Using THECB Core Objectives in Digital Learning

presented by Mary Dixson (Associate Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning Services for The University of Texas at San Antonio)

This breakout session will introduce the current issues with instruction and assessment of the THECB core objectives, preview the pilot resources, and offer an opportunity to explore how digital assets can increase the reach of faculty instructional support.

Applicable Disciplines: Any

Room: Mesquite

See slide deck from presentation.

Flippin' with Apple: A New Approach to Traditional Courses in the Arts

presented by Art Brownlow (Fellow, University of Texas System Academy of Distinguished Teachers)

This presentation will model a new approach for engaging students using flipped learning and Apple technology. In addition, distant learning technology and student created interactive books will be explored.

Applicable Disciplines: Any

Room: Sycamore

Magic Bullet or Snake Oil? Digital Learning in a Face-to-Face Environment

presented by Dr. Hillary Gleason (History Professor, Laredo College)

Laredo College recently began a pilot program in which digital learning technology (Norton’s InQuizative) was utilized in face-to-face courses with the goal of improving student success. Laredo College is pioneering efforts to embrace digital learning not only for STEM, but also in areas like history and government. Attend this session to learn about how using technology changes pedagogy, have the opportunity to interact with the Norton software, and hear data reports on how Laredo's pilot program impacted student success metrics.

Applicable Disciplines: Social & Behavioral Sciences

Room: Maple

See slide deck from presentation.

Equity-Centered Digital Learning: Mapping Strategies to Empower Faculty to Inspire Students

presented by Dr. Danielle Leek (Director of Academic Innovation & Distance Education at Bunker Hill Community College)

This breakout asks participants to collaborate in the creation of a classroom mapping tool that is being designed to support faculty seeking equity-centered approaches to their digital learning practices. Reflecting on the experience at Bunker Hill Community College with two digital learning initiatives - building Open Educational Resources courses and Adaptive Learning across Disciplines - this presentation develops a typology of "equity obstacles" that emerge from interactions between faculty, students, and teaching and technology support services. This framework is then used to launch an active-learning session where participants explore concrete strategies faculty can use to design equity-centered digital learning experiences.

Applicable Disciplines: Any

Room: Mesquite

Personal Learning Network: Leveraging Digital Connections

presented by Nancy Salisbury (Department of Communication Visiting Instructor, St. Edward’s University)

Challenge yourself and your students to think, learn and grow in any topic or special area of interest. Leverage online relationships for a breadth and depth of ongoing learning opportunities. Session focuses on personal learning network (PLN) development, activation and maintenance of relevant resources. Connect with people via Twitter, social bookmarking, and blogs. Gear up to manage relationships and information in the digital age.

Applicable Disciplines: Any

Room: Mimosa

Rationale & Critical Thinking

presented by Jonathan Surovell (Philosophy Lecturer, Texas State University)

Critical thinking skills allow us to reason correctly regardless of the subject matter. They are therefore intellectually and professionally desirable. This in turn makes their development an appropriate goal of college teaching. Unfortunately, research has shown that traditional approaches to teaching critical thinking don't work. Fortunately, there is a new, digital approach that does: argument mapping. Attend this workshop to see the main results of the research on critical thinking teaching and argument mapping along with using the online software Rationale.

Applicable Disciplines: Humanities & Fine Arts

Room: Sycamore

See slide deck from presentation.

Learn How “Turn Key” Adaptive Learning Solutions Deliver Competency Based Learning Activities and Improve Student Retention and Cohort Default Rates

presented by Bill Hoover (Science Coordinator, Lead Instructor of Anatomy/Physiology, Bunker Hill Community College)

Implementing technology into course curriculum can be a challenging and rewarding experience. Adaptive Learning Solutions afford students "in the learning moment" feedback, an individualized learning path, and multiple forms of remediation driven by heat maps. This session reveals how to implement and scale the adaptive learning solution and how to implement pedagogical best practices to produce better student retention and cohort default rates.

Applicable Disciplines: Natural & Life Sciences, Tech/Workforce

Room: Mesquite

See slide deck from presentation.

Digital Assignment Choices

presented by Dr. Shelley Howell (Teaching and Learning Consultant, University of Texas at San Antonio)

Providing students with some autonomy in their learning gives them the opportunity to explore what they are interested in and become deeper learners. This presentation will cover several ways faculty can use online resources and provide digital assignment choices that give students autonomy that allows them to follow their own interests within the discipline.

Applicable Disciplines: Any

Room: Mimosa

See slide deck from presentation.

Age of Digital Discussions: practices and strategies for constructive peer to peer assessment, engagement and collaboration online

presented by Marina "Red" Madden (Communication Professor & Internship Coordinator, University of Texas at San Antonio)

Digital learning happens continuously in university classrooms around the world, even in the most traditional lecture courses, not just online or hybrid courses. This session will cover utilizing Forums for collaborative techniques to achieve effective peer-to-peer feedback & communication beyond the classroom—primarily using mandatory digital discussions within the BlackBoard Learn platform.

Applicable Disciplines: Humanities & Fine Arts

Room: Sycamore

See slide deck from presentation.