Adobe Education Exchange courses

I just finished my fourth online mini-course through the Adobe Education Exchange (EdEx*). Use this link to join the EdEx and learn more — it’s free!

My latest course, “Train the Trainer” (video below), lasted 8 weeks, but another was only 4 weeks long. EdEx courses are based around Adobe products – Photoshop, Premiere, InDesign, etc. – and there is always an emphasis on how they are used in teaching. The instructors are a mix of practicing teachers, professional trainers, and Adobe staffers. The participants are nearly all teachers at some level.

EdEx courses consist of

1. Videos and readings that you complete independently;
2. Weekly webinar (30-60 minutes) with tutorials and guest speakers;
3. Weekly “make” where you create a video, image, or other digital artifact;
4. Participation in online discussion;
5. Weekly entry in an online learning journal; and
6. Comments on other participants’ work.

Those who successfully complete all of the requirements receive a certificate and a digital badge. The weekly task organization and (to a lesser extent) the badge appeal to me. Faculty at some institutions can use the certificates to meet professional development requirements.

Adobe also offers open-ended courses without badges or certificates. They have fewer requirements and you can start and finish at any time. I really enjoyed Exploring Creativity in Today’s Classroom (image at left) and its follow-up courses.

For me, this has been a great way to review skills I have and learn new ones. The courses also expose me to excellent resources  I can use in teaching undergrads or consulting with faculty. I have discovered lots of new videos, articles, and other material.

Here are a few of the courses that the EdEx is offering in fall 2017:

• Graphics & Publishing – Photoshop and InDesign – starts Sep 4, 2017
• UX2UI – User Experience Design software – starts October 2, 2017
• Games Design – create characters with Adobe’s Mixamo and Fuse, and learn basics of Unity – starts November 2 -, 2017

Again, you can use this link to join the EdEx for free.

*This EdEx has nothing to do with the edX learning management system.