Tech Notes & Training – Daily Flyer https://blogs.nvcc.edu/dailyflyer NOVA News Mon, 31 Mar 2025 20:26:12 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Mastering Canvas groups: Collaborate, create and grade with confidence https://blogs.nvcc.edu/dailyflyer/2025/04/01/mastering-canvas-groups-collaborate-create-and-grade-with-confidence/ https://blogs.nvcc.edu/dailyflyer/2025/04/01/mastering-canvas-groups-collaborate-create-and-grade-with-confidence/#respond Tue, 01 Apr 2025 05:00:03 +0000 https://blogs.nvcc.edu/dailyflyer/?p=60306 Continued]]> Group work is an important aspect of learning for students. This session teaches how to use Canvas groups for smaller discussions and collaborative student projects. Participants will learn how to create and manage groups, set up dedicated group spaces and grade group work while tracking individual contributions.

Johnna Denny, senior trainer, CETSS

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Unlock Excel’s Hidden Power with Functions! https://blogs.nvcc.edu/dailyflyer/2025/03/27/unlock-excels-hidden-power-with-functions/ https://blogs.nvcc.edu/dailyflyer/2025/03/27/unlock-excels-hidden-power-with-functions/#respond Thu, 27 Mar 2025 05:00:43 +0000 https://blogs.nvcc.edu/dailyflyer/?p=60103 Continued]]> If you are ready to take your Excel skills beyond the basics, join us for Excel Practical Problem Solving with Functions: Logical, Date & Time, Statistical. This virtual hands-on session will explore logical, date and time and statistical functions.

Join us on Friday, March 28 from 12-12:45 p.m. to learn how to:

✅ Use IF & COUNTIF to categorize and analyze data

✅ Calculate tenure and deadlines with DATEDIF & WORKDAY

✅ Rank and summarize trends using AVERAGE, RANK and PERCENTILE

This training is designed for anyone who works with data and wants to save time with smarter Excel techniques. Register now and start solving real-world Excel challenges with ease!

Johnna Denny, senior trainer, Canvas and Ed. Tech. Support Services

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Upcoming Changes to ZyBooks, W.W. Norton and 24/7 Tutoring in Canvas https://blogs.nvcc.edu/dailyflyer/2025/03/26/upcoming-changes-to-zybooks-w-w-norton-and-24-7-tutoring-in-canvas/ https://blogs.nvcc.edu/dailyflyer/2025/03/26/upcoming-changes-to-zybooks-w-w-norton-and-24-7-tutoring-in-canvas/#respond Wed, 26 Mar 2025 05:00:07 +0000 https://blogs.nvcc.edu/dailyflyer/?p=60050 Continued]]> If you use the W.W. Norton or ZyBooks apps in Canvas, please note that these apps are being updated for better functionality, security and integration. Starting Summer 2025, the 24/7 Tutoring link in Canvas will direct students to Brainfuse instead of Tutor.com. Read on for more details. 

ZyBooks: If you use the ZyBooks app in Canvas, switch to the ZyBooks LTI 1.3 Tool when setting up your summer and fall courses. Only the ZyBooks LTI 1.3 Tool will be available once summer courses begin. If you have questions about the changes or need support, contact your ZyBooks representative. 

W.W. Norton: The W.W. Norton app in Canvas will be replaced with W.W. Norton 1.3 on May 15. Keep this in mind as you prepare your summer and fall courses. Work with your W.W. Norton representative to ensure that the links you’ve set up in the current version are properly converted when we update to the 1.3 version.

24/7 Tutoring Transition: Starting in summer 2025, the 24/7 Tutoring link in Canvas will connect students to Brainfuse instead of Tutor.com, as part of a VCCS-wide change. Brainfuse offers similar on-demand tutoring across various subjects. No action is required, students will automatically be redirected when they click the link, which will remain labeled 24/7 Tutoring.

If you have questions, please submit a support ticket with the NOVA Canvas & Educational Technology Support Services (CETSS) team through the IT HelpDesk.

Johnna Denny, senior trainer, CETSS

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Enhance accessibility and collaboration with Microsoft https://blogs.nvcc.edu/dailyflyer/2025/03/20/enhance-accessibility-and-collaboration-with-microsoft/ https://blogs.nvcc.edu/dailyflyer/2025/03/20/enhance-accessibility-and-collaboration-with-microsoft/#respond Thu, 20 Mar 2025 05:00:57 +0000 https://blogs.nvcc.edu/dailyflyer/?p=59899 Continued]]> Join us on Tuesday, March 25, for two practical sessions that will help you make your content more accessible and collaborate effectively using Microsoft tools.

Accessibility Tools in Microsoft (11 a.m. – noon)

Ensure your documents, presentations, and spreadsheets are accessible to all learners with Microsoft’s built-in tools! This session will cover:

✅ Using the Accessibility Checker in Word, PowerPoint and Excel

✅ Six key accessibility principles for any document: structure, color contrast, link descriptions, alternative text, and special PowerPoint-specific considerations

✅ Practical tips to create clear, readable, and inclusive content

Microsoft Teams Essentials (noon – 12:30 p.m.)

Boost your productivity with Microsoft Teams! Learn how to chat, share files, organize meetings, and collaborate seamlessly—all in one place. Perfect for faculty and staff looking to streamline communication and teamwork.

Johnna Denny, senior trainer, CETSS

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Join a QM workshop to optimize learning outcomes https://blogs.nvcc.edu/dailyflyer/2025/03/20/join-a-qm-workshop-to-optimize-learning-outcomes-2/ https://blogs.nvcc.edu/dailyflyer/2025/03/20/join-a-qm-workshop-to-optimize-learning-outcomes-2/#respond Thu, 20 Mar 2025 05:00:31 +0000 https://blogs.nvcc.edu/dailyflyer/?p=59829 Continued]]> Join us for a Quality Matters workshop to optimize learning outcomes in asynchronous online and hybrid courses. The next session begins March 25.

Why it matters: The Applying the Quality Matters (QM) Rubric workshop introduces a nationally recognized standard for high-quality online and hybrid courses. Learn how to apply the QM Rubric to enhance instructional materials, improve student engagement and optimize learning outcomes. This free workshop is ideal for faculty looking to align with best practices in online and hybrid learning.

Workshop schedule:

  • Applying the QM Rubric, March 25 – April 8 

Get involved: The workshop runs asynchronously via Canvas. Register today as seats are limited. 

Dr. Hong Wang, assoc. director of instructional tech. training, NOVA Online

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Redesign of Customer Engagement Service Catalog https://blogs.nvcc.edu/dailyflyer/2025/03/18/redesign-of-the-nova-services-portal-customer-engagement-service-catalog/ https://blogs.nvcc.edu/dailyflyer/2025/03/18/redesign-of-the-nova-services-portal-customer-engagement-service-catalog/#respond Tue, 18 Mar 2025 05:00:31 +0000 https://blogs.nvcc.edu/dailyflyer/?p=59812 Continued]]> The NOVA Services Portal Customer Engagement Service Catalog is being redesigned to streamline options and enhance your experience.

What’s our objective? To simplify the user interface by collapsing the existing options to help you find the services you need faster.

Key elements and features:

  • Streamlined Navigation: The updated design will feature a more intuitive layout where important forms and services are more prominent. 
  • Enhanced Visual Appeal: A modern and clean design.
  • Centralized Services: The new layout centralizes important forms and services to quickly find and access what you need without searching. 
  • Clear and Concise Information: The redesigned catalog will present information in a straightforward manner, with concise descriptions and clear labels to make it easier to understand the services offered. 

The redesigned Customer Engagement Service Catalog will go live on Monday, March 24. We welcome your feedback and suggestions through Customer Engagement Help.

Cina Ketabchi, associate director of customer engagement, Instructional & Information Technology

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Join a QM Workshop to Optimize Learning Outcomes https://blogs.nvcc.edu/dailyflyer/2025/03/14/join-a-qm-workshop-to-optimize-learning-outcomes/ https://blogs.nvcc.edu/dailyflyer/2025/03/14/join-a-qm-workshop-to-optimize-learning-outcomes/#respond Fri, 14 Mar 2025 05:00:45 +0000 https://blogs.nvcc.edu/dailyflyer/?p=59764 Continued]]> Join us for a Quality Matters workshop to optimize learning outcomes in asynchronous online and hybrid courses. Next session begins March 25.

Why it matters: The Applying the Quality Matters (QM) Rubric workshop introduces a nationally recognized standard for high-quality online and hybrid courses. Learn how to apply the QM Rubric to enhance instructional materials, improve student engagement, and optimize learning outcomes. This free workshop is ideal for faculty looking to align with best practices in online and hybrid learning.

Workshop Schedule:

  • Applying the QM Rubric, March 25 – April 8 

Get Involved: The workshop runs asynchronously via Canvas. Register here today as seats are limited. 

Dr. Hong Wang, assoc. director of instructional tech. training, NOVA Online

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Power up your presentations with PowerPoint! https://blogs.nvcc.edu/dailyflyer/2025/03/14/power-up-your-presentations-with-powerpoint/ https://blogs.nvcc.edu/dailyflyer/2025/03/14/power-up-your-presentations-with-powerpoint/#respond Fri, 14 Mar 2025 05:00:14 +0000 https://blogs.nvcc.edu/dailyflyer/?p=59767 Continued]]> Join us on March 18 from 10-11 a.m. for two fast-paced sessions designed to help you build polished, professional PowerPoint presentations and to present them with confidence.

  • Creating a Great PowerPoint (10-10:30 a.m.)
    Learn essential design principles to create clear, engaging slides. We’ll cover layouts, visuals, text formatting and best practices for making your content stand out.

  • Presenting with PowerPoint (10:30-11 a.m.)
    Take your delivery to the next level! Explore Presenter View, slide navigation tricks, timing tools, and audience engagement features to present smoothly and professionally— whether in person or online.

Johnna Denny, senior trainer, CETSS

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CATE: Demystifying grant writing, March 27 https://blogs.nvcc.edu/dailyflyer/2025/03/13/cate-professional-development-demystifying-grant-writing/ https://blogs.nvcc.edu/dailyflyer/2025/03/13/cate-professional-development-demystifying-grant-writing/#respond Thu, 13 Mar 2025 05:00:27 +0000 https://blogs.nvcc.edu/dailyflyer/?p=59650 Continued]]> Where do grants come from? What are they for? How can you get one? If you’ve asked these questions, we’ve got answers! Please join Teresa Sweeney, from the Office of Grants, to learn about grant writing. This webinar will be held on Thursday, March 27, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Join in via Zoom

Why it’s important: Grants are an excellent way to broaden the opportunities for NOVA faculty, staff and students by tapping into unknown financial resources.

What’ll you learn? This workshop will present:

  • an overview of grant funding sources
  • key elements of proposal developmen
  • grant writing resources
  • There will be time for Q&A, so come prepared to share and learn.

Questions? Email Teresa Sweeney for questions about grants, or Woodbridge Campus CATE Captain Laura Kelley for questions about professional development opportunities. 

Laura Kelley, CATE captain, Woodbridge Campus

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Enhance your teaching with CETSS support! https://blogs.nvcc.edu/dailyflyer/2025/03/12/enhance-your-teaching-with-cetss-support/ https://blogs.nvcc.edu/dailyflyer/2025/03/12/enhance-your-teaching-with-cetss-support/#respond Wed, 12 Mar 2025 05:00:51 +0000 https://blogs.nvcc.edu/dailyflyer/?p=59643 Continued]]> The Canvas & Educational Technology Support Services (CETSS) team is dedicated to equipping NOVA faculty and staff with the tools, training and support needed to create high-quality learning experiences for students.

How CETSS can help you:

✅ On-Demand Resources – Access the Canvas & EdTech Toolkit on your Canvas Dashboard for resource guides and tutorial videos.

✅ Live Webinars – Join NOVA-branded sessions covering Canvas and other educational technology tools.

✅ Virtual Assistance – Schedule one-on-one appointments for personalized support.

✅ Canvas Design Services – Get expert help in creating well-organized, easy-to-navigate courses.

✅ Technical Support – Reach out through the NOVA IT Support Portal whenever you need assistance.

Let CETSS help you make the most of your teaching tools! 

Johnna Denny, senior trainer, CETSS

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