Dr. Amanda Missimer

Amanda Missimer
Nutrition, Cooperative Extension

Dr. Amanda Missimer is a Clinical Assistant Professor and Registered Dietitian with a joint appointment in the Department of Nutrition and Cooperative Extension at the University of Rhode Island. She holds a Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Connecticut, where she specialized in biochemical nutrition with a focus on lipid and cholesterol metabolism. Her focus is on educating and applying science-based nutrition knowledge, serving as a reliable nutrition educator both in the classroom and throughout the state.

Introduction

Spotlight feature written by: Subek Acharya

Over 300 students from diverse majors like nursing and fashion enroll into Dr. Missimer’s NUT 207: General Nutrition class. Managing such a large and diverse group is challenging, but Dr. Missimer embraces this task with creativity and skill. Dr. Missimer has creatively harnessed Brightspace’s suite of tools and integrations to engage students effectively both in and out of the classroom. Her strategy skillfully balances content delivery with interactive engagement, ensuring every student receives a comprehensive and enriching educational experience.

Quote

“I could probably pick my favorite, but I literally use them all. I use Brightspace Assignments, Discussions, Quizzes, Rubric, and Checklists. This summer I am using voice notes which I am obsessed with.”
– Amanda Missimer

Usage

In NUT 207: General Nutrition, Dr. Missimer leverages Brightspace to enhance the learning experience through a variety of tools:

  • McGraw Hill Connect Integration: Utilized for a semester-long Dietary Assessment Project, where assignments are in McGraw Hill Connect integrated to Brightspace. Students complete tasks in multiple phases, with consistent grading recorded throughout the semester.
  • Quizzes Tool for Assignments: Dr. Missimer uses the Quizzes feature in Brightspace for assignments. She includes all student engagement content and grading rubrics, which help students submit assignments via quizzes. Dr. Missimar also utilizes auto-grading in her Brightspace Quizzes to effectively save time
  • Audio Feedback: Students had previously expressed their desire to have personalized feedback on their work. For this, Dr. Missimer uses the VoiceNote feature to offer personalized audio feedback on student assignments, enhancing feedback quality and accessibility.
  • Innovative Testing Methods: Online exams have posed a major challenge for professors due to the rise of AI. Paper-based exams for large numbers of students can also be troublesome due to manual work and the need to store answer copies safely for long periods. To maintain academic integrity and minimize AI-related issues, Dr. Missimer has implemented an innovative approach where online exams are conducted in-class. Students are given physical question papers with all questions, and they must use the Brightspace quiz section to fill in answers using options provided. This allows Brightspace to function as a digital scantron, helping her and her TAs to effectively evaluate grades for large numbers of students. Students must be present in class to take their exams, and having questions on paper makes using AI to find answers difficult because of time limits.
  • Discussion Boards: Dr. Missimer believes that collaborative feedback brings great value to some assignments. She has been using discussion boards for quite some time, employing them for assignments that require peer interaction. These boards enable students to view and critique each other’s work, fostering a collaborative learning atmosphere.
  • TikTok for extra credit: Dr. Missimer has implemented a unique and engaging extra credit assignment by integrating TikTok into her classroom activities. This approach not only enhances student engagement but also encourages critical thinking about the veracity of information encountered online. The use of a popular social media platform to explore contemporary nutrition topics has been well-received by students, making the learning process both relevant and dynamic

Q. You mentioned using TikTok for classroom activity. Could you elaborate on this?

A: Since nutritional misinformation is such a big deal, I started having students post TikTok about nutrition on discussion boards. Then, at the beginning of each class, I would pick 1 to 2 TikTok for us to watch, and we would discuss students’ opinions on them.

Student Experience & Feedback

Managing a large class of 300 students is a challenge for both students and professors. However, Dr. Missimer’s innovative approach to integrating technology to facilitate learning has been hugely appreciated by her students. They particularly value the interactive and comprehensive nature of Dr. Missimer’s courses, especially the use of multimedia elements and personalized feedback. The integration of VoiceNote is highlighted for providing accessible and personalized feedback, enhancing their learning experience. The flexibility offered by online assignments and resource availability has been crucial in accommodating diverse learning styles and preferences. The innovative use of TikTok for extra credit assignments has also been well-received, fostering a modern and engaging method for exploring real-world nutrition issues.

Resources: