Monday, October 31, 2011

31 Spooky Ways to Integrate Adobe Software in Higher Education (Post 31/31): Series Reflection & Great Ideas for Integrating Adobe Products in Higher Education" Mini-Contest

Readers,


Unfortunately, this is the last post in the "31 Spooky Ways to Integrate Adobe Software in Higher Education" series. It has been an AMAZING series though which I reflected on my academic and student affairs experiences in higher education. I have not been able to combine both of my interests in such a way in a LONG time.


I am EXCITED about planning next semester's classes and integrating the Adobe Creative Suite in the course creation process for the Social Networking course. 


Today, I am switching back to the weekly series. However, starting on Tuesday, November 15th, I will start a "Great Ideas for Integrating Adobe Products in Higher Education" Mini-Contest with the "Communication in Higher Education: Life on the Tenure Track at a Teaching Institution" blog (http://www.commhighered.com/).


"Great Ideas for Teaching with Adobe Products" Mini-Contest. 


Participants:
Faculty, Staff, and Students are encouraged to submit an idea! We encourage ideas focused on (but not limited to) the following:
- Classroom Ideas (Face-to-Face or Hybrid)
- Student Activities/Student Affairs
- Student Organizations
- Admissions and Recruitment
- Campus-Wide Events
- Supplemental Instruction
- Learning Communities
- Online Instruction/E-Training


Voting Period
The readers will vote on the best entries from Monday, December 5th to Friday, December 9th. The WINNER of the contest will receive a copy of the CS5.5 Master Collection!


Sincerely,


J. Edwards







Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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31 Spooky Ways to Integrate Adobe Software in Higher Education (Post 30/31): Adobe Apps for Grofessors-on-the-Go





Readers,



I know that this is one of my last posts in this series, but I wanted to highlight Adobe Apps. Yes, we use computers ALL OF THE TIME, but for some professors-on-the-go continual computer access is a luxury! As a result, a few of us use iPods and iPads as a supplement to our office and home computer.


Adobe Carousel
Adobe Carousel - Use this app to get consistent, high-quality results on computer and the iDevice using the Adobe Photoshop Lightroom software.


Adobe Color Lava for Photoshop
Adobe Color Lava for Photoshop CS5 - Use this app to create custom colors for Photoshop.


Adobe Eazel for Photoshop
Adobe Eazel for Photoshop CS5 - Use this app to create beautiful paintings on your iPad!


Adobe Nav for Photoshop
Adobe Nav for Photoshop CS5 - Use this app to navigate around your computer's CS5 software.


Adobe Photoshop Express
Adobe Photoshop Express - Use this app to QUICKLY edit and share photos from your mobile device. :) My husband uses this one! :) 


Processing Question - Are you using one of these apps? What do you think? Which one of the apps is your favorite?


Sincerely,


J. Edwards




Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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31 Spooky Ways to Integrate Adobe Software in Higher Education (Post 29/31): Integrating Adobe Captivate in our University's Learning Management System



Readers,

After writing yesterday's post, I wanted to discover MORE about integrating Adobe Captivate in our university's Learning Management System, Blackboard.

Here's a great post from the Captivate blog titled, "Distributing Adobe Captivate Courses through LMS" - http://blogs.adobe.com/captivate/2011/09/distributing-adobe-captivate-courses-through-lms.html


Here's a great video from the Adobe E-Learning Youtube Channel titled, "Configure Captivate Projects for LMS":


Sincerely,

J. Edwards

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Sunday, October 30, 2011

31 Spooky Ways to Integrate Adobe Software in Higher Education (Post 28/31): Migrating Your Learning Materials with Adobe Captivate 5


Readers,

Next semester, I am teaching a Social Networking in our Communication Studies Department. I am one of those CRAZY people that tries to integrate education technology in every course and I plan to integrate Adobe Captivate in my course. This should be an easy embed/upload into Blackboard (at least I hope).


Here is a great Adobe Acrobat file of slides titled, "Migrating Your Learning Materials with Adobe Captivate 5".



Processing Question: Do you use Adobe Captivate? What do you think of the program? Does it work well in your online and/or hybrid classes?

Sincerely,

J. Edwards 


Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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31 Spooky Ways to Integrate Adobe Software in Higher Education (Post 27/31): Creating Virtual Tours for Your Classroom and/or Academic Building




Readers,

Here is one of my favorite entries in the 2011 Educators' Choice Awards competition, the Harold B. Lee Library Virtual Tour. This tour (and similar virtual tours) would be an incredible resource for academic and student services departments who wish to provide prospective and online students with a glimpse into their building.


Here are the subsequent videos in the tour: 

HBLL Virtual Tour - Level 1

HBLL Virtual Tour - Level 2

Processing Question - Does your department or campus have a virtual tour? How do the students react to the virtual tour?

Sincerely,

J. Edwards



Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Saturday, October 29, 2011

31 Spooky Ways to Integrate Adobe Software in Higher Education (Post 26/31): Creating Fillable Forms in Adobe Acrobat X Professional (A Great Classroom/Departmental Tool)


Readers,


Usually, we use Google Forms or Microsoft Word to create fillable forms for departmental events and services. Now, we have the option to use Adobe Acrobat X Professional to create the forms. I LOVE the crisp nature of Adobe Acrobat forms and I look forward to using these forms for our next conference and/or departmental event!

Here's a great video focused on Adobe Acrobat X Professional and creating fillable forms:



Processing Question - How can you use the fillable forms feature in your classroom or department?

Sincerely,

J. Edwards

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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31 Spooky Ways to Integrate Adobe Software in Higher Education (Post 25/31): Creating Lesson Plans, Streamlining Classroom/Administrative Tasks with Adobe Acrobat X Pro



Hi everyone!

I like to STREAMLINE almost everything in my face-to-face and hybrid classrooms. When I use the word "streamline", I am referring to optimal automation in responding to students, creating assignments, making transitions from semester to semester, etc.

Adobe Acrobat X Pro can be used to generate lesson plans and streamline classroom/administrative tasks.

Generating Lesson Plans



Check out the Adobe Education Exchange's "Guide to Generating Lesson Plans with Adobe Acrobat X Pro": http://edexchange.adobe.com/posts/a8db182766


Here's the Description: Planning daily coursework for your students can be a daunting task. When you create forms in Acrobat, you automate lesson planning and save valuable time. In this guide, learn how to create custom lesson-plan forms with which you can quickly map out your teaching plan for your students.


Streamlining Administrative Tasks
Check out the Adobe Education Exchange's "Guide to Generating Lesson Plans with Adobe Acrobat X Pro":
http://edexchange.adobe.com/posts/3a5773839e


Here's the Description: Communication and Collaboration, Technology Operations and Concepts

Additional Ways to Use Adobe Acrobat X Pro to STREAMLINE Your Classroom:
- Typing and Organizing Icebreakers
- Creating Lesson Plans
- Organizing Science Labs (Experiments)
- Organizing Class Announcements

You can TRY Adobe Acrobat X Pro for Education for FREE here - http://www.adobe.com/education/products/acrobatpro/index.html


You can PURCHASE Adobe Acrobat X Pro here - LINK


Processing Question - Any additional ideas?

Sincerely,

J. Edwards

31 Spooky Ways to Integrate Adobe Software in Higher Education (Post 24/31): e-Portfolios and Higher Education (Highlighting Student Work and Performing Program Assessment)


Readers,


I am pleased to announce that MY STUDENTS READ MY BLOG! Here's the interesting aspect, they connect some of my blog posts to the classroom discussion. They have been particularly interested in e-portfolios and how they can be used in their job and internship searches.


They are excited about the Adobe Acrobat e-Portfolio system. I plan to explore the system next semester. Also, we could integrate the e-portfolio system in our departmental assessment each semester. 

Here is a great video focused on e-Portfolios and how they are used in higher education institutions in California. 



Processing Question - Does your institution use e-Portfolios? Which system do you use? How do your students react to the system? Will they have access to the system after they graduate from your institution? <- This is a BIG question for our students.


Sincerely,


J. Edwards





Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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31 Spooky Ways to Integrate Adobe Software in Higher Education (Post 23/31): Using Adobe Connect in the Virtual and Hybrid Classroom Environment

Readers,


Here's another post focused on Adobe Connect. I started using the software over the summer to attend webinars via my iPad or iPod Touch. Through these mobile devices, I can connect with colleagues virtually from almost anywhere via a 3G connection to discover new concepts about the higher education classroom.


Lately, I started thinking of ways to integrate Adobe Connect into my online and hybrid classrooms. I think the experience would be valuable for both my students and myself. However, I am not sure if this software can be integrated with Blackboard. I know that Blackboard uses Wimba, but Wimba seems very complicated and difficult to use. I hope to discover more details about both types of online software soon.


Purdue University uses Adobe Connect Professional to provide their professors and students with virtual, yet interactive experiences. Here's a glimpse into their interactive online learning environment.


Processing Question - If your higher education institution cannot afford Adobe Connect, how can you provide your students with these virtual, interactive experiences?


Sincerely,


J. Edwards





Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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31 Spooky Ways to Integrate Adobe Software in Higher Education (Post 22/31): Providing Students with National and International Presentation Experiences without Leaving the Campus

Readers,

Over the past few semesters, our department (Communication Studies) has started to focused on providing our students with REAL experiences (interactive, out-of-the classroom experiences focused on classroom content) for our students. For example, I teach Organizational Communication and Intercultural Communication. We have a conference every fall semester to showcase our students' work and also to provide students with critical thinking experiences (especially when presenting information to an audience and answering their questions).

Adobe Connect would be the PERFECT outlet for our students to reach a larger audience without the manpower and financial overhead it takes to plan a large conference. We could advertise the monthly sessions via the Communication Studies Department's Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/TarletonCOMSDept) and Twitter page (http://www.twitter.com/TarletonSpeech/).

Here is an example of how the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health disperses research through informative lectures delivered around the world via Adobe Connect.




Processing Question - What are some ADDITIONAL ways that Adobe Connect can be used in the classroom setting?

Sincerely,

J. Edwards







Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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31 Spooky Ways to Integrate Adobe Software in Higher Education (Post 21/31): Single Edition - An Academic E-Publisher's Dream!

Readers,


I am too excited to announce an amazing feature for InDesign users! Recently at Adobe's MAX Technology conference in Los Angeles, the company debuted their new tool, "Single Edition".


This e-publishing software enables users (and our students) to create apps for iOS devices from files created with Indesign CS5.5 (i.e. - interactive books, brochures, magazines, etc.). Here's the neat thing - this software enables the novice designer to create e-reader iPad applications without ANY coding experience required. This software option would be available for slightly under $400 per application.

This might be great option for academic departments who need to publish an alumni magazine or a student-based magazine. I know that some faculty members in my department would probably be very excited about this opportunity!

Single Edition for iPad will be available late November. Read more about the software here - http://campustechnology.com/articles/2011/10/05/adobe-intros-ipad-app-creator-for-indesign.aspx 

Sincerely,

J. Edwards



Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Friday, October 28, 2011

Freebie Friday! - Visit Officemax.com OR OfficeMax and Save 20% Off Your Entire Purchase!

SAVE-A-THON
GET MORE FOR YOUR MONEY
Sarting Sunday, October 30
Thru Saturday, November 5, 2011.
 
FILL YOUR CART AND GET
20% OFF IN STORE & ONLINE*
 
Exclusions apply. See below for details.
Valid Sunday, October 30
thru Saturday, November 5, 2011.

Readers,



Since many academic and student affairs department budgets for office supplies are small this year AND you might want purchase a few post-it notes for your home, please TAKE ADVANTAGE of this great offer!




From October 30th to November 5th, you can save 20% on ALL of your purchases from Office Max! This deal is available online AND offline!

Here's the link to the coupon: LINK


Here's my list (also great for Christmas gifts):


- Post It Notes
- Mechanical Pencils
- Colored File Folders
- Wireless Mouse
- Sandisk Drive
- K-Cups (We have a new machine in the office and I think that I will give everyone K-cup gifts this year!) - 

Please feel free to redistribute the link!!! :)

Sincerely,

J. Edwards

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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31 Spooky Ways to Integrate Adobe Software in Higher Education (Post 20/31): 20+ Beautiful Logos for your Inspiration

Readers,


Yesterday, I introduced a few logos that I designed for our Communication Department. However, it is time for YOU to become creative as well! Check out this list (and display) for 20 Beautiful Logos for your Inspiration. I was definitely inspired and I hope to design a logo soon.


Inspiring Logos
http://webdesignledger.com/inspiration/20-beautiful-logos-for-your-inspiration
Here is a website focused on logos: http://tasteofink.com/gallery/logos


If you (or your students) designed a logo for your department (or student organization), please send me an e-mail because I would like to post your information and the logo graphic on this blog post! :) 


Have an wonderful day!


Sincerely,


Dr. Edwards



Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Thursday, October 27, 2011

31 Spooky Ways to Integrate Adobe Software in Higher Education (Post 19/31): Two Logos I Designed for My Department & Logo Contest Idea!


Readers,

I use InDesign for almost anything that involves creativity and a computer. This ranges from flyers and brochures to picture modification and logo creation. Speaking of logos, I spent a few hours this summer making the logo for the Texas Social Media Research Institute & the Social Media Conference.


The Texas Social Media Research Institute

These were fun to make and I hope to have an opportunity to become creative over the Christmas break as well (when I do not have to grade papers). :) 

Here's an idea for your classes: You could sponsor a logo contest for the students in your department. You might receive some logos and additional ideas that you did not anticipate receiving from your creative students! 

Sincerely,

J. Edwards

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Wednesday, October 26, 2011

31 Spooky Ways to Integrate Adobe Software in Higher Education (Post 18/31): Spicing Up Your Syllabus Using Adobe Software (InDesign & Video Format)



Readers,


Sometimes, we recycle our syllabi from semester to semester. When I mention "recycle", I do not mean the physical act of placing the syllabus in the bin for the recycling process to begin, I mean actually reducing the number of brain cells used to create the syllabus and to reuse the same syllabus from last semester. 


Yes, its harsh, but I am being honest! Personally, I always add new items to my syllabus (a new link to a social media technology, a new reading, etc.) to prevent myself (and my students) from becoming stagnant (and to keep us on our toes)!


Here are two ways you can SPICE up your syllabus using Adobe Products:



Adobe InDesign and the Virtual Syllabus (Magazine Format)
To create my class syllabus and assignments, I plan to use InDesign (or Illustrator). Alternatively, I could create a "virtual/e-magazine" to disperse core course content instead of the standard syllabus. This way, the syllabus could take an organic (instead of a stagnant) approach and it could potentially be more engaging than the traditional PDF or Word format.

Adobe InDesign and the Virtual Syllabus (Video Format)
Alternatively, a professor could use Adobe Captivate to make a video of their syllabus and to feature frequent questions and answers from past semesters. This might be a great item to embed in an online course.

Sincerely,

J. Edwards 






Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Tuesday, October 25, 2011

31 Spooky Ways to Integrate Adobe Software in Higher Education (Post 17/31): iDevices (iPods, iPads, etc.) & Adobe Products

Readers,

Smart phones (and smart devices) are becoming popular among college students (and professors alike). I teach students attending a mid-sized institution in central Texas (a rural regional university). Here's the interesting part, only three of my 95 students actually have a iPad (or a similar device) and slightly over 60 percent of them have a smart phone. None of the students indicated that they have a Nook or a e-reader device.

iPods for All?
However, it would be interesting if individual departments (or a Junior/Senior Learning Community) would require to their students (and faculty) to purchase iPods (if they do not already have an iPhone) as part of the upper-level courses they complete. These students and faculty would integrate the iPod in their classes (i.e. - responding to in-class quizzes, listening to assigned podcasts, watching Youtube videos and responding to the video in class). This would alleviate the need for some classes to be held in computer labs.

The Social Media/Social Networking Course and iDevices
Interestingly enough, I am teaching a Social Media/Social Networking course in the spring. If most of the students have iDevices (or if I set this requirement before the class starts), I think that the class will take an interesting (and great) turn for the better. I am frantically searching for a computer lab around campus, but we have not had any luck finding one for my class time. 

Using Adobe Nav to Modify Photoshop Photos! (Great for journalism classes and classes that include photostory assignments (i.e. - service learning, etc.)!)


Sincerely,

J. Edwards

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Monday, October 24, 2011

31 Spooky Ways to Integrate Adobe Software in Higher Education (Post 16/31): Free Faculty Training Workshops on Adobe Products (A Comprehensive List)

Readers,

Last Friday, the Center for Instructional Innovation at my university sponsored two amazing workshops by Dr. Dakin Burdick titled, "The Lively Discussion:  Getting Students to Talk and Learn." Friday was a LONG day (1 hour to commute to campus, 2 hours of teaching, 1 hour of working with students, 1 hour of helping my students present a workshop through our Texas Social Media Research Institute), but I wanted to take time to attend Dr. Burdick's workshop. I strongly believe in professional development AND I believe in the effective use of university professional development funds (WHY would people decide NOT to attend a "free" ON-CAMPUS workshop)!

Dakin Burdick Header
This workshop helped me develop some new ideas for my online and face-to-face classes! I LOVE new ideas!

Speaking of free workshops, Adobe has a webpage on their website titled, "Adobe Higher Education Faculty Development Workshops: Workshops for Using Digital Communication Tools in Teaching and Learning". These workshops form a great resource for online and face-to-face faculty in the higher education environment. 

Each of the workshops listed below feature: a) a comprehensive workshop guide, b) PowerPoint Presentation, and c) assets.

- Web Graphics with Fireworks 8: Building Web Graphics

- Web Graphics with Dreamweaver: Building a Curriculum Vitae

- Multimedia with Flash 8: Building a Digital Narrative

- Website Consistency with Dreamweaver 8 and Fireworks 8: Building a Website Structure

- Web Communication with Contribute 3: Creating and Editing Web Pages

- Faculty and Student Communication with Adobe 8 Professional: Collaborating Through Interactive Documents

- Campus Communication with Acrobat 8 Professional: Enhancing Administrative Workflow

Question - For which workshop do you have the most interest?

Enjoy!

Sincerely,

J. Edwards

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Friday, October 21, 2011

31 Spooky Ways to Integrate Adobe Software in Higher Education (Post 15/31): Learning How to Use Dreamweaver to Design Classroom Websites



Readers,

Whenever I have a question about a feature on an Adobe software, I always visit the Adobe TV website! :) This website is amazing and it provides a wealth of videos for viewers (especially for those who work in the higher education environment without receiving formal software training).

I do not know much about Dreamweaver, but I plan to watch an episode (or two) per week for the next few months to become familiar with the software. This week, I plan to watch "Part 01 - Introduction" and "Part 02 - Creating Your First Webpage".


Sincerely,

J. Edwards


Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Thursday, October 20, 2011

31 Spooky Ways to Integrate Adobe Software in Higher Education (Post 14/31): Hosting Adobe Days on Campus!



Readers,


As a former Program Coordinator at Sam Houston State University, I am very excited about introducing our Communication Studies students to new concepts and initiatives though programs and services available through our department. 

Here is a great idea for next semester and also it is a wonderful idea for your college/university! Showcase software to your students and faculty (from departments across campus) through a campus-wide event like Adobe Days"! 


Question - What are some advantages and disadvantages of 
an event like "Adobe Days"?

Sincerely,

J. Edwards

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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