Tool Kit – CETL

Ideas for Active Learning Assignments

Posted on July 11, 2024 (July 15, 2024) by Erin Bell

Engaged learning ideas are plentiful, but from time to time, instructors may seek inspiration for their classroom practices. Below, we offer a list of active learning assignments and activities that may be used in class Integrating these activities and assignments into the curriculum can enhance student engagement, deepen understanding, and promote critical thinking and collaboration. […]

Implementing Transparent Teaching Methods

Posted on July 11, 2024 (July 15, 2024) by Erin Bell

Transparent teaching methods enhance student understanding and academic performance by clearly communicating the purpose, tasks, and assignment criteria. This clarity reduces confusion and anxiety, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Students from diverse backgrounds, including first-generation and non-traditional students, benefit particularly as these methods level the playing field by making expectations explicit. By understanding […]

What Are Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)?

Posted on May 23, 2024 (June 4, 2024) by Erin Bell

Understanding WCAG and Building Course Content The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are guidelines developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to make web content more accessible to all learners and users. The mission of W3C is to ensure that the web is for all humanity and that all web content is designed for […]

Getting Started Using Multimedia in Course Content and Feedback

Posted on April 5, 2024 (July 15, 2024) by Erin Bell

Using multimedia content and feedback in courses is an effective practice; it caters to diverse learning styles, engages students actively, and enhances comprehension and retention of course material. By incorporating multimedia materials such as videos, audio recordings, and visual aids, instructors can ensure that information is presented in numerous formats appealing to diverse learners. Providing […]

Accessibility and Design Resources

Posted on March 11, 2024 (July 15, 2024) 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. […]

Prompt Construction for Generative AI: Getting Started

Posted on February 5, 2024 (February 7, 2024) by Erin Bell

An effective way to understand how to utilize technology such as Chat-GPT 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 […]

Course Content and Curriculum: Encouraging Belonging

Posted on October 6, 2023 (January 18, 2024) by Erin Bell

Fostering a sense of belonging in the classroom (whether online or in person) begins with the syllabus and the behaviors of the instructor in the first course meetings. The continued welcoming behaviors by the educator, such as the provision of open and safe classroom spaces, the opportunities for student voices to be heard, and the […]

Utilizing the Syllabus to Reinforce Belonging

Posted on September 22, 2023 (January 18, 2024) by Erin Bell

First impressions matter. The syllabus is often a student’s first introduction to the instructor and their course. Students may be anxious or uncertain about what to expect, especially if they are part of an often marginalized group. Likewise, it is important that instructors use language that models respect and normalizes challenges and the use of […]

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

Posted on September 19, 2023 (January 18, 2024) 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 […]

Tool Kit – Student Belonging

Fostering a sense of belonging for students within the collegiate community is essential to student success, retention, and academic performance (Allen, et al 2018; Quin, 2017 ). Although some may assume that colleagues working in marketing, student life, clubs, and athletics are responsible for cultivating student belonging, instructors play a critical role in fostering a […]