Learning Design and Teaching Innovation
There are a range of additional technologies, beyond the learning management system, to enable engaged learning. LDTI provide support for staff using core tools in the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It is also understandable, to enable teaching, that staff may want to use additional tools in their work. The following outlines the range of technologies available and subsequently explores the main issues to consider before using an additional tool with students.
| Technology | How can I use them in my Course? | Where can I access them? | Power-up learning with: |
|---|---|---|---|
| eReserve | Enables student access to usable, comprehensive course readings in context of their study within their Canvas course. After course readings have been set up for your course, you can access them via the external tool in Canvas to place them on a page. | eReserve seamlessly intgrates with Canvas. Licensing is available for all University staff. E: coursereadings@newcastle.edu.au. | Retrieval practice; Spacing information; Interleaving |
| Cadmus | An online assessment platform that can be used for written assessment tasks including essays, literature reviews, lab reports, tutorial activities and exam alternatives. | The Cadmus guide shows how to set one up in your Canvas site and the Cadmus templates provide an idea of how common assessment types are used in Cadmus. Contact Learning Technology Support for support. | Providing feedback |
| H5P | Enables interactivity with quizzes and videos to enhance participant engagement. H5P is open, you can add a H5P quiz into your Canvas course. | H5P is enabled in Canvas. To develop the content the University has limited licenses. You can activate H5P as an external tool in Canvas to authenticate with a license, or contact LDTI for access. |
Retrieval practice; Spacing information; Interleaving; Providing feedback |
| Labster* | Enables interactive lab simulations. The Labster virtual lab simulation is an immersive 3D interactive learning environment. | Labster* integrates into Canvas. E: ldti@newcastle.edu.au. | Retrieval practice; Spacing information; Interleaving; Providing feedback |
| MATLAB | Allows students to upload MATLAB scripts directly to Canvas. Staff can grade using the MATLAB grader tool. | MATLAB integrates into Canvas to allow MATLAB scripts and grading. E: ldti@newcastle.edu.au |
Retrieval practice; Spacing information; Interleaving; Providing feedback |
| McGraw-Hill; Pearson; Cengage; Wiley Plus | Tailor made third-party learning resources to help engage students in their learning. | McGraw Hill; Pearson; Cengage; Wiley Plus* integrate with Canvas. Liaise with the publisher for access. |
Retrieval practice; Spacing information; Interleaving; Providing feedback |
| Poll everywhere | Seamlessly engage audiences across hybrid workspaces through live online polling, surveys, Q&As, quizzes, word clouds and more. See our Poll Everywhere video. | Available via your Canvas course site as an external tool and log in direct through Poll Everywhere. |
Retrieval practice; Spacing information; Interleaving |
| Padlet | Create a visual display board of content. You can share your Padlet with students, post resources and materials. Padlet enables collaboration online using a combination of media. | Activate via your course in Canvas or contact ldti@newcastle.edu.au for assistance. |
Retrieval practice; Spacing information; Interleaving |
| Panopto | The University's lecture capture and video management system. Panopto facilitates the capture of lectures in centrally timetabled 40+ seat teaching spaces abd staff can create additional video resources and content using the Panopto recorder. Recordings must be for University purposes. | Enabled within your Canvas course site or head to Panopto. |
Retrieval practice; Spacing information; Interleaving |
| Respondus | Create and manage online quizzes and exams to publish directly to Canvas. | Respondus is available from the Software Centre. For access on a personal computer E: ldti@newcastle.edu.au. |
Retrieval practice; Spacing information |
| Studiosity | A flexible online learning support service for student, that allows them to ask a question when stuck on an assignment or unsure about a concept in real time - evenings and weekends. Studiosity can also provide feedback on written work usually within 24 hours. | Available for students via 'Help' page in their Canvas course site. | Providing feedback |
| Turnitin | Text matching program providing feedback on similarities and referencing in written work. The program features an AI writing indicator. Turnitin is integrated with Canvas and with one click in the assignment set up, instructors can access similarity reports of student submissions. | Integrated into the assignment creation of Canvas. Licensing is limited to UON student submissions only. | Providing feedback |
| Zoom | The University's online video conferencing and online teaching delivery tool. | Zoom is integrated in your Canvas course site. |
*Licenses approved and funded at a School/College level
A technology not on the list?
Do you have an innovative idea for using technology to support your teaching? Got an idea for improved functionality, but not sure if there is a technology available to assist?
The LMS Reference Group (Terms of Reference) has been established to provide a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing on matters related to the LMS and technologies within the University’s core Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). The Group can investigate potential solutions to needs identified by Schools and Colleges, and guide discussion on how other areas may be addressing similar needs.
Contact your Learning Technology Support if you would like to discuss possible new technologies to support teaching and learning.
Come factors that will be considered are:
- Accessibility - It's important that accessibility is considered for learning technologies students will need to engage with, including mobile access, editability of font colours, navigation of the tool.
- Support for students - How will students be supported in using the tool? Does the tool provider offer support and guides for students?
- Data protection - All tools will need to be secure and have appropriate data handling. All tools will need to be approved by the DTS security team prior to use.
- Support for staff - Will this be used in multiple courses and how will staff access support for the tool?
- Integration - Can the tool integrate with Canvas? An LTI integration into Canvas may be more likely supported. More broadly, will the tool require any integration with existing IT products or hardware?
- Double up - Is there an existing tool that addresses your requirements?
- Cost - Is there a cost to using the tool? Is there budget available and can funds be secured for additional years?
- Approvals - You will need Head of School approval before the tool can pass through DTS.
We recommend discussing with your DTS Business Partner in the first instance if there is a tool or technology you want to make use of for course delivery.
Technical Roadmap
In April 2022 academic staff were surveyed regarding technical integrations with other systems to improve workflows in Canvas. The results help provide a technical roadmap.
Need help? Contact the Learning Technologies Support team on +612 405 58999 or LTS@newcastle.edu.au.
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.