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Innovation Playgrounds

Feel free to join any of our upcoming Innovation Playgrounds sessions! Each live session will be held online over Zoom and last approximately 50 minutes. Click on the links below to register for each event.

  • Why do we do discussion boards anyway?
    September 19, 2024, 11-11:50 am MT
    Even long before the emergence of tools like ChatGPT, online educators and students alike struggled to make online discussions not feel like busy work. These problems are likely going to be exasperated, now in the age of AI, where students may be using AI even for discussion boards that ask for their self-reflection. In this playground, we will brainstorm, discuss, and share alternative approaches to online discussions that can even intentionally use tools like ChatGPT.
    Click here to register for this event.
  • Authentic and Renewable Assessments
    September 25, 2024, 12-12:50 pm MT
    Students often approach their assignments as a one-and-done type of activity. Educators continue to explore ways to create authentic, relevant, and what some refer to as “renewable assessments.” How do we these types of meaningful assessments? How do teach students how to value this type of work? Let’s explore authentic, renewable, and non-disposal assignments. This playground is designed to explore these types of assignments. Discover how to create meaningful, relevant, sustainable assignments that transcend traditional coursework and provide lasting value to students. Come ready to learn from peers, and contribute to a vibrant discussion about transforming assignments into impactful, enduring learning experiences. Let’s reimagine education together!
    Click here to register for the event.
  • Generative AI Tools: What Works
    October 3, 2024, 12-12:50 pm MT
    The landscape and best practices for AI tools is constantly shifting. This discussion we give participants update comparisons on the best free and paid generative AI tools for language and image generation, then open to a discussion on the best practices of getting the most out of generative AI tools while avoiding the common pitfalls.
    Click here to register for the event.
  • Exploring Online Course Analytics
    October 9, 2024, 11-11:50 am MT
    If you teach a course on Canvas, your students’ participation in your course generates a lot of data. We will explore a student-first approach to leveraging that data to: protect you students, keep students engaged, identify which students need more support. Participants will be encouraged to look at the analytics of their own live canvas courses.
    Click here to register for the event.
  • Interactivity with H5P
    October 10, 2024, 11-11:50 am MT
    Dive into the world of interactive content creation with our H5P Innovation Playground! This informal session invites faculty members to explore the capabilities of H5P, a tool that enables the creation of engaging, interactive assignments and activities. Learn how to design dynamic content that enhances student engagement and fosters deeper learning. You’ll discover how H5P can transform traditional assignments into immersive educational experiences through play. Join us to share ideas, gain new skills, and become part of a community dedicated to innovative teaching practices.
    Click here to register for the event.