Teaching Well with… Semester Start-Up! (2024)

The OIT Teaching and Learning Technologies team provides their “Semester Start Up” prior to each semester as a way for faculty to access the team for consultations, presentations and workshops on Canvas and so much more! Whether faculty, staff or a TA, participants can attend as many sessions as they would like and enjoy a collegial space to plan for and prepare courses (or the courses they might support).

Sessions are held IN PERSON, so that participants can take time to work on course sites during their time with us. Bring your own device, and we will bring breakfast treats, coffee, and lunch.

Registration is limited to 40 people in each session, so please register early!

The next Semester Start-Up will be held May 28-29, 2024.

Previous topics/ presentations have included:

Getting to Know Canvas
Overall introduction to Canvas for new users, including account and profile details, navigation and basic use of a course site. Adding TA’s/users to your course.

Customize Your Canvas Dashboard
Want to hide courses you don’t need anymore? Have multiple sections of the same classthat would be easier to identify if you could create a custom course card? This session will show you how to work with your Canvas Dashboard, as well as flex your creativity muscles with Adobe Express to differentiate your course identification cards.

Improve Course Organization and Optimize the Learning Experience
Learn how to package your course materials and differentiate student learning using Canvas. Make it easier for students to find and engage with your course content!

Canvas Tools for Learning through Teaching
An established body of research demonstrates the power of learning through teaching. Most of us experienced this phenomenon when we became teachers, but it will deepen student learning as well. This session will provide a quick overview of the “learning-by-teaching” research and then introduce Canvas tools that would support in the classroom and in course assessments.

How to Become a Canvas Legend!
“Canvas Legends” is a student-nominated recognition of Notre Dame faculty utilizing Canvas LMS and/or its integrated tools above and beyond for teaching and learning. Join us for lunch, to discuss the overall feedback students provided in their nominations, view some exemplary courses, and celebrate this year’s selected faculty.

Posting Grades and Feedback in Canvas
Student surveys confirm one thing – students value frequent feedback from instructors. This session will show you how to set up your Gradebook to keep students on track. We will look at how to interpret the Gradebook and talk through common concerns to give you confidence when using it.

Creating Assignments and Assessments
The Assignment tool pulls double duty in Canvas: creating assignments as well as setting up the Gradebook. Quizzes can easily be set up as a formative assessment. And Speedgrader brings it all together!

Teaching in the Age of AI: Concerns and Opportunities
An introduction into the intersection of education and artificial intelligence. It delves into how AI is reshaping the higher education landscape, highlighting opportunities and concerns from its increasing presence in teaching and learning. Key topics include: ethical and privacy considerations, strategies for use, future trends, and challenges/solutions.

Generative AI: The Basics
An overview of the AI landscape.

Teaching Critical AI Literacy
As AI systems become more sophisticated and accessible, it is imperative toacknowledge and address the issue of bias that can inadvertently permeate thegenerated content. In this session we will discuss the complexities of bias in generation algorithms, as well as strategies to mitigate and counteract these biases through assignments that provide students with the tools to use AI responsibly.

“AI and Academic Integrity”
The state of AI-related academic dishonesty, appropriate vs inappropriate student use of Gen AI, and what students need to know from you at the start of the semester. There will be time for questions and for sharing any pleasant surprises or frustrations you encountered in fall.

Empowering Educators with AI: Prompt Engineering for Course Design & SyllabusDevelopment
Discover the potential of Generative AI, such as ChatGPT, in assisting with course design and syllabus development. Our interactive workshop invites instructors to a demonstration and discussion session. Here, we’ll explore crafting effective prompts that harness AI’s capabilities, providing valuable support during the crucial final stages of course preparation days before the semester begins. Join us to learn, share, and innovate as we navigate the exciting intersection of AI and education.

Demo of Chat GPT, Image Generators, and AI Translators
We will walk you through the functionality and possibilities of three types of AI tools most commonly used by students.

Check under the Workshop Recordings & Slides tab for content from previous workshops.

Teaching Well with… Semester Start-Up! (2024)

FAQs

What makes a good teacher answers? ›

Good teachers have strong relationships with their students by being warm, available, and kind. They reach out to parents often, with both updates and concerns. They also work with administrators and other teachers to improve their own teaching as well as the schools at which they teach.

How to teach a good first day of class in Lang? ›

To build curiosity the first day, Lang discourages beginning the class by going over the syllabus. Instead create interest by talking about what fascinated you about the discipline when you first studied it. Think of what fascinates students of today and ways you might connect the content with their world.

How do I start my semester strong? ›

Make a weekly schedule with classes, office hours, when to do homework, study, workout etc. Spend time studying the first couple of weeks so the first prelim doesn't just hit you. Practice good self-care: sleep well, eat well, and get exercise. Review your notes everyday.

What are the 5 qualities of a good teacher? ›

The Top 14 Qualities that Make a Good Teacher
  • Adaptability. Adaptability is a must for teachers, who need to continuously evaluate what's working for their students — and even more importantly, what isn't working. ...
  • Empathy. ...
  • Patience. ...
  • Engagement. ...
  • Active Listening. ...
  • Lifelong Learning. ...
  • Free of Bias. ...
  • Respectful Attitude.

What does excellent teaching look like? ›

Emphasizing connections across lessons, learning units, and courses; Defining and communicating outcomes for learning units and assignments; Aligning content, assessments, and activities with outcomes; Presenting content and activities at multiple, appropriate levels of engagement and challenge.

What is the first thing a teacher should do? ›

Prepare an Introduction

Just as you want to know your students, they will want to know about you. Prepare and practice an introduction that will tell students something about you. Make it interesting! This is a great opportunity to connect with your students and to get them engaged and comfortable asking questions.

How can I be a better first grade teacher? ›

How to Teach First Grade – Tips Beyond the First Day
  1. Create a Numerical System. Take your alphabetical student list and assign each student a number. ...
  2. Use Visual Timers. ...
  3. Make Use of Rewards. ...
  4. Avoid Treating Them Like Babies. ...
  5. Make Math Routine. ...
  6. Limit Activities to 12-18 Minutes. ...
  7. Integrate Plenty of Movement Breaks.
Jan 4, 2024

How to prepare for the start of a semester? ›

Seven Tips for Preparing for the New Semester
  1. Clean everything.
  2. Set a schedule.
  3. Create your own “reimagine the possible” list.
  4. Back to a good sleep schedule.
  5. Order your books (if they are digital, download them)
  6. Put together some playlists / podcasts.
  7. Put yourself first.

How do I pass my semester? ›

How can I improve my grades>
  1. Organize your time. ...
  2. Pay attention to classes. ...
  3. Give some extra time towards the topics you're not the best at. ...
  4. Don't let yourself be distracted 📵 by social media and TV. ...
  5. Improve your studying style. ...
  6. Ask friends for help or hire a private tutor.
Jan 18, 2024

Have a good semester quote? ›

5 Quotes For When You Need Some Motivation This Semester
  • “Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.” – ...
  • “Don't wait until you've reached you goals to be proud of yourself. ...
  • “I never dreamt of success. ...
  • “If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try” –Seth Godin. ...
  • “Nothing worth having comes easy.” –Anonymous.
Sep 26, 2018

How do I get motivated to start my semester? ›

10 Tips to Stay Motivated this Semester
  1. Take things one day at a time. While you may have many responsibilities, it's important to remember not to cram everything into one day. ...
  2. Find a support system. ...
  3. Take time for yourself. ...
  4. Set goals. ...
  5. Keep a planner. ...
  6. Avoid focusing on the negatives. ...
  7. Ask for help. ...
  8. Exercise.

How can I be productive this semester? ›

9 Simple Productivity Tips for College Students
  1. Start with Your Calendar. ...
  2. List What You Need to Get Done. ...
  3. Prioritize and Plan. ...
  4. Minimize Distractions. ...
  5. Listen to Your Body. ...
  6. Group Your Tasks. ...
  7. Multitask the Right Way. ...
  8. Take Care of Yourself.
Mar 9, 2023

How do you fix a bad semester? ›

Talk to your teacher about extra credit.

Talk to them about taking on an extra assignment that would help raise your grade. Extra credit might entail doing something like participating in a science fair, writing an extra essay, or giving a presentation to the class. It never hurts to ask!

What defines you as a best teacher? ›

Other characteristics of effective teaching include an engaging classroom presence, value in real-world learning, exchange of best practices and a lifelong love of learning. A good teacher can make a world of difference in a student's life, impacting everything from their classroom learning to their long-term success.

What is your strength as a teacher's best answer? ›

Sample Answer: "One of my strengths as a teacher is my ability to establish strong relationships with my students. I believe that creating a supportive and inclusive classroom environment is key to fostering student engagement and success.

What to write about a good teacher? ›

Box 1 Twelve qualities of a good teacher or mentor
  • Communicates effectively with others.
  • Encourages input from others, listening deeply and giving credit for their contributions.
  • Acts with integrity.
  • Provides a model of high ethical standards.
  • Shows a caring attitude.

What are the weaknesses of a teacher? ›

Potential teacher weaknesses could be:

Lack of experience in handling children. Poor communication, interpersonal, or public speaking skills. Difficulty comprehending complex student relationships and empathizing with others. Over-planning.

References

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