Welcome to the Innovation Cafe, your premier destination for exploring the cutting-edge technology initiatives at WSU Tech. Here, we bridge the gap between academic theory and practical, real-world technology applications. Our mission is to foster a vibrant community of tech enthusiasts, students, and faculty, all collaborating to push the boundaries of what's possible in education and research.
At the Innovation Café, whether you want learn about the latest tech to incorporate into your curriculum or learn about the technological advancements in academia. you'll find a plethora of information to assist you.
Dive into our sections on new technology rollouts, hands-on workshops, and collaborative tech forums where ideas transform into impactful solutions. Join us at the Innovation Cafe, where technology meets creativity, fostering an environment that not only educates but inspires.
Current Events
Want to give your students an extra incentive to engage, collaborate, and succeed? Encourage them to take advantage of the COLAB Connect Scholarship!
What is it? A $250 scholarship awarded every semester to one lucky student.
How do students enter? For every hour spent in the COLAB (including special events), students earn one entry into the drawing. The more time they spend, the better their chances!
By promoting this opportunity, you’re helping students develop valuable study habits while giving them a shot at free money for their education!
Spread the word in your classes, on your syllabus, and in your announcements! Let’s get students engaged and earning their chance to win!
Join us for Open Labs on May 27, 28, and 29 where you can explore tools like BibliU for digital textbooks, Simple Syllabus for streamlined syllabus creation, Panopto for video content mastery, and Packback for engaging discussions. Whether you're looking to enhance your courses or need hands-on support, this is your chance to start the semester with fresh ideas and innovative solutions!
We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Faculty and Adjunct In-Service events! These sessions are designed to provide valuable professional development opportunities, focusing on enhancing teaching skills, exploring innovative strategies, and sharing best practices. Whether you’re preparing for the upcoming academic year or looking to refine your approach to pedagogy, these events will offer resources and support to help you excel in your teaching journey.
WSU Tech's Canvas Catalog is a user-friendly platform for discovering and enrolling in professional development opportunities. Built on the Canvas learning management system, it offers a centralized hub for exploring courses, programs, and certifications. Whether advancing your career, gaining new skills, or pursuing personal growth, Canvas Catalog provides a seamless and accessible experience for all learners.
Learning how to use HyFlex involves mastering advanced classroom tools for both in-person and remote teaching. HyFlex classrooms are equipped with a variety of tools to enhance both instructor lessons and student learning. For a comprehensive learning experience, visit the Canvas Catalog course to sign up.
By Rob Gibson
The article discusses how AI technologies are advancing accessibility for learners with disabilities in higher education. It highlights innovations like automated image descriptions, audio descriptions, and tools to support cognitive and physical disabilities. AI products such as ChatGPT-4, image-to-text generators, and inclusive design assistants are helping to create more equitable learning environments. However, the article also notes that the disabled community is underrepresented in AI development despite their significant interest in contributing to these advancements.
For more details, visit the full article.
The "Faculty Expectations" outlines the essential duties and responsibilities expected of faculty members at WSU Tech, including both full-time and adjunct faculty. The expectations cover a wide range of responsibilities that focus on teaching, curriculum development, student engagement, and institutional involvement.
Key expectations include:
Course Development and Delivery:
Student Assessment and Feedback:
Classroom Management:
Institutional Engagement:
Professional Development:
Compliance with Policies:
The document provides detailed guidelines on classroom practices, course evaluations, student communications, and collaboration with college leadership, emphasizing the role of faculty in maintaining high academic standards and contributing to the college’s mission.
The "OSCQR Course Design Review WSU Tech Standards," outlines the standards and review process for online course design at WSU Tech, following the OSCQR (Open SUNY Course Quality Review) rubric. It is designed to assess courses in areas such as course overview, interaction, accessibility, and design layout.
Each section provides a checklist for reviewers to evaluate aspects of a course and categorize revisions needed as "Sufficiently Present," "Minor," "Moderate," or "Major" revisions. The document emphasizes the importance of clear course navigation, alignment of objectives with assessments, and regular substantive interaction (RSI) between instructors and students. Accessibility considerations, such as proper use of technology tools and adherence to accessibility standards, are also highlighted.
It serves as a comprehensive guide for instructors and course developers to enhance the effectiveness and quality of online education by ensuring consistency, engagement, and accessibility.
The Technology page on the Innovation Cafe highlights various educational technologies available to support teaching and learning. It provides resources and guides for using Microsoft Teams, Panopto, and Packback for instructional purposes. The page also includes information on classroom technology, software solutions, and IT support services. Additionally, it covers the Learning Management System, Canvas, offering tools and resources to enhance the educational experience. For more details, visit the Technology page.
Professional development at WSU Tech focuses on enhancing faculty skills and knowledge to improve teaching effectiveness and student outcomes. It includes workshops, seminars, and training sessions on various topics such as instructional strategies, technology integration, curriculum development, and classroom management. These programs aim to keep educators updated on the latest educational trends, tools, and research, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth. Faculty members benefit from collaborative opportunities, peer support, and access to resources that help them refine their teaching practices and contribute to academic excellence.
The Teaching and Learning Center's website offers a variety of resources and support services for faculty at WSU Tech. It features information on professional development programs, instructional strategies, and tools for effective teaching. The site also includes sections on workshops, events, and technological resources to enhance classroom experiences. Additionally, the center provides guidance on curriculum development and academic policies to ensure high-quality education. For more details, visit the Teaching and Learning Center home page.
The Accessibility page provides comprehensive resources to support the understanding and implementation of accessibility at WSU Tech. It includes the official accessibility policy, curated resources for enhancing accessibility for all students, and details about the Accessibility Team (A-Team). The page highlights the significance of ensuring accessibility in both digital and physical learning environments. Additionally, it offers support information for English Language Learners (ELLs), emphasizing the college's commitment to inclusive education. For more details, visit the Accessibility page.
The "Assess at Tech" website offers resources and tools to support WSU Tech faculty in enhancing their assessment practices. It provides comprehensive guidelines on planning, data collection, analysis, and reporting to measure student learning outcomes effectively. The site aims to improve instructional strategies and overall educational quality through systematic evaluation and continuous improvement. For more information, visit the Assess at Tech website.