Employee Education | Barton Community College

Welcome to the Employee Education page! In the following sections, you will find links to a variety of resources that supports staff and faculty in the pursuit of professional development. Explore below to find the right resource for you. Should you be interested in a specific topic but don't see any offering, please reach out to us. Centerstaff@bartonccc.edu.

March

Tutorials

Calendar Permissions - review current permissions or set new ones
Outlook Signature - add a signature to each email or edit an existing one
Zoom Profile - select a profile picture or edit your profile name
SharePoint - create, edit and share documents with assigned individuals

Live H5P Training - Join our H5P representative for live demonstrations followed by Q&A. Everything is free!

Gamification - Tuesday, April 1st @ 12:00pm CDT
Learn more about live engagement tools and game maps to make learning more fun.
AI Smart Import Feature - Tuesday, April 22nd @ 12:00pm CDT >>link coming soon<<
Learn how to use AI to automatically generate content and see a live demo.
Subject Specific H5P Training - Being Rescheduled!
Covers use cases tailored primarily to Science and Mathematics courses

Introduction and Refresher for H5P - Recording of Live Session
For new users and those needing an H5P top-up. Covers basic functionality and use cases.

Accessibility - Recording of Live Session
See how H5P can improve outcomes for diverse learners.

Time Management for the Overwhelmed $ - Multiple Dates
You'll get more done and be more valuable within your organization. You'll feel less stressed and frazzled. And, best of all, you'll be able to get to the high-priority projects you never seem to have time for. It's no secret that successful people are those who have learned to control their days — instead of letting interruptions, paper chases, and the phone control them.

Dealing with Difficult People $ - Multiple Dates
Never again fall victim to those who love to make life miserable for the rest of us. This training gives you concrete techniques for dealing with difficult people in the workplace and at home. It provides specific strategies for getting adversaries to cooperate … bullies to back off … wallflowers to open up … chronic complainers to quiet down. Knowing how to deal with difficult people at work will allow you to approach your job with more enjoyment and your coworkers with greater confidence. Cooperation, collaboration and compromise will improve — and that makes for a more productive and efficient workplace for everyone.

Email Writing for the Workplace $ - Multiple Dates
What are the best practices in email writing? Do you know what to do if your email ends up in the wrong hands? Is email always the best form of communication? What are the risks and blunders that could potentially call into question the competency and credibility of you and your organization? Attend this information packed seminar to get the answers to these questions, as well as any of your own.

Teaching for Tomorrow - AI Strategies for K-12 $30 - Monday, April 7th - MUST REGISTER BY March 26
The Teaching for Tomorrow: AI Strategies for K-12 symposium provides K-12 educators with an introductory experience exploring AI in education to enhance their understanding and foster connections with like-minded professionals. Learners engage in live workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.

LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor: Protect the Integrity of Online Tests FREE - Multiple Dates Available
This session is perfect for instructors who are new to LockDown Browser and/or Respondus Monitor, or those who want a refresher on how to use these applications to ensure academic integrity during online exams. We'll also be demonstrating the latest features and enhancements.

Respondus 4 and the Test Bank Network: Quickly Create Online Exams FREE - Multiple Dates Available
Learn how Respondus 4 allows you to create or convert exams that can be published directly to your learning management system, and how the Respondus Test Bank Network can be used to generate online tests from official publisher test banks.

How to Supervise Bad Attitudes and Negative Behavior $ - Multiple Dates Available
This dynamic seminar gives you answers to your toughest questions, quickly and clearly. You'll learn the smart methods to help you get control over the problem people who plague your workplace … without the resentment and anger some outdated approaches can generate. Best of all, you'll discover how to tailor an individual approach for each employee's unique situation — a custom strategy that greatly increases your chances of success.

Early Childhood Mental Health and Digital Media FREE - On Demand
How does digital media use affect early child development and mental health? How should care providers approach technology use in order to protect and promote mental health in young children?

Managing Emotions Under Pressure $ - Multiple Dates
Gain the ability to control how emotions manifest instead of allowing the emotions to take center stage and dictate behavior. Proven techniques promise to increase self-awareness and provide tools to handle emotions positively. Broken into three sections, this seminar will focus on understanding emotions, dealing with strong emotions and how to communicate through emotions. The stress-management system taught in this seminar is simple — and proven. Let it help you live a happier, more productive and less stressful personal and professional life.

Safe Zone: Children and Online Safety FREE - On Demand
What can parents and caregivers do to equip youth with the skills and protections needed to keep themselves safe online?

How to Become a Great Communicator $ - Multiple Dates
Communication skills are crucial for career success. It's not always technical expertise, superior knowledge, or even heightened intelligence that makes people effective in their roles. It's often their exceptional skill in handling difficult people and charged situations. Master the communication skills necessary to propel your career, boost your productivity and ensure quality job satisfaction.

Driven to Distraction: Media Use, Attention and Cognition FREE - On Demand
How do hours spent daily on digital media affect children’s attention spans, multitasking skills, and cognitive functions? How are digital platforms affecting how youth interact with the real world?

Age-Appropriate Conversations with Youth about Media Use FREE - On Demand
Lisa Linder, PhD (Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Professor of Child and Family Development, San Diego State University) demonstrates how to talk with children in developmentally-appropriate ways about their digital media use at the #AskTheExperts webinar “Early Childhood Mental Health and Digital Media”.

April

AI in Oz: “The Yellow Brick Road” FREE - Friday, April 25 MUST REGISTER BY 4/18/25
Gain practical insights, engage in critical discussions, and discover how AI can enhance education while preserving academic integrity. Whether you’re an AI enthusiast or a skeptic, this conference will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to navigate AI’s impact on higher education.

Tabletop Role-Playing Therapy: Exploring New Frontiers in Group Work FREE - Tuesday, April 1
Learn what TRPT is, how it differs from nontherapeutic role-playing games, how it may be used to support individuals with diverse presenting concerns, and contraindications and limitations of it. This session will include considerations for forming and conducting a TRPT group. Resources for additional explorations of TRPT will be provided.

AI as your TA: Using Artificial Intelligence to Transform your Teaching FREE - Tuesday, April 1
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) presents a unique opportunity to enhance teaching and learning experiences in psychology courses. Currently, concerns about how students may misuse AI dominate academic spaces. This webinar will move past this discussion and explore innovative strategies for integrating AI to improve student engagement and learning. Using examples from Introductory Psychology and Psychological Disorders (i.e., Abnormal Psychology) we will demonstrate how AI can be used in course design, content creation (e.g., case studies), and to improve student engagement.

Teaching Evolution: Promoting students’ conceptual understanding of evolutionary biology FREE - Tuesday, April 1
Learn how college students understand the concept of evolution. Dr. Jeremy Hsu highlights recent research and provides practical advice for enhancing evolutionary biology instruction.

A ChatBot Told you WHAT? Free - Wednesday, April 2
AI study resources offer both great potential and significant pitfalls. Come hear about the learning science behind Pearson‘s new AI powered study tool for our Teacher Education and Counseling eTexts, and the work we’ve done to ensure it is a reliable, safe, and meaningful way for your students to personalize their study and learning experience and help prepare them for practice.

From Classroom to Publication: Bridging Theory and Real Data-Driven Research FREE - Thursday, April 3
This webinar explores how data-driven research bridges classroom theory with publishable outcomes, particularly through partnerships with undergraduate students. These hands-on experiences reveal how working with datasets fosters critical thinking, inspires interest in applied research, and encourages students to address significant challenges. Attendees will gain actionable insights into mentoring students toward impactful research, guiding their career trajectories, and promoting their growth as contributors to meaningful academic and professional work.

Spotlight on AI tools from Pearson: Insights into Pearson's Latest Innovations for Students and Educators FREE - Thursday, April 3
In this webinar, we’ll showcase cutting-edge AI features developed to personalize the learning journey, streamline instructor workflows, and foster deeper connections in the classroom. Gain insights from our beta testing and pilot programs, including real-world examples of how these tools are making a tangible impact. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how Pearson is shaping the future of education with AI.

Assessing and Utilizing Client Strengths in Counseling FREE - Thursday, April 3
Counselors are trained to diagnose and treat psychopathology, but focusing only on deficits can neglect clients’ strengths. Recognizing and enhancing strengths can boost self-efficacy and protect against future issues. Using identified strengths, counselors can create individualized, culturally sensitive treatment plans. This presentation will provide an interactive learning environment where attendees will learn how to integrate strength-based counseling practices into their work. Attendees will receive concrete recommendations for strength-based assessment, interventions, and treatment planning.

The Power of Esports: Building an Esports Program at Your College FREE - Monday April 7
Identify the basic elements of the esports industry, including the esports ecosystem, popular esports titles, and the growing interest among students. Evaluate ways to build an academic program connected to esports. Identify opportunities for collaboration with other institutions, esports organizations, and industry leaders.

Beyond the Lecture: Purposeful Course Design for Engaged Learning FREE - Tuesday, April 8
Traditional lectures alone are no longer enough to keep students engaged and drive meaningful learning. We’ll explore how to design courses with purpose by integrating active learning strategies that align with what students need to succeed. Using Mastering Chemistry, we’ll showcase ways to create an interactive and student-centered learning experience that goes beyond passive content delivery. Whether you're looking to enhance your existing course or build a new one from the ground up, this session will provide actionable insights to help you design with purpose and improve student outcomes.

Promoting Psychological Safety in the Classroom FREE - Tuesday, April 8
Join Pearson author Noland White as he discusses ways to promote and facilitate a learning environment and experience that fosters learning and promotes psychological safety without sacrificing academic challenge. He will focus on strategies for establishing a positive classroom culture, encouraging an active and engaging classroom experience, and using formative assessment strategies to help students develop and apply metacognitive skills.

Using AI from Classroom to Career FREE - Wednesday, April 9
Join us for an exciting and informative webinar where we explore how AI is becoming an indispensable employable skill for business students. We’ll dive into the various ways AI can be integrated into business courses, empowering students with the knowledge and expertise that top employers are seeking.

Promoting Psychological Safety in the Classroom FREE - Tuesday, April 10
Join Pearson author Noland White to learn how to foster a psychologically safe learning environment that encourages academic risk-taking and uses formative assessments to promote metacognition.

Dementia Workshop offered by K-State Research and Extension Office - Wed. April 9 and Thurs. April 10 6pm-8pm
Both presentation will be offered in person and over Zoom. Both will be recorded. To register, contact the Cottonwood Extension Office at 785-628-9430

Preparing High School Students For College: Effective Dual Enrollment Strategies FREE - Thursday, April 10
Join us for this 30-minute webinar, where we’ll explore proven strategies to help institutions manage dual enrollment more efficiently while improving student success. We'll discuss common barriers, including time management, college expectations, and resource navigation, and highlight how institutions are leveraging Innovative Educators' dual enrollment orientation to provide scalable, engaging, and accessible onboarding for both students and parents.

Breaking Silos, Building Bridges: A Modernized Approach to Collaboration for Higher Education FREE - Wednesday, April 22
Higher education leaders are being asked to do more than ever—drive strategic priorities, improve student outcomes, and foster operational efficiency across increasingly complex institutions. But without visibility, alignment, or scalable systems, progress often stalls. Learn how a university established its first-ever Project Management Office (PMO) to unify project efforts across campus and bring strategy to life—starting with a clear roadmap and a culture of cross-functional collaboration. This session is ideal for higher ed professionals looking to align work with institutional goals, prepare for the future of AI in operations, and foster connected, outcomes-driven teams.

Strategies for active learning in Intermediate Macroeconomics FREE - Thursday, April 23
Uncover strategies for increasing student engagement in Intermediate Macroeconomics with modular content, current news, and interactive simulations from Dr. Pierre Yared and Dr. Nicolas Vincent.

Conceptual Learning in Genetics FREE - Wednesday, April 24
Many students rely on memorization as a study tool, which is often only successful for the simplest assessments and does not convert into meaningful long-term knowledge. A conceptual approach to teaching and learning genetics provides students with a deeper meaning to the information being conveyed and emphasizes the connections between ideas. Students who engage in conceptual learning are better equipped to analyze and interpret new information, which is critical for thinking like a scientist.

SUPPORTING Minds, SUPPORTING Learners: Addressing Student Mental Health to Advance Academic Success FREE - Thursday, April 24
Mental health symptoms among college students have been rising dramatically for the past decade. These symptoms cause distress in all aspects of students’ lives and impact their ability to focus on academic work, increasing the likelihood of negative outcomes and withdrawing from school. In this session, participants gain insight about students’ experiences with mental health in college, reflect on the extent to which institutions are positioned to respond to students’ mental health needs, and identify strategies to improve student support.

Learning How to Eat: The National Obesity Epidemic and How to Live a Lean and Long Life FREE - Friday, April 25
A registered dietitian with decades of experience in nutrition and wellness, has developed cutting-edge nutrition balancing techniques that address the metabolic triggers of overeating, helping patients achieve their leanest and healthiest weight without dieting. Her work has also benefited athletes, including her own impressive achievements as a multi-sport athlete and Ironman competitor. Myrna's insights into the science of nutrition and her practical approach to healthy living will provide attendees with valuable tools for lasting change.

Empowering Students With AI: Preparing Community College Learners For The Future FREE - Monday, April 28
In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, AI literacy is no longer just advantageous—it's essential. Reports indicate that over 60% of new jobs require basic AI skills, yet less than 20% of college students feel prepared to utilize AI effectively (WEForum). Students must have the knowledge and skills to navigate, utilize, and innovate with AI technologies. We explore the transformative power of AI literacy for students, strategies and resources to help students understand, utilize, and ethically navigate AI tools in their academic and professional journeys. This discussion will also provide insight into Innovative Educators' AI Literacy Essentials For Students: A Micro-Credential For Maximum Impact.

Executive Function and Task Completion FREE - On Demand
Taína Coleman, MA, MEd (Education Specialist, Learning and Development Center, Child Mind Institute), discusses the skillsets that make up executive functioning and how many of today’s teens and tweens (particularly youth with ADHD) struggle to use these skills to complete tasks at the #AskTheExperts webinar “Driven to Distraction: Media Use, Attention, and Cognition”.

How Colleges Can Navigate The New ADA Accessibility Rules FREE - On Demand
Big changes are coming to digital accessibility requirements, and higher education institutions must act now. The new ADA web accessibility rule impacts how colleges and universities ensure their digital content is fully accessible to all students. Are your websites, course materials, and learning platforms compliant? Join us for this live podcast discussion with Dr. Sheryl Burgstahler, an accessibility expert, to learn what these changes mean for your institution and how to stay ahead of compliance challenges.

Building Digital Literacy: Equipping Students to Think Critically & Engage Responsibly FREE - On Demand
Many students enter college without the critical digital literacy skills needed to analyze information, identify misinformation, and engage responsibly in an increasingly digital world. As education, communication, and the job market become more technology-driven, higher education must take an active role in preparing students to think critically, evaluate digital content, and use online tools effectively. This webinar will explore the urgent need for digital and media literacy and provide practical strategies for integrating these essential skills into coursework, student services, and campus culture.

Key Trends In Student Behavior & Engagement: Insights For Faculty, Staff & Administrators FREE - On Demand
The emerging trends in student performance, including declining attention spans, increased mental health challenges, and changing expectations for classroom engagement. Discuss how flexible teaching models, active learning strategies, and data-driven interventions can enhance student engagement and retention. Additionally, the session will highlight ways faculty can foster resilience, accountability, and a sense of belonging in their courses. Join us to uncover practical, research-based strategies that empower both faculty and students in today's evolving higher education landscape.

Authoring H5P: The ultimate video experience with Interactive Video FREE - On Demand
Discover the power of interactive video in our upcoming webinar, led by Jelena from the H5P Core team. This session will equip you with the skills to transform your video content into engaging, interactive experiences.

May

Executive Dysfunction in Higher Education: How to Help Neurospicy Students in College FREE - Thursday, May 8
Lately, executive function skills feel like they are in short supply in the students we serve. This webinar focuses on providing faculty and staff with tips and strategies that support students with executive dysfunction concerns, especially those who are neurodiverse (i.e., neurospicy). Learn concepts that not only benefit students, but also help educators feel more in control of their own executive functioning in the classroom and beyond.

Advanced Clinical Skills in Telemental Health AEP 101 A & B $ - May 12th and June 30th
Advanced Clinical Skills in Telemental Health is designed for licensed counselors, therapists, and other mental health professionals seeking to deepen their telehealth expertise. This training covers advanced therapeutic techniques, strategies for engaging clients in a virtual environment, and specialized skills for handling crises, maintaining client confidentiality, and promoting client-centered care. Participants will learn how to effectively apply techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) in a telehealth context, with a focus on ethical and practical considerations.

June

Demystifying Assistive Technology FREE - Monday, June 16
CEUs available. Assistive technology (AT) has long aided students with learning disabilities. Evidence suggests these tools offer significant benefits to a broader spectrum of learners. Learn about AT tools that are free and low-cost. Tailor different AT tools to specific student needs. Integrate AT into lesson plans without imposing additional burdens on yourself.

July

You Can’t Outsource Sense-Making: High Impact Approaches to College Reading FREE - Thursday, July 24
CEUs available. In a rapidly evolving world of digital media and generative AI, how can college educators help students make sense of complex texts and navigate an overwhelming information landscape as thoughtful, empowered citizens? This webinar shares insights from Breakthroughs in College Reading: The Promises and Tensions of Disciplinary Reading Apprenticeships, highlighting the transformative impact of a long-term, cross-disciplinary community of practice that enhances both educator and student learning through a focus on disciplinary literacy. Whether you teach in the humanities, social sciences, or STEM, this webinar offers practical tools and innovative approaches to help students become independent, critical readers who confidently navigate complex information. Faculty leave with actionable strategies to foster deeper learning and greater student agency in their classrooms.

Cougar TALEs - Past Sessions

Fall 2024
Recording - Handout 1 - Handout 2 | Artificial Intelligence - Integrity Council Sub-Team
Recording | Let's Talk YuJu - Diana Hernandez, YuJu Representative
Recording | College Updates
Recording - Handout | Generations in the Workplace - Dr. Rachel Dolecheck, DBA
Recording - Handout | TALEs from the Data Side: How to Make Course Assessment Data Work for You - Kurt Konda
Recording | OER Sharing a New Perspective - Lee Miller
Recording | All Faculty Meeting
Recording | H5P Smart Import
Recording | Have you met... Linn Hogg - VIA & RSVP Director, Ray Kruse – Project Director of EOC, Melissa Feist – Coordinator of Adult Education

January 2024
Student Authenticity: Best Practices– Claudia Mather and Curtis Rose
Essential Skills: The Why, What and Where – Janet Balk, Deanna Heier, Nolan Esfeld

August 2023
Long Live CATS | Handout – Kurt Konda
Managing Stress and Burnout | Handout – Dr. Rose Helens-Hart
First Impressions Matter | Handout – Dr. Stacey Smith
College Updates
Balancing Work and Life – Lindsey Bogner, Elaine Simmons
Artificial Intelligence – Academic Integrity Council
Francis Financial Services – Leslie Francis Klug, John Francis
All Faculty Meeting
Have you met... – Terri Mebane, Erika Jenkins-Moss, Janet Balk, Abby Kujath, Megan Chambers, Kurt Teal

January 2023
What even IS a Foundation and what can you do with it? – Lindsey Bogner
Cyber Hygiene – Jose Palacios
Practical Strategies for Course Building – Blair Stamper
Visit the Library – Darren Ivey
Power BI and Data – Jose Palacios
Concourse with Lab | Power Point | PP as PDF – Brian Howe and Ange Davied
Have you met…
Baudilio Hernandez - Hispanic Engagement & Recruitment Office Director
Rita Thurber - Student Support Services Project Director
Jacquelyn Maser - Counselor
Nolan Esfeld - Director of Student Academic Development
Patrick Busch - CKUB Project Director
Eric Smith - CKUB Academic Coordinator
Kelsey Hall - BCUB Project Director
Rebecca Kratzer - BCUB Academic Coordinator

August 2022
College Updates
All Faculty Meeting (Entire Group)
Student Success Alliance - Stephanie Joiner and the Student Success Alliance
So You're Coming to the Curriculum Committee...– Brian Howe
Meet the Coaches – Trevor Rolfs and Staff
Workplace Collaboration and Relationships

August 2021
Essential Skills with Deanna Heier, Lindsay Holmes, Stephanie Joiner - Recording
Conducting and Documenting Course Assessment with Kurt Konda Recording
Brandin’ with Brandon with Brandon Steinert - Recording
Cougar Recruiting 101 with Maggie Harris - Recording
Course Binder Project with Jo Harrington - Recording
Canvas Tutorial-Course Outcomes with Jo Harrington - Recording
Academic Integrity Panel with Janet Balk, Karly Little, Kathy Boeger, Deanna Heier Recording

2020
Write so Students Understand You with Karly Little - Recording | Presentation
Get (the right) Stuff Done! with Brandon Steinert - Recording
Self-Awareness and Empathy on Campus with Christian Dashiell | Recording
Communication is Key with Dani Kultgen - Recording
Open Pedagogy with Lee Miller - Recording
Leading Barton through a Crisis with Claudia Mather - Recording
The Golden Rule - Recording
Team Building through Communication with Claudia Mather - Recording
Psychological First Aid: Recovering From Crisis with Jakki Maser - Recording | Handout | Handout
Course Level Assessment with Kurt Konda - Recording | Handout
OER: Low Cost or No Cost with Lee Miller - Recording | Handout | Handout | Handout | Handout
Academic Integrity with Stephanie Joiner - Recording | Handout | Handout
Reflective Leadership with Claudia Mather - Recording | Handout
Concourse with Ange Davied - Recording
LICC Submission Process with Brian Howe - Recording