The Center for Teaching & Learning recognizes that there is a rapidly evolving digital landscape, and teaching well with technology has become increasingly important in higher education. Technology can transform the learning experience, making it more engaging, interactive, and accessible for students. By incorporating technology into their teaching methods, educators can leverage a wide range of tools and platforms to enhance the dissemination of knowledge, foster critical thinking skills, and promote collaboration among students. Whether it's through online learning management systems, multimedia presentations, virtual simulations, or remote communication tools, technology provides opportunities for personalized learning experiences that cater to diverse student needs and learning styles. Additionally, teaching well with technology opens up new opportunities for inclusivity and accessibility in higher education.
The CTL is part of the campus ecosystem of teaching and technology. If working on online learning at CU, Continuing Education has many programs and courses. Also, the Office of Academic and Learning Innovation is committed to expanding access to quality higher education through innovation, collaboration, and technology.
Faculty support for integrating technology:
Canvas
Canvas is a cloud-based learning management system (LMS) used as a vital space for instruction, a communication hub for students, and a place to collect, grade, and track assignments. For academic courses, faculty should Log in to MyCUInfo and use the Teaching Tools tab to request an online course. Once created, your course can be found on the Canvas Dashboard and will be blank; however, you can copy course content into a new course.
For more information on essential instructional uses and best practices, request a one-on-one consultation with OIT's Academic Technology Consultants, learn more about upcoming trainings, watch on-demand videos, or read step-by-step guides on the OIT website.
Campus-Supported Technology
When choosing tools to aid in your instruction, the Office of Information Technology (OIT) recommends using campus-supported technologies. This preserves academic continuity for your students, allowing them to use familiar tools, and ensures OIT can support you as you implement these technologies.
Support is available as you learn the technical aspects of these tools. OIT’s Academic Technology Consultants are available to meet one-on-one to discuss your academic technology needs or can provide a number of academic technology workshops for groups upon request.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) provides a framework for designing instruction that is inclusive and addresses the diverse learning needs of all students. By incorporating UDL principles into their teaching practices, educators can create learning environments that proactively remove barriers to learning and engage all students, regardless of their background, abilities, or learning preferences. Consultations and on-demand trainings are available upon request. At CU Boulder, faculty can earn a micro-credential by completing an online course.
Making Digital Materials and Technology Accessible for Teaching & Learning
Faculty can get support with understanding and implementing accessibility for digital materials and technology so that all learners, regardless of abilities or disabilities, have access to and can engage with educational content. Accessibility is critical to promote inclusivity, fulfill ethical responsibilities, enhance learning experiences, accommodate diverse learning, and comply with legal requirements. To learn more about how to create digitally accessible experiences and materials or find resources email DAO to request a consultation.
Explore Additional Tech
New technologies often provide innovative tools and resources that can enhance teaching and learning experiences. By exploring and adopting new technologies, faculty members can tap into their potential to engage students, facilitate active learning, and create dynamic and interactive educational experiences. If teaching with the College of Arts & Sciences, the team at Arts & Science Support of Education Through Technology (ASSETT), contact the ASSETT team to learn more about opportunities or for help.
Request a Consultation from CTL/ASSETT
The CTL and ASSETT offer individualized, confidential consultations free of charge. All CU Boulder educators, including faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and staff who teach, are welcome to schedule teaching consultations to learn how to integrate technology into instruction. ASSETT and CTL have merged. Depending on your department an ASSETT or CTL team member will reach out to discuss your consultation goals.
Further reading & resources:
Course Design Resources
Open Educational Resources (OER) include learning materials such as open textbooks, courses, syllabi, lectures, assignments, quizzes, lab activities, games, and simulations.