ASSETT Newsletter - May 2022

If you’re a reddit fan, you’ve heard of AMA, or Ask Me Anything. Today’s article highlights a service that can support both you AND your students when integrating technology into your classroom!

The transition out of spring semester is an ideal time to reflect on your teaching practices. In her article Course Design Matters, my colleague Karen Crouch provided four ways to approach course design. There, Karen referenced on-campus resources and offices that can assist you as you’re designing your course. We truly are surrounded by an incredible ecosystem of resources to support your teaching and students’ learning needs!

As you reflect upon how you might implement (non-OIT supported) technology to enhance course activities and projects, consider contacting ASSETT’s Student Technology Consultants (STCs). STCs are undergraduate staff members who are trained to help faculty, graduate instructors, and teaching assistants in the College of Arts & Sciences integrate innovative technologies and pedagogies into their classrooms. Examples of support the STCs can provide includes student-produced podcasts, FlipGrid (a video discussion board), and ArcGIS Story Maps (an integrated multimedia map tool). STCs consult with faculty members to learn about their teaching and learning goals and help determine what tools may best meet their needs. STCs can teach faculty members how to use the tool, introduce the new technology to students in class, and provide in- and out of class technical assistance. This support system allows faculty members to focus on teaching without the additional stress of providing technical support.  

While STCs are happy to assist you in the classroom, they are also available to assist you with technology questions that are outside of the classroom.  Learn more by watching ASSETT faculty advisor, Beth Osnes talk about her experience working with the STCs. For more information, email Jacie Moriyama at Jacie.Moriyama@colorado.edu.

Applications due May 15, 2022 for full consideration.

The CTL and ASSETT are pleased to announce a campus-wide Faculty Fellows program! During fall 2022, faculty fellows will attend a seminar and engage with a cohort of colleagues around teaching topics such as course design, active learning, inclusive teaching, teaching assessments, teaching with technology and other topics of interest. At the end of this seminar, fellows will propose a project to actively address identified teaching and learning challenge(s). 

Nominations due by 11:59 PM on May 16, 2022

To nominate an individual, complete the online form. Peers and students are encouraged to submit nominations; nominations of early-career faculty members are especially welcome. 

May 17th, 18th, and 19th, 2022 from 1:00-3:00 PM - Do you want to change the way you deliver your course content? Do you want to explore the different frameworks of the flipped classroom, hybrid, or online course designs? If you do, please join us for a Course Design Workshop. ASSETT’s Course Design Workshops provide a comprehensive and accessible introduction to developing a range of technology-enhanced learning experiences. Whether you are looking at teaching a new course or wanting to update an existing course, we will cover course design for face-to-face teaching, hybrid and remote delivery, providing a foundation of pedagogy, technical tools/skills, and research-informed practices that can be used flexibly to support Canvas courses.

Remote sessions and discussions from June 7th-30th: Want to try something new? How about a podcast club? Listening to podcasts, as opposed to reading a dense, academic book, is a “low-lift” way to spark your teaching and learning inspiration this summer. During the month of June, we’ll listen to 4 assigned podcasts from the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast series by Bonnie Stachowiak and participants will share one additional podcast of choice that they think would be of interest to the group. In the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast series, Bonnie interviews faculty from across the country on a variety of timely topics including digital pedagogy, student-centered topics, the work and life of a faculty member, and instructional methods. Email Amanda.McAndrew@colorado.edu to RSVP for more information and to be added to our Canvas course where you’ll find information about which podcasts to listen to and to contribute to an online discussion about what we learn. Space is unlimited so tell a friend and come join the club!

Applications due June 30, 2022 for work to begin in Fall 2022

The Innovating Large Courses Initiative is a NEW program that provides 3-year funding and educational support to departments to improve student success in large lecture courses. Apply now for the fall cohort.

July 21 from 1:00-4:00 PM: Are you a new faculty member to CU Boulder and would like to know more about how to prepare to teach your courses this fall? Please join us for a “Course Design and Academic Technology Overview for New Faculty” workshop! We will introduce Canvas, cover the basics of course design, foundational pedagogy, and discuss academic technology to help new faculty prepare for the up-coming semester. Whether you are teaching face-to face, hybrid, or remote courses, we will provide an overview and share resources in this 3-hour workshop. *Advanced registration is required. 

The ASSETT team is available for one-on-one and small-group consultations that are tailored to the unique needs of faculty, courses, and programs. Our services are designed to help you teach more efficiently and effectively with tools suited to your comfort level, learning objectives, and technical expertise. Bring us a specific problem, question, or idea you want to address, or come in for a brainstorming session to develop creative and innovative strategies to enhance your course. Consultations may be scheduled on a one-time or recurring basis, according to your needs and interest. To schedule an initial consultation, email us at assett@colorado.edu.

Can't make it to the podcast club? No problem! Browse this thoughtfully curated list of a few of our favorite titles instead.