CTL Happenings - Message #598

McMurtie, B. (2024, May 9). Is This the End of Reading? Students are coming to college less able and less willing to read. Professor are Stymied. Chronicle of Higher Education.

Students’ inability/unwillingness to complete assigned readings or do much if any work outside of class has flummoxed many instructors. Beth McMurtrie’s piece in the Chronicle offers a number of helpful perspectives on the challenges to engaging students in course work.

Do you have an idea for a course or curricular enhancement that you are passionate about implementing? Faculty from IU Indianapolis, IU Columbus, and IU Fort Wayne are invited to submit a proposal to enhance their course/curricula in one of four tracks.

Join us for one of four information sessions to learn more about the proposal requirements, develop your ideas, and get your questions answered.

Proposals are due December 2, 2024.

Read RFP and learn more.

Wednesday, September 11 | 1 - 2 p.m. | Online-Zoom
Register » Organizer: Boyun Kim and Presenter: Jeani Young

This is a webinar for graduate students who are new to Canvas or would like to learn to navigate it as a instructor/TA. In this webinar, participants will learn about key features of Canvas that will be important in fulfilling their roles as instructors/TAs. They will also get an opportunity to practice using Canvas for interacting with students, setting up modules, quizzes, or assignments, grading, and more.

Tuesday, September 17 | 12 noon - 1 p.m. | Online - Zoom
Register » Organizer: Anusha S. Rao and Presenter: Anusha S Rao and Teresa Sosa

Being prepared for challenging moments during classroom discussions is crucial for maintaining a constructive and supportive learning environment. Instructors who anticipate and effectively manage difficult conversations can foster a space where all students feel respected and heard, even amidst tension. In this webinar, you will explore tools and strategies to effectively prepare for challenging moments that may arise in your discussions. While engaging in case studies, you will arrive at proactive approaches to identify potential sources of tension, anticipate difficult conversations, and develop preemptive strategies to maintain a positive learning environment and foster constructive dialogue.  

This event aligns with the following IUSM Academy of Teaching Scholars program competencies: Instructional Strategies (IS), Inclusive Teaching (I)

Thursday, September 19 | 11 a.m. - 12 noon | Online-Zoom
Register » Organizer(s): Charity Bishop

IU Indianapolis has a strong portfolio of engaged learning opportunities, including undergraduate research, service learning, study abroad, internships, and capstone experiences. These forms of experiential learning have been designated a high-impact practices based on “evidence of significant educational benefits for students who participate in them—including and especially those from demographic groups historically underserved by higher education” (American Association of Colleges & Universities). Many of these experiences require students to opt-in, generating inequities in engagement across student groups, as some students have more flexibility and/or financial resources to participate than others. Embedding high-impact practices directly into courses is a powerful strategy for promoting equitable access to experiential and applied learning opportunities for our students. However, when we scale experiential learning in this way, quality tends to suffer, and a high-impact practice is only high-impact “when done well.” The Institute for Engaged Learning (go.iu.edu/engage) is committed to providing instructors with a wide-array of professional development opportunities, which include multiple-day “When Done Well” professional development institutes, communities of practice (over Zoom or Teams), and 1:1 consultations. 

Service Learning Community of Practice 

The Institute for Engaged Learning will host a Service Learning Community of Practice (SL CoP) during the 2024-2025 academic year. The SL CoP is open to any IU Indianapolis, IU Columbus, or IU Fort Wayne faculty interested in expanding their knowledge, network, or collaborative opportunities surrounding service learning. 

Each CoP meeting will be a 50-minute Zoom session. Sessions will be held: 

Thursday, Sept. 19, 11am 

Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2pm 

Wednesday, Dec. 11, 11am 

Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2pm 

Thursday, Mar. 6, 11am 

Wednesday, Apr. 23, 2pm 

Friday, September 20 | 1 - 2:30 p.m. | Online - Zoom
Register » Organizer: UITS Digital Education Programs & Initiatives and Presenter: April Law

Explore artificial intelligence tools that generate text, images, and more (for use in and out of the classroom). You can choose from a range of sessions focused on lightening your workload -- you're welcome to drop in for one or to stay for several rounds. Each session will be roughly 15 minutes, so you should have time for up to 5 sessions total.

Monday, September 23 | 2 - 3 p.m. | Online - Zoom
Register » Organizer: Kelly Scholl and Presenter: Justin Hodgson and Kevin Jones

Participants will be introduced to strategies for successful prompt design for LLMs (e.g., Microsoft Co-Pilot) and image generators (e.g., Adobe Firefly). Participants will gain hands-on experience producing prompts, learn to work iteratively, and utilize greater affordances of different platforms in the engagement process. More at https://dgi.iu.edu/gen-ai.

Wednesday, September 25 | 1 - 1:45 p.m. | Online - Zoom
Register » Organizer: Jeani Young and Presenter: Sarah Herpst

Providing accessible course materials is an important part of making your course inclusive to students with both visible and invisible disabilities. To that end, new regulations have been added to the Americans with Disabilities Act to require accessible course content in 2026. 

Making documents and course materials that are accessible to all your students might sound overwhelming, but all it takes is 7 simple steps. Join us to learn about the Seven Simple Steps and other resources to help you think about your course from an accessibility perspective.

This event aligns with the following IUSM Academy of Teaching Scholars program competencies: Inclusive Teaching (I), Instructional Technology (IT)

Thursday, September 26 | 12 noon - 1 p.m. | Online - Zoom
Register » Organizer: Douglas Jerolimov and Presenter: Mahasin Ameen and Douglas Jerolimov

The information overload and polarized perspectives that characterize our time heightens the importance of media literacy and critical thinking in navigating tense classroom conversations. In this webinar, you will think about how to harness the skills of media literacy and critical thinking in your discipline and course to facilitate informed and constructive discussions. We will explore practical strategies to help students develop media literacy skills to critically evaluating sources, recognizing biases, engage in evidence-based dialogue, and responsibly navigate complex information landscapes--all with the goal of fostering informed and respectful dialogue that engages your students’ diverse viewpoints and helps them learn from one another.

Monday, September 30 | 2 - 3 p.m. | Online - Zoom
Register » Organizer: Kelly Scholl and Presenters: Terri Hebert, Justin Hodgson, and Miranda Rodak

This webinar will provide pedagogical guidelines for integrating AI/Generative AI into the classroom and feature examples of faculty who have used Generative AI successfully in their courses. Attendees will be introduced to operative possibilities, highlight low-stakes and high-impact practices, and showcase multi-stage integration of AI/Generative AI. More at https://dgi.iu.edu/gen-ai.

Monday, October 7 | 12 noon - 1 p.m. | Online-Zoom
Register » Organizer: Boyun Kim and Presenter: Boyun Kim and Suzann Lupton

Effectively managing ‘hot’ moments in the classroom is essential for maintaining a respectful and productive learning environment, one in which all viewpoints are heard and valued. In this webinar, you will learn practical approaches to defuse tense situations and promote constructive dialogue. You will practice skills in de-escalation, active listening, and conflict resolution through interactive scenarios and case studies and arrive at insights and strategies that work best for your course and your students.  

This event aligns with the following IUSM Academy of Teaching Scholars program competencies: Instructional Strategies (IS), Inclusive Teaching (I)

Monday, October 7 | 2 - 3 p.m. | Online - Zoom
Register » Organizer: Kelly Scholl and Presenter: Justin Hodgson and Miranda Rodak

Thursday, October 10 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | University Library, Room 1126
Register » Organizer: The Center for Teaching and Learning and Presenter: Kimberly Priesmeyer and Adult Student Panel

Did you know that approximately 1,500 students aged 25 and older attend IU Indianapolis? With renewed efforts to encourage nearly 2 million Hoosiers to complete unfinished degrees, now is the time to learn more about adult students’ strengths, unique work and life experiences, and opportunities for meeting their needs inside and outside of the classroom.

Join the Center for Transfer and Adult Students (CTAS) for a facilitated panel discussion with our adult students. During this lunch session, you will hear from adult learners as they share their perspectives about navigating college, managing work and family obligations, and thoughts about how IU Indianapolis faculty and staff can support their successful journey to degree completion.

Bring your questions and plan to engage fully in this interactive discussion. You will leave with fresh insights, tools, and resources for supporting our adult learners. Lunch will be provided by the Division of Student Affairs.

Learning Outcomes

As a result of attending this facilitated panel discussion, you will:

· Gain new perspectives about the lived experiences of adult students, including their strengths and challenges, both in and out of the classroom

· Identify adult students’ learning and communication preferences for online, hybrid, and in-person classes.

· Consider inclusive instructional practices that promote a sense of belonging for all learners.

· Connect with the Center for Transfer and Adult Students (CTAS), its resources, and staff to advance student success and opportunity.

Learn more about the In Their Own Words series.

Monday, October 21 | 8 - 9 a.m. | Online - Zoom
Register » Organizer: Kelly Scholl and Presenters: Eric Brinkman, Maggie Gilchrist, and Justin Hodgson

This session will focus on conversations and practices related to AI/Generative AI and academic integrity, feature example cases and approaches for responsible student use of AI/Generative AI for courses, and offer strategies for assessing AI/Generative AI inflected projects. More at https://dgi.iu.edu/gen-ai.

Wednesday, October 23 | 1 - 2:30 p.m. | Online - Zoom
Register » Organizer: DEPI and Presenter: April Law and Julia Sanders

Speed Dating with Learning Technologies is exactly what it sounds like—a matchmaking event that encourages participants to "date" a range of potential tools and services, gaining exposure to a lot of resources within a short period of time. Participants will have around 9 minutes to "speed date" (i.e., learn about) a specific tool or service before meeting their next "date." We are looking forward to helping you make a perfect tech match!

This workshop, the first in a Fall 2024 series by SEIRI, introduces mixed methods research in STEM education and highlights SEIRI’s support for faculty in research and evaluation. Participants will learn about qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods designs, data collection strategies, and analysis techniques, with a focus on translating STEM education innovations into externally funded proposals.

Friday, September 13 from 2 to 3 p.m. EST. Register for the Zoom webinar.

The early bird deadline for ISSOTL24 is coming up on September 15. This is a great professional development opportunity and a good chance to experience international perspectives on SOTL and higher education. Engage with diverse perspectives, discover new teaching strategies, and build lasting professional relationships.

Read more about the conference.

Hosted by The Indiana Commission for Higher Education, this initiative aims to build a shared understanding of the role of Artificial Intelligence in college pedagogy, enhancing instructional practices to support student success at all levels.

Tuesday, September 17 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. EST. Register for the Teams webinar.

Keeping Us Engaged: Student Perspectives (and Research Evidence) on What Works and Why with Dr. Christine Harrington

The student voice is often missing from discussions on student success. Join us to hear stories from students nationwide and discover research-backed strategies to motivate and engage students. Dr. Christine Harrington, a professor with over 20 years of experience, will share actionable insights to enhance student engagement, from first-day activities to impactful teaching strategies. (https://www.scholarlyteaching.org/)

Friday, September 27 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. EST. Register for the Zoom event.

The B-HIP FLC (High-Impact Practices for Beginners Faculty Learning Community) offers faculty the chance to learn about high-impact practices, their benefits, and how to integrate them into courses effectively. This community is ideal for faculty new to high-impact practices and eager to understand their fundamentals. Open to all full-time and part-time faculty at IU Indianapolis, meetings will be held via Zoom.

If you have any questions, please contact Jerry Daday or Charity Bishop.

Submit an application.

Registration is free and open to part-time and non-tenure track faculty members from institutions of higher education around the world. The virtual conference is being hosted on Canvas through Indiana University. You must self-enroll to the course. This year’s theme is Pedagogy ABCs: Teaching Excellence in the Twenty-First Century. View the Schedule and Register.

Are you interested in conducting research and writing a publication focused on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL)? The FACET Mack Fellowship program is designed to promote and enhance the community of IU faculty engaged in the SoTL by providing mentorship and funding. Proposals are due Nov. 30, 2024. Read RFP and learn more.