Resources and Articles

End of Semester — A Time for Reflection and Growth

Posted on April 17, 2024 (September 25, 2024) by Erin Bell

By Dr. Erin Bell, Assistant Director of Educational Development There is much to accomplish at the end of the semester. Instructors are moving through grading examinations and other assessments, bringing closure to course outcomes, and inputting final grades, but this time can also be a period centered on reflection and growth. As we close out […]

Kick Off Rubric Creation with Blackboard AI

Posted on March 14, 2024 (March 18, 2024) by Erin Bell

By Russell Davidson, Associate Director for Digital Education Blackboard has introduced an array of AI-assisted tools to enhance ultra-style course sites. If you have utilized the stock image search to add a course banner following our February 2024 newsletter, you have already interacted with one of these AI features, as the default image search keywords […]

Incorporating Black History into Curriculum Across the Disciplines

Posted on February 12, 2024 (September 10, 2024) by Timia Hairston

By Mia Hairston, Program Coordinator February calls for a time of reflection and celebration of Black History and the expansive contributions of African Americans in our society. The University of Detroit Mercy honors Black History through enriching programming experiences, such as exhibits, book talks, and tours of historical museums. University faculty can further this tradition […]

Banners Bring Color to Your Ultra Course Site

Posted on February 6, 2024 (February 6, 2024) by Erin Bell

By Russell Davidson; Associate Director for Digital Education By design, Blackboard’s Ultra style course sites limit some of the customization found in the classic-style sites. Consistent navigation among course sites means students don’t have to re-learn how to locate resources and tools in every course. Adherence to a black-and-white color scheme avoids potential usability issues […]

Braille Literacy Awareness

Posted on January 18, 2024 (January 23, 2024) by Timia Hairston

by Mia Hairston, Program Coordinator In 1824, a blind French boy named Louis Braille created a system that revolutionized the way millions communicated within the world. Braille, a tactile system consisting of raised dot characters arranged in cells, offers a means of reading and writing for the blind and visually impaired. At 15 years old, […]

Using AI as a Resource In and Outside of the Classroom

Posted on November 15, 2023 (January 16, 2024) 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 […]

Transformative Travel for Faculty: Insights from Cuba 2023

Posted on September 19, 2023 (January 16, 2024) by Erin Bell

By Dr. Erin Bell, Assistant Director of Educational Development Educators often highlight the importance and benefits of international travel for their students. Given the global nature of the workplace as well as the tenets of the Detroit Mercy mission, study abroad programs can be a significant part of a student experience as they provide numerous […]

Considering Flexible Due Date Policies

Posted on May 15, 2023 (January 16, 2024) by Erin Bell

By Dr. Erin Bell, Assistant Director of Educational Development Creating and sharing firm due dates for assignments and assessments have often been fundamental features of effective instruction. Conventional wisdom suggests that creating (and enforcing) clear due dates for major assignments can help students learn to manage their time more effectively; incorporating due dates with their corresponding […]

Teaching with the University’s Mission in Mind

Posted on April 13, 2023 (September 18, 2024) by Erin Bell

By Dr. Erin Bell, Assistant Director of Educational Development The University’s Mission is foundational to all the critical endeavors taking place within our community but bears particular significance to curriculum design and the work that faculty and students accomplish in face-to-face and virtual classrooms. The Mission is often referred to and cited in communication and […]

Supporting Learning Outcomes through Librarian Instruction, Tutorials, and Research Resources

Posted on March 16, 2023 (January 16, 2024) by Erin Bell

By Dr. Erin Bell, Assistant Director of Educational Development Courses at numerous levels of study often feature assessments that call students to discover and integrate credible source materials. The librarians at Detroit Mercy offer a wealth of knowledge and are well poised to assist professors in helping students develop effective research practices through hands-on guided […]