Ten from GRCC attend the Michigan Blackboard Users Group Conference and GVSU Teaching with Technology Symposium

On Friday, March 18th the following GRCC staff and faculty had the opportunity to attend the Michigan Blackboard Users Group (miBUG) Conference and GVSU Teaching with Technology Symposium: Anna Clark; Brent Spitler; Eric J. Kunnen; Garret Brand; Grace Schwanda; Kevin O’Halla; Lisa Gloege; Mursalata Muhammad; Szymon Machajewski; and Tony VanderArk

The miBUG event brought over 80 attendees across the state from over 28 institutions.  There was an opening session keynote on the new features in Blackboard 9.1 along with 2 sets of breakout sessions.

GRCC Professors Garry Brand and Mursalata Muhammad presented on the following topics: “Using Tools that Students Use” and “Partnerships Through the Using Blackboard Technology”

Eric Kunnen blogged about the TPACK model as it relates to Blackboard tools in this post “Applying the Blackboard LMS to TPACK“ at: http://grcc.wordpress.com/2011/02/03/applying-the-blackboard-lms-to-tpack/

Student Coffee & Conversation with GRCC President; please help spread the word

Student Life would like everyone to help get the word about this event out to students. It is a special session just for them. It doesn’t replace any of the Faculty & Staff Coffee and Conversation sessions for all employees.

Student Coffee & Conversation with GRCC President, Dr. Steven Ender.

Thursday, March 31, 2-3 p.m., Farside Room (1st Floor, Student Center).

All students are welcome to attend to hear updates about the college, and provide feedback on the student experience.

Staff Learning Opportunity

The SafeZone program is a diversity education program that includes all individuals in a personal journey toward greater understanding and inclusion (regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, weight, height, marital status, status as a Vietnam era veteran, and disability, as a reflection of  the GRCC EEOC statement). The program philosophy provides not only a safe space for all people, but also increases communication and understanding among people. One of the goals of SafeZone is to emphasize that all individuals will be treated and respected as human beings.  Further, the program emphasizes that ignorance, bigotry, and harassment will not be tolerated in an environment of learning.

The next session will be held on: Monday, April 18, 8:30 a.m. 1:30  p.m. (breakfast & lunch  provided) register at dlcregistration@grcc.edu.

Sweetest Swing In Baseball starts tonight; read review

Tonight is opening night for “The Sweetest Swing in Baseball” at Actors’ Theatre. Want to read what the GR Press review had to say about the play and Director Shelly Urbane? Check this website

http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2011/03/baseball_psychology_mix_in_act.html

See for yourself! The play runsThursday-Saturday through April 2 at 8 PM in  Spectrum Theatre. Tickets are $24, $20 students and senior citizens, at the box office, 234-3946. Student rush tickets $10, 45 minutes before a performance.

Salute To Women awards Tuesday

You are cordially invited to celebrate Grand Rapids Comunity College’s annual Salute to Women in honor of Women’s History Month Tuesday, March 29, 2011 from 1:30 – 3:00 P.M. in the  GRCC Applied Technology Center Banquet Rooms.
Award presentations begin at 2:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome. This year’s recipients are

PATTI MUMAW
GRCC Employee, Counselor/Professor,
Occupational and Disability Support

SHANNON WOODALL
GRCC Student
Criminal Justice Major

ANIKA SMITH
GRCC Alumna, Facilitator of Intervention and
Prevention Curriculums, Pine Rest

Faculty IIPD Presentations: Paul Krieger today

The Center for Teaching Excellence invites faculty to hear their colleagues present on their IIPD grant experiences.

My Biological Illustration Presentation – Paul Kreiger, Biology

TODAY 3 – 4:00 PM

348 Science Auditorium

Paul will give a presentation on his one-week intensive Biological Illustration course at the Shoals Marine lab (SML) on Appledore island, Maine during summer 2010.  Faculty will learn about the wonderful courses offered at SML, as well as the field of biological illustration as a career choice, and be able to share these opportunities with their students.  In addition, faculty will learn about the conservation and sustainability efforts being practiced on the island.  No registration necessary. Open to faculty and interested students.

March is National Nutrition Month: Get the kids on board!

You are the most important influence on your child. You can do many things to help your children develop healthy eating habits for life.
Use MyPyramid to help your preschooler eat well, be active, and be healthy. MyPyramid for Preschoolers is for children 2 to 5 years of age. Click on this link for information on how to get a customized MyPyramid Plan for your preschooler.

Here’s a to a game called The Blast off Game for kids 6-11 years old. It’s an interactive computer game where kids can reach Planet Power by fueling their rocket with food and physical activity. “Fuel” tanks for each food group help students keep track of how their choices fit into MyPyramid.

Both of these resources are from the United States Department of Agriculture.