Category Archives: For Staff

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. 

Cisco/Presidio Teaching With Technology Honorarium – Applications Are Open!

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2023 Cisco/Presidio Teaching with Technology Innovator Honorarium Recipient Lori Trimble.

The Cisco/Presidio Teaching with Technology Innovator Honorarium recognizes an instructor who displays an outstanding commitment to leveraging learning technologies to solve common teaching challenges. Applications due April 3rd!

About the Award

The Cisco/Presidio Teaching with Technology Innovator recognizes an instructor who displays an outstanding commitment to leveraging learning technologies to create rich learning experiences, thereby increasing student success.

Eligibility and Expectations

To be eligible for this award, the applicant must:

  • Be an instructor at UW-Whitewater
  • Taught at least six (6) credits in the past year 

Finalists will receive a $250 honorarium and agree to present an interactive session at the Celebrating Teaching and Learning Conference.

The individual selected as the 2024 Teaching with Technology Innovator will receive a $1000 honorarium (instead of the $250 for finalists) and agrees to the following:

  • Have their name and picture highlighted in a Learning Technology Center blog post and in the ConnectIT newsletter;
  • Have their name and photograph displayed in the Learning Technology Center;
  • Partner with the Learning Technology Center to highlight their work during the Fall 2024 and/or Spring 2025 semester

Please note: this honorarium counts toward the 20% base salary overload maximum.

Deadline and Submission Instructions

Interested candidates must submit their materials using Qualtrics by April 3, 2024. Finalists will be notified no later than April 17th, and the winner will be revealed at the conference in May.

Application Materials 

Application packages must include:

Core Items

  • Personal reflection (approximately two pages) that describes the role technology plays in the applicant’s teaching philosophy, discussing how they have demonstrated the innovative and effective use of learning technologies to create rich and productive learning experiences for students.
  • Evidence from a student or students (e.g., letters of support, specific excerpts from mid-semester feedback survey data, or end-of-the-semester course evaluations) supporting that the instructor used technology innovatively in a way that enhanced their learning experience. 

Portfolio Items

  • At least two additional items that serve as evidence that their technology intervention contributes to student learning and success. Possible items include, but are not limited to:
    • Examples of how reflection on the use of technology has been used as part of a continuous process of improvement as an instructor
    • Letters of review/support from instructional peers who can speak to the benefits the technology intervention provides
    • Course evaluation data speaking specifically to the technology intervention
    • Evidence of student impact after trying a technology intervention (e.g., pre-/post- analysis)

Note: If materials are missing, an individual’s application for this award may not be reviewed.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by a committee composed of members of the LTC and LEARN Center Advisory Groups using this rubric. Notifications of the selected finalists will be made by April 17th, 2024. Finalists will be expected to submit a description of an interactive, synchronous session to be presented at the Celebrating Teaching and Learning Conference in the University Center on the Whitewater Campus on May 15th, 2024.

About the Sponsors 

This award is sponsored by Presidio and Cisco Systems in conjunction with UWW’s Division of Information Technology Services and the LTC. Presidio and Cisco are proud of their work with institutions of higher education to inspire learning and connect campuses to enhance student outcomes. The university is dedicated to working with instructors to understand teaching challenges, explore solutions, implement strategies, and evaluate their effectiveness.

Questions? If you have questions, please reach out to the Learning Technology Center.

LTC Winterim Workshops – Sign Up Now!

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Join the Learning Technology Center (LTC) this Winterim to get a jump start on Spring Semester! Our experts have crafted a series of workshops to help instructors prepare for the coming semester.

Workshop topics include:

  • Canvas Course Prep
  • Quality Course Design
  • Generative Artificial Intelligence

Find full workshop descriptions and more detailed information here. For sign up information, visit our Events Calendar.

Already made your Winterim plans? Not to fear! LTC staff are available for one-on-one consultations throughout Winterim, which can be scheduled during our normal hours, Monday through Friday, 8am to 4:30pm. Reach out to the LTC directly here.

Call for 2024 CTL Presentation Proposals is Open!

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Celebrating Teaching and Learning Conference 2024

May 15, 2024: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

University Center, Whitewater Campus      

The Learning Technology Center, LEARN Center and Office of Academic Assessment are excited to invite proposals for UWW’s annual Teaching and Learning Conference (CTL) which will be held on May 15th, 2024. We invite UW-Whitewater faculty and staff to share their educational innovations for teaching and learning with the wider university community. 

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.

Concurrent presentation sessions will last 45 minutes. You are welcome to propose a variety of formats, such as a panel discussion, interactive workshop, or presentation of research. We strongly encourage you to incorporate open discussion/Q&A time into your session.

Required Submission Materials:

-Presenter(s) Names and Photos
-Presentation Abstract (max 400 characters)
-Presentation Description and Goals (max 3000 characters)

Feel free to reach out to the LTC with any questions about the proposal process at ltc@uww.edu. 

Applications close April 1st, 2024 and notifications of acceptance will be received no later than April 12th, 2024.

Submit Your Proposal!

Winterim 2024 Workshop Opportunities – Register Now!

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The shape of Hyer Hall dominates as a blanket of fine snow fall on the UW-Whitewater campus on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023. (UW-Whitewater Photos/Craig Schreiner)

Make the most of Winterim with the LTC! We have developed a wide array of programming to help instructors get a jump start on the spring semester and beyond! Registration links are provided below, or visit our Events Calendar. 

The Course Prep Boot Camp Series is designed for instructors looking to get their course for next semester up and running, but all faculty and staff are welcome. Come with previous content ready to be updated, or moved from paper into Canvas (i.e.,moving a quiz or rubric into a digital form). This series of workshops will provide you the how-to 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 time.

DateTimeWorkshop TitleRegistration Link
January 2nd 2 p.m.Getting StartedRegister!
January 3rd2 p.m.Building Your ContentRegister!
January 4th2 p.m.Assignments and GradesRegister!
January 9th2 p.m.AccessoriesRegister!
January 10th2 p.m.CollaborationsRegister!
January 11th2 p.m.Wrapping UpRegister!

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.

DateTimeWorkshop TitleRegistration Link
January 4th1 p.m.Ensure Objectives Lead to Measurable OutcomesRegister!
January 9th1 p.m.Small, Impactful Changes to Existing CoursesRegister!
January 10th1 p.m.Meaningful Student-to-Student InteractionsRegister!

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. If you are new to generative AI, the Introductory workshop is a great place to start! All generative AI workshops are interconnected, but not serial, so register for as many as interest you! 

DateTimeWorkshop TitleRegistration Link
January 4th10 a.m.Introduction to Generative AIRegister
January 5th1 p.m.AI Detection and AwarenessRegister!
January 9th10 a.m.How to Write an AI Course PolicyRegister!
January 10th10 a.m.Building Course Materials Using Generative AIRegister!
January 11th1 p.m.Teaching AI Scripting: How To Write PromptsRegister!

Questions or comments? Email the LTC!

Save the Date! 2024 Celebrating Teaching and Learning Conference

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The LTC, LEARN Center, and Office of Academic Assessment would like to invite you to save the date for the Celebrating Teaching and Learning (CTL) Conference on May 15th, 2024! The conference will be held in person at the University Center. It is open to all University of Wisconsin – Whitewater staff. More information about registration, the call for presentation proposals, and applications for the Cisco/Presidio Teaching with Technology Honorarium will be coming soon! We look forward to our campus community coming together to share ideas, collaborate on common challenges, and build camaraderie! If you have any questions about this conference, please contact the Learning Technology Center.

Join the Exploration: Understanding the 2023 Educause Horizon Report

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Join the LTC in 2024 in exploring the Educause Horizon Report!

This spring, join the LTC and LEARN Center in a dynamic exploration of the 2023 Educause Horizon Report “Teaching and Learning” Edition! The report discusses the emerging trends, key technologies, and innovative practices set to redefine the student experience and our collective future in higher education. 

In an era where generative AI and other technological advancements are revolutionizing content creation, communication, and learning, the higher education sector buzzes with new possibilities, but equal challenges. These developments prompt vital questions about the responsible use of technology and its potential overreach.

Our unique “book-club-inspired” Explorers Group invites you to delve deep into these issues. Engage with fellow inquisitive members of the UW-Whitewater community, including educators, leaders, administrators, and technologists. Together, we’ll explore how the insights from the Horizon Report resonate with our experiences both inside and outside the classroom, and potential ways to prepare for the challenges it highlights.

Meeting semi-weekly, our group will focus on the essential theme of our shared humanity. We will tackle how to meet the diverse needs of our students in the face of powerful technological shifts and the growing necessity for human-centered approaches in education. Your participation will enrich our discussions on building institutional communities that prioritize student well-being and a sense of belonging.

As we conclude our sessions, we’ll reflect on the implications for educational institutions. How can we effectively prepare for the future outlined in the report? Our goal is to derive actionable insights that can significantly influence our professional paths. We’ll ponder crucial questions: What actions should we take now? What strategies should we develop for the future?

Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to a vital conversation about the evolving landscape of higher education and its impact on our roles and responsibilities!

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!

Navigating AI: Panel Discussion Summary and Key Insights

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On November 15th, the LTC and LEARN Center hosted a panel discussion bringing together campus community members with different levels of generative AI experience across diverse academic backgrounds to discuss the burgeoning role of AI in academia. Here are five key takeaways that emerged from the dialogue:

  1. A Multifaceted Tool: AI is not just a buzzword; it is a versatile tool. From assisting in graduate research to finding its place in social media, AI’s applications are as varied as they are impactful. It’s redefining fields like geography through GIS, enhancing audio/video production, and offering new perspectives in humanities.
  2. Upholding Academic Integrity: In an AI-enhanced education landscape, the emphasis remains on academic integrity and critical thinking. It’s imperative that students and educators understand how to use AI ethically, ensuring it complements rather than compromises the learning process.
  3. Balancing Benefits and Challenges: While AI brings efficiency to tasks such as literature reviews, it also poses challenges, particularly in the realm of misinformation. The panel underscored the importance of using generative AI judiciously, especially in sensitive areas like election information.
  4. Reshaping Education and Skills: AI’s influence extends to teaching methodologies and the skills needed in the modern workforce. The conversation touched on the need for adaptive learning strategies to bridge the digital divide, adhere to ethical standards, and prepare students for an AI-driven future.
  5. Institutional Responsibility and Ethical AI: Finally, the panel urged UWW to lead in integrating generative AI into academia responsibly. This involves safeguarding student privacy, ensuring equitable access to generative AI resources, and fostering an environment where ethical use of generative AI is standard practice.

As we continue to explore the vast potential of AI, these insights from our expert panel offer a roadmap for integrating AI into our academic practices. The LTC and LEARN Center are committed to embracing this technological wave with responsibility and foresight, ensuring that our faculty, staff, and students are well-equipped for the challenges and opportunities of an AI-influenced world. Questions or suggestions? Email the LTC!

Miss the discussion? Catch the recording here.