Welcome to the VU Collaborate Newsletter. We hope you’re enjoying the sunshine and taking the time to relax after a successful block.
In this edition, we’ll explore the enhancements to the Turnitin report, introduce new features in Padlet, and workshop options to get started with your teaching journey.
In this edition
Get Block Ready | VU Collaborate News | Upcoming Events
*use the links to get straight to each section
Get Block Ready
Before each block, Master Space content is copied into teaching Delivery Spaces, then reviewed in preparation for teaching. To get block ready, find out about creation dates, spaces, checklist and more.
1. When are Delivery Spaces created?
Delivery spaces will be available 2 weeks prior to your teaching period start date, and 5 weeks prior for placement units. To check for the teaching period, refer to the VU calendar.
2. Which Master Space will be used?
*UG: undergraduate; *PG: postgraduate
| Delivery Mode | Master Space |
|---|---|
| UG/PG Block | (4Week Block) |
| UG/PG Block Online Real-time (ORT) | (4Week Block) |
| UG/PG Block Online Self-paced (OSP) | (Online SP) |
| 8 Week PG Block | (8Week Block) |
3. What should I check before the block starts?
*Use this checklist to review and adjust all components in the VU Collaborate delivery space after it has been created and before students have access.
4. How to find my delivery/teaching spaces?
Your delivery space will be listed under the term code. For example, 2024-H2B3 (2024, HE Semester 2, Block 3). See, How to search for your delivery space.
Final Fridays
See our Events Calendar for scheduled Final Fridays each block. Please ensure your results are finalised in VU Collaborate by 5:00 PM on that day.
Results will be released to students on the following Monday. For more information on Final Friday, refer to Everything you need to know about Final Friday
VU Collaborate News
New Turnitin Enhanced Report
Say hello to Turnitin’s new layout, designed to make actionable insights easier than ever! Review new match types, to quickly identify issues and provide feedback to students.
Can I still use the classic view?
Yes, select the button at the top of the page, to switch between classic and new report views.
Are reports available for students?
No, currently, the reports are only available for staff. Stay tuned for announcements regarding student access.
Available resources:
- Staff guide: Viewing the Turnitin Similarity Report
- Explore the interactive demo, by Turnitin
- Take the new self-guided tour (2-3 min read)
- Overview of the new Similarity Report experience, by Turnitin
Introducing Padlet Sandbox
Introducing Padlet Sandbox where you can create a collaborative digital board and invite students to explore and work on ideas together.
Some activities you can use Sandbox for:
- Doodling and whiteboarding
- Creating lessons, presentations, and storybooks
- Designing interactive documents, activities, and games
Check out Padlet – Sandbox resources.
Don’t have a VU Padlet account, or want to get started with Padlet?
come along to our Padlet training session.
Padlet – Talk for Me feature
Converting your texts into spoken words using Talk for Me – a text-to-speech feature that allows the system to generate input texts (maximum 1000 characters) into an audio recording and attach it to a post.
Talk for Me can enhance accessibility in your classroom for students who need audio support for text, or encourage second-language students to participate in audio recording activities.
How to use Talk for Me?
Simply start a new post on your Padlet board. Then expand all attachment types and select Talk for Me.
For more details, see:
- Text-to-speech attachment, Padlet blog.
- Talk for me (text-to-speech tool), Padlet guide.
2024 Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Forum
This November, we will once again host a whole VU Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Forum, focused on the theme ‘OneVU: Enhancing the Student Experience’.
Call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) now open
This forum aims to explore innovative strategies and practices that place students at the heart of the educational experience, fostering an environment where they are active participants in their own learning journey.
The program will feature a keynote address (live-streamed), showcase and ignite sessions, workshops including professional learning opportunities and a successful poster session. Additionally, we will have a range of pre-recorded presentations for those of you who cannot make the in-person sessions. What you can expect
- Explore innovative pedagogies: Investigate student-centred teaching methods that enhance engagement and promote deep learning.
- Empower educators: Provide tools and resources for educators to create more inclusive and participatory classrooms.
- Share best practices: Exchange successful strategies and case studies from diverse educational settings.
- Encourage collaboration: Build a community of educators committed to transforming teaching practices through student empowerment.
Networking opportunities
Connect with fellow educators to share experiences, collaborate on projects, and build lasting professional relationships.
Check out the Event Page for more details.
Ready to explore more with us?
Workshops – See the Training Calendar
Guides – See VU Collaborate Help guides and resources
HIVE Sessions – Book a One-on-One Session
Email – Send questions to VUCollaborateHelp@vu.edu.au
Upcoming Events
| Events | Date |
|---|---|
| H5P Interactives for Beginners | 12 Sep 1:00 PM |
| Introduction to H5P: A Step-by-Step Guide! | 17 Sep 4:00 PM |
| Turnitin – Level Up Your Authenticity: Unmask AI-Generated Work & Empower Student Voices | 19 Sep 8:30 AM |
| Panopto – What Students Want Most from Video Learning and How Your Institution Can Help | Self-paced |
| D2L – Future Learning: AI Tools Improving the Student Learning Experience | Self-paced |
| D2L – Inclusivity: Learning Designed for All | Self-paced |
| 2024 Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Forum | 28 Nov 9:00 AM |
Copyright © 2024 VU Collaborate Team, Victoria University.
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