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.
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.