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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

 

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)!

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

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".

Click here to start the Adobe TV series: http://tv.adobe.com/watch/classroom-basic-site-layout-and-navigation-in-dreamweaver-cs5/part-01-introduction/

Sincerely,

J. Edwards

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.

Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41

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

31 Spooky Ways to Integrate Adobe Software in Higher Education (Post 13/31): Using InDesign to Create Academic Posters

Readers,

This week, I am preparing one of my undergraduate students to present her research at the Texas A&M University System Research Symposium. We need to design a poster and I plan to use Adobe InDesign to help her with her posters.

Here are some of the helpful websites that I plan to use if any questions arise in this process:

University of North Carolina - Health Sciences Library:

"Using InDesign to Design Effective Posters"

http://www.hsl.unc.edu/services/tutorials/poster_design/InDesign_pages/Indesign1getstarted.htm

Whitman College

"Designing a Poster with Adobe Illustrator"

http://www.whitman.edu/geology/Illustrator%20Web/intro.htm

Penn State - Population Research Institute

"Creating a Poster in Adobe Illustrator"

http://help.pop.psu.edu/help-by-software-package/adobe-illustrator/handout-illus.pdf/view

Enjoy!

Sincerely,

J. Edwards 

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.

Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41

31 Spooky Ways to Integrate Adobe Software in Higher Education (Post 12/31): Vote for the Higher Education and Cross-Curricular Finalists!

Readers,

Today is the SECOND day of voting for ONE of the three finalists in the Adobe Education Exchange Educator's Choice Awards! The voting period ends October 28, 2011 and the winners will be announced November 9, 2011.


Here are the Higher Education Cross-Curricular finalists!

Take Action! (Erika Veth)

Harold B. Lee Library Virtual Tour (Rita Christensen)

CSUF - Geology 310: Earthquake Hazards in Southern California (Time Abad)

Each of these finalists' entries features a link to download the materials for their project!

Cast your vote for the BEST project - HERE.

Sincerely,

J. Edwards

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.

Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41

31 Spooky Ways to Integrate Adobe Software in Higher Education (Post 11/31): Vote for the Higher Education Digital Arts & Media Finalists!

Readers,

Today is the FIRST day of voting for ONE of the three finalists in the Adobe Education Exchange Educator's Choice Awards! The voting period ends October 28, 2011 and the winners will be announced November 9, 2011.


Here are the Higher Education and Digital Arts & Media finalists!

Making a Book with Indesign - Part 1 - Planning

Dreamweaver Templates: A 6 Page Site in 10 Minutes

The Battle to Learn Adobe Flash

Each of these finalists' entries features a link to download the materials for their project!

Cast your vote for the BEST project - HERE.

Sincerely,

J. Edwards

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.

Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41

31 Spooky Ways to Integrate Adobe Software in Higher Education (Post 10/31) - Integrating Adobe-Based Technology at Indiana University

Readers,

Happy Friday! I admit, I do not have Adobe Software (Indesign, Photoshop, etc.) on my office computer. I have to wait until I arrive home to create and edit Adobe documents. Interestingly enough, I have used my home computer to create and edit projects for the last five years. For some reason, I like having editing access at home. It is like a mini-stress reliever for me.

However, since I am actually editing A LOT of documents this year, I might ask my department head if I can have access to Adobe Products at work. I have always paid for Indesign and Photoshop out of my personal funds and maybe I can finally bridge the gap between work and home.

Adobe Access for Everyone! A Case Study

One university (Indiana University) provided their faculty, staff, and students with access to the Adobe software at no charge. This would be an amazing opportunity for everyone at the university to learn and use the software. Just THINK about the amazing projects that they could create!

Watch their video here:

How does your university use Adobe Software?

Sincerely,

J. Edwards

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.

Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41

31 Spooky Ways to Integrate Adobe Software in Higher Education (Post 10/31) - Using Adobe Software to Create E-Porfolios

Readers,

Our university (and many other universities across the state of Texas) are focused on assessment and evaluation. One way that some colleges at our university are conducting program assessment is through the usage of online portfolios.

Adobe has a potentially low-cost solution for universities! College faculty and students can use Abobe projects to create their portfolios and they can distribute the portfolio via e-mail or by posting it to the web (perhaps to their blog or the department's website).

White Paper: Adobe Portfolio - Using ePortfolios to demonstrate growth and Access Learning (PDF, 103k)

http://www.adobe.com/cfusion/entitlement/index.cfm?e=edu_a9_eportfolios

Portfolio Samples

Check out the samples of these portfolios (including a portfolio examples for a high school student college professor, college administrator, biology student, and design student).

http://www.adobe.com/education/products/acrobatpro/video-portfolio.html

Do you require your students to use portfolios to showcase their work (perhaps in a capstone course)?

Sincerely,

J. Edwards

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.

Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41

31 Spooky Ways to Integrate Adobe Software in Higher Education (Post 8/31) - (Wandering Wednesdays) - "UK Adobe & Higher Education" Blog

Readers,

I am excited to highlight the UK Adobe & Higher Education blog for this week's Wandering Wednesday post. Sometimes, I am guilty of missing out on some amazing ideas because I tend to just focus on American-based resources. :( However, this week I am OUT of my comfort zone and I am proud to highlight this amazing blog!

Launched this past summer, UK Adobe created a great resource for Adobe users. This resource focuses on such topics ranging from: individual Adobe Products and digital film making to Adobe Support and Training Updates.

Amazing Blog Posts:

Blog Post - Digital Publishing on Campus:

http://blogs.adobe.com/ukhighered/2011/06/30/digital-publishing-on-campus/

Blog Post - The Importance of Digital Stories:

http://blogs.adobe.com/ukhighered/2011/07/11/the-importance-of-digital-stories/

Neat (and Free) Resources:

FREE Video Production Resource Center - http://edexchange.adobe.com/pages/7b114780ef

FREE Digital Video Curriculum - http://edexchange.adobe.com/pages/0189ea5dcf

Connect with Adobe UK:

Follow Them On Twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/AdobeUKEdu

Join Them on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/adobecreativejuices

Enjoy!

Sincerely,

J. Edwards

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.

Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41

2011 Adobe Educators' Choice Awards - 1) Enter Your Project, 2) Rate Other Educator's Submissions, 3) Follow #AdobeEduAwards on Twitter!

Readers,

Remember, there are only FOUR days left in the 2011 Educators' Choice Awards. You can win prizes (and lots of recognition) by submitting projects, lesson plans, curricula, and tutorials! 

Enter the 2011 Educators' Voice Awards

Submit an entry here - LINK

Rate Other Educators' Submissions! Win a Wacom Bamboo Create Tablet

If you do not want to submit a project, then rate other educators' submissions and get a chance to get a Wacom Bamboo Create Tablet (I would LOVE one of these!)

You can vote for the best projects, lesson plans, curricula, and tutorials until Friday, October 14th. View and rate submissions here - LINK

Remember to follow the Educators' Choice Awards here!

#AdobeEduAwards

Enjoy!

Sincerely,

J. Edwards

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.

Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41

31 Spooky Ways to Integrate Adobe Software in Higher Education (Post 7/31) - Adobe Forms Central

Readers,

Last week, I discovered an incredible resource - Adobe FormsCentral! 

Similar to Survey Monkey (and perhaps Qualtrics), Adobe Forms enables users to create forms, distribute the forms, and export data from the website. I love how "crisp" the forms appear on the website! Every form that I examined looks very professional and user-friendly.

Check out Adobe FormsCentral!

https://www.acrobat.com/formscentral/en/home.html

Interested? They Will Answer Your Questions via a Webinar Demonstration!

Also, Randy Swineford, the FormsCentral product manager, provides an in-depth demonstration every Thursday at 10am US Pacific (1pm US Eastern). Log in details will be sent via a reminder email before the event. After the demonstration he will be available to answer any questions you might have about FormsCentral.

https://adobeformscentral.com/?f=9YDk*zu3y7s5SKD1jnnatg

Sign Up Today!

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.

Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41