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Author: Bart Everson

Creative Generalist in the Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Faculty Development at Xavier University of Louisiana

About Bart Everson

Creative Generalist in the Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Faculty Development at Xavier University of Louisiana

Published on Leave a comment on ICYMI: Copyright, Copyleft

Copyright, Copyleft [23:35]

So many pretty pictures on the internet, all just a click away! When is it OK to use those images in your presentations and projects? What, you mean there are rules?

Thanks to those of you who attended our workshop, "Copyright, Copyleft," earlier this semester. We gave a quick rundown on digital media and intellectual property rights. We talked about common pitfalls to be avoided and showed how to find images you can use with impunity.

In case you missed the session, or if you were there and want a refresher, we have an excellent video for you. You can find the workshop recording and other resources in support of the workshop on the CAT Base wiki.

Any questions? Just ask. We love a good question.

Published on Leave a comment on A Little Peace and Quiet in the Middle of the Week

Meditation Room

The Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Faculty Development invites you to join us for a regular group meditation. We'll meet each Wednesday afternoon throughout the 2024-2025 academic year. Drop in when you can.

What to expect?

As the meditation room is located directly beneath the bell tower, we are using the bells in our meditation. They chime quarterly, so our period of silence begins at 2PM and ends at 2:15.

But I've never done this before!

You needn't have any experience with meditating; just stop by and give it a try. There's no commitment and no pressure.

Why meditate?

Meditation has numerous well-documented benefits, including stress management, improved emotional balance, increased focus and awareness and increased responsiveness to student needs.

All welcome

This is open for everyone in the Xavier community, for people of any faith or no faith.

  • Date: all school year (whenever classes are in session)
  • Time: 2 - 2:15 PM
  • Location: Meditation Room, St. Katharine Drexel Chapel
  • Sponsor: CAT+FD

Photo credit: Bart Everson

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Published on 1 Comment on New Year, New Director

Every year, CAT+FD welcomes a cohort of new faculty to Xavier's campus. After many years of coordinating New Faculty Orientation, we've come to expect there will always be a few familiar faces in the group. Some faculty attended Xavier in the past. Other were hired mid-year and so already have a semester teaching here under their belt.

That seems appropriate to remember, as we welcome this year's new faculty, because we are also welcoming a new director who is nevertheless a familiar face.

Congratulations Jason S. Todd, PhD, new director of CAT+FD
Read Xavier's official announcement

Our new director, Dr. Jason Todd, is no stranger to Xavier's campus or to CAT+FD, for that matter. In fact, Jay served as Associate Director of CAT+FD for seven years. As such, his appointment as director represents a path of continuity. In the midst of hurricanes, pandemics, and disruptive technologies, a little continuity is welcome! At the same time, we know that Jay will take CAT in new directions. Continual innovation is just part of what we do in pursuit of our shared mission.

We look forward to working with Jay to support your development, as Xavier faculty, across all career stages and areas of professional responsibility.

Welcome back, Jay, and congratulations!

PS: It's also worth noting that Jay is the second CAT director named Todd. That puts our cumulative Todd ratio at something like 20%.

Published on Leave a comment on The End of an EYHra

I'm marking 25 years at Xavier this month. I planned to formulate some sort of reflection, which undoubtedly would have been insightful and profound if only I'd ever got around to actually writing it.

Instead, I'd like to focus on a different milestone which seems much more significant.

As most everyone knows, Elizabeth Yost Hammer is stepping away from the directorship of the Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Faculty Development to return to full-time teaching. After 17 years, this truly marks the end of an era. Future historians might call it the EYH Era, or perhaps just EYHra for short.

For fun, here's a brief retrospective video that captures some scenes of EYH's tenure at CAT+FD. (Please note this video has no audio; it's just a montage of stills.)

The EYH Era at CAT+FD

On a personal note, I have to say it's been a pleasure and an honor to serve under Dr. Hammer's guidance. Rarely have I encountered such resolute positivity in another human being. For the better part of two decades, she's kept us focused on our part of Xavier's mission: supporting our faculty in the endless quest to deliver the best for our students. I look forward to our future collaborations as she moves into the next phase of her career.

But I can't look back at the past too long. We're also excited about CAT+FD's next chapter. Stay tuned!

Published on Leave a comment on You’ve Got Camtasia 2024
[Camtasia Logo]

This just in: Camtasia 2024 has now been released. What's more, Xavier's faculty site license for Camtasia still covers the new version!

For those just tuning in, Camtasia is a tool for making videos by recording from your screen and camera. A common use for teachers is to record short lectures.

In addition to the software, we have access to TechSmith's tech support as well as extensive training materials, which are excellent.

So what are you waiting for? Yes, you can download and install Camtasia now. Here's the link.

Oh, perhaps you're already using Camtasia and everything's working just fine, and you're wondering why bother? Well, there are some new features, but you should probably check the system requirements before you consider upgrading.

Please note: You will need a Camtasia License key to unlock the software beyond the free trial period. To get the key, please contact me, Bart Everson. You can send me an email: bpeverso at you-know-where.

Published on Leave a comment on AI Resources, Created and Curated for You

In May, CAT+FD hosted a week-long seminar focused on Human Learning in an AI World (generously funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation).

For those who were unable to attend, we have collected the seminar resources on the CAT Base wiki for your reference. Check them out! By staying informed and embracing innovative approaches, we can continue to provide our students with meaningful learning experiences and serve our shared mission.

Feel free to reach out to CAT+FD (or any of the seminar participants that are listed on the wiki page) if you have any questions.

Published on Leave a comment on You’ve Still Got Camtasia
[Camtasia Logo]

For those just tuning in, Camtasia is a tool for making videos by recording from your screen and camera. A common use for teachers is to record short lectures. What's more, Xavier faculty have access to a site license for Camtasia.

In addition to the software, we also have access to TechSmith's tech support, as well as their excellent and extensive library of training materials.

So what are you waiting for? Yes, you can download and install Camtasia now. Here's the link. (You may want to check the system requirements first.) You'll find a few tips about using Camtasia on the CAT Base wiki.

Please note: You will need a Camtasia License key to unlock the software beyond the free trial period. To get the key, please contact me, Bart Everson. You can send me an email: bpeverso at you-know-where.

Published on Leave a comment on Spark Success at Tulane

We're pleased to invite Xavier faculty to Tulane University's Sparking Success Conference on January 10-11 of next year. This prestigious event, hosted close to home, offers a unique platform for sharing your expertise and learning from fellow educators.

Why Attend or Present?

  1. Inspiring Sessions: Explore innovative teaching methods and research findings from esteemed colleagues. Gain fresh insights to elevate your teaching strategies and academic pursuits.
  2. Professional Networking: Connect with peers from diverse disciplines, fostering collaborations and expanding your professional network.
  3. Local Impact: Contribute to the local educational landscape by sharing your knowledge or attending sessions that align with your interests.

Ready to make your mark? Submit your presentation proposal or register to attend now.

We look forward to seeing you at the conference, where your contributions can shape the future of education.

Illustration by Midjourney

Published on Leave a comment on Welcome CCL to Xavier’s Campus

Over the last few months, I've been working with Citizens' Climate Lobby to bring their 9th annual regional conference to Xavier's campus. The effort includes a bunch of volunteers as well as Xavier's own Director of Sustainability, the indefatigable Helena Robinson.

Strictly speaking, this is not a CAT+FD event. It's not traditional faculty development. Yet the climate crisis is something that affects every one of us. It affects our students most of all, since they will see more pronounced effects in their lifetimes — as compared to those (like me) who were born way back in the 20th century.

There are many ways to get active in the movement for climate action. This conference is one way. I do hope you'll consider learning more on the registration site.

3rdcoast2023.eventbrite.com

CAT+FD will present opportunities to address climate and sustainability in your teaching in the near future.