Best Practices

Powerpoint [pdf]
The term "Death by PowerPoint" tends to be a common feeling across many college campuses. There are methods that you can use in your PowerPoint presentations to increase student interest and motivation.

PowerPoint Online [pdf]
The ability to incorporate audio into online PowerPoint presentations presents a unique challenge. This Best Practices guides you through the most effective methods for designing and developing your PowerPoint with audio for online viewing.

Blackboard [pdf]
A survey was conducted across the state of Utah to find out what students want from their Blackboard classes. This Best Practices guide examines common student concerns and how those concerns can be resolved using Blackboard tools or FACT resources.

Ideas for a Great Start [pdf]
It is important to start off the semester on the right foot. Use these great tips and strategies to help you catch your students attention right from the beginning.

Leading Effective Discussions [pdf]
Leading an effective discussion takes greater preparation than does preparing a lecture. This Best Practices will give you practical ideas and methods for leading an effective classroom discussion. Teaching by discussion can be a valuable means of helping students apply ideas and think critically.

Creating Successful Library Research Assignments [pdf]
Library research assignments can be an effective method of enhancing your course. The Utah State University Library is ready and willing to help you create a great library assignment. Use these 10 tips to create your own research assignment.

Best Practices Enhanced [pdf]
Facilitating efficient student-faculty contact, encouraging cooperation among students, promoting civic engagement and respecting diverse talents and ways of learning are ways you can improve your course.

Best Practices Online [pdf]
Planning, building, communicating and assessment are what's necessary to build your best online course.

Discussion Guide [pdf]
What is an online discussion? Online discussions are the asynchronous posting of electronic messages by
members of a class in a conversation on topics designated by the instructor. Messages are
posted and stored for later reference. This allows students to participate at various times.

Chat Guide [pdf]
What is online chat? Online chat sessions are the synchronous conversations by members of a class,
communicating at the same time. This is not as flexible as online discussions, but the exchange
is instantaneous. Online chat may be based on topics designated by the instructor, or may also
include free form chatting which develops a student sense of community.

ID for Streaming Media [pdf] 
When designing rich media for the web we need to think about using media differently than in
the classroom. Web-based course material, streaming audio and video can be more than just
an optional supplement or an aid to learning. Successful course designers use streaming
media, not as a supplement or enhancement to a course, but as an integral part of the
curriculum.