News
From a new cohort graduating from Information Technology Academy or Blend@UW to an extra learning technologies launching in Learn@UW, there’s always something going on at DoIT Academic Technology. Check back regularly to stay updated!
How can we create small-group learning that fosters students’ interaction without forcing students’ dependence on other students’ skills, availability, contributions, and punctuality? Our January 28, 2021 Lab addressed the five principles for remote group projects. Five principles for Remote group projects Protect trust-building interactions: Any new group needs to start with “Interaction, not dependence” —… Independent learners need (obviously?) independence, but the culture of much of traditional teaching is top-down — instructors set a curriculum and dole it out at a pace that tries to keep everyone in the class learning the same things at the same time. Our January 20, 2021 Lab dug into teaching practices that create a culture… Our January 13, 2021 Lab addressed the challenge of designing a remote/online course without it feeling like more work for students. Even if you haven’t added more to your remote course, the format might make it feel like more. FIRST TAKE: 7 Ways to Avoid “Course-and-a-half Syndrome” Students (and their parents!) are increasingly speaking up… The Learn@UW–Madison team is (virtually) here to help instructors start a new semester off right! Instructors may want to add the following back-to-school reminders to their list as well as the DoIT Help Desk to their contact list to prepare. Get key information about accessing the course syllabus template in Canvas, the new archival process… At the December 02, 2020 Active Teaching Lab, we looked at using plain language to make syllabi, schedules, and course policies clear, concise, and simple. 12 Principles for Plain Language Plain language is clear, concise, organized, and appropriate for the intended audience. Write for your reader, not yourself. Use pronouns when you can. State your… The November 18, 2020 Active Teaching Lab theme explored how campus tools and processes — Direct Evidence of Student Learning (DESL), Lumen, Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs), and Canvas — can work together to provide better learning and more efficient teaching. See examples and get tips on identifying key assignments, linking key assignments and activities to learning outcomes from… Adapting to our university’s changing needs is a key focus of the Learn@UW–Madison team in managing the Learn@UW suite of learning technologies. With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, adaptation is even more critical as academic calendars and modes of instruction change. To help instructors adjust to new timelines, below is key information for submitting final grades,… At the November 11, 2020 Active Teaching Lab we examined different ways to have a welcoming Canvas site that helps students know what to do first, and navigate through your content. What and Why — Takeaways It is worth your time to make good course design decisions because it will save you and your students… The November 4, 2020 Active Teaching Lab theme moved beyond “accommodations” and towards inclusive design principles. Why UDL/Accessibility is worth your time and effort Preventative: While one can never preemptively address all the needs that your students will have, UDL is a framework that can help us design learning environments that address many student needs. The… The October 28, 2020 Active Teaching Lab theme investigated options for meaningful learning after the switch to “remote” to complete the semester! 10 Tips for Remote Instruction If you taught in Spring when campus moved suddenly to remote instruction you probably have your own list of things that caught you by surprise. You found solutions…Active Teaching Lab Recap: Remote group projects — 10 ways to improve
Active Teaching Lab Recap: Independent learners — 10 ways to develop (01.21.2021)
Active Teaching Lab Recap: “Course-and-a-half Syndrome”— 10 ways to avoid (01.13.2021)
Be Prepared to Spring into the New Semester
Active Teaching Lab Recap: Plain Language and Syllabi Design
Active Teaching Lab Recap: Direct Evidence of Student Learning (DESL)
Learn@UW Updates for Finishing Fall & Starting Spring
Active Teaching Lab Recap: The First 60 Seconds in Canvas
Active Teaching Lab Recap: Accessibility and Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Active Teaching Lab Recap: Nine Days after Thanksgiving