The Year of AI: A Review

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The Learning Technology Center (LTC) is committed to providing reliable, accurate information about generative AI as it develops. The last year has a been whirlwind of change, with many advancements in technological scope, bringing nuanced challenges to the front of higher education.

Created using DALLE-3, image generation has greatly improved over the last year.

Summaries of Key Events

The LTC ran a multitude of generative AI workshops, both in the fall and spring semesters, with a focus on supporting faculty, instructors, and staff on their AI journey. Please note that the listed sessions, while interrelated, are not serial; feel free to view them in any order as they suit your needs!

Other Resources:

Key Takeaways

  • The realm of generative AI continues to be rapidly changing; models are continuously updated with improvements in features, responses, and scope. AI companies are incentivized to make these updates in a rush to monetize. Be wary of services, both free and paid, and check with ITS and the LTC for supported technology and best practices.
  • UW System is exploring the legal challenges with potential enterprise solutions, such as Microsoft Copilot, so that University data and users remain protected and secure. The LTC will provide updates as they become available. 
  • AI remains an evolving legal landscape, with AI companies not required to share training data or methods. Hence, responsible use is up to the user; continue being cautious in what personal, identifying, or sensitive information is shared with AI, particularly concerning students’ work and information.
  • AI literacy remains a crucial goal; the LTC is committed to providing the entire campus with the support needed to make decisions about the appropriate use of AI for each individual case.

Looking Ahead

The discussion around AI, particularly its use in the classroom and the resulting ethical implications, remains nuanced and complex, and the LTC pledges to continue to carefully monitor updates and changes, whilst maintaining a framework of best practices. 

Anticipated Future Programming for 2024-2025

As always, the LTC welcomes questions, comments, or suggestions about AI or other learning technology; please reach out to us at ltc@uww.edu!

Summer 2024 Course Prep Boot Camp

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New to Canvas, or need a refresher? Looking for someone that can walk you through what Canvas can do while you prepare for Fall 2024? Now is your chance! Join us for hands-on workshops.

Photo by MART PRODUCTION from Pexels

These sessions are designed for instructors looking to learn what Canvas has to offer, and how to use it. Whether you are brand new, have content ready to be moved from paper into Canvas (e.g. moving a quiz or rubric into a digital form), or a long time pro looking for reminders, we can help. This series of workshops will provide you the know how and time to complete specific tasks to get your course set up. Enroll in one, a handful, or all of them; even if it is just for a way to schedule your work time.

Getting Started

Tuesday, May 28: 10:00a.m.-11:30 a.m. | Signup

Building Your Content

Wednesday, May 29: 10:00a.m.-11:30 a.m. | Signup

Assignments and Setting Up Grades

Thursday, May 30: 10:00a.m.-11:30 a.m. | Signup

Accessories

Tuesday, June 04: 10:00a.m.-11:30 a.m. | Signup

Collaborations

Wednesday, June 05: 10:00a.m.-11:30 a.m. | Signup

Wrapping Up

Thursday, June 06: 10:00a.m.-11:30 a.m. | Signup

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Learning Technology Center. If you are interested in a consultation, please fill out our consultation form.

COMING SOON! Canvas Discussions Redesign Deployment

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In Summer 2024, Canvas Discussions will be undergoing a visual refresh and additional features as part of Instructure’s “Discussions Redesign”.  While Discussions will still function primarily in the same manner and offers all of the features currently available, additional new features will include:

  • Anonymous posting
  • @Mentions
  • Instructor tag
  • New thread viewing options

If you are interested in a brief video overview, please watch this short video from Instructure.

To prevent this change from happening while summer courses are active, UW-Whitewater will be turning on the Discussions Redesign after grades are due on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. On this date, all discussions will automatically upgrade to the redesign with no action needed from instructors.

While we recognize the best way to get use to a tool is to spend time working with it, we recommend the Instructor Guide – Discussions Redesign and Student Guide – Discussions Redesign guides for supplemental support.

Of the changes being made, the one we here on the UWW campus are most excited for is still on the horizon. This new tool will be adding “Checkpoints”, which would allow instructors to set a separate date for when an initial post needs to be made, and when the discussion is due. Sadly, this feature is not yet implemented, but stay tuned for details to come!

If you have any questions or concerns about this update, or even just curious about how it can help you, please contact UW-W Canvas Support.

2024 Teaching with Technology Innovator Honorarium Finalists!

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The LTC has the pleasure of announcing the finalists for the 2024 Cisco/Presidio Teaching with Technology Innovator Honorarium. This prestigious award recognizes excellence in the use of technology in the classroom to enhance teaching and learning.

After a rigorous review of numerous outstanding applications, the following individuals have been selected as finalists:

  • Dr. Nicole Weber, Assistant Professor of Educational Foundations 
  • Dr. Courtney Powers, Assistant Professor of Communication

These finalists have demonstrated exceptional use of technology in their teaching, showing a dedication to innovation and creativity in the classroom. Their commitment to leveraging technology to improve student engagement, learning outcomes, and overall teaching effectiveness is truly commendable.

The winner will be announced at the Celebrating Teaching and Learning Conference on May 15th, 2024. The conference will feature a range of expert presentations by fellow educators –  this is an excellent opportunity to learn about the latest trends and best practices, with emphasis on the topics of civil discourse, generative AI, and assessment to enhance teaching and learning within the UW-Whitewater community. 

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn and grow with us! Register now for the Teaching with Technology Conference! We hope to see you there!

Deadline Extended! Apply NOW for the Cisco/Presidio Teaching with Technology Honorarium!

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The Cisco/Presidio Teaching with Technology Innovator Honorarium application deadline has been extended! Applications are now due April 12th. This initiative honors UW-Whitewater instructors who use technology creatively to enhance student learning. We encourage applications that showcase impactful and innovative technology use in education.

Submit an Application!

Full details about the Honorarium, including application materials, can be found here. Looking for conference information or registration? More information here!

2023 Educause Horizon Report Book Club – Calling all Explorers!

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Join the LTC in exploring the 2023 Educause Horizon Report! Image created using DALLE-3.

Join the LTC and LEARN Center this spring for an engaging exploration of the 2023 Educause Horizon Report on teaching and learning. The report examines emerging trends, technologies, and practices shaping higher education’s future, especially in light of generative AI and technological advancements.

Our “book-club-inspired” Explorers Group will bring together UW-Whitewater’s educators, leaders, administrators, and technologists to discuss how the report’s topics relate to our experiences, campus, and how to prepare for upcoming challenges.

Meeting bi-weekly, we will focus on balancing technology with human-centered education approaches, addressing diverse student needs. Your input will help us build a community that values student well-being and belonging.

As we conclude, we will discuss the report’s implications for our institution and strategies for the future. This is a key opportunity to shape the conversation on the evolution of higher education and our roles within it.

Excursion Dates and Time 
Various Thursdays, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm – McGraw 19A or Hybrid via Webex

Please register individually for the session(s) you can attend.  

DateTopic
February 8thIntro and Trends: Scanning the Horizon – What is the Educause Horizon Report?Register!
February 22nd Key Technologies and Practices: AI and Impacts on Teaching and LearningRegister!
March 7thKey Technologies and Practices: Modality Blurring and Implications Register!
March 14thKey Technologies and Practices: Micro-credentials, Student Belonging, and ConnectednessRegister!
March 21stScenariosRegister!
April 4thImplications and Recommendations: What do we do now? What plans do we recommend?Register!

Spring LTC Workshops – Register NOW! 

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Snow, ice, and blustery wind chills have you stuck inside? Learn something new with The Learning Technology Center (LTC)! Our Spring Programming is now available! If these topics or times do not fit your needs, please request a consultation with the LTC! 

Campus Technology Trainings – These trainings focus on technology specific to UW-Whitewater, suitable for those new to campus or looking for a refresher! 

TitleShort DescriptionDateTimeRegistration Link
Webex Basics for EveryoneA workshop for the academic community to master Webex for effective communication, collaboration, and document sharing.02/073 PMRegister!
04/17
Google Drive Basics for EveryoneLearn Google Drive essentials for efficient document management, real-time collaboration, and secure data handling in an academic setting.02/143 PMRegister!

Generative AI – Our spring slate of generative AI workshops are designed to support instructors, administrators, or other campus employees wherever they are on their AI journey. Our Introductory workshop is perfect for those just getting started, while our more advanced offerings on prompt writing and content creation are suitable for anyone with a strong AI interest. 

TitleShort DescriptionDateTimeRegistration Link
Introduction to Generative AIDiscover the basics, opportunities, and limitations of generative AI in education, including tools and implications for classroom use.01/2611 AMRegister!
Building Course Materials Using AIEnhance your teaching materials using AI, with hands-on experience in creating AI-enhanced educational content.01/313:15 PMRegister!
AI Detection and PreventionDive into AI and academic integrity, exploring AI text detection methods, their accuracy and ethical implications in academia.02/0611:15 AMRegister!
Teaching AI Scripting: How to Write PromptsMaster the art of AI scripting to generate effective AI outputs, fostering creativity and critical thinking in various subjects.02/1610 AMRegister!
Spotting Deepfakes: Exploring Content CredentialingEquip yourself to identify and tackle deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation, fostering critical digital literacy in students.03/133:15 PMRegister!
AI Ethics in Higher EducationExplore the ethical aspects of AI in academia, discussing bias, privacy, and its impact on academic integrity.04/1112 PMRegister!

Quality Course Improvement – This series offers educators comprehensive tools and strategies to enhance online learning effectiveness and student success.

TitleShort DescriptionDateTimeRegistration Link
Leveraging Canvas Analytics for Student RetentionLearn to use Canvas Analytics to identify at-risk students and implement retention strategies, enhancing student retention and support.02/283 PMRegister!
Time-Saving Methods for Grading and Providing Feedback in Canvas CoursesDiscover efficient grading techniques and feedback automation in Canvas to save time while providing meaningful student feedback.03/063 PMRegister!
Advanced Canvas Features for Course DesignersAdvanced workshop for seasoned course designers to master Canvas features, design interactive content, and optimize online learning experiences.04/033 PMRegister!
Enhancing the Learning Experience with MultimediaExplore how to engage students using multimedia and technology to create interactive and immersive learning experiences.04/103 PMRegister!

Canvas Trainings – Whether you are a seasoned Canvas expert or building your first course, the LTC has developed trainings for all! Join us this spring as we cover a variety of topics, from improving navigation, to grade books, to building pages. No specific questions but want to work on your course under the eye of our Canvas expert? Check out the monthly Canvas Open Labs!  

TitleShort DescriptionDate(s)TimeRegistration Link
Improving Course Navigation in CanvasThis session will talk about the best practices around setting up your course navigation, getting the most out of your Syllabus area and calendar, laying out your modules in a meaningful way, and using announcements to prepare students for each week. 01/2312 PMRegister!
Setting Up Canvas Grade BooksIn this hands-on session about setting up both points based and weighted gradebooks, we will ensure that your Assignment Groups have the same name as in your syllabus, any needed rules are applied to your Assignment Groups, and that you have a Grade Scheme that matches your syllabus.01/2512 PMRegister!
04/17
Course Design and Open LabDuring this online lab session we will be available to instructors working in Canvas, to help answer questions as they arise.01/31 2 PMRegister!
02/21
04/21
Setting Up Canvas Now, For Better Data LaterFind out what data is already available to you in Canvas, and start setting up materials so you can get even more out of future versions of your course.02/072 PMRegister!
What Students Want in CanvasThis training will focus on making a series of small, easy, and optional, shifts from your current course design to a setup backed by feedback from student panels conducted right here at UW-Whitewater.02/142 PMRegister! 
03/13
Faster Grading with Better FeedbackWe will revamp quiz questions to address student misconceptions, update rubrics for precise feedback, and explore SpeedGrader’s new Comment Library.02/282 PMRegister! 
04/10
Better Courses Through Better PagesThis synchronous training is meant as a supplement to our asynchronous, self-paced resource designed to help instructors take lengthy modules, and turn them into sleek pages.03/063 PMRegister! 
04/032 PM
Making Canvas Grades Accurate for Midterms In this workshop, we’ll focus on managing student grade concerns by aligning Canvas features with your syllabus, including setting zeros for missing work, properly weighting assignment groups, and adjusting the course’s Grade Scheme.03/202 PMRegister! 
Higher Integrity Quizzes in CanvasThis session will explore enhancing quiz integrity beyond monitoring software by using the assessment description for rules reminders, setting up timed and randomized questions, utilizing various question types to hinder answer lookups, and focusing on skill application.03/272 PMRegister! 
Making Canvas Grades Accurate for FinalsIn this workshop, we’ll focus on managing student grade concerns by aligning Canvas features with your syllabus, including setting zeros for missing work, properly weighting assignment groups, and adjusting the course’s Grade Scheme.05/012 PMRegister! 
Canvas eGradingThe eGrading process allows instructors to transfer final grades from their Canvas Gradebook directly to their WINS Grade Roster. During this training, we will go over the process, and utilize breakout rooms to look at individual gradebooks as needed.05/082 PMRegister! 
05/13

Get Ready for the 2024 Celebrating Teaching and Learning Conference!

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Peer mentor Sam Bardales, a mathematics education major, wears UWW on his hands. New Warhawks participated in a rite of passage for first-year students at UW-Whitewater, the painting of Warhawk Drive purple. (UW/Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater continues its dedication to educational innovation through the the 2024 Celebrating Teaching and Learning (CTL) Conference, scheduled for Wednesday, May 15th, 2024, at the University Center. This in-person conference, organized by the LTC, LEARN Center, and Office of Academic Assessment, promises to be a vibrant platform for staff to collaborate, share ideas, and discuss innovative teaching practices and research. 

We are excited to announce our keynote speaker, Tammy Lind! Tammy is an Instructional Coach in Southeastern Wisconsin, known for her roles as a Google Education Trainer, Google Certified Innovator, and Intel Master Teacher. Formerly a special education teacher, she utilizes innovative technologies to enhance curriculum accessibility. As a founder of the Southeast Wisconsin Google Educator Group and Instructional Coaching Network, she’s recognized for her leadership within her district and the broader educational community. In 2017, Tammy earned the ISTE “Making IT Happen” award for her national leadership in employing technology, including AI, to equalize opportunities for learners.

The call for presentation proposals is live! This year, there is a special interest in proposals related to generative artificial intelligence, inclusivity and civil discourse, and assessment. However, feel free to propose sessions that focus on other aspects of teaching and learning, as well, such as topics related to team-based learning, engaged scholarship, culturally-responsive instruction, high-impact practices, and fostering student success more broadly. Proposals are due April 1st, 2024.

Submit a Proposal!

Simultaneously, we’re delighted to open applications for the Cisco/Presidio Teaching with Technology Innovator Honorarium. This initiative honors UW-Whitewater instructors who use technology creatively to enhance student learning. We encourage applications that showcase impactful and innovative technology use in education. Applications are due April 3rd, 2024. Deadline extended to April 12th, 2024!

Submit an Application!

Be a part of the campus community and join us at CTL to shape the future of teaching and learning at UW-Whitewater! For more information on proposal submissions and honorarium applications, visit CTL Presentation Proposals and Teaching With Technology Honorarium.

Questions? Email the LTC!

Winterim Workshops Start Now!

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A photo of afternoon sun filtered through trees and over snow covered ground by a building edge.
The afternoon sun shines through trees in Chopp Arboretum and illuminates the snow near Hyer Hall. (UW-Whitewater Photos/Craig Schreiner)

Welcome back, Warhawks!

As we begin 2024, the LTC has prepared a series of workshops over Winterim that aim to ensure a seamless start to Spring Semester. LTC experts have selected three series to help instructors: Canvas Course Boot Camp, Quality Course Design, and Generative AI. If none of the listed workshops (or topics!) meet your needs, LTC experts are available for one-on-one consultations! 

Get your Canvas courses in fighting shape with our Course Prep Boot Camp Series. In this series, instructors will be guided through refining existing Canvas courses or assisted in building new ones. Series topics include: building content, assignments and grades, accessories, and collaborations. Enroll in one or a few; even if it is a way to dedicate time. 

Elevate your teaching methods with the Quality Course Design Series, designed for educators eager to revitalize their teaching strategies and course design in both face-to-face and online settings. This series merges three critical aspects of modern education: incremental course enhancement, fostering student interactions, and aligning learning objectives with outcomes.

In the Generative AI Series, workshops will focus on preparing instructors for AI use in the classroom, from building a syllabus policy, to integrating AI into student assignments, to finding ways to streamline classroom prep. Workshops include updated information and resources to keep you on top of this emerging technology. All generative AI workshops are interconnected, but not serial, so register for as many as interest you!


Find more details, including registration links, click here. Or visit our Events Calendar.

Adapting to Generative AI: Fall 2023 Recap 

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Attitudes about generative AI have shifted from apprehension to curiosity. (Image created using DALLE-3.)

The Learning Technology Center has been actively exploring and integrating generative AI into campus educational practices. This exploration has manifested through a series of workshops, panel discussions, and informational sessions, reflecting a shift in attitude from initial apprehension to curiosity and tentative adoption in teaching methodologies.

Lessons Learned

  1. Communication, Transparency, and Setting Expectations Comprise A Responsible Use Framework: Thoughtful integration of generative AI in the classroom necessitates that instructors clearly outline their expectations, regularly address generative AI use with students, and acknowledge when and how they are using it. Use of generative AI is not appropriate for every classroom, and as such, providing students with an explanation of AI’s limitations will help dissuade improper use.
  2. Privacy and Security Remain Critical Consideration Areas: As companies continue to modify, expand, and monetize platforms, how they will use personal data remains unclear. Users should be diligent in what information they share with any generative AI platform and be cognizant of what information is kept or stored with any platform. 
  3. Generative AI Has Capabilities to Augment, Not Replace, Education: In just over a year of generative AI use, the best examples of AI’s transformative power in education have been in helping students and instructors achieve more, such as, increasing student access to personalized feedback and decreasing instructor workload in generating rubrics, course materials, or assignment ideas. Generative AI is not a replacement for teaching and learning, but a tool that can help all succeed. 
  4. Humanity in Technology is Vital: As Dr. McGovern stated in our panel discussion, “Human beings are the final arbiters of truth.” Generative AI is not a replacement for human creativity, creation, or critical thinking. In a world where deep fakes and disinformation will need to be actively countered, it is imperative that students, instructors, and all campus constituents think critically about what content is considered original and credible. 

Summary of Key Events

  1. Introduction to Artificial Generative Intelligence Workshop: These sessions provided an overview of AI in higher education, discussing its opportunities, limitations, and ethical considerations.
  2. Awareness and Detection of AI Workshop: This workshop focused on equipping educators with skills to differentiate between student-generated and AI-generated content and discussed the ethical use of generative AI in coursework.
  3. Incorporating AI into Assessments Workshop: This workshop demonstrated the use of ChatGPT in streamlining assessment processes, reducing instructor workload, and enhancing learning objectives.
  4. Use Cases and Opportunities for AI Workshop: This workshop highlighted the diverse applications of generative AI in higher education and discussed strategies for effective implementation.
  5. Ethics and Limitations of AI Workshop: This session delved into the ethical concerns surrounding generative AI, discussing the importance of responsible AI literacy, verification of authentic work, and the vital role humanity still plays in technology.
  6. Panel Discussion on Generative AI in Academia: This event brought together various campus community members to discuss AI’s burgeoning role in academia, covering topics like academic integrity, educational reshaping, and institutional responsibility.

Other Resources

  1. Introduction to Generative AI Knowledge Base (KB) Article – This KB gives a brief overview of what generative AI is and how it can be used with respect to privacy and security concerns. Additionally, it provides a repository of sources and links to more information. 
  2. Generative AI Syllabus Policy Language KB – This article gives examples of syllabus policy language instructors can use to set expectations for generative AI use in the classroom. The example language gives instructors flexibility to determine what is best for their classroom. As the Faculty Senate passed a resolution that an AI policy must be included in syllabi, this document is invaluable in assisting instructors getting started with this process. 

Looking Ahead

Winterim Programming – In the Generative AI Series, workshops will focus on preparing instructors for AI use in the classroom, from building a syllabus policy, to integrating AI into student assignments, to finding ways to streamline classroom prep. All generative AI workshops are interconnected, but not serial, so register for as many as interest you!

Interested in finding out how generative AI can be used? Request a one-on-one consultation with an LTC expert! Other questions or concerns can be emailed to us.