Annual Spring Teaching Symposium

9:15am

Keynote Presentation: Generative Artificial Intelligence and Higher Education
Presenter: Sid Dobrin

In the past 24 months, one of the most pressing conversations in the US (and, frankly, everywhere else in the world) has been about the emergence and implications of a technology called “generative artificial intelligence,” or “GenAI.” While this technology is not new, its widespread adoption and use have created a fervor and, in some cases, panic over its implications for the way we work, communicate, and live. It is no surprise, therefore, that nearly every college in the country is currently reimaging higher education in an effort to leverage the power of GenAI – and to preserve relevant aspects of traditional academic practices and values. From defining and integrating “AI literacies” across curricula to rethinking the fundamentals of what and how we teach, educators are confronting a host of thorny questions about the relationships between technology, knowledge, and human intelligence – all of which are emerging amidst rapid student adoption and use. This presentation will begin to demystify many of these emerging technologies and will address many of the concerns educators have expressed regarding AI and GenAI technologies in order to provoke conversations about the relationship between AI/GenAI and the traditions and objectives of higher education.

10:30am

During this time slot, we will be offering two concurrent sessions. Read through the session descriptions below to determine which session might interest you most!

I. Teaching with Generative AI: Achieving AI Literacy and Designing Your Syllabus Policy
Presenter: Joe Yankus

With the inevitably increasing presence of artificial intelligence in education, attaining AI literacy prepares faculty to more effectively understand its potential role in teaching and learning. This workshop strives to demystify AI technologies by providing multiple frameworks on how to most effectively incorporate and use artificial intelligence in the classroom. Varied perspectives on developing your own AI syllabus policy are also explored, from fully banning AI usage to allowing unrestricted use.

II. Crafting Your Course for Success Including the New Montclair Syllabus
Presenters: Abigail Hunte & Terry Steckowich

From creating an announcement to designing a course landing page, this session will give you all the tools you need to build a solid, accessible Canvas course incorporating the new Montclair Syllabus. We will also share Canvas tips & tricks to ensure you have everything you need to effectively and efficiently prepare your Spring courses.

11:30am

During this time slot, we will be offering two concurrent sessions. Read through the session descriptions below to determine which session might interest you most!

I. Let’s Engage: Hands-on with Student Engagement Technologies and Strategies
Presenters: Chris Petrillo & Joe Russo

Looking to try something a bit more active this semester? Join us for a hands-on session that demonstrates how you can integrate opportunities for student engagement in your courses, whether teaching online or in-person. We’ll try out a student engagement strategy while demoing four versatile technologies you can integrate into your courses: Padlet, Hypothesis, Poll Everywhere, and Lucid. And wrap up with a brief discussion about motivation and considerations for designing your own student engagement experiences.

II. Keeping Up with What’s New on Canvas
Presenters: Pam Fallivene & Dan Stratthaus

The first day of class sets the tone for the rest of the semester. This workshop will offer simple, easy-to-implement strategies that will help you develop students’ sense of belonging.

1:00pm

During this time slot, we will be offering two concurrent sessions. Read through the session descriptions below to determine which session might interest you most!

I. Canvas Feature Testing: A Preview of Khanmigo – AI Tools to Enhance Learning
Presenters: Joe Yankus & Patrick Scioscia

This hands-on session explores how to leverage Khanmigo AI Tools in Canvas to plan learning activities, create course content, and tailor assignments for different learners. Participants will be provided time to test these tools independently, provide written feedback, and engage in discussion about their effectiveness and possible use for teaching.

II. Accessibility in Canvas
Presenter: Abigail Hunte

Empower your teaching with inclusive design strategies that ensure equal access for all learners. In this session, you’ll discover simple yet impactful ways to use Canvas to support students of all abilities. Explore real-world examples of diverse student needs, gain insights into accessibility best practices across different formats (text, video, audio), and learn about tools that can enhance accessibility in your courses.

2:00pm

During this time slot, we will be offering two concurrent sessions. Read through the session descriptions below to determine which session might interest you most!

I. Your Course Design Launchpad: Where to Begin and Shifting Your Course to 14 or 7 Weeks
Presenters: Jinxia He & Qian Yao

Are you preparing to teach a new course, redesign an existing one, or adapt your course to the upcoming 14 or 7-week formats? Join our workshop to learn effective course design models and strategies for prioritizing learning outcomes. This workshop will guide you in adapting your coursework using backward design, modifying assignments, and maximizing instruction. We’ll cover strategies like flipped classrooms, teamwork, and leveraging Canvas assessment tools for efficient grading.

II. Mastering the Canvas Gradebook
Presenters: Pam Fallivene & Abigail Hunte

Learn how to set up the Canvas Gradebook, weight assignments using assignment groups, enter grades and provide student feedback. This workshop will also demonstrate how to hide/unhide grades from students, set grading policies and see the gradebook from a student’s point of view.