The 2025 Celebrating Teaching and Learning Conference (CTL) on May 21st is rapidly approaching! Hosted by Center for the Advancement of Teaching, Learning, Scholarship, and Technology* (CATLST) and Institutional Research, Assessment, and Planning (IRAP), the conference will be in-person at the University Center from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Open to all UW-Whitewater faculty and staff, the (free!) conference aims to cultivate a collaborative space for sharing ideas, methods, and innovations that enrich classroom experiences and support student success.
This year’s keynote presentation will be a collaboration between CATLST and the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD). About the keynote:
Boldly Empowering All: A UWW Student-Instructor Dialogue on Navigating the Digital Accessibility Frontier
Digital accessibility ensures that all individuals can successfully navigate, understand, and interact with digital content. With new federal laws shaping accessibility standards, it’s more important than ever to our core campus mission that we create and support fully inclusive online experiences. Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act requires all digital course materials (Canvas pages, quizzes, linked websites, embedded content, and attached documents) meet Digital Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) by April 24, 2026. Join us for an engaging keynote where UWW students and instructors share their experiences with the challenges and opportunities of digital accessibility in their learning environments. Hear real experiences, gain valuable insights, and learn actionable strategies to implement digital accessibility into your own digital content moving forward.
We hope to see you there! Questions can be directed to CATLST.
*CATLST was formed by the merger of the Learning Technology Center (LTC) and LEARN Center.
The LTC/LEARN Center hosted the first session in the Accessibility in Action (AiA) Workshop Series. The first session covered lecture slides, which are a common instructional resource. Unfortunately, some students are left out due to a lack of accessibility. In the workshop video below, Erika Schock, LTC/LEARN’s newest Teaching Consultant, introduces accessibility, why it matters, and the legal requirements and best practices when building slides. Below are some key takeaways from the recording.
Key Takeaways
What is Accessibility? “Accessibility means that an individual with a disability can acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services as an individual without a disability, in an equally integrated and equally effective manner, with substantially equivalent ease of use” (NCAEM, 2023)
Why does Accessibility Matter? Adhering to accessibility best practices ensures that all students, including those with disabilities, can fully engage with and comprehend course content. This practice benefits students with visual, auditory, and cognitive impairments by providing alternative ways to access information. Also, accessibility improves learning for everyone by enhancing clarity, organization, and usability.
Legal Requirements
Section 504 of the ADA prohibits disability discrimination in federally funded programs like public universities, requiring reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to education and services.
Section 508 mandates that all electronic and information technology used by federally funded institutions must be accessible, including websites, course materials, and digital communications.
Layout and Navigation: Design slides with consistent templates and headings, and include slide numbers to improve screen reader accessibility. Limit one idea per slide to prevent cognitive overload. This approach maintains a readable text size and helps all users navigate content more effectively.
Text and Font: Use sans-serif fonts such as Arial and Calibri at minimum sizes of 22pt for text and 32pt for headings. Avoid placing text over busy backgrounds. These choices significantly improve readability for people with visual disabilities.
Color and Contrast: Maintain high contrast between text and background while avoiding color-only information indicators. These practices ensure that content remains accessible to people with visual disabilities who may have difficulty perceiving certain colors or low-contrast elements.
Accessible Visuals and Graphics: Provide alt text for all visual elements and minimize decorative graphics. Ensure that diagrams have clear elements with sufficient contrast. Critical visuals should be verbally described during presentations and/or include descriptive text. This approach helps students with visual disabilities access important visual information while also benefiting all students through improved clarity and comprehension.
Multimedia and Embedded Content: Ensure multimedia has high audio/video quality with descriptive titles, and always provide closed captions or transcripts. This practice makes content accessible to people with hearing impairments and provides alternative ways for all users to access information.
Canvas Courses: Ensure your course meets accessibility standards through practice at 1 p.m. on March 13th.
UDOIT: Learn how to use UDOIT to check your Canvas courses for accessibility issues, time during the session to check your courses at 2 p.m. on March 13th.
Have more questions or want to schedule a workshop for your department or unit? Reach out to the LTC!
Erika Schock (she/her) is our new Teaching, Learning, and Technology Consultant. Erika earned her Master’s degree in Anthropology from the University of Roehampton-London and her Bachelor’s in Dance and Anthropology from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. In 2020, she earned her certificate in Instructional Design from the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
In her new role, Erika will consult with instructors, develop resources, test educational technology, and provide training, all with a focus on digital accessibility, neurodiversity, and Universal Design for Learning. Erika loves playing with her five pets (two dogs and three cats), cooking, kayaking, and attending various fitness classes (Yoga, Dance, Aerial Silks, Gymnastics, etc). She enjoys watching early silent films, seeing live performances, and traveling.
Please say hello to Erika when you see her on campus!
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.
