Guides – Page 2

Accessibility and Design Resources

Posted on March 11, 2024 (October 26, 2026) by Erin Bell

Instructors must ensure course materials (including course documents such as PDF and MS Word documents) are accessible to all learners. To check materials for accessibility, instructors can utilize resources and tools including those posted below. Ally for LMS Blackboard Ally is an LMS accessibility solution that uses AI and automation to support instructors in creating […]

Prompt Construction for Generative AI: Getting Started

Posted on February 5, 2024 (May 1, 2025) by Erin Bell

An effective way to understand how to utilize technology such as ChatGPT or Google Bard is to engage in experiential, hands-on exploration of the tools. The CETL has provided some guidelines to help instructors explore and effectively utilize generative AI. One of the critical components of using generative AI is effectively writing prompts. To begin […]

Using AI as a Resource In and Outside of the Classroom

Posted on November 15, 2023 (October 25, 2026) by Erin Bell

By Dr. Erin Bell, Assistant Director of Educational Development Much of the current academic discourse about ChatGPT and other large language models (LLMs) has focused on addressing/confronting its use by students. There are myriad viewpoints and approaches for utilizing AI within the context of a course as well as prohibiting its use. Both approaches have […]

Course Content and Curriculum: Encouraging Belonging

Posted on October 6, 2023 (April 16, 2025) by Erin Bell

Creating a Welcoming Learning Environment Fostering a sense of belonging in the classroom—whether online or in person—begins with intentional choices in syllabus design and early course interactions. Instructors play a key role in shaping the tone of the course by offering a classroom environment that is open, respectful, and welcoming to all students. Behaviors such […]

Utilizing the Syllabus to Reinforce Belonging

Posted on September 22, 2023 (April 16, 2025) by Erin Bell

First impressions matter. The syllabus is often a student’s first introduction to the instructor and their course. For many students, this initial impression can shape their expectations and comfort level. Some may feel uncertain or anxious about what lies ahead. Instructors can help ease these concerns by using language that demonstrates respect, support, and encouragement. […]

Creating a Sense of Student Belonging: A Quick-Start Guide

Posted on September 19, 2023 (April 16, 2025) by Erin Bell

Part of creating a sense of student belonging is recognizing that all of us come from different backgrounds, filled with cultural mores, commonalities, expectations, and more. Instructors can establish norms for classroom behavior while honoring the individuality of each participant and their backgrounds. Listed below are some quick-start steps to set the stage for a […]

Resources Regarding Growth Mindset

Posted on September 12, 2023 (September 12, 2023) by Erin Bell

Additional Resources about Mindsets and Learning Dweck, Carol S. (2016). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Updated edition Ballantine Books Trade Paperback ed., Ballantine Books, Permalink: https://dalnet-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/f/d9s986/01DAL_UDM_ALMA2193729970003254 Here, Dweck explores the concept of mindset and its impact on personal and professional development. Dweck argues that individuals can possess either a fixed mindset or a growth […]

Reinforcing Growth Mindset Throughout the Semester

Posted on September 12, 2023 (January 18, 2024) by Erin Bell

There are numerous occasions for instructors to underscore the growth mindset sensibility in all that they accomplish throughout the semester. While growth mindset language should be included in the syllabus (as explored in additional resources in this toolkit) instructors can also highlight growth mindset concepts during their very first course sessions as they map out […]

Implementing Growth Mindset Language in the Syllabus

Posted on September 6, 2023 (November 6, 2023) by Erin Bell

Cultivating a growth mindset is a particularly important quality for college students, but not all students come equipped with this mindset. Thus, it is critical for instructors to demonstrate the key values of a growth mindset in classroom practice and in their syllabi. There are many ways that instructors can highlight the components of a […]

Infusing Feedback to Students with Growth Mindset Messaging

Posted on September 6, 2023 (September 12, 2023) by Erin Bell

Feedback is an important aspect of promoting a growth mindset. By providing and receiving constructive feedback, learners and instructors can identify areas for improvement and underscore a classroom culture that underscores the growth mindset. Feedback that is constructive, honest, and focused on improvement helps establish high standards as well as a nurturing atmosphere for learners. […]