Category Archives: LEARN Center

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!

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

Campus Wide AI Panel November 15th – Register Now!

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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. 

Register Here!

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!

Deadline Approaching: LTC/LEARN Workshop Series

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On behalf of the LTC and LEARN Center, we would like to invite you to attend the second session of a collaborative workshop series aimed at “Humanizing Your Courses.”  The theme of our second sessions focuses on Presence, Empathy and Awareness.

Monday, October 21 | 12:30-1:45PM | McGraw 19A

Presence, Empathy, and Awareness
Presented by Anneke Lisberg, Biological Sciences;
Kate Ksobiech, Communications;
Tony Millevolte, College of Integrated Studies

Sign up: https://my.uww.edu/signup/Registration/Details?id=16248
Please sign up by Wednesday, October 16

Humanizing Your Courses

Presence, Empathy, and Awareness

Inspired by the thinking of Michelle Pacansky-Brock, the “Humanizing Your Courses” series will explore ways to create human-centered learning experiences. This second workshop will feature a panel of some of our most “present” faculty members. We’ll explore examples from their classroom experiences, including face-to-face and online formats. They will provide tips and guidance on how to create a welcoming and human presence in the classroom, sense when students need extra support, and learn how to listen to and understand our students more directly. In addition, they will also discuss the challenges of remaining so highly focused on student needs.

Attendees will discuss:

  • Strategies to be more “present” in the classroom or online.
  • Approaches to displaying empathy and sensing when students need help.
  • Activities to facilitate knowing students better and creating formative feedback loops
  • Tips to be more aware of your OWN needs.
  • Tips for dealing with the challenges and issues associated with increased empathy

If you have any questions or concerns about the transition, please reach out to the UW-W Learning Technology Center.

Call for Proposals: Celebrating Teaching and Learning Conference 2019

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Celebrating Teaching and Learning

As a member of the UW-Whitewater community, you are invited to submit a session proposal for the campus event Celebrating Teaching and Learning Conference 2019.  This special forum hosted by the LEARN Center and the LTC showcases the wide variety of ways we are all transforming the lives of our students through teaching and learning.  The Conference will be held Wednesday, May 22, 2019 on the UW-Whitewater campus.

Proposals are due February 22, 2019.

Presentations — Concurrent Presentation Sessions will consist of 45 minute presentations with presenters having 30 minutes to discuss their topic and 15 minutes for questions and answers.

We encourage proposals in the following themes:

Student Engagement: Topics may include learner engagement strategies, discussing different ways of supporting students in courses, incorporating active learning strategies, or other engaging teaching activities.

Integrating Teaching and Technology: Topics may include lessons learned from Canvas,  integrating emerging technology into teaching, managing mobile devices or apps, ePortfolio, or preparing students for 21st century skills (e.g., evaluating information, being a digital collaborator).

Civil Discourse and Diversity: Topics may include effective discussions, cultural navigation skills advocacy, relationship building, and a campus culture of belonging.

High Impact Practices: Topics may include showcasing high impact practices, community based learning, undergraduate research, first year experiences, or LEAP projects.

Something Else: Have an idea that doesn’t fit into the themes above? That’s okay! Submit your idea using the “Something Else” theme!

To submit a presentation proposal or learn more about this years Celebrating Teaching and Learning conference visit: Conference Website

TED Tips – Issue 24: Winter Break!

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As the 2018 Fall Semester concludes, I want to reflect on the first six months of writing this blog. It has been a great honor to share discoveries, explore new ideas, and write about topics related to Technology, Education, and Design. I hope that these TED tips continue to inform and inspire as we celebrate teaching and learning at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater.

RELAX

Winter Break

Over the last six months, we have explored the difference is between a Learning Management System (LMS) and a Digital Learning Environment (DLE). This distinction is important as it helps to lay the foundation for some of the key decisions applicable to the migration from D2L to Canvas at Whitewater and throughout the UW System.

Canvas has been a source for several posts. The LTC Canvas peer mentors shared some of most important lessons learned while working with Canvas in the classroom. We looked at ways to support communications in Canvas and the importance of making a good first impressions. We explored grading and using Speed Grader in Canvas.

What are some different ways technology can be used in the classroom to support your teaching learning? Tools like Poll Everywhere can increase student engagement and interaction. “23 Things for Digital Knowledge” provided activities that can build student fluency in digital literacy.

TED Tips have explored the 2018 NMC Horizon Report and its view the trends, challenges, and developments in educational technology as it impacts higher education. Using the Horizon Report provides a lens to highlight pilots and innovative work taking place on campus like Adaptive Learning.

The blog will continue to promote workshops sponsored by the Learning Technology Center and its many partners and collaborators. For example, there is a series of upcoming Canvas workshops this winter: Canvas Open labs, hands on workshops for newcomers to Canvas, Construction Zones to help instructors move their courses from D2L to Canvas, and deep dives into single topics to help with your teaching. Grading in Canvas and building and using rubrics will be explored in early January. For a full list of times and locations of the upcoming winter Workshops visit the LTC. https://blogs.uww.edu/instructional/2018/12/12/canvas-workshops-winter-2019/

The next session in the 2018-19 UW-Whitewater LEARN Center/Learning Technology Center Workshop Series: “Back to Basics to Balance Workload” is Thursday, January 10th from 10:00am to 2:00pm in the University Center. This four hour workshop includes lunch and is designed as a hands-on activity to help prepare for your spring classes! Session Four: Setting the tone early saves time in the long run: Crafting your syllabus and engaging students before the first day of class and beyond.

During the morning session of the workshop, presenters will share evidence-based strategies for creating a more learner-centered syllabus and share tips for engaging students from the first day (and even before class begins!). After a lunch discussion, participants will learn more on how to better utilize Canvas in their courses in a way that clarifies organization and sets expectations in a more transparent manner. Participants will end the session with time to revise their syllabi, first day activities, and/or Canvas course pages and share their materials for small group feedback.

Participants will leave with:

  • An overview of best practices for syllabus development
  • Experience with a variety of first day activities that can increase student engagement and sense of community
  • Ideas to organize their Canvas course pages
  • Revised syllabi/activities to enhance student engagement

To register for this workshop: https://my.uww.edu/signup/Registration/Details/15867

Thank you for taking the time to read these posts! TED Tips will return in 2019. Topics next year will build on and support some of the upcoming workshops with TED Tips planned to explore several types of rubrics, building them in Canvas, design of a course homepage, navigation, analytics, and many others. I hope to experiment a bit more in format and content and hope to record the occasional complementary podcast! Until then, have a great holiday break, recharge, and relax! See you next year!

– Ted Witt
Teaching, Learning, and Technology Consultant

Resources

LTC Canvas Peer Mentors http://www.uww.edu/icit/ltc/canvas-portal/peer-mentors

Canvas Workshops Winter 2019
https://blogs.uww.edu/instructional/2018/12/12/canvas-workshops-winter-2019/

LEARN Center/Learning Technology Center Workshop Series:  “Back to Basics to Balance Workload.”  Session Four: Setting the tone early saves time in the long run: Crafting your syllabus and engaging students before the first day of class and beyond. https://my.uww.edu/signup/Registration/Details/15867