Teaching with Technology (TwT)
TLT offers a series of virtual workshops to faculty each semester that focuses on innovative uses of University-approved instructional technologies.
Workshop Format
TwT’s online workshops include interactive presentations that vary in length from 1 to 2 hours. We currently offer four types of sessions each with distinct engagements:
- AI for Educators
- Prep and Practice
- Learning Tool Exploration
See the sections below for more details on each type of session. You can also register by clicking on the session title.
AI for Educators
In these sessions, faculty will have opportunities to explore and learn about Generative Artificial Intelligence tools used in education.
Featured Session
Learning Tool Exploration: AI Tools for Teaching and Learning
Participants are invited to join Teaching and Learning with Technology (TLT) and IT Learning and Development (ITLD) for a virtual session where participants will have the opportunity to preview a variety of Penn State approved AI tools and see how faculty can use these tools to enhance creativity, productivity, and efficiency within teaching and learning practices. Attendees will participate in a series of small group breakout sessions where they will be given an overview of AI tools by a TLT or ITLD representative and review classroom applications. (Zoom, Top Hat, Canvas, etc)
Using Generative AI in Course Design
Participants will learn how to request input from Generative AI at various stages of the backwards design process to integrate Generative AI into a class. Generative AI can be used as an assistive technology to scale efforts related to assessment planning and content generation (versions of quiz questions, media, etc). Based on your learning objectives, it can also be used to spark innovative inspiration. This session will be interactive, so participants are encouraged to bring their syllabus or course goals and objectives.
Helping Students Create ePortfolios with GenAI in mind for Future Careers
Participants will learn about ePortfolio with GenAI in mind. This will include development, design, and ethical considerations including the transparency of using GenAI in the process and communication of the ePortfolios.
Helping Students with GenAI Literacy
Participants will learn about the AI Literacy modules posted on the PSU Libraries website and which areas are most effective to highlight. Clarify how you nurture students’ vision, personalization, and interpersonal skills with AI as a tool by reviewing examples of how other faculty explain the importance of developing their students’ abilities. Review the 6 Principles for AI Use in Instruction.
Prep and Practice
In these sessions, faculty will have opportunities to integrate core instructional technologies into their course designs.
Preparing your Penn State Syllabus
This session is offered at the beginning of each fall and spring semester and focuses on supporting faculty in the preparation of their Penn State Syllabus. We review PSU syllabus requirements and recommendations, best practices for communicating course content on syllabi, and example syllabus language.
Introduction to Canvas
This session is offered at the beginning of each fall and spring semester. The Canvas Introduction sessions include research-based best practices with the utilization of Canvas, setting up your Canvas course via modules, creating assignments for electronic submission of work, setting up your gradebook, and how to give meaningful feedback in Canvas along with numerical grades.
Learning Tool Explorations and General Sessions
Faculty will have the opportunity to preview various popular learning technologies available to enhance instruction at PSU. Some of the sessions include demos in breakout rooms led by learning designers. General sessions target timely and important teaching with technology topics.
Learning Tool Exploration: Technologies for Digital Accessibility
Participants will explore Penn State-approved technologies and strategies that can be used to help ensure their digital course materials (Canvas pages, PowerPoints, multimedia, documents, etc.) are accessible. During the session, presenters will demonstrate how generative AI can be used to support accessibility reviews and resources available to support faculty with accessibility efforts.
Time-Saving Tips for Instructors
Do you find yourself challenged by the amount of time you dedicate to managing your engaging courses? This session will explore common challenges that faculty have faced and cover techniques shared for managing time more wisely, so you can minimize stress and while maintaining the engagement of your course. The session will conclude on how to utilize a time management faculty template.
Compassionate Pedagogy Using Technology
Explore how technology can support compassionate pedagogy and student well-being by fostering flexibility, external motivation, connection, and care. Explanations and faculty examples will include various technologies to foster connections with students, creation of video-based micro-lectures for course flexibility, leveraging Canvas for adaptability, and utilizing polling software and online whiteboarding tools to assist with student motivation and check-ins on how they are feeling.
How is TwT impacting New Faculty?
TwT Resources
After each workshop, all participants receive a follow-up email containing session resources.
Provost Endorsement
Faculty participating in the Embracing Teaching and Learning with Technology for Faculty New to Penn State or the AI-Enhanced Pedagogy: Exploring Generative AI as a Collaborative Partner for Teaching and Learning Provost Endorsement can attend the TwT sessions for credit towards the endorsement. Please visit the Provost Endorsement Program website for more information.
Talk with Us
Have a great idea? Get in touch with us! We can help you identify the right technologies to meet your pedagogical needs, or develop something completely new.