This workshop is intended for instructors who have already converted their course to Ultra. The workshop will cover:

- Organizing Course Content

- Communicating with students

- Useful tools, settings, and features

- Assessments and Grading

- Gradebook Organization & Overall Grade Setup

January 22, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Register - https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3305

Trust and relationships impact learning. Some icebreakers are designed as on-the-spot, low-stakes games that don’t take a lot of time, while others are designed to support community building in more depth, over time.

We will practice 5 - 6 icebreakers, from simple games that allow students to get to know one another to more complicated activities for building trust and community. We will discuss topics of interest to participants, such as ensuring accessibility of the icebreaker, anxiety, and the value of icebreakers for learning. If you have a favorite icebreaker, there will be time to share them with other participants.

Register - https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3324

Are you teaching with the new Ultra Course View in HuskyCT but have some questions on how set things up or work with certain features? This session will be dedicated to specific questions participants have as they’ve begun to work in the new version. There will be no set agenda or presentation for this session; EdTech staff will cover any topics participants request. Registrants are encouraged to submit questions ahead of time to edtech@uconn.edu so that staff can prepare detailed answers and examples as necessary.

Register - https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3306

Description coming soon!

Register - https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3341

This session provides an introduction to the neurodiversity paradigm, with a focus on how the adoption of a strength-based approach to cognitive diversity can transform teaching and build more inclusive learning environments for all students. This workshop presents a framework for neuroinclusive teaching and offers practical strategies to support and empower neurodiverse students at UConn. Topics may include: communication, language and messaging, neurodiversity strengths and challenges, varied experiences of neurodiversity, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Ample time will be provided for discussion and questions during the session.

Register - https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3358

Getting Started with Hybrid and Online Blended Instruction (Webinar)
Tuesday, January 28, 2025, from 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Online
Presenters: Jennifer Parker and Betsy Guala, CETL-eCampus

Are you planning on offering a hybrid or online blended course? This webinar will provide an introduction to how UConn defines hybrid and online blended course modalities. We will discuss the benefits, challenges, and elements of quality found in hybrid and online blended courses. In addition, we will provide some resources and tools for you to get started with your hybrid or online blended course.

A webinar link will be sent to participants a few days before the event. You will benefit the most from this webinar if you attend using a computer rather than a mobile device or connecting via telephone.

Register - https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3367

Join us for an interactive one-hour session designed specifically for academic program leaders and faculty. This session provides a valuable opportunity to ask questions and gain insights about your program’s learning objectives, curricular maps, key performance indicators, and assessment plans. Whether you’re looking to refine your current strategies or seeking guidance on new ones, this session offers a collaborative environment to address your queries and share best practices. Our assessment fellows will be on hand to provide personalized feedback and practical advice to help you enhance your program’s assessment processes and drive student success. Don’t miss this chance to engage with your peers and elevate your program’s assessment activities.

January 28 at 2:00-3:00
Register - https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3288

How should we engage students on the matter of generative AI and learning in our courses? Examples from Yee, Uttich, Main & Giltner’s AI Hacks for Educators will be shared, with an opportunity to practice with different generative AI tools. Session One will go over teaching the CAPTURE method for prompt engineering, with opportunities for hands-on practice. This session is suitable for participants with minimal experience using generative AI but will be most useful if you know how to access either Microsoft CoPilot through your UConn Microsoft 365 login, or ChatGPT (both the free “mini” and paid versions will be demonstrated).

Detection of AI use will not be the focus of these sessions, but we may discuss AI-resistant activities and assignments.  You are encouraged to contribute your questions, ideas, and experiences.  

If you are interested in continuing to explore “AI fluencies,” consider registering for these upcoming sessions:

• February 4: Teaching critical assessment and analysis of GenAI output

• February 11: Creating personas for in-class role play activities & prompting AI to play the role of a tutor

• February 18: Creating visual representations of data

• February 25: Overview, recap, review, and sharing by participants (‘open mic’)

Register - https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3342