Planning for Winter/Spring Term


Welcome back from what we hope has been a restful break!

 

We'd love to help you get a jump-start on your upcoming courses! OTL staff are available to support you, and we have many online resources you can access at any time. Visit our Prepping for Next Term resources to access course planning information and a course preparation checklist, and to get answers to your frequently asked questions.


Join us for upcoming events focused on helping you prepare for your courses!

 

Course Prep Events


Canvas Basics Webinar

Tuesday, January 2, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Online


Teaching with AI Workshop: Enhancing Your Syllabus with AI

Wednesday, January 3, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

OTL Conference Room (AAC 345)


Building a Trusting Foundation: Accessibility Surveys and Classroom Agreements

Thursday, January 4, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Online


Ed-Tech Virtual Drop-In Hours to support:

 

  • Importing and updating Canvas course content
  • Developing and uploading your syllabus
  • Incorporating Zoom and Kaltura into your courses
  • And more!

 

Wednesday, January 3, 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, January 4, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Friday, January 5, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Online via Zoom

Canvas Reminders and Resources


Canvas Template


The OTL has created two Canvas templates that can help you get your Canvas courses set-up quickly and easily - the OTL Advanced Canvas Template and the OTL Canvas Basic Template. These templates utilize CIDI Labs Design Tools to create eye-catching, aesthetically streamlined course shells.


Learn more about each template and which one is right for you in our blog Introducing the Basic and Advanced Canvas Templates. Both templates are available to add to your winter courses through the Canvas Commons. To import the templates in your course, please visit our Knowledge Base for step-by-step instructions. Once you import the template, you will find additional resources within the course for how to use the templates.


Having trouble finding your upcoming courses in Canvas? Visit our Ed-Tech Knowledge Base to learn how to easily access your courses and add them to your dashboard.


UDOIT Tool for Canvas Accessibility


Designed to enhance the inclusivity of your Canvas Course experience, UDOIT Accessibility offers comprehensive feedback on the digital accessibility of your course content and materials. This tool is already integrated into your Canvas courses! Schedule an appointment with Jeff Schwartz, OTL Instructional Designer or Ellen Hogan, OTL Faculty Developer of Instructional Accessibility to learn more.


Scanned PDFs


Do you use photocopied scanned PDFs in your course? A common practice to procure additional readings for students is to scan a paper copy of text. Often times, these files are not fully accessible to all students, including students who use assistive technologies, students who need to be able to search for key words, and students who like to use digital tools to highlight content. Consider being proactive and reaching out for support via the OTL Accessibility Request form. Don’t know if your scans are accessible? Check out the OTL Knowledge Base article on Top 8 Characteristics of an Accessible PDF to learn more!


Don't forget to publish!


Once your course is ready, don't forget to publish your Canvas course to provide access to your students. You have the capability to publish your course at any time between now and the start of the term. Publishing your course before the first day of classes gives your students a chance to start the term prepared!

4D Design Series for Faculty


We are excited to share that the 4D Team has partnered with OTL and the VPFA Office to launch a new series of offerings for faculty in the 2024 Winter and Spring Terms that provide opportunities to design for greater flourishing for self as well as for students. In each of the two-part series (“Designing for Purpose,” “Designing for Well-being," and “Designing for Belonging”), participants will gain actionable strategies and tools for setting the stage for flourishing to emerge in their personal and professional lives. 


Learn more about the 4D series. Please register for one or more of the design series via the registration Qualtrics form.

Call for Faculty Volunteers: Assessment and Accreditation Committee


The Office of Teaching and Learning invites dedicated faculty members to join the newly formed Assessment and Accreditation Committee. This committee will play a vital role in advancing the University's strategic initiative of helping students and faculty thrive through reflection on the teaching and learning process, ultimately contributing to our mission of being a great private university dedicated to the public good.

 

Committee Purpose:


The Assessment and Accreditation Committee serves two primary purposes: fostering continuous improvement through ongoing assessment practices and reflection; and maintaining the university’s ongoing positive accreditation standing with the Higher Learning Commission. Members will collaborate on critical tasks such as preparing for the accreditation review, optimizing assessment reporting methods, and fostering cross-disciplinary dialogue about assessment matters.

 

Requirements and Benefits:


Committee membership requires monthly meetings during the academic year and approximately one hour of additional weekly work to prepare, collaborate, and contribute directly to the committee's goals. In return, you will gain valuable insights into assessment and accreditation practices, develop leadership skills, and forge meaningful collaborations with colleagues across disciplines. Serving on this committee signifies your commitment to the University's dedication to continuous improvement and excellence. To thrive in this role, you should possess a strong dedication to student and faculty growth, excellent communication and collaboration skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team. Relevant experience with assessment practices in your discipline is advantageous, although not a requirement.

 

To Apply:


To express your interest in serving on the Assessment and Accreditation Committee, please send an email that includes a brief description of your reasons for wanting to serve on the committee to Dr. Stephen Riley, Director of Academic Assessment, at [email protected].


Applications are accepted until February 16, 2024.

Upcoming Events


The Office of Teaching and Learning is hosting several events throughout this term. Visit the OTL Events Calendar to discover other upcoming events!


Canvas Basics Webinar

Tuesday, January 2, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Online


Ed-Tech Drop-In Hours

Wednesday, January 3, 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, January 4, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Friday, January 5, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Online via Zoom


Teaching with AI Workshop: Enhancing Your Syllabus with AI

Wednesday, January 3, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

OTL Conference Room (AAC 345)


Building a Trusting Foundation: Accessibility Surveys and Classroom Agreements

Thursday, January 4, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Online


New Adjunct Welcome & Orientation

Thursday, January 4, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Online


Already Using Digication? Digication Kora Webinar

Tuesday, January 16, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Online


Teaching with AI Workshop Series

Wednesday, January 17, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

OTL Conference Room (AAC 345)


COIL Information Session

Wednesday, January 24, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Online