T-Minus Two Weeks Until the Redesigned Discussions Tool Launches

Submitted by Amy Netzel on
Several smiling chatting pandas ride a rocket labeled Canvas Discussions
In our last blog post, Canvas Discussions Redesign Coming Soon, we provided a first look at the upcoming redesigned Discussions tool. At this time, we suggest marking your calendar; the more modernized look and feel for Discussions will be here May 13th! We’ve explored the expected changes and have created a more personalized demonstration video to help you navigate the redesign and learn a few tips before it arrives: Tips and Resources Your students may gain the ability to edit, delete, and

Wynn, Audiobooks, and Attenborough: Celebrate Earth Month with the Durham Tech Library

Submitted by Durham Tech Library on

Cicada emergence, pollen counts, and blooming plants everywhere! Spring is certainly here this Earth Month.

Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22, and Earth Month allow us--as humans--to focus attention to the environment around us and our role in protecting, preserving, and being good members of our ecosystems.

While the Durham Tech Library has lots of resources to learn more about many aspects of Earth Month, the Phail Wynn Collection allows us to mindfully collect books and other resources on topics that "pertain... to socially responsible topics, such as ecology and the environment, cultural awareness, global citizenship, teaching tolerance, appreciating diversity, fighting poverty, and promoting world peace." Endowed from the estate of Phail Wynn Jr., who served as president of Durham Tech for nearly 30 years, this annual financial gift allows the library to collect resources and provides funding for our book club and reading circle texts.

The Phail Wynn Collection of

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Dr. Phail Wynn Jr. Collection

How Do You Library?: Right to Read Day

Submitted by Durham Tech Library on
Don't let censorship eclipse your freedom to read. Right to Read Day, April 8, 2024.
It's National Library Week and, while we celebrate Banned Books Week in the fall, the first weekday of National Library Week always highlights an individual's right to choose their own reading materials or choose age-appropriate materials for those in their care without restricting others' access. What can you do to help or "celebrate" Right to Read Day? You can always read a banned or challenged book . The American Library Association, a professional association for all kinds of libraries-

Canvas Discussions Redesign Coming Soon!

Submitted by Alan Brown on
Two panda bears sitting side by side while working on laptop computers.
The Canvas Discussions Redesign introduces a suite of new features that enhance usability and flexibility within Canvas discussions. While retaining all the existing discussion functionality, this redesign incorporates a modernized user interface that enriches the instructor and student experience with advanced options for interaction, navigation, and organization. Key improvements include easier ways of viewing, searching, and sorting replies, alongside enhanced tools for discussion moderation

From Chaos to Clarity: How Canvas Gradebook Filters Can Help You

Submitted by Marisa Sullivan on
A cute teacher panda engaged in focused work on a computer, with papers scattered around and a thoughtful expression
At this point in the semester, your Gradebook in Canvas has probably gathered quite a few assignment columns. The presentation of columns can seem cluttered, especially when viewing all student work in your Gradebook. While it is not hard to navigate your Canvas Gradebook, the Filters feature can help to improve clarity, organization, and ease of grading. Filters allow you to narrow your Gradebook view to specific: Modules (i.e., Week 2) Assignment Groups (i.e, Exams) Status (i.e., Missing, Late

Women's History Month: Women In Sports

Submitted by Durham Tech Library on
Women in Sports

In celebration of Women’s History Month, let’s honor the trailblazing women who have made significant contributions to sports, breaking barriers and setting new standards for excellence and equality.

Pioneers on the Field and Beyond

Women in sports have not only excelled in their respective disciplines but have also become powerful advocates for gender equity and social change. Their achievements are a testament to their determination and skill, inspiring generations to come.

Breaking Records and Glass Ceilings

From Wilma Rudolph’s three gold medals at the 1960 Olympics to Nancy Lopez’s legendary career in golf, women athletes have consistently shattered expectations1. They’ve overcome personal and societal challenges, such as Rudolph’s triumph over polio and Lopez’s fight against discrimination due to her Mexican heritage.

Champions of Change

Athletes like Serena Williams and Megan Rapinoe have used their platforms to champion social causes, pushing for racial and gender equity both on and

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Women's History Month

Let's Celebrate Black History, Resistance, and Joy for Black History Month

Submitted by Durham Tech Library on
Do Great Things

Resilience, Resistance, and Radiance: A Tribute to Black History

Black History Month is more than a calendar event--it’s a tapestry of resilience woven by generations.

As we honor the past, let’s remember the indomitable spirit of those who paved the way. From Harriet Tubman’s clandestine journeys on the Underground Railroad to the eloquence of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s “I Have a Dream” speech, their courage echoes through time.

The Underground Railroad: Authentic Narratives and First-Hand Accounts by William Still
Available as an ebook through Dogwood Digital Library
The Gift of Black Folk: The Negros in the Making of America by W.E.B. Du Bois
Available at the Main Campus Library. Also available as an ebook and streaming audio
Riding Jane Crow: African American Women on the American Railroad by Miriam Thaggert
Available as an ebook through Dogwood Digital Library

Resistance is etched into the DNA of Black history. It’s the refusal to be silenced, the audacity to demand justice. We elevate struggles such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott, where ordinary people sparked extraordinary change. Give thanks to Rosa Parks, whose quiet defiance, ignited a movement that would shake the world. Let’s honor the countless unsung heroes who stood tall

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Heart Stuff for Heart Month

Submitted by Durham Tech Library on
It's February, which in addition to being Black History Month, is also American Heart Month. While everyone's needs are different, there are many similar ways we can be attentive to our heart health, including understanding our blood pressure and knowing when it's too high or too low, eating more fruits and vegetables, trying to get better sleep, working on how we handle stressful events in our lives, and stopping smoking. The National Institute of Health has some great Fact Sheets to learn more

Read Great Things BINGO for 2024: A New Take on our Reading Challenge

Submitted by Durham Tech Library on
Durham Tech Library Read Great Things 2024 BINGO
One item of wrap-up before moving on to 2024-- if you haven't filled out the Read Great Things 2023 completion form to document your "win," you have until Thursday, February 15 to do so. Not sure if you've "won"? Click on the form or the 2023 challenge information guide. You'll have needed to complete 10 categories in total, but can double-dip, so five well-chosen books can do it for you. No sign up was necessary, so if you read it in 2023, you could win! Prizes will be available late February

Tools for Your Canvas Toolbox

Submitted by Alan Brown on
Tools for Your Canvas Toolbox
Moving into the heart of the Spring semester, the Instructional Technologies team would like to highlight a few tips and time-saving strategies that can be applied as you use Canvas as an instructor. Our goal is to provide tools that you can add to your Canvas toolbox as you become a more efficient, effective, and expert Canvas user. For each tool, view the video demonstration and access the quick reference guide for additional information and links to supplementary resources. Emojis in Module
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