The LTC/LEARN Center is excited to announce the appointment of UWW alumnus Ethan Kirkpatrick (BA’24) as our new Instructional Technologist!
As a student in Media Arts and Game Design (MAGD), Ethan worked for the LTC and ITS Media Lab. In his new role, Ethan will be responsible for supporting digital media initiatives for teaching and learning. He will be coordinating LEARN/LTC recording and distribution services, managing digital resources, and exploring new technology applications to enhance educational experiences. He will work closely with faculty and staff to create meaningful learning environments supported by appropriate technology.
Ethan started Monday, December 2nd. Please say hello when you see him back on campus!
Students work with Assistant Professor Hamid Vakilzadeh in their Accounting Information Systems (354) class in Hyland Hall. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)
As AI has become increasingly integrated into the education space, many instructors, and others across college campuses, are left to wonder how to use AI in a meaningful way. The first step to determining how AI may fit into a workflow is to learn how to use it; that is, understanding how to craft precise and purposeful prompts, as prompting is the core foundation of chat-bot-style AI.
Thoughtfully designed prompts not only ensure that AI tools provide meaningful and relevant outputs but also allow instructors to save time, foster creativity, and address diverse educational needs. By mastering this skill, educators can transform AI from a generic tool into a personalized assistant that aligns with their teaching philosophy and supports innovative learning experiences.
Key Takeaways
The Importance of Specificity: A well-crafted AI prompt is clear, concise, and specific. Effective prompts include the desired outcome, necessary context, and well-defined boundaries to ensure AI responses meet expectations. For example, when asking AI to draft a discussion question, specifying the topic, audience, and desired complexity can significantly improve the relevance of the output.
Iterative Refinement: Crafting the perfect prompt is rarely a one-step process. Testing prompts, evaluating AI responses, and making adjustments are key to achieving the desired results. This iterative approach ensures instructors can fine-tune their prompts to better align with their instructional objectives.
Application in Educational Contexts: AI tools offer a range of practical applications for educators, such as generating lesson plans, creating content outlines, and building rubrics. During the workshop, participants explored how tailored prompts can help align AI outputs with pedagogical goals, enhancing both classroom efficiency and student engagement.
Ethical Considerations: When using AI, instructors must remain mindful of ethical implications. Prompts should be designed to minimize bias, promote inclusivity, and reflect a commitment to responsible AI use. These considerations are critical for fostering trust and transparency in AI-supported education.
As we continue to explore the possibilities of AI in education, thoughtful and intentional use will be key to creating impactful learning experiences. The LTC is here to support you on this journey—reach out to share your successes or challenges as we navigate this evolving landscape together!
Have questions or want to share how you are using AI in your teaching and learning?Contact the LTC—we would love to hear from you!
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.
Date
Topic
February 8th
Intro and Trends: Scanning the Horizon – What is the Educause Horizon Report?
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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 theLearning Technology Center.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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
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
