Save Space: Sticky Discussion Forum Instructions in ANGEL 7.3

Here's a great tip for faculty looking to save screen real estate in the discussion forum area in ANGEL 7.3 from Lori Wendt at Parkland College:

Instead of putting text in the discussion instruction area (in SETTINGS), create a new post titled "Discussion Forum Instructions", or something along those lines, and then open the advanced message options and check the STICKY POST box.

That keeps the instructions at the top of the discussion forum, and students can just expand the post at any time to read the instructions.

Great tip, Lori!

Nanogong: embedded audio for instruction

As a foreign language instructor, I (and my students) have used several different free audio tools. This past semester, I have begun using Nanogong. This is a java-based tool that embeds into ANGEL relatively easily. It is easy-to-use and eliminates the need for using 3rd party software and saving audio files locally.

There are instructional uses of this technology beyond its application for foreign language. The speaking skill is rarely utilized (or assessed) in higher ed, however in real-world applications, a person's ability to speak about a topic plays a very important role. In addition, listening skills are equally important. Students who are auditory learners are for the most part, under served in an online course.

Give it a try: http://gong.ust.hk/features_nano.html