2022 August Faculty Workshops – Program

The 2022 August Faculty Workshops were held on August 17, 18 & 24, 2022. Some sessions were video-recorded as linked in the program below.

Wednesday, August 17

101: Navigating Free Expression and Inclusion: Implications for Teaching and Learning

Presenters: Fanta Aw (Office of Campus Life), Amanda Taylor (Office of Campus Life), Lia Epperson (Washington College of Law), Lara Schwartz (School of Public Affairs), Jaris Williams Office of (Dean of Students), Regina Curran (Office of Campus Life)

In this session, we will share strategies for faculty and staff to set the tone for classroom and other learning spaces where all students feel free to pursue important and challenging questions in a way that is inclusive and equitable. We will explore how AU policies play a role in shaping and supporting our shared values of free inquiry and inclusion.

Watch the recording of Session 101

102: Delivering Blended Courses for Changing Times

Presenters: Priya Doshi (School of Communication), Dario Bernadini (School of Communication), Rajul Bhaskar (School of Communication)

As we move through these changing times, this session will cover methods for how to reorganize an existing course into a blended course ( meaning a mix of in-person classes and asynchronous online classes). We will discuss learnings including strengths and weaknesses from blended courses taught during the 2021-22 academic year. Topics of discussion include syllabus organization, grading, asynchronous lectures, and in-class lecture restructuring. Participants are encouraged to bring a syllabus they would like to consider converting from a fully in-person class to a blended class to participate in an activity focused on how to redesign syllabi.

Watch the recording of Session 102

103: An Introduction to CourseArc

Presenters: Stacey Murphy (CourseArc Solutions Engineer) & Jennifer Miller (CourseArc Client Support Specialist)

CourseArc is a platform for creating and managing engaging and accessible online content. In this workshop, we will provide a high-level overview of the features and functions of CourseArc and how they can be used to create effective learning experiences for your students. We will also demonstrate how CourseArc seamlessly integrates with Canvas.

201: Sparking Student Curiosity

Research tells us what we know—curiosity is central to learning. This workshop will explore how we can help students cultivate curiosity by presenting engagement-related challenges and sharing best practices to overcome those challenges. Participants will then discuss individual practices and brainstorm ideas to help spark students’ curiosity in their pursuit of learning.

Watch the recording of session 201.

202: Working with Credo: An Inclusive Resource for Developing Information Literacy Skills

Presenters: Melissa Becher (University Library) & Christina Bush (University Library)

Credo is a bank of videos, tutorials, and quizzes designed to help students develop information literacy skills. It is a good choice for the inclusive classroom as it supports diverse learning styles and needs. This session introduces Credo as a resource and instructional tool, including embedding Credo modules into Canvas.

Watch the recording of session 202.

203: Humanize Your Online Course with VoiceThread

Presenter: George Haines (Instructional Designer and Online Educator atVoiceThread)

In this workshop, educators will learn how to establish a social presence using VoiceThread to improve course satisfaction and student learning. We will cover all of the basic VoiceThread features, demonstrate how everything works in Canvas, showcase a variety of examples, and have an open Q&A throughout the training.

Watch the recording of Session 203.

Lunch Session – Who are our AU Undergraduate Students? Implications for Teaching and Learning

This luncheon will provide insights into AU undergraduate students, most of whom are Gen Z students. The panel will discuss trends in student development with an emphasis on the incoming cohort and students early in their time at the university.

301: Any Course can be a Sustainability Course!

Presenters: Hannah Jardine (CTRL) & Megan Litke (CTRL)

While we often think of environmental studies classes as the natural home for sustainability, topics of sustainability can be a great fit in any class. In this session, we will discuss the definition of sustainability and brainstorm ideas for incorporating sustainability by making small changes to your syllabus.

Watch the recording of session 301.

302: Qualtrics: Changes and Implementation

Presenter: Tiffany Monique Quash (CTRL)

We will be going over the updates that have been introduced into Qualtrics over the past year. We will cover the functional dashboard and template changes within the platform. We ask that you have logged into Qualtrics before the beginning of the workshop.

Watch the recording of session 302.

401: Equity and Rigor: Using Transparency and Flexibility to Promote Student Achievement

Presenters: Mac Crite (CTRL) & Shed Siliman (CTRL)

Rigor and equity are often framed as mutually exclusive in teaching; however, both are necessary to promote high levels of student performance. In this workshop, participants will explore how inclusive teaching strategies, such as transparency and flexibility, foster a rigorous classroom and enhance student achievement and engagement.

402: How to Incorporate High-Impact Service-Learning into Your Course

Presenters: Marcy Campos (Center for Community Engagement & Service), Melissa Hawkins (Undergraduate Programs, Department of Health Studies), Donald Curtis (Student-Athletes Organized to Understand Leadership (SOUL)), & Saagar Gupta (Community-Based Learning)

Community-based learning (CBL) integrates meaningful service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience and strengthen communities. With over 12,000 nonprofits in D.C., there are countless opportunities for students to apply theory, practice skills, and address critical social justice issues. Learn about two programs at AU: the Community Service-Learning Program (CSLP) Add-On Credit and Community-Based Learning Courses.

Watch the recording of session 402.

Thursday, August 18

501: Set the Tone for Engagement, Empowerment & Collaboration from Day 1

Presenters: Hannah Jardine (CTRL), Gavin Frome (CTRL) & Kathryn Grossman (CTRL)

The first day of class lays the foundation for the semester for us and our students. Join us for this interactive workshop to discuss various approaches to building community with your students and setting expectations for positive, productive interactions throughout the semester.

Watch the recording of session 501.

CANCELLED – 502: Black Undergraduate Men Learning in Campus Spaces: Insights from the COVID-19 Pandemic

Contemporary incidents of racism and racial violence in American society oftentimes influence students’ curricular and co-curricular experiences on college campuses. Using data from both semi-structured and photo-elicitation interviews, this session will unearth how undergraduate Black men experienced negative experiences in the classroom during the COVID-19 pandemic.

601: “Difficult” Discussions: Managing Conflict When Discussing Identity and Politics Within the Classroom

Presenters: Mac Crite (CTRL) & Shed Siliman (CTRL)

It is inevitable that conflicts in the world around us will appear in our classroom discussions. How can we make space for students to explore these topics generatively? In this workshop, participants will explore the impact of their own and students’ identities on such class discussions and begin building plans for addressing challenging topics.

602: R-Studio Crash Course

Presenter: Eric R. Schuler (CTRL)

We will be going over the basics of R-Studio and Quatro (no slides). We will cover how to import data, obtain descriptive statistics, and run univariate tests. We ask that you join the workshop with everything installed on your computer (instructions will be emailed prior to the workshop).

Watch the recording of session 602.

603: Moving from Passive to Active: Creating Engaging Videos with Playposit

Presenters: Luis Alvarado (Office of Digital Learning & Strategy) & Chris Whetstine (Office of Digital Learning & Strategy)

We all want students to play a more active role in our online classes. With PlayPosit, students have an opportunity to interact with the videos you create, by easily incorporating questions throughout the videos that will gauge student knowledge. During this session, we will discuss how to use PlayPosit in your class.

Watch the recording of session 603.

Lunch Session -CTRL Faculty Award Luncheon

Presenters (and Winners): Anjali Varma (Ann Ferren Curriculum Design Award), Susan Apgood (Ann Ferren Curriculum Design Award), Krisztina Domjan (Milton and Sonia Greenberg Scholarship ofTeaching & Learning Award), & Raychelle Burks (Milton and Sonia Greenberg Scholarshipof Teaching & Learning Award)

At this luncheon, come hear this year’s CTRL Faculty Award Winners talk about their work. Raychelle Burks (one of two winners of the Milton and Sonia Greenberg Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award) will talk about the Digital Image and Vision Applications in Science (DIVAS) project, which was created to enhance computational thinking skills and computing self-efficacy in natural or physical science majors in an inclusive community of practice (CoP). Krisztina Domjan (one of two winners of the Milton and Sonia Greenberg Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award) will discuss her research on how comprehensive notes on texts, adequate information literacy skills, and transparent class norms will lead to learning-centered academic class discussions and meaningful engagement of international college students. Susan Apgood and Anjali Varma (winners of the Ann Ferren Curriculum Design Award) will talk about their class, which examines the barriers and discrimination that women leaders face, spotlights successful women leaders, and provides the next generation of leaders with tools to navigate and assist those navigating the labyrinth women leaders face.

Watch the luncheon.

701: Contemplative Pedagogy for Academic Achievement and Community Well-Being

Presenter: Richard D. Williams (School of Education)

Contemplative pedagogy is the application of contemplative practices within learning environments that foster critical analysis, reflection, planning, combining course readings, independent student research, and student lived experiences. This session is designed for faculty of all teaching experience levels who are new to or have intermediate experience with contemplative practices.

Watch the recording of 701.

702: Professional Life and Self-Care: Resources and Strategies for Maintaining Boundaries and Recharging while Supporting Students

Presenters: Traci Callandrillo (Office of Campus Life), Jeff Volkmann (Center for Well-Being Programs and Psychological Services), & Michelle Dagne (Victim Services Associate)

As university professionals, we are engaged in supporting students in ways that have greatly changed and expanded, particularly during the pandemic. This session will focus on strategies and approaches that facilitate skills around setting boundaries with our work with students and building strategies to recharge and develop a practice of active life role balancing.

703: Canvas Overview

Presenter: Zac Schiffman (University Library)

This workshop is designed to introduce Canvas to those who have never used it before. From navigating Canvas to developing your assignments, this workshop provides a high-level overview of basic functionality within Canvas and will prepare you to publish your first Canvas Course.

Watch the recording of session 703.

801: Working Towards Antiracism and Equity in 2022: Perspectives from AU Faculty

Presenter: Shari Watkins (CTRL)

Through their own experiences, faculty may become aware of the challenges, opportunities, and tensions that relate to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) and antiracist efforts in their teaching, research, and service. In this interactive workshop, we will share firsthand perspectives and engage in discussion to shed light on the ways AU faculty currently center DEI and antiracism through their ideas, practices, and strategies.

Watch the recording of session 801.

802: Information, Technology, and Hope: Strategies for Empowering Student Researchers

Presenters: Derrick Jefferson (University Library), Edward Helfers (Department of Literature), Lydia Fettig (Department of Literature), & Chelsea Horne (Department of Literature)

Incorporating a range of disciplinary perspectives, this diverse panel hopes to complicate understandings of information literacy by exploring iterative strategies—from assignment design and in-class activities to instructor disposition and life skills instruction—that empower students and instructors to approach information literacy principles from a position of (skeptical) hope..

803: Kaltura Within Canvas

Presenter: Shilpa Das Gupta (Manager, E-Learning Support Services, University Library)

This workshop introduces you to a useful tool for student engagement within Canvas: Kaltura. Kaltura is a video creation and streaming software giving instructors the ability to record mini-lectures, screen record, and students the ability to create video presentations. In this workshop, we will explore effective ways to increase student engagement through mixed media.

Watch the recording of session 803.

Wednesday, August 24

901: What AU Undergraduate Students Wish Faculty and Staff Knew

Presenters: Jessica Waters (Undergraduate Education, Academic Student Services), Regina Curran (Office of Campus Life), Desiree Perez (Class of 2023), Andrea Bisk (Class of 2023), Gaby Waksberg (Class of 2025), Stevie Early (Class of 2024), Eshaan Vasisht (Class of 2023)

AU undergraduate students will share “what we wish faculty and staff knew” during a moderated panel conversation. Students will share some of their AU experiences, particularly focused on student wellness inside and outside of the classroom.

Watch the recording of session 901.

Cancelled – 902: Collaborating for Success: Exploring Faculty Involvement & Engagement in Living-Learning Communities at AU

Presenter: Kyle Johnson (Assistant Director, University College and Sophomore LLCs, Office of Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies)

Welcome, Home! Come learn about AU’s Living-Learning Communities (LLCs) and why faculty in LLCs matter. We will explore the benefits of an LLC from both the student and faculty perspective and discuss the ways in which you can leave your mark on an LLC Eagle!

903: Canvas Overview

Presenter: Shilpa Das Gupta (Manager, E-Learning Support Services, University Library)

Watch the recording of session 903.

Cancelled – 1001: Crossing Disciplinary Boundaries with Community Reading Programs: Making Conditional Citizens a Bridge for Your Students

Presenter: Daisy Levy (Writing Studies Program, Department of Literature), Jermaine Jones (Writing Studies Program, Department of Literature), Adam Tamashasky (Writing Studies Program, Department of Literature)

Share, discuss, and listen to ways this year’s Writer as Witness text can engage communities in transdisciplinary conversations and build your classroom community. Participants will collaborate on class activity development and learn from faculty across academic contexts.

1002: Creating an Annotated Syllabus: Building Your Teaching Portfolio While Promoting Inclusivity

Presenters: Mac Crite (CTRL) & Gavin Frome (CTRL)

Reduce the cost burden of higher education on students. With Open Educational Resources (OER), students have access to materials from the first day of class. In this workshop, we will discuss various options when it comes to teaching with freely available, openly licensed course materials. This includes the use of OER and the creation of your own OER such as textbooks.

Lunch Session – CTRL Open House

CTRL Q+A Session

1101: Returning to the Core: The Next Chapter of Enriching Liberal Arts Education at AU

Presenters: Brad Knight (Director of AU Core and University College) & Martyn Oliver (Faculty Chair of AU Core and Senior Professorial Lecturer, Critical Race, Gender & Culture Studies)

The Core is a reflection of AU’s shared academic values. This session briefly reviews the scope of the Core curriculum as foundation for opening an ongoing, multi-year conversation about how we move the Core forward as the heart of liberal arts education at AU.

Cancelled – 1102: Research, Data, and Methodology Support and Resources from CTRL and the Library

Presenters: Eric. R. Schuler (Quantitative/Computational Research Methodologist, CTRL), Tiffany Monique Quash (Qualitative/Survey Research Methodologist, CTRL), Jessica Breen (Program Director, Geospatial Research Support, University Library), Stefan Kramer (Associate Librarian, University Library)

Come learn about the various research, data, and methodological support and resources that are available to you from both CTRL and the Library. We will discuss what resources are offered, what support we can provide, and will have time for a Q&A session.

1103: Kaltura Within Canvas

Presenter: Ashley Roccamo (E-Learning, University Library)

Cancelled – 1201: Teaching the “Hidden Curriculum”: Helping All Students Navigate Implicit Expectations

Presenters: Shed Siliman (CTRL) & Kathryn Grossman (CTRL)

This workshop will help instructors identify and teach the hidden curriculum—the unwritten rules and expectations that students must navigate to be successful in the classroom and beyond. Different strategies will be explored to reveal these implicit assumptions to students with the goals of creating a more inclusive classroom environment and promoting equitable student achievement.

Cancelled – 1202: The Evolution of AUx1: Centering Student Wellness, Identity & Community Development at AU

Presenters: Izzi Stern (Director, AUx Program, Office of Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies) & Michelle Swiger (AUx Instructor and Advisor, First-Year Advising)

During this session, attendees will learn about the updates to the AUx1 curriculum for Fall 2022, including the course learning outcomes and changes to the course arc. We will review how the course engages students in self-reflection and dialogue around a variety of topics, including wellness, identity, and community.