Center for Teaching and Learning Blog

Tag: workshops

CTL Technical Workshops: Getting Started with iClicker and Introduction to Panopto

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Getting Started with iClicker

Date: January 16, 2025

Time:  10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 

Location: Library Room 243

The Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) will host a technical workshop Thursday (January 16, 2025) to introduce instructors to iClicker Cloud software.

iClicker Cloud helps instructors engage with their students in the classroom by asking polling questions that can promote discussion, identify areas of confusion and generate questions. Michigan Tech has a campus site license for iClicker Cloud, so instructors can use this tool at no additional cost to their students.

In this CTL technical workshop, we’ll review how to get started using iClicker Cloud in your classroom. We’ll review how to set up your instructor account, iClicker Groups, make custom course settings to meet your needs, and integrate the course with your Canvas course.

Register for the workshop — make plans to join us Thursday (January 16, 2025) from 10-11 a.m. in Library 243.  To register, please visit this link: https://mtu.libcal.com/event/13838699

Introduction to Panopto

Date: January 23, 2025

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 

Location: Library Room 243

Are you looking for a way to incorporate video recordings to increase student engagement or provide course materials to be viewed in preparation for class? Perhaps you’re seeking a tool to capture lectures or meetings where multiple video sources can be captured at the same time which can be easily edited and shared? Compatible with multiple operating systems and file formats, Panopto is a robust and straight-forward tool to fit those needs and many more.

Join the Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning for an Introduction to Panopto workshop on January 23, 2025 at 10 a.m. at the Van Pelt and Opie Library Room 243. To register, please visit this link: https://mtu.libcal.com/event/13838721


Contact the CTL at ctl@mtu.edu with any questions about this workshop, accommodation requests, or using iClicker Cloud and Panopto in your class this Spring semester.

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Crafting Your AI Course Policy

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This semester the Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning provided a workshop on crafting an AI course policy. This post provides some key takeaways from the workshop.

AI Tools Have Pros and Cons

AI tools, just like any tools, have specific capabilities and limitations. Some AI tools are able to generate executable code as well as meaningful text, images, music, and video. Different AI tools have different capabilities in these areas.

AI tools also have limitations. Many of them:

  • Do not evaluate the quality of the data they were trained on
  • Sound authoritative even when they present incorrect information
  • Makeup sources when complying with requests
  • Do not correct for biases in their data

When instructors ask students to use AI tools, it can be helpful to present both the capabilities and the limitations of the tools. Students have different levels of experience using AI tools. Students also have different levels of understanding of how these tools work and what their capabilities and limitations are. Providing a brief overview of AI tools in class helps ensure that all students become knowledgeable about how to effectively use these tools.

AI-Use in Courses

Effective use of AI to support learning will look different in different courses. It’s important to consider the desired course learning outcomes when determining whether AI tools can be used effectively to support student learning in a specific course. For example, some courses may require students to build foundational knowledge. Overuse of AI tools in these courses could make it more difficult for students to build this foundation. Other courses may require students to perform certain tasks quickly. If AI tools can help students create higher quality outputs, more efficiently, using AI tools to their full extent may support student learning in these courses.

When instructors decide what level of AI use to allow or encourage in their courses, they should consider four levels of AI use:

  • No AI-use: In these courses, the instructor has determined that using AI tools will make it more difficult for students to achieve the course learning outcomes, so AI-use is not allowed.
  • Use AI only as directed: In these courses, the instructor determines when and how AI tools can support students in achieving the course learning outcomes. The instructor indicates throughout the course when students should and should not use AI tools and explains how the tools should be used.
  • Use AI with no restrictions when directed: In these courses, the instructor determines when AI tools can support students in achieving the course learning outcomes. The instructor indicates throughout the course when students can use AI tools, and students are able to use AI tools however they would like to complete the AI-use permitted learning activities.
  • No restrictions on AI-use: In these courses, the instructor has determined that students can use AI tools however and whenever they would like. The students determine when using AI tools will help them achieve the course learning outcomes and how to use the tools.

These categories of AI use are not comprehensive, and instructors may find that a different strategy for AI use is most effective for the courses they teach.

Disclosing AI-Use

When students are allowed or encouraged to use AI tools as part of a learning activity, it is recommended that they document their AI-use. This can be done using citations for written work according to a discipline’s style guide. This can also be done by asking students to provide a brief description of how they used AI tools when completing a specific learning activity. It can also be useful to ask students to reflect on their experience using AI tools. For examples of how some instructors have asked students to disclose their AI-use, see Lance Eaton’s collection of Syllabi Policies for AI Generative Tools, which he collected from faculty willing to share their AI syllabus policies.

Michigan Tech Resources

The Michigan Tech AI Working Group has provided AI Resources for Faculty and Staff. These resources include Policy Guidance, Syllabus Guidance, and Pedagogical Tools and Educator Resources. These resources can be a starting point for you as you consider how to communicate your AI policy to your students.

If you would like to request an additional session of the Crafting Your AI Course Policy workshop, email Catharine Gruver at cgruver@mtu.edu.

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November 2023

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Thursday November 2, 2023, at 3:30 PM

Attention Instructors: Let’s Talk AI in the Classroom!

Do you have insights or questions about the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education? Are you curious about how your colleagues are integrating AI into their teaching? Join us for an engaging coffee chat on November 2, 2023, at 3:30 PM hosted by the Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning, the Van Pelt and Opie Library, and the Office of Academic and Community Conduct.

What We’ll Discuss

  • Course Policies: Do you have an official policy on the use of AI tools in your classes?
  • Student Engagement: How are you encouraging or discouraging students to utilize AI in their coursework?
  • Instructor Use: How much are you using AI tools in your teaching?
  • Workforce Preparedness: What skills do your students need to effectively use AI tools in their future careers?

Why You Should Attend

  • Share Best Practices: Learn from your peers and share your own experiences.
  • Influence Policy: Your input may help shape institutional guidelines on AI use.
  • Network: Connect with other forward-thinking educators on campus.

Event Details

  • Topic: Navigating the AI Landscape in Teaching and Learning
  • Date: November 2, 2023
  • Time: 3:30 PM
  • Location: Library East Reading Room

Register, and make plans to be part of this conversation about the role of AI in education. Refreshments will be provided. We look forward to seeing you there! 

Thursday November 2, 2023, 2:00pm – 3:00pm

CTL Course Design Series: #1- Learning Objectives

Join the CTL Instructional Design team for an active and hands-on workshop where we will take a deep dive into the first step in creating high quality courses: defining and developing observable and measurable learning objectives.

When you begin creating a course, you want to design with the end in mind. The best way to approach this is to start by writing observable and measurable course learning objectives. Course learning objectives are the destinations on your course map. They state where you want students to go. A learning objective is a statement that clearly and precisely describes what the learner will know and be able to DO by the end of the course, module or unit. Bring your tablet or laptop and have a course in mind you would like to start the Instructional Design process on, and let’s get to work!

Register here for part 1, the second event in the series will be held on Nov 9. Watch for details to be published Thursday, November 9, 2023

soon.

Thursday, November 9, 2023, 2:00pm – 3:00pm

Planning out your course map is a pivotal step towards success in teaching your course. It serves as the blueprint for your course design. In this workshop, we will help you plan out your course content, assessments, and learning activities using backward design so that they align with your module learning objectives.  Backward design starts with the end in mind, which is a very useful model for planning out your course map.

So bring your tablet or laptop, have a course in mind that you would like to start the Instructional Design process on, and let’s get to work!

Register for this event here.

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October 2023

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CTL Lunch and Learn – Accessible and Affordable Learning Materials

Tuesday October 10, 2023 at 12:00pm – 1:00pm

Are you passionate about making higher education more accessible and affordable for your students?  Make plans to attend the next CTL Lunch and Learn on Tuesday, October 10, at noon in the MUB Alumni Lounge, featuring the Committee for Accessible and Affordable Learning Materials (CAALM).

During the luncheon members of CAALM will introduce the committee’s mission and discuss three critical areas of focus that promise to improve the way we approach course materials:

1. Enhancing Course Material Affordability:

Discover how inclusive access agreements with publishers can help reduce the burden of expensive textbooks and course materials. We’ll shed light on innovative strategies to make education more cost-effective without compromising quality.

2. Embracing Open Educational Resources (OER):

Explore the world of Open Educational Resources and learn how to find course materials tailored to your discipline. There is a wealth of freely available resources that can enrich your curriculum while reducing financial strain on your students.

3. Ensuring Digital Accessibility:

It’s time to ensure that your instructional materials are inclusive for all students, regardless of their abilities.  We’ll share insights on the importance of the digital accessibility of course materials, including ebooks, PDF documents, slide presentations, and video recordings.

This Lunch and Learn event promises to be a source of inspiration, innovation, and collaboration.  Lunch will be provided to those who register in advance. We look forward to seeing you there!  Contact the CTL (ctl@mtu.edu) with any questions.

CTL Workshop: Enhancing Canvas Course Design Using DesignPlus

Thursday, October 12, 2023, 2:00pm – 3:00pm,

Would you like to develop a high quality, engaging course using a modern and professional looking course template? Plan to attend the instructional design team from the William G. Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning for a workshop about enhancing Canvas course design using DesignPlus tools. We will introduce DesignPlus and the course template, review how to import the course template, and show you how you can customize it for your own course. This workshop will focus on the most common and easy course design features to help you build a high quality professional looking course. No advanced technical skills are necessary.  

Registration for this event can be found here.

CTL Coffee Chat- Michigan Tech Writing Center: Supporting Students

Tuesday, October 17, 2023, 3:30pm – 4:30pm

You’re invited to the next CTL Coffee Chat on Tuesday, October 17, at 3:30. Claire Helakoski, Assistant Director of the MTU Writing Center, will discuss the Center’s role, the different types of plagiarism that instructors might encounter in student work, and provide practical insights on effective language to discuss citing issues with your students. We’ll also review the Turnitin (TII) similarity tool, demonstrate how to enable this feature in a Canvas-based writing assignment and provide guidance for interpreting Turnitin reports.

Registration for this event can be found here.

CTL Lunch and Learn – Essential Education Experience

Monday, October 23, 2023, 12:00pm – 1:00 PM

Learn more about the Essential Education Experience at our next CTL Lunch and Learn.

One of the signature pieces of the new Essential Education curriculum is the Essential Education Experience. This credit-bearing experience will give all Michigan Tech undergraduate students an opportunity to use what they are learning in their general education coursework to engage in collaborative, project-based work that connects them with the local community or with global partners. Join leaders from the Essential Education implementation leadership team to learn more about the Essential Education Experience and share your ideas about the kinds of innovative opportunities we can develop to address this new requirement.

Registration for this event can be found here.

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CTL Lunch and Learn: Accessible and Affordable Learning Materials

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Tuesday, October 10, 2023

Are you passionate about making higher education more accessible and affordable for your students?  Make plans to attend the next CTL Lunch and Learn on Tuesday, October 10, at noon in the MUB Alumni Lounge, featuring the Committee for Accessible and Affordable Learning Materials (CAALM).

During the luncheon members of CAALM will introduce the committee’s mission and discuss three critical areas of focus that promise to improve the way we approach course materials:

1. Enhancing Course Material Affordability:

Discover how inclusive access agreements with publishers can help reduce the burden of expensive textbooks and course materials. We’ll shed light on innovative strategies to make education more cost-effective without compromising quality.

2. Embracing Open Educational Resources (OER):

Explore the world of Open Educational Resources and learn how to find course materials tailored to your discipline. There is a wealth of freely available resources that can enrich your curriculum while reducing financial strain on your students.

3. Ensuring Digital Accessibility:

It’s time to ensure that your instructional materials are inclusive for all students, regardless of their abilities.  We’ll share insights on the importance of the digital accessibility of course materials, including ebooks, PDF documents, slide presentations, and video recordings.

This Lunch and Learn event promises to be a source of inspiration, innovation, and collaboration.  Lunch will be provided to those who register in advance. We look forward to seeing you there!  Contact the CTL (ctl@mtu.edu) with any questions.

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September 2023

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Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at 12:00pm – 1:00pm

CTL Instructional Award Presentation

Curriculum Development and Assessment Award

Radheshyam Tewari, Associate Teaching Professor, Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics

Pasi Lautala, Professor, Civil, Environmental and Geospatial Engineering

Innovative or Out of Class Teaching Award

Elham Asgari, Assistant Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship
College of Business

Large Class Teaching Award

Tim Wagner, Assistant Teaching Professor, Mathematical Sciences

Click here to register to attend this lunch and learn.

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August 2023

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Thursday August 24 and Friday August 25, 2023

New GTAs are asked to attend a general teaching orientation EITHER Thursday or Friday morning the week before classes begin.   This essential session will review national and university instructional policies (FERPA, Title IX, Academic Integrity), basic classroom management and expectations (safety, managing disruptions, inclusion), effective communication with students (in and out of class), and introduce campus instructional resources (library, Student Services, CTL). You must register for a session prior to the event.

Register for Thursday August 24 here.

Register for Friday August 25 here.

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February 2023

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Coffee Chat- Teaching and Learning in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools

Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 3:45 P.M.

Chat GPT, the artificial intelligence (AI) powered chatbot, was released in late November 2022. Since then it has dominated news coverage about AI tools and its impact on higher education.  This large language model can generate human-like text responses to user prompts.  It’s also adept at producing computer code, generating email messages, composing complex spreadsheet formulas, and much more.  Instructors are grappling with the impact Chat GPT and other AI tools are having in teaching and learning. They’re also exploring strategies to leverage these tools to support course objectives and potentially save time previously used on routine tasks for higher order learning activities.  Have you adjusted your teaching strategies to address the existence of AI tools in your classes?

Make plans to attend a Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning coffee chat on Thursday, February 16, at 3:45 in the Library East Reading Room.  We’ll provide an overview of some common AI tools, demonstrate how they work, and review some AI-generated responses. You’ll also have time to discuss the implications of AI tools with other instructors from across campus.  We hope to see you there.

To register for this event, please click here.

CTL Workshop: Enhancing Canvas Course Design Using DesignPlus

Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 2:00 P.M.

Would you like to develop a high quality, engaging course using a modern and professional looking course template? Plan to attend the instructional design team from the William G. Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning for a workshop about enhancing Canvas course design using DesignPlus tools. We will introduce DesignPlus and the course template, review how to import the course template, and show you how you can customize it for your own course. This workshop will focus on the most common and easy course design features to help you build a high quality professional looking course. No advanced technical skills are necessary.  

To register for this event, please click here.

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November 2022

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Tuesday November 1, 2022 at 3:45 PM

CTL Coffee Chat-Online Course Development and Support

Are you currently teaching or planning to teach an online course?  Do you have questions about how to start the course development process, how to prepare for a course review, or how to improve an existing online course? If this sounds like you then make plans to join your colleagues and the online design team from the William G. Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) for a Coffee Chat on Tuesday, November 1, at 3:45 in the Library East Reading Room.

Learn about course development best practices, including the recommended development schedule, resources the CTL can offer, and get answers to your unique challenges as you begin your development efforts. You’ll also hear from two Michigan Tech instructors who have gone through the development process and are ready to share their experiences with you.

Register to attend the CTL Coffee Chat featuring our online design team.

Please also take a moment to complete the short pre-event survey.

Tuesday November 8, 2022 at 3:45 PM

Instructional Awards-Curriculum Development and Assessment Chris Middlebrook Josue Reynoso

The Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning will recognize Chris Middlebrook (ECE) and Josue Reynoso as co-recipients of the 2022 CTL Instructional Award for Curriculum Development and Assessment on Thursday, November 8 at 3:45.  They were selected for the award after being nominated via the Deans’ Teaching Showcase during the spring 2022 semester.

Middlebrook’s award presentation: Curriculum Development: Creation of a Printed Circuit Board Manufacturing Laboratory Course

Reynoso’s award presentation: Developing New Curricula: An Experiential Learning Approach

Register to attend the CTL Instructional Awards for Chris Middlebrook and Josue Reynoso

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October 2022

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Thursday, October 13 at 3:45 PM

The Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning will recognize Loredana Valenzano-Slough (Chemistry) as the recipient of the CTL Instructional Award for Large Class Teaching on Thursday, October 13 at 3:45 in the Library East Reading Room.  She was selected for the award after her nomination via the Deans’ Teaching Showcase during the spring 2022 semester.

Valenzano-Slough’s presentation: Physical Chemistry is Dead… Long Live Physical Chemistry!

Abstract: As the name suggests, Physical Chemistry (PChem) is heavily dependent on physics, which is heavily dependent on math and problem-solving reasoning. In time, it became evident that students struggling the most in PChem were those lacking practice in math.  To help the students, I started to spend some of the PChem class time in “math review sessions” to give them practical suggestions on how to approach and use the necessary mathematical tools (multivariable derivatives, power series, and integrals).  I soon realized though, that this was not enough and that they needed more first-hand practice on the actual use of such tools and their applications toward solving PChem problems. For this reason, I designed a “Math for (applications) in PChem I” online 1-credit course which exposes students to those mathematical concepts used in PChem but concentrate on their actual applications and problem-solving techniques. 

Please plan to join us in recognizing Loredana Valenzano-Slough by registering for the event.

Tuesday October 18, 2022 at 12:00 noon

Now that Michigan Tech has a campus-wide iClicker Cloud license we’re seeing a large increase in adoption by instructors this fall based on early usage data. iClicker polling is a great way to engage your students in class, and increase learning and retention.  How can you enhance your pedagogical strategies for iClicker polling in your classroom?  We are curious to know how you use iClicker polling?

Join your colleagues and the CTL team on Tuesday, October 18 as we revive our lunch and learn format with an iClicker Showcase.  We’re looking for up to five instructors to share one of their favorite iClicker polling questions, review the pedagogy supporting it, and discuss the impact on learning that they’ve observed.  

iClicker instructors are encouraged to apply to participate in the showcase. Applications are due by October 7!  You’ll be asked to submit a single slide polling question and a brief description of how you deliver the question in your class.  Submissions will be reviewed for uniqueness (including use of the various question types: short answer, target question, multiple answer, numerical, multiple choice) as well as adaptability for other instructors.  In addition to recognition as an iClicker expert, featured showcase instructors will also receive a gift card.

Whether you’re new to iClicker this semester, a power user, or just want to learn ways to improve and expand your teaching practices, make plans to register and attend the CTL iClicker Showcase [https://mtu.libcal.com/event/9698685].  All registered attendees will have lunch provided.  As always, instructors who need assistance getting started with iClicker or have specific technical questions can contact the CTL for assistance (elearning@mtu.edu, 487-3000).

Tuesday October 27, 2022 at 3:45 PM

The Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning will recognize Kristin Brzeski (CFRES) as co-recipient of the CTL Instructional Award for Innovative or Out of Class Teaching on Thursday, October 27 at 3:45pm.  Kristin was selected for the award after being nominated via the Deans’ Teaching Showcase during the spring 2022 semester.

Brzeski’s award presentation: Integrating regional natural resource partners into lab and field based learning

Abstract: Dr. Kristin Brzeski will share her experiences developing and funding a field and wet-lab based component in her wildlife courses. In this presentation, Dr. Brzeski will emphasize how she integrates partnerships with the MI Department of Natural Resources (DNR) into her instruction, where students generate data that is presented directly to DNR biologists. Through this process, students get hands-on field and lab based training while actively participating in the process of translating research for applied management. Students also get tips and advice for advancing their careers with land-management organizations such as the DNR.

To register for this event, please click here.

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