsoft Teams: Facilitates communication and collaboration.

  • Word: A word-processing program that allows for document creation and editing.

  • Excel: A spreadsheet application for data analysis and visualization.

  • PowerPoint: Presentation software for crafting professional presentations.

  • Outlook: An email client and calendar service that integrates with other Microsoft 365 applications.

  • OneDrive: Cloud storage service that enables real-time file sharing and collaboration.

• LIRN: A virtual library resource that offers access to a vast array of academic materials, along with support from credentialed librarians, enhancing research capabilities and academic success.

• Outlook: Email and calendar service from Microsoft that aids in organization, communication, and productivity, featuring tools for scheduling and file sharing from the cloud.

• Pear Deck Tutor (formerly TutorMe): On-demand tutoring solutions providing access to expert academic assistance for writing, studying, and online courses.

• SIS (Student Information System): Centralized system that offers essential login information and access to academic records, facilitating communication and updates regarding academic performance.

Microsoft 365

Definition:

A powerful cloud-powered productivity platform that enhances collaboration and productivity.

Key Applications:

• Microsoft Teams: Provides tools for communication and collaboration in educational settings.

• Word: Tool for document creation, which includes various templates and formatting options.

• Excel: Offers advanced functions for data manipulation and analysis.

• PowerPoint: Features user-friendly design options for creating engaging presentations.

• Outlook: Enables effective email management and scheduling capabilities.

• OneDrive: Facilitates cloud storage and file-sharing with integrated collaboration features.

LIRN

Description:

A virtual library that provides access not only to a wealth of information and academic resources but also includes support from credentialed librarians, ensuring students receive guidance in their research efforts.

Further Coverage:

More detailed exploration will be covered during Week 2, including how to effectively utilize library resources.

Microsoft Outlook

Functions:

• Organize emails: Enables users to prioritize important messages and categorize them for efficient management.

• Manage calendars: Offers options to schedule appointments and share calendars with others.

• Share files from the cloud: Facilitates collaboration through real-time document sharing, enhancing productivity and teamwork.

Pear Deck Tutor

Service:

Provides online tutoring services from highly qualified experts in various academic subjects.

Availability:

On-demand access ensures that students have support whenever it is needed for academic writing and general study assistance.

SIS (Student Information System)

Features:

• Personal profile customization: Allows students to tailor their profiles to reflect their academic preferences.

• Notifications and messages: Keeps students informed about important academic updates, ensuring they do not miss crucial information.

Blackboard Navigation

Core Features:

• Base Navigation: Access core features via a user-friendly menu interface where all relevant options are easily identifiable.

• Ultra Course View: Offers enhanced visibility into course structure, allowing students and instructors to navigate content effectively.

Profiles & Communications:

• Customize profiles: Students can upload personal pictures, edit their information, and enhance their presence in the online learning environment.

• Use calendars: For tracking important academic dates such as homework deadlines and test schedules.

Blackboard - Messaging & Notifications

• Messages: A tool for direct communication with instructors or classmates, promoting continuous engagement.

• Notifications Settings: Options for customizing alerts through email and SMS to stay informed about course activities.

Blackboard - Discussions and Activity Stream

• Discussions: Participate asynchronously, enabling students to engage in dialogues without geographical constraints.

• Activity stream: A real-time feed to provide up-to-date reminders, grades, and statuses, supporting student engagement.

Blackboard - Assignments & SafeAssign

• Assignment submissions: Accepts various formats and promotes diverse methods of assessment.

• SafeAssign: A powerful tool used for checking originality and potential plagiarism, helping maintain academic integrity.

Exams and Grades in Blackboard

• Graded exams: Instructors assess student knowledge with the option to provide feedback, helping to guide learning.

• View coursework and grades: An organized format for tracking academic performance comprehensively.

Microsoft Teams Overview

Description:

A collaboration tool that improves communication through video conferencing, real-time chat, and file sharing, crucial for effective group projects and discussions.

Key Functions:

Supports task management, job assignments, and collaborative document editing.

Teams Access & Features:

• Available on multiple devices (desktop, web, mobile) for flexibility and ease of access.

• Main Elements of Teams Window:

  • App bar: Access to all applications integrated into Teams.

  • List pane: Displays recent conversations and active teams.

  • Content pane: Where actual work occurs, showcasing the details of conversations, documents, and shared materials.

Collaborating in Teams

Team Creation:

• Steps to create a team: Specify a name, provide a description, and assign roles (owner, member, guest) to facilitate structured collaboration.

• Utilize chats: Engage in real-time conversations with the option to tag individuals for targeted communication.

Meetings in Teams

Schedule meetings:

• Use the Teams calendar to plan and invite participants to various types of meetings.

• Utilize meeting details: To guide the purpose, agenda, and objectives clearly.

Types of Meetings:

• Scheduled, ad hoc, channel meetings, and live events support diverse educational needs.

Meeting Etiquette and Management:

• Best Practices: Encourage participants to be prepared, introduce themselves, maintain focus on discussion topics, and manage screen sharing effectively for a seamless experience.

• Utilize virtual tools: To foster interaction, such as whiteboards for brainstorming.

Teams Whiteboard & Breakout Rooms

Whiteboard Features:

• Collaborative tools such as inking, sticky notes, text tools, and drawing options enhance interactive learning experiences.

Breakout Rooms:

• Setup for small group discussions: Encourages focused dialogue and productive brainstorming both before and after main meetings.

Status Settings & Customization in Teams

Status Options:

• Provide insights into availability (available, busy, do not disturb, etc.) to manage interactions based on personal preferences.

Settings Customization:

• Adjust in-app tones (e.g., high contrast mode) to enhance user experience based on individual needs.

Notetaking in Meetings

• Cornell Method: Utilizes five stages of notetaking to help students retain and organize important information effectively, thereby enhancing learning outcomes.