Innovation Connections is a monthly newsletter that features Instructional Innovation Division updates and college-wide innovation and collaboration. Contact Luann Crosby, Interim Director of Library Services, if you wish to contribute to the content.
Our October newsletter features important updates from Instructional Technology and Curriculum Support, Library Services, Early College, to Office of Accessibility and Inclusion. Some of the highlights include the upcoming Fourth Friday session on connected classroom (see ITCS event calendar), the virtual book club, Arizona College Commission High School Fall Tours, and information about National Disability Employment Awareness and Suicide Prevention.
In addition, several departments continue to work together on the development of strategic and operational plans on LinkedIn Learning, Open Textbooks Grant Project, the HyFlex/Blended delivery, and ISW and faculty mentoring programs, as part of the effort to create a dynamic learning community. We’ll update you on those projects in our November newsletter.
Last but not least, our division is participating in the Fall 2022 Eagle Fest. We hope to see you at PDC on October 15th!
Where are you from, originally, and/or currently?
I am originally from Tucson, AZ and currently reside in Pinetop, AZ.
What is your educational background and what makes you great at your job?
I have a B.S. in Business Administration and an M.A. in Learning, Design, and Technology - both from Georgetown University. Prior to getting my M.A., I worked for 8 years in Student Affairs and have an understanding of and passion for the higher education system and developing creative solutions for the challenges faces in higher ed from student engagement to faculty development.
What do you love about your job?
I love the ability, in my current role, to have a direct impact on the student experience through the faculty development and enrichment.
What areas in this job are your strong points and how will this make you a great resource?
Critical thinking and problem solving. To me, ed tech, pedagogy, and student needs are constantly evolving and changing and how to create the best possible learning experience with those constantly shifting parts is the most exciting and interesting puzzle in the world to me and one I am super excited to help others navigate.
What are your favorite things to do/eat/read?
Do - explore the surrounding national and state parks (I have been to a new park/trail almost every weekend since moving up here), baking and crafting.
Eat - That's a tough one. I am a big foodie and there is not much I don't like. My go-to is definitely pizza though and I am on the search for the best pizza in the White Mountains.
Read - I read a ton and can't resist a good mystery novel.
What goal are you dreaming about completing?
In the next few years I would love to pursue and attain an Ed.D.
This month there are several new workshops focused on technology, design and curriculum. And the Fourth Friday session this month will give faculty and staff the opportunity to come into a connected classroom and try out the classroom technologies like the smartboard, teaching podium, and the audio/video systems in the classrooms. More details about these workshops and other topics such as curriculum updates and open education resources are available on the Instructional Technology and Curriculum Support October newsletter, linked here:
Check out the Library Events page linked below to find information about upcoming library events such as the next meeting of the Fantastic Books and Where to Find Them book club. You can also find there a list of book titles discussed at our last meeting!
Also on our Library Events page you will find details about the upcoming Discovery Nest activity held at the Silver Creek Campus Library in Snowflake for families with children ages 5 - 12. We will be making quilled gift tags and ornaments. Click to see photos of the projects.
Do you or some of your students need help with technology? NPC's Tech Hub may be a perfect solution for you. Many of the campuses and centers have open tech hub hours. We also offer virtual tech hub assistance via email and Zoom during virtual support hours. Check the tech hub schedule linked below for locations and open hours.
Did you know that October is National Cookbook Month? Our October newsletter features some cookbooks recently purchased by the NPC Library which are available to check out. If you are looking for indigenous recipes from an Oglala Lakota chef, tips and tricks to use your Instant Pot, recipes specifically for college students, foods from Shakespeare's time updated for contemporary cooks, and ideas for meals from Harry Potter and Star Wars, we have a cookbook for you!
We are excited to announce that the department will be fully staffed in mid-October. Dr. Christopher Green will be joining us as the Director of Early College Programs. Stay tuned for his formal introduction!
The staff have been busy enrolling high school students in all four of its programs: NAVIT, TALON, DualEnroll, and Early College Waiver. We are also assisting in visits to high schools to participate in the Arizona College Commission Fall Tours. This is a great opportunity to tell students about all of the wonderful opportunities available to them at Northland Pioneer College. Additionally, the team is continuing to refine the enrollment software to ensure a smooth implementation in November.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness month so here are some important aspects to know about the Americans with Disabilities Act:
There are 5 titles within ADA:
1) Employment
2) State and local government
3) Public Accommodations
4) Telecommunication
5) Miscellaneous
Most issues related to ADA fall into titles 1, 2, and 3. There are 10 regional centers that oversee complaints and investigate. To learn more, visit www.ada.gov and select the “Enforcement” button on the top, right of the page.
October is also Suicide Prevention month, so here are the steps to follow if a student wants to get started with Meta Tele-counseling. This information is sent to every currently enrolled student at the beginning of the semester, is posted at every NPC location, and is available on the NPC webpage at http://www.npc.edu/meta-student-teletherapy
Cinnamon Zucchini Bread
1 1/4 c zucchini, grated
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup white sugar
1/3 cup canola oil
6 ounces Greek yogurt
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ginger
In a large bowl, place zucchini, oil, yogurt, eggs and vanilla. Add in sugars and mix well. Stir in dry ingredients and spices.
Put batter in a greased loaf pan. Bake at 350° for one hour.
Recipe and photo from Cassie Dows