2023 Educause Horizon Report Book Club – Calling all Explorers!

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! 

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

Winterim Workshops Start Now!

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 

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

Join the Exploration: Understanding the 2023 Educause Horizon Report

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

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.

Awareness and Detection of AI Workshop – Encore with Updates!

Navigate Generative AI with Confidence Before Finals Week!

The advent of generative AI has reshaped the educational landscape, merging the once-clear boundaries between student-crafted assignments and machine-generated content. In this new era, an educator’s role transcends imparting knowledge—it now includes mastering the intricacies of these sophisticated tools. Recognizing this essential need, the Learning and Teaching Center (LTC) cordially invites you to an encore presentation of, “Awareness and Detection of AI”, just in time for finals week! This workshop will equip you with the skills to discern between student ingenuity and generative AI’s craftiness while also fostering a culture of transparency and informed use of generative AI in coursework. 

What Will Be Covered:

  • Insights into the detection capabilities and limitations of generative AI in education and how to leverage campus supported tools
  • Strategies for setting clear guidelines on generative AI use in student work
  • Constructive approaches to encourage students to use generative AI as a learning aid, not a shortcut

Workshop Details:

  • Date: November 29th, 2023
  • Time: 3:15 to 4:30 p.m.
  • Location: McGraw 19a or via Webex

Unable to Attend?: Learn from our past session how to adeptly navigate the academic challenges posed by AI. Click this link for a recap. And continue to check the LTC blog for updates!

Campus Wide AI Panel November 15th – Register Now!

Navigating AI: Panel Discussion on Implications for Higher Education

The world around us is changing, and so is the landscape of education! The Learning Technology Center (LTC) and the LEARN Center are thrilled to extend an invitation to all Warhawks to be part of an engaging discussion on the transformative power of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education.

Event Details

Date: November 15th, 2023
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: Hybrid Event – UC 261 or Virtually via Webex
Participants: Open to All on Campus!

Why Attend?

Generative AI is not just a buzzword; it is a revolutionary force in the educational sector. Whether you are a tech enthusiast, a forward-thinking educator, or a student navigating through the waves of digital transformation, this panel discussion is tailor-made for you!

  • Learn from the Experts: Engage with a dynamic panel of instructors and students who are already navigating the world of generative AI. Gain insights into how AI is reshaping classroom interactions, uncover potential applications and disruptions, and peek into the future of education.
  • Direct Engagement: Ever had a question about AI but did not know who to ask? Our Open Q&A Forum is your chance! Interact directly with the panelists, get your questions answered, and dive deeper into the world of AI.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect, converse, and network with like-minded individuals who share your curiosity, caution, or passion for AI and education.

Be Part of the Conversation

Ready to be part of the conversation? Click the link below to register and secure your spot, whether in person or virtually. 

Spread the Word

The LTC and LEARN Center cannot wait to welcome you to an afternoon filled with insightful discussions, engaging interactions, and a deep dive into the future of AI in education.

RSVP today and invite your friends and colleagues. Let’s explore the transformative world of generative AI together!

Use Cases and Opportunities for AI Workshop Summary

On behalf of the LTC, thank you to all the participants of our Use Cases and Opportunities for AI! If you were unable to attend the session, a summary is below:

Key Takeaways:

  1. Generative AI has numerous applications across higher education; a small excerpt of examples includes summarizing texts, creating study guides, providing personalized tutoring, and generating student feedback. 
  2. Prompts are but a starting point. Be as specific as possible in your query and customize it as needed to suit your objective. Modify and iterate! 
  3. Optimal utilization of generative AI involves hands-on exploration. Given the highly individualized nature of job requirements and responsibilities, you are in the best position to discern how AI can be effectively harnessed for your specific role.

Supplemental Resources:

  1. Presentation Slide Deck
  2. Workshop Recording
  3. AI for Education – Prompt Library
  4. Ethan Mollick on Encoding Human Expertise 

Save the Date! The LTC is hosting “Navigating AI: Panel Discussion on Implications for Higher Education” on November 15th at 3pm – more information available here.

Ethics and Limitations of AI Workshop Summary

Newsweek editors asked AI to generate images of itself as a “giant tentacled monster with many eyes destroying New York.” Example by Bruce Sterling. (July 7, 2023)

Thank you to all the attendees of our workshop, “Ethics and Limitations of AI”! If you were unable to attend, we have provided a summary below:

Key Takeaways:

  • Responsible generative AI literacy inside and out of the classroom includes a consideration of the ethical concerns. With a rush of generative AI platforms’ products, companies are looking to monetize, with minor regard for public privacy, safety, or access.
  • “Degenerative” AI is a real problem. In a world where volumes of content can be produced in seconds, it will be difficult to discern human-creation from AI-creation, and with it, a loss of the creative process. An implicit underlying thesis of generative AI is that one can only derive enjoyment from the consumption of content, not the production.
  • Federal legislative action has slowly begun; both the White House and Congress have begun work on guardrails for the responsible development of AI, with a primary focus on safety, security and trust. 
  • The majority of ethical concerns surrounding AI can be categorized into a four part framework: privacy, equity, transparency, and accountability.

Supplemental Resources:

  1. Presentation Slide Deck
  2. Workshop Recording
  3. White House AI Response 
  4. Degenerative AI – Mike Trigg

Save the Date! The LTC is hosting “Navigating AI: Panel Discussion on Implications for Higher Education” on November 15th at 3pm – open to all! – more information available here.