Commonwealth Connections: Instructor Days
Thank you for coming together with colleagues from the Penn State Commonwealth Campuses to gear up for the upcoming semester.
The event explored topics related to engaging and supporting students; assessment; diversity, equity, and inclusion; emerging technology trends; and more! Hear from your faculty colleagues as they share strategies and tools for success.
Session Recordings & Resources
Welcome and Opening Remarks – Commonwealth Campus Instructor Days Fall 2024
Welcome and Opening Remarks – Commonwealth Campus Instructor Days Fall 2024
We will kick off the event with opening remarks from Dr. Richard Brazier, Senior Associate Dean for Faculty and Research & University College Interim Dean.
A (Very Brief) Introduction to Copilot
A (Very Brief) Introduction to Copilot
Join Allain Daigle (Instructional Designer) for an interactive demo of Microsoft Copilot. We’ll go over how to access the tool, try it out, and begin to explore ideas on thoughtfully accounting for generative AI in teaching and learning.
Open Educational Resources: Finding & Integrating No- and Low-Cost Course Materials
Open Educational Resources: Finding & Integrating No- and Low-Cost Course Materials
This session will give an overview of the variety of OER and low-cost course materials options available to Penn State students, faculty, and staff. Participants will leave knowing where to search for materials, a brief introduction to copyright, and how to get support from University Libraries.
Embracing Generative AI in Education: Innovative Approaches in Biology and Mathematics
Embracing Generative AI in Education: Innovative Approaches in Biology and Mathematics
Explore the innovative use of generative AI (genAI) in higher education with presentations from a biologist and a mathematician. Learn how genAI is transforming assignments in “What it Means to be Human” (BIOL/PSYCH 169N) by fostering critical thinking through AI-driven debates, including problem solving and trouble shooting. Discover its role in enhancing pedagogical skills and lesson planning in Math 200 classroom activity.
Fostering Community and Engagement: Creating Supportive Learning Cultures in Different Classroom Environments
Fostering Community and Engagement: Creating Supportive Learning Cultures in Different Classroom Environments
This session explores effective strategies to foster engagement and build community in educational settings. By prioritizing student connection and belonging, educators can create supportive environments conducive to deeper learning.
Redefining Grading and Expectations in Higher Education
Redefining Grading and Expectations in Higher Education
Explore innovative techniques in grading and expectation management that drive student success. This session highlights the implementation of Standards-Based Grading and practical changes to syllabus language and assignment instructions, leading to improved educational experiences.
Innovative Learning & Sustainable Solutions to Societal Challenges
Innovative Learning & Sustainable Solutions to Societal Challenges
Join us to learn the benefits of project-based learning and community partnerships. At Penn State Scranton, the teams’ success along with details of the goals and expectations will be shared. The session will focus on the benefits to students including the development of oral and written communication skills, critical thinking, teamwork, and the exhibition of leadership qualities.
Portfolios for Authentic Assessment
Portfolios for Authentic Assessment
This session will dive into the use of portfolios as a way to review student work. Portfolios not only help with authentic assessment of student work, but showcases students acquired knowledge through an entire semester. The portfolio allows faculty to return to student’s work later as they navigate to graduate school or future work and request recommendation letters.
Amplifying OAER: Collaborative Approaches for Expanding Open Educational Resources at Penn State
Amplifying OAER: Collaborative Approaches for Expanding Open Educational Resources at Penn State
This presentation will highlight the successful initiatives undertaken by two math faculty members to increase the use of Open Educational Resources (OER) in their classes and beyond. The presenters will share the journeys the took to use OER in their courses and spotlight OER tools they’ve used or created that can be utilized by other Penn State faculty.
Strategies to Engage Students in Hybrid and Zoom Courses
Strategies to Engage Students in Hybrid and Zoom Courses
This session will dive into the use of portfolios as a way to review student work. Portfolios not only help with authentic assessment of student work, but showcases students acquired knowledge through an entire semester. The portfolio allows faculty to return to student’s work later as they navigate to graduate school or future work and request recommendation letters.
Engaging Students in Tough Topics Through Self-Reflective Practices and Shared Learning Activities
Engaging Students in Tough Topics Through Self-Reflective Practices and Shared Learning Activities
Motivating students to engage with complex topics can be challenging. In this session, learn how faculty colleagues encourage students to research, collaborate, and showcase their knowledge about difficult topics through self-reflective and shared learning strategies.
Challenge of the Prompt
Challenge of the Prompt
Join us for a panel session where faculty participating in the summer 2024 prompt challenge will discuss their experiences in using Microsoft Copilot. Copilot is Microsoft’s generative AI-powered assistant.
Faculty Panel: Atherton and Eisenhower Award Winners
Faculty Panel: Atherton and Eisenhower Award Winners
Join us for the plenary session in which recipients of both the George W. Atherton Award for Excellence in Teaching Award and the Milton S. Eisenhower Award for Distinguished Teaching will discuss their use of effective, active, and engaging pedagogy, their passion for teaching and students’ learning, and their approaches to teaching and learning activities.
Innovative Approaches to Student Engagement: Gamified Learning and Parallel Thinking
Innovative Approaches to Student Engagement: Gamified Learning and Parallel Thinking
In this panel, two educators share their creative strategies for enhancing student engagement. Seth Powless (Beaver) uses a flipped, gamified curriculum with application software that mirrors industry tools, providing hands-on learning experiences that boost technology skills and engagement. Fernando Soto (Greater Allegheny) employs Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats to foster inclusive, diverse class discussions by encouraging students to explore topics from multiple perspectives.
From Prompt Design to Prompt Replies: Approaches to Generative AI for Improving Output and Student Outcomes
From Prompt Design to Prompt Replies: Approaches to Generative AI for Improving Output and Student Outcomes
This presentation explores the development of a retrieval-augmented chatbot leveraging advanced language models to streamline university communication by accurately retrieving specific information from Canvas courses. Additionally, we introduce the PROMPT design framework, a mnemonic tool guiding students in creating effective and ethical AI prompts across various disciplines.
Engaging Minds: Creative Strategies to Spark Student Interest
Engaging Minds: Creative Strategies to Spark Student Interest
This panel session explores three innovative techniques for enhancing student engagement in three academic disciplines. An introductory physics course was made engaging by having students analyze bad physics in popular movies. In an Accounting Information Systems course, students brought real-life or movie clip examples of fraud schemes and discussed how these examples align with the definitions given in the text. Join us to discover how these creative strategies can be applied to your own teaching to foster an engaging and effective learning environment.
Tech Strategies For Active Learning and Intercultural Communication
Tech Strategies For Active Learning and Intercultural Communication
Our session covers the use of technology tools to engage students, promote active learning and collaborate with Penn State partners in education.
Incorporating Experiential Learning in General Education Courses: Enhancing Student Engagement through Research
Incorporating Experiential Learning in General Education Courses: Enhancing Student Engagement through Research
In this session, we will explore innovative approaches to the integration of sustainable landscape practices and undergraduate general science courses.
360º Video/VR: Enhancing Student Engagement
360º Video/VR: Enhancing Student Engagement
Explore the world of emerging technology trends with a focus on 360º video and virtual reality (VR). This presentation showcases an active learning tool designed to engage students, allowing them to practice problem-solving, critical thinking, and customer service skills.
Redefining Learning with AI: Strategies, Challenges, and Success
Redefining Learning with AI: Strategies, Challenges, and Success
Are you ready to revolutionize your teaching approach with Artificial Intelligence (AI)? In this engaging session, our expert faculty presenters will showcase innovative uses of AI through two compelling case studies: AI-generated policy brief assignment and virtual classmates. Gain valuable insights and actionable ideas for classroom application.
Creating a Dynamic and Inclusive Learning Environment in Zoom Classes
Creating a Dynamic and Inclusive Learning Environment in Zoom Classes
This training program is designed to transform your Zoom classes into engaging, inclusive, and productive learning spaces. Learn strategies to foster a sense of belonging, improve student interaction and participation, and ultimately enhance learning outcomes.
Innovative Digital Tools for Enhanced Student Engagement
Innovative Digital Tools for Enhanced Student Engagement
Explore how innovative digital tools like COVE STUDIO and Yellowdig are transforming student engagement in the classroom. Learn how customizable texts and dynamic online discussions can foster deeper connections and inclusive participation.
Integrating AI into Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship: A Sharing Session
Integrating AI into Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship: A Sharing Session
Have you been revising or re-imagining how you teach or how your students learn with AI tools? In this interactive session, you will be invited to share your AI-related teaching practices, learn what other instructors are doing, and generate ideas for future research on AI in the classroom.
Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Jen Wagner at jlw83@psu.edu at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.