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Thursday, January 20, 2011

January 20, 2011

Staying true to my promise to share resources for reviving your course(s), I want to remind you about a GEN resource that – while it is no stranger to this blog and was actually a hot topic last week (flashback to the numerous emails about student password changes) – has tremendous potential for adding energy and depth to online course content: Skillsoft

Many of you are likely familiar with this web-based portal that, besides being home to Books 24x7, is overflowing with simulations, training courses, speeches, audio lectures, videos, job aids, and Skillbriefs. There truly is something in Skillsoft for everyone…

To explore all Skillsoft has to offer, click here to access the SkillPort log-in page. Your username and password should be the same: firstinitiallastname (i.e. jdoe). If you have any trouble logging in, contact the GEN Helpdesk.

Once logged in, you can search for resources on a specific topic, skill, or concept. Or, browse the Catalog/Learning Programs to explore the various curriculum tools available in the world of Business, Management, Leadership, IT, Software, HR and Legal Issues, Marketing, Project Management, Communications, Team Building, Finance…the list goes on and on.

Watch this screencast to learn more about two particularly useful pieces of Skillsoft: The Leadership Channel (leadership videos by high profile speakers) and The Business Exploration Series (management/leadership interactive Simulations).

If none of the topics above strike you as applicable to your redevelopment project, consider the “soft skills” resources that are available to help students master skills for facilitating meetings, working in groups, writing, planning, researching, public speaking, and presenting.

Once you identify a Skillsoft resource for your course(s), simply determine how you would like it incorporated into the unit content. Skillsoft items are great as discussion board topics or assignment activities, as well as supplemental exercises, resources, or lectures. If you need some guidance on effectively incorporating an item into your course content, contact me – I can provide you with good examples that work well in other courses. Regardless of your approach, be sure you direct students to the Skillsoft Instructions on the GEN Helpdesk FAQ webpage so they have the information they need to log in and access the resources.

If you have any questions or would like some specific suggestions on ways Skillsoft can benefit your course content, please let me know! I am happy to do the research in Skillsoft or work with you individually on using this resource as a way to REVIVE your redevelopment project!

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