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8:00 a.m. - 8:40 a.m. Neurodiversity and Digital
Teaching
Neurodivergent thinking in educational settings may initially challenge educators
who are constrained by online learning platforms. In learning more about
neurodiversity in higher education, educators can develop new approaches to content
presentation and interactive exercises that enhance the learning process. By
coupling digital tools and delivery mechanisms, instructors can be more inclusive in
an environment of neurodivergent learners, who are estimated to comprise 10-30% of
students in higher education. In this session, attendees will learn modern
definitions of neurodiversity pertaining to the academic classroom, sources that
define categories of neurodivergent and related research, ways to evaluate online
learning tools in terms of effective use for a spectrum of learners, and awareness
of social learning concepts applied to digital learning environments.
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8:00 a.m. - 8:40 a.m. Using AI Tools in Competency
Based Teaching Mode
This session explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can used to implement the
Five E instructional model of competency-based education—Engage, Explore, Explain,
Elaborate, Evaluate—to enhance classroom engagement and competencies development in
business courses. AI tools are increasingly adding value to personalized learning of
our students suitable to their aptitude and to delivery of immediate feedback for
the skills mastery required to enter the job market. This integration of AI with the
Five E model fosters a more adaptive, engaging, and competency-focused approach to
teaching business.
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8:00 a.m. - 8:40 a.m. Organizing Your Blackboard Course
for Maximum Student Achievement
One way to help students succeed in a course, whether in-person or online, is to
prepare an organized Blackboard course setup. Attendees will walk away from this
session with five specific structures for organizing their Blackboard course. By
using the strategies in this session, students will spend less time looking on
Blackboard, less time emailing instructors questions about finding things on
Blackboard, and more time engaging in learning.
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8:00 a.m. - 8:40 a.m. Qualitative Design of Digital
Assessments in Your Learning Environment
The digital learning environment presents daily challenges in designing your
assessments purposefully. In this keynote, the balance of the quality pyramid of
Sluijsmans/Ten Brincke with the Blackboard learning environment will be
demonstrated, as well as how you can enhance the quality of your assessments with a
few simple adjustments or good preparation. Also provided will be tips to make
educational policies visible in the assessments, and information on how to
incorporate the predetermined weightings into the learning environment and give
Blackboard evaluations a concrete role based on Miller’s cognitive levels.
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8:00 a.m. - 8:40 a.m. Storyboarding: The Secret to
Getting Online Pedagogy Right
Novice facilitators often think of online pedagogy as skills required to facilitate
synchronous sessions. In reality, one of the greatest contributions to offering a
meaningful online learning experience is the storyboarding efforts that precede
Blackboard development and the actual implementation phase. In this session,
attendees will learn how thorough storyboarding leads to constructive alignment,
well-thought-through assessment practices, relevant learning tools integration, and
quicker turnaround time during the development (LMS build) phase. A brief look at
how AI can support storyboarding will also be discussed.
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9:45 a.m. – 10:25 a.m. You Had Me at Scroll: Social
Feeds for Student Engagement
Imagine a world where every student feels connected, supported, and engaged, even
from behind their screens. This isn’t just a dream—it can be reality with the
innovative use of social feeds in asynchronous online courses. Asynchronous learning
has revolutionized education, offering flexibility and access to those most in need.
However, this format often leaves students navigating their educational journey in
isolation, feeling detached from the learning community. This presentation explores
how integrating a social feed within Blackboard can transform student experiences by
enhancing the three core presences of the Community of Inquiry framework: social
presence, cognitive presence, and teaching presence. Join this session to discover
how to turn the silent spaces of online learning into bustling hubs of conversation,
collaboration, and community.
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9:45 a.m. – 10:25 a.m. Setting Up Your Gradebook for
Ultra Success: Lessons Learned and Best Practices in Assessment
In the modern learning management system (LMS), marks from gradable items and
calculations are used by a range of sub-programs for focused interventions. This
presentation will explore the pivotal role of correctly setting up the Gradebook in
the LMS for effective assessment in higher education. This session aims to share the
lessons learned from the first semester of implementation, best practices, and
feedback from lecturers who have completed one module using the new LMS.
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9:45 a.m. – 10:25 a.m. A Pedagogical Approach to Flip
Teaching
The purpose of this presentation is to supply scholarly research regarding the
utility of flip teaching, along with suggestions for how to implement flip teaching
in in both synchronous and asynchronous classrooms.
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9:45 a.m. – 10:25 a.m. Designing Digital Teaching
Strategies to Meet the Needs of All Learners, Including Those with Disabilities: A
UDL (Universal Design for Learning) Approach
There is a need to create learning environments and educational strategies utilizing
UDL approaches for developing academic and social emotional skills that meet the
needs of people of people with or without disabilities and that focus on their
cultural linguistic or ability diversity. UDL requires providing enhancements to, or
changing methods of, interacting with the technology needed to accomplish tasks. UDL
recognizes that if students can't access information, they can't learn it. After
this session, attendees will be able to experience and describe what it feels like
to have a disability; identify, describe, and gain access to UDL apps for vision,
hearing, speech, learning, literacy, social, emotional, physical, and motor skills;
and choose, describe, and create classroom lessons and strategies utilizing one or
more apps from the UDL toolkit.
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9:45 a.m. – 10:25 a.m. Identifying Imposters:
Recognizing the Difference Between Correspondence Course Interactions and Distance
Education Course Interactions
Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI): what it is it? How can instructors be
sure they are in compliance with the distance education instructional requirements,
as outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR 34.600.2)? This session covers
the definition of RSI; the instructional expectations of online course delivery, as
per the Department of Education; as well as a discussion on the common “RSI
imposters” instructors mistakenly use in the virtual environment. After attending
this session, participants will be able to tell the difference between
correspondence course interactions and distance education course interactions,
minimizing the risk of negative Title IV funding audit outcomes for their
institutions.
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10:35 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Building Presence in (Online)
Courses Through Subtle Technological Use
This presentation covers basic tips that any instructor can use along with their
institution’s learning management system (LMS), such as Blackboard, to establish
presence in their (online) courses. Presence can be achieved with structured course
announcements, discussion board participation (by the instructor), along with
embedded videos (e.g., songs) and free GIFS. Such uses add/demonstrate emotion(s)
which in turn help not only to establish presence but also to build rapport with
students.
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10:35 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Empowering Professors with AI
This session explores how AI integrated into Blackboard is transforming various
aspects of teaching and learning. Through real-world examples, attendees will see
how AI assists with efficient course module creation, automated assessments, and
improved learning experiences. We will also cover best practices for using AI tools
responsibly and both its benefits and challenges, emphasizing the critical role of
human oversight in ensuring the quality and relevance of AI-generated content.
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10:35 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. More Than Just Clipart:
Integrating AI-Generated Images into Classroom Activities
Teaching about diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I) can be met with hostility or
denial. Experience in the classroom has shown that learners often question the
validity or generalizability of statistics while dismissing personal experiences of
discrimination as anecdotal or exceptional. Understanding that images have a
powerful impact on learning, a lesson plan was created based on AI-generated images
to convincingly demonstrate the reality of discrimination while also spurring
students to think critically about AI. Using AI-generated images plays a key role in
achieving the lesson’s learning objectives to confront beliefs of AI as objective
and neutral, explain the interaction between training data and algorithmic bias,
discuss the role of AI in perpetuating discrimination, and reflect on ways to reduce
algorithmic bias. Through the presentation of this lesson plan, attendees will be
inspired to creatively integrate AI generated images into class activities.
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10:35 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Exploring the Potential of
Generative AI in Blackboard's Course Design and Delivery
As educational institutions increasingly adopt digital platforms for course
delivery, the role of artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI, has
become a focal point in enhancing the learning experience. Generative AI models,
such as ChatGPT and Gemini, offer innovative ways to personalize and streamline
course design and delivery within platforms like Blackboard. At King Abdulaziz
University, the integration of these AI models is being explored to revolutionize
how educators create and manage their courses, leading to more dynamic and
responsive learning environments. In this session, attendees will gain insights into
the practical applications of generative AI within Blackboard, with a focus on
course design and delivery; learn how generative AI models like ChatGPT and Gemini
are being utilized at King Abdulaziz University to enhance educational outcomes; and
understand the potential benefits and challenges of integrating generative AI in
digital education platforms.
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12:10 p.m. - 12:50 p.m Efficiency Meets Engagement: New
Blackboard Tools to Save You Time and Improve Student Engagement
Join Blackboard product experts for this exciting demonstration of the new features
and capabilities in Blackboard designed to help you streamline course creation,
boost student engagement and retention, and simplify grading processes. This session
will show you how to use powerful tools including the AI Design Assistant, enhanced
assessments and grading capabilities, and advanced content design options, batch
editing and more.
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1:00 p.m. - 1:40 p.m. Building Community in the
Asynchronous College Classroom
This session will provide practical tips for college instructors seeking to nurture
community among students and instructors within asynchronous spaces. The presenters
for this session have collaborated in creating community building opportunities in
asynchronous classroom communities. The session will share management tips and ideas
for practitioners to nurture positive classroom communities among students who are
not meeting synchronously and likely living vastly different lives and schedules.
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1:00 p.m. - 1:40 p.m. Lessons Learned: An AI-Infused
Writing Course
This session will share lessons learned in creating and teaching an AI-infused
English Composition 1 Course. The session will discuss and model how to set clear
expectations for AI use in the classroom; create a classroom AI use policy; teach
students how, when, and why to use AI; focus on the learning/writing process and AI
use in this process; grade more authentically as a result; normalize ethical AI use;
remove socio-economic barriers to learning with AI; model workplace use; and use AI
to reinforce and reteach major course concepts. Attendees will gain a classroom
policy sample, models for infused lessons, and insight on assessment changes that
embrace the strengths of AI, while preserving authentic academic thought.
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1:00 p.m. - 1:40 p.m. Getting Started: How to Have a
Strong START HERE Module
Having a strong START HERE module and can make or break a student's success in an
online course. This presentation will cover the basics of how to create an
inclusive, interactive START HERE module that covers everything from navigating in
Blackboard to resources available for students in crisis.
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1:00 p.m. - 1:40 p.m. Enhancing Critical Thinking and
Engagement with AI Conversation in Blackboard
As higher education continues to evolve in the digital age, innovative tools that
foster critical thinking and personalized learning experiences are essential. The
new AI Conversation feature within Blackboard is designed to meet these needs by
offering a Socratic questioning exercise guided by AI. This session will explore how
AI Conversation empowers students to delve deeper into topics, reflect on their
learning, and engage in meaningful dialogues that enhance their critical thinking
skills. We will demonstrate how instructors can create, customize, and review AI
Conversations, allowing for a dynamic, student-centered learning environment.
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1:00 p.m. - 1:40 p.m. Up and Running in Six Weeks: Tips
from the Trenches for Teaching in Blackboard
Join this engaging and interactive session about an exciting journey transitioning
from Moodle to Blackboard. Attendees will learn how the team mastered gradebook
features, designed assignments, and created rubrics— both manually and leveraging
Blackboard’s AI-powered rubric generation tools. Plus, there will be tips for
preparing students and faculty and highlights of favorite tools like Ally for
accessibility and other handy features. Whether attendees are planning a platform
switch or looking to enhance their Blackboard skills, this 45-minute session will
help them hit the ground running!
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1:50 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Blackboard AI Conversation: A
Student’s Personal Socrates
Asking open-ended questions as a form of student learning has been around for
thousands of years. This asking of questions to encourage critical thinking, which
has made a resurgence in the 21st century, gets its name from one of the most
significant questioners of all time, Socrates, and is called the Socratic Seminar.
Socratic Seminars are widely recognized for engaging students in critical thinking,
collaboration, and personal connections. Unfortunately, many instructors do not feel
confident they can prepare effective questions or feel like they have the class time
to devote to this type of learning. Enter Blackboard AI Conversation. This new
Blackboard feature allows students to experience the benefit of the Socratic Seminar
through the integrated use of AI. This presentation will take a brief look at the
benefit of integrating Socratic Seminars into the classroom, will provide examples
of how Socratic Seminars can be used with various subject areas, and will
demonstrate the power of Blackboard AI Conversation as a tool for students to expand
their knowledge.
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1:50 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. AI-Powered Pedagogy: Practical
Applications for Enhancing Teaching and Learning
AI-powered pedagogy within Blackboard offers a promising avenue for enhancing
teaching methods and student engagement. By leveraging the AI technologies
integrated into Blackboard, educators can create more personalized, efficient, and
engaging learning experiences. This session will provide valuable insights and
practical applications for integrating AI into educational practices using
Blackboard. Participants will learn actionable skills that they can immediately
apply in their work or personal projects.
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1:50 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Leveling Up Learning with AI
Join this session for a presentation on the transformative impact of artificial
intelligence (AI) in higher education. By embedding AI in student platforms,
institutions can create customized learning journeys, enhance student engagement,
and provide vital support for faculty. The session will share insights from the
presenter’s experience with the Cengage AI-powered Student Assistant, underscore the
critical role of faculty training in harnessing AI, and address the ethical
challenges associated with AI in teaching.
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2:45 p.m. - 3:25 p.m. Don't Beware the Blob - Embrace
It
“THE BLOB will revolutionize teaching and make human teachers obsolete!” has been
the current buzz phrase in education for the past century. Today THE BLOB is AI. But
in the 1920s, THE BLOB was film. It was radio in the 1930s, television in the 1950s
and 60s, and the World Wide Web (and then Web 2.0!) in the late 90s and early 2000s.
A.I. is just the next technological step in the continuing evolution of education.
This presentation will combine a practical demonstration of Blackboard's AI tools in
the content of a community-college computer-science program, with a historical look
at AI in the context of "the next new thing"—and what this might let us predict
about what's coming next. Because history doesn't repeat itself, but it does rhyme.
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2:45 p.m. - 3:25 p.m. Microlectures: Learning at the
Speed of Thought
Living in the digital era, 21st-century learners are mainly characterized by their
interest in advanced technology and digital tools. Microlectures aim to convey
critical information, ideas, or concepts briefly and engagingly using multimedia
elements. They are a popular format for online learning, training, or sharing
expertise efficiently. This session will empower designers and facilitators with the
knowledge and tools to enhance microlecture experiences collaboratively and will
identify benefits and best practices and explore resources to create microlectures
that ensure every learner feels valued and included in the learning process. Learn
practical tips for designing, recording, and delivering microlectures that cater to
diverse learning styles.
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2:45 p.m. - 3:25 p.m. STEM Education in the Era of
Digital Teaching and Learning with a Variety of OER and AI Resources
With several years of expertise in STEM education, Dr. Susmita Hazra will share her
experience in various modes of teaching face-to-face, hybrid, and online STEM
courses as well as conducting successful undergraduate research programs with Open
Educational Resources (OER). Even though tons of OER are available online, they need
to be streamlined according to the course learning objectives and help learners
achieve their goals. In this presentation, she will cover how simple projects with
OER can help build basic problem solving and critical thinking skills in STEM
courses. Dr. Hazra will also cover her insight into the use of AI in future STEM
education.
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2:45 p.m. - 3:25 p.m. Pay It Forward: Benefits of
Generative Assignments for Online Students at a Hispanic-Serving University
Generative assignments allow online students the opportunity to share strategies for
success with future students. Benefits of current online students sharing hints and
helpful information with the next semester's online students extend beyond
individual academic success and foster a culture of collaboration, support, and
continuous improvement. At the conclusion of this presentation, attendees will be
able to explain the concept of generative assignments and how they “pay it forward”,
describe a generative assignment, provide examples of generative assignments,
explain how generative assignments increase comradery and connectivity, and discuss
how generative assignments can build community and foster collaboration.
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8:00 p.m. - 8:40 p.m. Teaching Media Writing and
Journalism Students to Use AI Tools Responsibly
AI tools have become crucial in journalism and media writing. This session is
designed to assist educators in teaching their students how to responsibly use these
tools. It will explore best practices for integrating AI into journalism courses,
focusing on ethical considerations and effective techniques for writing and
research. Also shared will be practical insights and strategies based on real-life
experience in journalism and media education, allowing educators to guide their
students in using AI in journalism while upholding professional values.
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8:50 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Teaching with Technology:
Empowering Nursing Faculty
The nursing department recognized the growing need for faculty to integrate
technology into their teaching practices to prepare nursing graduates with digital
literacy and technological skills. To address this issue, the Teaching with
Technology Committee (TTC) was established. This presentation will discuss the
ongoing longitudinal, mixed-methods study being conducted to assess the TTC's impact
on faculty proficiency and teaching practices, sharing any preliminary findings and
lessons learned. Additionally, challenges encountered during the implementation of
the committee and how these challenges have been managed will be addressed. The
broader impact of the TTC on both faculty and student outcomes will be explored,
including the effectiveness of the committee's initiatives in increasing confidence
in technology. Plans for the TTC, including strategies to further support faculty in
technology integration, will also be discussed.