Academy News - July 10, 2019
Reminder: Update Your Syllabus
The Harper College Syllabus Template, syllabus examples, and all related resources on the Harper College syllabus webpage have been updated for Fall 2019. You are encouraged to use these updated versions going forward.

View the specific sections that contain updates here. It is recommended that you copy/paste these sections from the updated template on the website into your current syllabi, replacing the previous verbiage.
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Did you know the syllabus webpage also includes grab-and-go verbiage? Visit the webpage to copy/paste required college policy verbiage (Academic Dishonesty, Access and Disability Services, Equal Opportunity Statement), optional statements, and student support services information.

The Academy is pleased to introduce our new Instructional Technology Specialist, Janet Woods! Janet will work with faculty to help assess their instructional technology needs and implement solutions that support student learning. Additionally, Janet will provide professional development for faculty who wish to enhance their use of Blackboard and also serve in a backup role for faculty Blackboard technical support.

Learn about the training, support, and resources provided by the Academy for both new and experienced faculty teaching online or hybrid courses at Harper. Also, check out a comprehensive resource guide for online teaching created by The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Register now for Teaching Online Successfully for Fall 2019! There are three course options to choose from based on your needs-whether you're developing an online or blended course for the first time (Create), teaching an online or blended course for the first time (Facilitate), or if you're looking for tools and techniques to enhance your online course to encourage student engagement (Enhance).

With a national call to reform higher education to better support all students and overhaul the federal Higher Education Act, the House Education and Labor Committee is seeking new approaches that help achieve both quality and equity. Provost Judy Marwick provided insight into the work Harper College is doing, testifying at a bipartisan hearing, "Innovation to Improve Equity: Exploring High-Quality Pathways to a College Degree."
Student Learning Showcase
11th Annual Assessment Conference: Extended Call for Presentations!
Do you have a success story on how you and your colleagues came together to improve students' learning? Have you thought about presenting at a conference but have no time to travel?

We are looking for a few more presenters to share on Friday, September 27, right here at Harper!

Reasons to present? Ideas for assessment topics? Ready to submit an application?

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The Faculty Lounge
Tech Enhanced vs. Tech Less: A Reflection on my Teaching Practice through Action Research
Submitted by Ana Contreras, English

In Fall 2018, I taught two classes of ENG 101 English Composition. One class focused on using tech-enhanced tools to instruct and engage students. The second course involved less technology while still engaging students with active learning strategies.
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These courses covered the same topics, but the assignments and in-class activities varied depending on the emphasis of technology. I utilized action research methodologies to compare these courses and reflect on my teaching practice.

Before I go into more detail about what I learned, it's important to reflect on the inspiration for this project.

What's Up with That: Things You May Be Wondering About on Campus
The Annual Cycle of a Community of Practice
Submitted by Stephanie Whalen, Academy Chair, English & Interdisciplinary Studies

The Community of Practice (CoP) program at Harper has an annual cycle that guides CoPs to create shared ownership for their collaborative learning experiences and ensure that learning translates into action by outlining planned assessment efforts and defining the group's approach to sharing their work.

Upcoming Programs & Workshops
August 12 - August 17

September 2 - September 15 (GECs: 1)
registration deadline: August 8

September 23 - October 6 (GECs: 1)
registration deadline: September 9

September 27, 8 a.m.

September 27, 12:30 p.m.

October 21 - November 3 (GECs: 1)
registration deadline: October 7
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Faculty Photos
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What's Happening @ Harper?
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Academy for Teaching Excellence | 847.925.6174 | Building F, Room F317
Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The mission of the Academy for Teaching Excellence is to create a vibrant teaching and learning culture for full-time and adjunct faculty that cultivates professional development in support of student success.
Accessibility: Individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation or who have questions about physical access may contact the event host or Access and Disability Services at ads@harpercollege.edu, 847.925.6266, at least two weeks in advance of the event date.
Harper College enriches its diverse communities by providing quality, affordable, and accessible education. Harper College, in collaboration with its partners, inspires the transformation of individual lives, the workforce, and society.