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?
Informal Mentorship in Action
When I began teaching as a tenure track, assistant professor, I quickly realized I needed guidance and support when it came to pursuing scholarship, deciding which committees to serve on, and teaching in a new context. At the same time, I also discovered that the faculty around me, across the hall and in departmental and … Continue reading Informal Mentorship in Action
Teaching Critical Thinking is Essential
Critical thinking is a common cornerstone of education, emphasized across K-12 and higher education standards – from Common Core to NGSS to NACE and AACN. Yet, while it’s widely recognized as essential, students are rarely taught how to think critically in explicit, structured ways. This post offers some practical guidance for faculty to intentionally cultivate … Continue reading Teaching Critical Thinking is Essential
That’s a Wrap! 5 Ways to End the Academic Year
As the semester comes to a close, I often think about what successes I had in my courses, which students really surprised and inspired me, and where I might adjust my design and delivery to cultivate more of that excitement, potential, and promise among learners. If you find yourself feeling the same way, check out … Continue reading That’s a Wrap! 5 Ways to End the Academic Year
AI Spark Tips: Engaging Students’ Creativity with GenAI
Carol Denning-Broadus, Associate Instructor, has always used creative projects to engage her students with complex scientific concepts. In the past, her Introduction to Anthropology courses (ANTH U102) asked students to create analog board games to convey information about rites of passage in different cultures. Today, she uses Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools to enable students … Continue reading AI Spark Tips: Engaging Students’ Creativity with GenAI
AI Spark Tips: How AI Ready Are You?
New AI tools emerge every day. A recent Y Combinator podcast claims that 5 new Agentic AI companies will arise for every cloud-based application we use today. No conventional human could ever keep up. Today's tool encourages us to take a pause and reflect on how ready we are for the onslaught of opportunities we … Continue reading AI Spark Tips: How AI Ready Are You?