Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Akash Garg, Instructor of Biology The CAST guidelines for Universal Design for Learning emphasize the importance of offering learners multiple ways to perceive information, including images and visualizations for sighted students and text-based descriptions of that content for students who engage with course materials with screen readers or audio formats. In courses … Continue reading AI Spark Tips: Using AI to Improve Image Accessibility
How Star Wars is Your Course?
In a recent video from Innovative Educators, Tom Tobin gives a short overview of what we can learn from Star Wars about making accessible places where intergalactic beings and droids can easily get around and communicate with each other. He highlights the consistent use of ramps, wide doors, limited or no stairs, and translation devices. … Continue reading How Star Wars is Your Course?
Contract Grading Increases Student Engagement and Reduces Anxiety
Have you ever had a student approach you and ask, “Dr. Reeves, what do I need to do to get an A in your course?” I have. I often suggest reviewing the syllabus and the percentage points associated with each grade category. I suggest reviewing the rubrics, planning ahead for upcoming due dates, and working … Continue reading Contract Grading Increases Student Engagement and Reduces Anxiety
Motivation After the Midterm
When students feel motivated to learn (University of Buffalo, UW-Whitewater, Kennesaw State), we’re likely to see increases in effort, energy, curiosity, and creativity. We might notice they come to class more, are better prepared, and generally seem open to tackling challenging content or leading a group project. Sometimes, though, even the most motivated students can … Continue reading Motivation After the Midterm
Responding to Ally Accessibility Scores in Your Courses
The USC Upstate Accessibility Commitment aims to ensure students, faculty, and staff have access to all spaces and materials where learning takes place. Luckily, Blackboard Ultra has made faculty's role in fulling this commitment easier than ever. The university-adopted quality assurance program holds all courses to a high standard of accessibility, including expectations that all … Continue reading Responding to Ally Accessibility Scores in Your Courses
A Quick Guide on How to Write Professional Emails: Student Edition
Email is the information currency of the professional world, and the number one way professional people communicate. Focus on the subject line, greeting, body of the email, and signature to demonstrate professionalism in your email communication. Subject Line When emailing faculty, include a brief description of what the email is regarding and the course and … Continue reading A Quick Guide on How to Write Professional Emails: Student Edition