TAC's online tutorials (GEMS) are designed to accomplish deep learning of specific skills in little time. The Generating Educational Mastery System (GEMS) offers quick solutions to specific questions about using Blackboard, PowerPoint, MS Office, Video, Podcasting, and more. GEMS about the Quizdom classroom response system (aka. clickers) and Smartboard digital whiteboards, are in the works for Winter term.

Like all of TAC's offerings, GEMS are designed to assist educators to use information technology tools to increase teaching and learning power. Using GEMS in combination with the workshops and individual consulting that TAC provides will help you to determine which technologies will aid your instruction and assist you to make use of the technologies in the most effective manner.
Most GEMS are presented in three forms; Flash, HTML and PDF.

GEM: These are dynamic tutorials with animated demonstration of the desired skill. The Flash plug-in is required to view these (most computers come Flash ready). Just select a GEM to determine whether you have the plug-in. If you need the plugin (and it is nice to have), you will receive instructions on how to download it quickly and for free. All out GEMS are in development as we add features and fill out the full deep learning model that guides us. Even if you use some of the GEMS now, please check back in the near future as we raise the sophistication level of these tools! If you are interested in the pedagogical and technological model of GEMS, email Jon Dorbolo or Mark Dinsmore at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Quick Steps: These are static tutorials that provide the same information as the dynamic GEMS, though in a single web page with screen shots. Quick Steps are valuable to folks with strong accessibility requirements, and to individuals who have viewed a dynamic GEM and seek a quick reminder of the basic steps of the sought skill.

PDF: These are the same content as the Quick Steps, but in Adobe PDF format for easy printing.

However you use GEMS, we are most interested in your feedback and suggestions. Let TAC know of skills areas in which you would like to see GEMS produced . Send your comments and ideas to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Thanks to Media Services/Information Services, particularly Curt Pederson and John Greydanus for supporting this innovative resource for the OSU educational community.