Session 1 | Presentations | 9:30am
Fostering Engagement and Inclusion by Transforming Online Discussions into Powerful Formative Assessments with UDL
Presenter
Dan Barrancotta
Video link
Fostering Engagement and Inclusion by Transforming Online Discussions into Powerful Formative Assessments with UDL
Session Description
This webinar is designed to equip educators, faculty, instructional designers, and all stakeholders in the realm of online education with innovative strategies for integrating Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles into online discussions. This webinar aims to transform the traditional view of online discussions by presenting them as dynamic formative assessments that enhance learning experiences, accommodate diverse learners, and ensure that each student feels acknowledged, understood, and challenged. Central to this session is the commitment to leveraging online discussions to foster an inclusive learning environment that embraces diversity of assessments and ensures equitable opportunities for all learners to demonstrate their knowledge.
The webinar will introduce participants to the core principles of UDL, highlighting their significance in the context of online learning and the pivotal role of inclusive online discussions as formative assessments. This introduction sets the stage by addressing the challenges posed by traditional online discussion formats and the transformative potential of applying UDL principles for more inclusive educational practices.
The first section of the webinar delves into the multifaceted role of online discussions within the UDL framework. Here, discussions are positioned as a powerful tool for engagement, representation, and expression, capable of meeting the diverse needs and preferences of learners. This segment underscores the importance of formative assessment in learning and the unique capacity of online discussions to serve this function effectively.
We will then explore strategies for designing inclusive online discussions. This includes practical advice on planning discussions that align with UDL principles, such as ensuring accessibility, employing varied prompts to represent information in diverse ways, and offering students different modes of expression. Additionally, this part of the presentation emphasizes the use of technology to enhance inclusivity and engagement, illustrating how these tools can be harnessed to create richer, more accessible learning experiences.
We will then focus on facilitating and assessing online discussions as formative assessments. Participants will learn about effective facilitation techniques that promote inclusivity and engagement, alongside strategies for building rubrics and assessment methods that reflect UDL principles. This segment aims to equip educators with the skills to encourage reflective learning and support student growth through well-structured online discussions.
In the final part of the webinar, attendees are presented with best practices and case studies demonstrating the successful implementation of inclusive online discussions in various disciplines. This showcase of practical examples highlights the effectiveness of online discussions as formative assessments, providing attendees with tangible evidence of the positive impact of these strategies.
MagicSchool: Using the Magic of AI to Help Teachers
Presenter
Coleman Brown
Video link
MagicSchool: Using the Magic of AI to Help Teachers
Session Description
Are you overwhelmed, tired, and looking for ways to maximize your time? If so, join us for an interactive workshop where we will explore a set of easy to use, AI-powered tools built to lighten educators' load, so educators can save their energy for where they shine best - in the classroom, in front of students. Don't miss this opportunity to shape the future of education with MagicSchool.ai!
Creating Instructional Videos for Online Learning Based on CTML Principles
Presenters
Diana Siberio-Perez & Renata Kochut
Video link
Creating Instructional Videos for Online Learning Based on CTML Principles
Session Description
Instructional videos have become essential tools for delivering content and engaging students in both online and in-person learning environments. But how can educators ensure these videos are not only informative but also effective for learning without professional set-up or a big budget? Drawing from our own experiences developing and creating videos for science courses, we will share practical, research-informed strategies for video design grounded in the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (CTML), which offers evidence-based guidance on how students best process and retain information. We'll explore how to apply CTML principles such as signaling, segmenting, generative activity and learner control to create videos that support cognitive engagement and deeper learning. This session will benefit educators who desire to create or improve their own video content based on affordable tools and research-informed ideas to support diverse learners.
The Digital Class Syllabus: How technology is improving learning and academic content quality - all within the LMS!
Presenter
Brogan Rozzo
Video link
The Digital Class Syllabus: How technology is improving learning and academic content quality - all within the LMS!
Session Description
This 45 minute presentation is to learn how Simple Syllabus, a platform used by over 450 colleges and universities, can improve academic content quality, reduce faculty workload, and improve the student experience. During this fast-paced session you will learn about the concept of syllabus management, why it matters, and get a live demonstration of the technology.
