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Innovation and Instructional Support

Innovation and Instructional Support (IIS) is made up of four main areas: Learning and Development, Design and Curriculum Development, Innovative Programs, and Quality Assurance and Brightspace Support.

About IIS

Our department provides robust options for faculty related to:

  • instructional support
  • curriculum development
  • curriculum enhancements
  • quality matters
  • professional development
  • training

Innovative programs include a selection of accelerated, all-inclusive, full-service programs such as:

  • CNM eCollege
  • Competency-Based Education 
  • Teaching Education and Special Education Fast Track

Memberships, Agreements, and Guidelines

Competency-Based Education Network (C-BEN)

C-BEN is where passion, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence combine to create a better path forward – for everyone. Competency-based education is an approach to learning that emphasizes what people can do, not the amount of time they spend in a classroom. CBE is already transforming the learner experience and helping people from all backgrounds thrive in the workforce.

Higher Learning Commission

Guidelines for the Evaluation of Distance Education (Online Learning)

Online Learning Consortium (OLC)

Central New Mexico Community College has become institutional members of the Online Learning Consortium (OLC) formerly Sloan-C. The Online Learning Consortium is the leading professional organization devoted to advancing quality online learning providing professional development, instruction, best practice publications and guidance to educators, online learning professionals and organizations around the world.

State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)

Central New Mexico Community College has recently been approved to participate in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) via the NM Higher Education Department and the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). As a participating institution, CNM eCollege courses/programs need to follow the Interregional Guidelines for the Evaluation of Distance Education programs. SARA Guidelines. 

WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies (WCET)

WCET was founded by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) to meet a growing need to integrate distance learning and educational technology into the academic services of higher education institutions in the western region. WCET builds connections and provides opportunities to engage with thousands of exceptional higher education practitioners. WCET members cooperatively share solutions and lessons learned in implementing digital learning innovations.

Contact Us

Innovation and Instructional Support have several methods of contact for faculty support including a live Zoom Room and a bookings page to book individual appointments with members of our team.

Innovation and Instructional Support staff are generally available Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., excluding CNM Holidays. 

Email

Current Faculty and Staff are welcome to directly email us at is@cnm.edu with any questions, issues, or support they need.

Zoom Room

Please join us in our Zoom Room Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Instructional Consultants and Support Technicians are available for all your Brightspace questions and immediate Faculty Support needs.

How to Join the Zoom Room:

  1. Sign in to your CNM Zoom Account
  2. At the top right, click on "JOIN A MEETING"
  3. On the next screen, under "Join Meeting," type "cnmis"
  4. Click on "Join" to enter the Zoom Room

Book an Appointment 

Book a meeting for Course Design, Course Enhancements, or Brightspace Technical Support. This service supplements the drop-in Zoom Room by providing additional availability and meeting options with individual members of the Innovation and Instructional Support team. 

Additional Resources 

Brightspace support

Brightspace support is available 24/7. You can request help at any time while logged in to Brightspace. Help is available through the “Get Help” icon on the bottom right of the screen. Support is available through chat, email, and phone. If you need immediate service, use the chat or phone options.

Instructor Resources

The Online Instructor Resources is a comprehensive guide to working in the Brightspace Learning Environment.

Open Educational Resources (OER)

Open Educational Resources (OER) are freely accessible teaching, learning, and research materials in the public domain or released under an open license, like Creative Commons. OER can be retained, reused, revised, remixed, and redistributed, offering flexibility and cost savings. Students typically save $65-$116 per course using OER, and these resources can improve engagement and retention. Examples include textbooks, course materials, and software.

Learn More in the OER Guidebook  Submit an OER Project Request