TLOS Top 10 for Fall 2023

The start of the academic year brings a mix of excitement and challenges. No matter how much we plan, there always seems to be something new to consider or a task that needs completed. As your classes get underway, here are ten things we hope will help you prepare for a successful fall semester. 

1. Register for introduction to generative AI workshops
   TLOS is offering a collection of resources to support faculty as they explore the opportunities and challenges that generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) poses to teaching and learning. To start, TLOS is offering a series of workshops, curating a collection of recommendations, and facilitating an ongoing conversation. The first two workshops are open for registration:
   
   • Introduction to Generative AI: Implications for Teaching and Learning
   • Introduction to Prompting for AI Conversational Agents
      
2. Take the EDUCAUSE 2023 Faculty Survey
   TLOS is partnering with Information Technology Experience & Engagement (ITEE) to promote participation in the 2023 EDUCAUSE Faculty survey. Your response will help inform decisions about instructional technology services at Virginia Tech. Participants will have the option to earn one PDN credit for completing the survey. Learn more and take the survey.
   
   
3. Apply for an Innovation in Learning Grant 
   Have an innovative teaching idea? Apply for an Innovation in Learning Grant to support the evaluation, design, and implementation of new approaches to teaching and learning using technology. Deadline to apply is Sept. 11, 2023.
   
   
4. Create accessible course materials with Ally
   Use Ally to scan existing course content and follow guided feedback to increase accessibility. Need help deciding where to start? Review the Instructor Ally Course Access Report to prioritize your efforts or request a consultation with a TLOS PDF expert. Additionally, students can use Ally to convert course materials into their preferred formats.
   
   
5. Schedule Canvas coaching with a Panda Pro
   Connect one-on-one with a Panda Pro to access expert advice on using Canvas. The free 45-minute sessions run 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Sept. 30, 2023.
   
   
6. Complete a self-paced learning series
   Interested in learning more about flexible/online learning or ways to make your learning environment more inclusive? Complete one or more of the following new learning series options:
   
   • Foundations of Online and Flexible Teaching
   • Enhanced Online and Flexible Teaching
   • Accessibility Champion Pathway


7. Consider Respondus tools for assessments
   Respondus LockDown Browser disables printing, copying, visiting websites, accessing other applications, or closing a digital assessment until it is submitted for grading. Respondus Monitor adds a webcam feature to record students’ actions during testing. Learn more from the Instructor Quick Start Guide and the 4Help Knowledge Base.
   
   
8. Try out the Kaltura V7 player update
   The Kaltura V7 player used for embedded “My Media” videos now features:
   
   • Playback speed controls accessed by using the gear icon.
   • Video transcripts accessed by using the icon in the upper-right corner of the video.
   • A download button, when available, that appears at the top-right.
   • A cleaner visual embed that does not add extra padding below a video.
      
9. Use Gradescope in your courses

Gradescope, a Canvas-integrated assessment platform, offers flexible options for grading paper-based, digital, and bubble-sheet quizzes, exams, and homework assignments. The tool pairs AI-assisted grading with instructor-created rubrics to increase the efficiency and consistency of scoring and facilitate more timely feedback. After assignments are graded, faculty can analyze questions to gain a better understanding of student performance. Virginia Tech has extended the Gradescope license in all Canvas course sites for the 2023-24 academic year.

10. Explore support resources

Have a question? In Canvas, use the new Help Docs button located near the Support button that will provide quick access to a knowledge base located inside Canvas. Need additional help? Search the 4Help Knowledge Base for step-by-step instructions, submit a 4Help incident for technical assistance, or request a consultation. 

Stay connected with TLOS throughout the semester on Twitter/X or Facebook for tips, updates, and news about learning technologies. Contact us at tlos@vt.edu with questions or to share an idea.