Faculty development

The Office of Digital Learning facilitates a growing number of faculty development programs. Our programs are geared towards faculty who want to reflect on their current teaching practice, expand their knowledge of innovative trends and research, exchanges ideas with colleagues and experiment in an intentional way with technology-enhanced teaching strategies.

Integrating Digital Projects into your Classes

Guiding faculty through the design and integration of digital student projects into coursework, this limited capacity four-part series, runs from February 12th through April 12th.

Digital multi-modal projects enrich student experiences with engaging activities to supplement written, or other traditional assignment modalities. Utilizing and teaching a Design Thinking approach, this series guides instructors through the process of identifying, designing, and implementing complimentary digital projects for their courses while offloading the implicit technical barriers to a partnered technologist.

Faculty Development Series Spring 2024

Teaching with Generative AI

This faculty development series is designed to empower instructors with the latest insights and strategies for teaching with Artificial Intelligence, and equip them with the knowledge and skills to navigate the integration of Artificial Intelligence in teaching successfully. Each 30-minute Zoom session will be followed by an interactive 30-minute discussion, providing a platform for collaborative exploration and idea exchange. All sessions are scheduled for 12 pm on the dates below.

Incorporating Generative AI in Assignments

February 7

Explore the potential of generative AI in education. Discover how generative AI can help students develop critical thinking and reflection skills. In this session we will delve into ways to leverage generative AI for enhancing teaching and learning experience. We will explore how we can use the technology in a critical way that helps them to develop skills needed for success, including critical thinking, evaluating, summarizing, referencing, etc.

Decode the Digital: Unmasking AI-Generated Content

February 14

In an era where artificial intelligence plays an increasingly prominent role in academic assignment submissions, this session aims to empower attendees with the knowledge needed to distinguish between human and AI-generated text, images, and more. Participants will embark on an immersive learning experience to enhance their skills in identifying AI-generated content.

Using Generative AI as a Research Tool

February 21

How can generative AI be integrated into student work responsibly? This session focuses on the practical integration of Generative AI in student research assignments, providing example use cases and essential guidelines for designing AI-enhanced assignments. By the end of the workshop, participants will have gained valuable insights to kickstart their journey in incorporating generative AI into student research projects.

AI for Course Design

February 28

Unlock the potential of generative AI in content creation in this virtual session. Delve into the intricacies of crafting compelling content, thought-provoking prompts, insightful questions, and effective rubrics using generative AI technology. Equip yourself with the skills to seamlessly integrate AI-driven strategies into your teaching methods and elevate the quality of your instructional content.

Applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) (in collaboration with Advancements in Teaching Excellence)

In this series, participants will learn about the principles and practices of UDL, equipping themselves with innovative strategies to create inclusive and accessible learning environments. Our expert facilitators will guide participants through practical applications, fostering a deep understanding of how UDL can enhance the teaching and learning experience. Each 30-minute Zoom session will be followed by an interactive 30-minute discussion, providing a platform for collaborative exploration and idea exchange. All sessions are scheduled for 12 pm on the dates below. This series presented in collaboration with Advancements in Teaching Excellence.

Introduction to Universal Design for Learning (UDL): What is UDL and why we Need it

March 13

This session introduces the “what” and “why” of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in higher education. It highlights the importance of creating inclusive educational environments for all students and fostering diverse and equitable learning experience. Participants will gain insights into the principles and practices of UDL.

Applying UDL: Engaging all Learners

March 20

This session aims to explore the essential “why” of learning by emphasizing the creation of inclusive educational experiences. Participants will discover practical strategies to provide opportunities to engage students by designing content for diverse backgrounds of students and through reflection and feedback on course activities. Participants will leave the sessions with the tools needed to enhance student engagement and promote equitable learning outcomes.

Applying UDL: Reaching all Learners

April 3

This session focuses on the ways to reach all students. Participants will learn how small changes can have a big impact in their course design and teaching practice. Practical and easy to implement strategies will be shared to help participants achieve their goal of creating an inclusive learning environment for all students.

Applying UDL: Empowering all Learners

April 10

This last session delves into practical strategies for enabling diverse learners to succeed. Participants will explore different ways to empower all students to take an active role in their learning journey, such as providing multiple pathways and implementing scaffolding techniques to help students succeed. Participants will leave the session feeling empowered with the tools needed for the successful implementation of inclusive teaching practice.

Teaching with Technology Certificate Program

Offered in fall semesters, this twelve-week program supports the effective and efficient use of technology in teaching and learning via regular meetings of a faculty learning community. The program creates space for reflection on current teaching practice, pedagogical research, and why and how to integrate new technology in teaching.

The program will introduce these topics:

Inclusive course design and technology
Digital standards and teaching modalities
Engaging students online and in the classroom
Student interaction and collaboration
Effective instructional materials and technology
Assessments and evaluations
Deepening learning with digital reflections and projects
Feedback and rubrics

The program is delivered in a hybrid format, with preparation work online combined with face-to-face meetings. Participants should plan to spend about three hours a week on the course. The program culminates in a showcase event at which participants present on teaching innovations completed during the semester.

The application for the fall 2024 cohort will open in April.

For more information, contact Wenzhen Li at wenzhenl@unr.edu or (775) 682-6789.