Workshop Details

This three-week workshop will focus on presentation of
information, specifically visual data, as well as the use of course and
image management tools. Faculty are invited to propose a focused project on which
to work during the workshop. The instruction is highly individualized
and each faculty person is provided with a team of FITS staff members to
help facilitate the project throughout the three week period. Typically,
participants gather for one plenary session each week and participate in
a final presentation of the project at the conclusion of the workshop.

Plenary sessions, readings and faculty presentations will explore
clarity in visual explanation. How do we best structure data to promote
understanding? What are core strategies of information design? How do we
evaluate visual information? As part of the presentation thread of the
workshop, members of the FITS and Information Services staff will be
available to provide training in the use of technology classrooms.

Two management tools will be explored in detail: Blackboard 6.0 and
Luna

Blackboard 6.0 has a significantly different interface and
functionality-- the Winter Term workshop will be the perfect time to get
acquainted with these new features while developing new courses (or
migrating existing ones) to the new Blackboard system.

Blackboard 6.0 provides

• Online posting of Electronic Reserves, class assignments,
  syllabi, presentations, faculty information and other important course
  documents
• Threaded discussion forums with file attachment capabilities
• Electronic file exchange
• Group pages for collaborative team projects
• Online assessments and grade book

Luna is an image management tool that provides access to the DePauw
Digital Image Database. The database currently contains 2,500 images
which can be used by DePauw faculty and students for study and teaching
purposes. Images range from ancient and medieval art to renaissance and
modern art and include sculpture, painting, architecture and the
decorative arts. New images are added to the database throughout the
year. Luna's software features have been developed in collaboration with
academic researchers, educators and museum professionals based upon
years of research and testing of how people actually use visual
materials in their work.

Imaging and Digital Video

Finally, specific skills workshop will focus on imaging and digital
video. We will provide hands-on training for Adobe products including
Acrobat and Photoshop, as well as Luna, Digital Video, and scanning.

If you are interested in discussing a potential project for the Winter
Term Workshop, please don't hesitate to contact any member of the
FITS staff.