UW Extended Campus 2024 Faculty Symposium

at The Union South in Madison, WI

Tuesday, May 21st – Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024

 

Best Practices for Online Teaching and Learning

A professional development opportunity for faculty teaching in online
collaborative programs administered by UW Extended Campus. Network and engage with faculty, instructional designers, and
media staff to share and discuss best practices in online teaching and learning.

Rebecca Glazier

Dr. Rebecca A. Glazier is a political science professor in the School of Public Affairs at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She is passionate about helping students learn and has been active in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning since she was a graduate student. After teaching online for the first time in 2009—with no training whatsoever—she become interested in how faculty can better connect with and support online students to help close the retention gap (including in her own classes!).

Dr. Glazier has published more than a dozen peer-reviewed articles on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, along with the book “Connecting in the Online Classroom: Building Rapport between Teachers and Students” (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2021). She has won numerous student-selected and peer-selected teaching awards and has served in leadership roles for the teaching section of the American Political Science Association. Dr. Glazier’s research has been featured in the Chronicle of Higher Education, Inside Higher Ed, Ed Surge, and many other outlets. You can read more about her work on her website: https://www.rebeccaglazier.net/.

Dee Piziak

Dee Piziak has been an adjunct instructor at UW-Milwaukee for over 25 years.  She has developed and teaches a wide range of classes for the School of Information Studies and the Computer Science department – both online and Flex.  Dee is also an IT professional.  After graduating from UW-Milwaukee with an M.S in Computer Science, she began her career with IBM.  She has also worked for Northwestern Mutual, Oracle, Google, and is presently a Director of Data and Artificial Intelligence at Microsoft Corporation.

Eileen Horn

Eileen Horn is a Senior Instructional Designer with the University of Wisconsin Extended Campus. A firm believer in learner-centered approaches to design, Eileen is specifically interested in maximizing learning potential for self-directed, self-paced Competency-Based education (CBE) students. Building on her experience designing online learning for 10+ years in various higher-education environments, she was instrumental in creating design standards and processes for the UW Flexible Option program. As CBE grows and evolves, she continues to work with faculty to design, develop, and deliver CBE courses offered. Eileen earned her Certificate in Distance Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Education and her M.S. degree in Administrative Leadership from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Jennifer Bray

Jennifer Bray has a PhD in Neurophysiology from Marquette University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point. She has taught at UWSP since 2012, and currently teaches introductory biology, human physiology, and neurobiology. She also teaches anatomy and physiology courses for the AAS program.  Her research interests explore the long-term effects of alcohol exposure and neuroinflammatory factors on hippocampal synaptic plasticity in the mouse brain.

John Bennett

John Bennett has a background that highlights his great appreciation of higher education. After receiving a double major in Biology and Chemistry from UW – Stevens Point, he earned his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from Loyola University Chicago where his work focused on DNA tumor viruses and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He continued his research as a post-doctoral fellow at Northwestern University and was awarded and NIH grant to study the DNA tumor virus SV40. John used his background to teach Biology at the university level. John went back to school to earn a law degree at Marquette University. He focused on healthcare law and policy. During his internship at the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin he assisted people with HIV though their unique legal issues. John earned Pro Bono honors for his work. After graduation he practiced law with an emphasis on clients who needed legal support associated with healthcare crisis. He continued teaching at the university level throughout this period and returned to full time teaching.

Kelli Stein

At UW-Parkside, I am a Teaching Specialist for the College of Business, Economics, and Computing, the Interim Advisor for the MBA program, and an instructor in the Flex Program for both the Business Administration Degree and the Project Management Certificate programs. My professional background spans MIS and project management across corporate, consulting, and nonprofit sectors. I earned my BBA from UW-Whitewater and MS from UW-Platteville.

I live with my husband and 13-year-old son in Elmwood Park, WI, and was recently re-elected to my second term as a Village Trustee. I am also an active Rotarian, having chaired their famous Post Prom for several years.

Kristin Kowal

Kristin Kowal is a Senior Instructional Designer at the University of Wisconsin Extended Campus. She enjoys partnering with faculty to design online courses for the Applied Computing Program and has served the University of Wisconsin System for over 16 years. Her leadership in designing and curating a showcase website of UWEX’s exemplary course designs demonstrates her dedication to sparking innovation and collaboration among educators. She is the co-author of “Effect of role-play in online discussions on student engagement and critical thinking,” which won the ADEIL Research Award in 2023. She holds an MS in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

A lifelong learner, Kristin is currently a student in the Sequential Artists’ Workshop Year Long Program, where she is learning to write and draw comics.

Kristine Prahl

Kris Prahl has a PhD in biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.  She completed her undergraduate studies at Concordia University in River Forest, Illinois, where she majored in biology and minored in chemistry.  Her research interests include genetic engineering of yeast for improved biofuel production.  She has also done pedagogical research about active learning in the classroom. 

Laura Lee

Laura Lee has a PhD from the department of Ecology, Ethology and Evolution at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Psychology from Augustana College. She has taught in the UW System since 2000, and currently teaches Concepts of Biology for Extended Campus, as well as a variety of Biology and Natural Resources courses on all three UWSP campuses. Her research interests include invasive species ecology, high-impact practices, and STEM education.

Lauren Mauel

Lauren Mauel is an assistant teaching professor and entrepreneur at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. She received her doctorate in Educational Leadership from Bethel University. Before that, Lauren attained her master’s in data science from Villanova University and a bachelor’s in mathematics from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Her research interests include the various STEM disparities in our world. Lauren runs an educational start-up that supports newcomers in US Schools. ELL Advocates, her company, hinges on equity, project-based learning, and multilingualism.

Before she joined UW-Green Bay, she worked as a high school Mathematics teacher in Algebra 1, Pre-Calculus, and A.P. Statistics. Lauren also worked for a technology company that leveraged data science and coding curriculums for young students. She has completed data science projects in healthcare and sports analytics. Lauren has taught various data science courses such as business intelligence, business statistics, data warehousing, python coding, and visualization.

Michael Steury

Michael Steury graduated from Michigan State University with his degree in Human Physiology and began his journey at UW Stevens Point in 2017 bringing with him his research on gastrointestinal inflammation in Crohn’s and Colitis. Following several years in the biology department, he joined the Applied Biotechnology program in 2021 teaching both the Pre-Capstone and Capstone courses as a part of the program. He began serving in the role of campus Academic Director in 2022. In his free time, he enjoys hiking with his dog and family and playing drums in his local worship band.

Dr. Michelle Gabor

Michelle Gabor has her dream job as an Assistant Professor. Michelle is a CPA and earned both an accounting undergrad and an MBA degree from UW – Parkside. She also earned her Doctorate of Business Administration, focus Finance, from UW – Whitewater. Michelle has over 20 years of experience in business, with responsibility at both strategic and functional levels in organizations in the manufacturing, non-profit and financial institution industries, most recently as Chief Financial Officer of Educators Credit Union. She started teaching on an adjunct basis in 2016 and was a consultant prior to becoming a professor. Michelle is actively involved in the community as a board member (President, prior Treasurer) for the Racine Community Foundation. On a personal note, Michelle loves being outdoors — in the garden, kayaking, hiking, and camping.

Scott Dickmeyer

Scott Dickmeyer is a dedicated teacher, researcher, trainer and consultant specializing in developing effective communicators. Dr. Dickmeyer’s expertise is in the communication of organizational culture in highly admired America Organizations. He is recognized nationally for his work on effective leadership, improving managerial communication, training public speakers, and integrating diverse individuals into effective work teams. Currently, Dr. Dickmeyer is engaged in a major research project illuminating how leadership is a communicative phenomenon. In his free time, Scott practices perfecting the Ole Fashion and is on a continuous quest with his wife, Linda, to locate the best supper clubs in the state.

Theresa Dionne, MA, CPXP

Theresa Dionne, MA, CPXP, is a 2009 “Pointer” graduate with a Master of Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. In 2012 she became a “Badger” instructor of the ‘Introduction to Coaching’ course for the University of Wisconsin Health and Wellness Program. Since earning her master’s, she continued growing professionally. Currently, she is employed at Children’s Health System, Dallas, Texas as Director, Patient Experience Service Lines.

With over 15 years’ developing executive leaders, physicians, nurses, and front-line staff she focuses on dynamic approaches to improve communication, process, and performance goals in various healthcare settings. She supports Children’s mission, by bringing best practices with the emphasis on making life better for employees, patients, and families.

She brings passion to her University of Wisconsin students!  Her goal is to bring out the best in them to empower them with essential coaching skills.  She believes students are our future, and we must cultivate our future.

Theresa loves Texas! She spends her leisure time cooking and cycling. Presently, she is managing her fear of heights by taking up rock climbing.  The key to improving, is to trust herself! She believes, the art of conquering challenges in life is to know your strengths and weaknesses.

Tim Krause

Tim has a PhD from Purdue University, and his research interests include project management and technical communication. Both locally and for Extended Campus, he both teaches and consults on capstone experiences for undergraduate and graduate students. He is a member of the Rural Innovation Network, which focuses on advancing technology training and professional opportunities in more rural, and under-served, areas of the country.

Outside of the classroom, Tim is preparing for his first backyard ultra-marathon. With his wife, he designs a variety of traditional and roleplaying games for use in child and family therapy sessions.

Time Event
9:00am-10:30am

Registration | In front of Varsity Hall

10:30am-10:40am

Welcome Address: Jason Beier, Associate Vice President UWEX | Room: Varsity Hall (2nd floor)

10:40am-10:55am

Johannes Britz, Senior Vice President DASA | Room: Varsity Hall (2nd floor)

10:55am-11:00am

Keynote introduction by Crystal Fey | Room: Varsity Hall (2nd floor)

11:00am-12:15pm

Dr. Glazier’s extensive research on teaching and learning all comes down to the importance of connecting with students. Whether we teach online, face-to-face, hybrid, or some yet-to-be-invented combination, what matters is building rapport with our students. And there is no format where this is more needed—or more challenging—than asynchronous online classes. Building rapport means seeing each other as real humans and letting our students know that we care about their success. What more can we do to center student connection in our teaching? And how can we do it without burning ourselves out? In this interactive presentation, Dr. Glazier will share qualitative and quantitative research on the impact rapport can have for students, strategies for building rapport, and evidence of just how easy it can be to make meaningful connections. Participants will leave with new ideas and strategies for building rapport in their classrooms and a new understanding of the difference it can make.

12:15pm-1:30pm

Lunch | Room: Varsity Hall (2nd floor)

1:30pm-2:00pm
2:00pm-2:15pm

Break

2:15pm-2:45pm
2:45pm-3:15pm

Refreshment break | Varsity Hall (2nd floor)

3:15pm-3:45pm
3:45pm-4:00pm

Break

4:00pm-4:30pm

Speaker: Kelli Stein and Eileen Horn

Room: Industry (3rd Floor)

Speaker: Tim Krause and Terry Thao

Room: Agriculture (3rd Floor)

In Data Science (MS), Applied Computing (BS), and information Technology Management, students often question the need for a communication course in a technical field. Additionally, they also often have significant questions and concerns about the capstone course in those respective majors as well. We know from past experience that one of the best ways to explain the importance of communication and project management is to share video testimonials from previous students who took the course. Those testimonials have come from current students, alumni, and advisory board members. The presentation will focus on a couple of related topics including:  

  • Incorporating expert interviews into the course design.  
  • Linking curriculum to the field of practice through interview testimonials.  

The presentation will also discuss the processes for developing those testimonials and corresponding assignments:  

  • Collaborating with UW Extended Campus to effectively conduct remote interviews.  
  • Improving the use of rubrics in Data Science and other program assessments. 

 

4:30pm-6:00pm

Light dinner fare provided at the Symposium with Cash Bar and Poster Session

6:00pm

Adjourn for the evening

Time Event
7:30am-9:15am

Breakfast | Varsity Hall (2nd floor)

8:00am-10:00am

Representatives for the Applied Biotechnology program(s) will meet in a specific breakout room for their program session.

Representatives for the Associate of Arts and Sciences program session| will meet in a specific breakout room for their program session.

Representatives for the BSN at Home program will meet in a specific breakout room for their program session.

Representatives for the Data Science program will meet in a specific breakout room for their program session.

Representatives for the Digital Marketing & Financial Technology Certificates program session will meet in a specific breakout room for their program session.

Representatives for the Healthcare Administration program will meet in a specific breakout room for their program session.

Representatives for the Information Technology Management program(s) will meet in a specific breakout room for their program session.

Representatives for the Sustainable Management programs will meet in a specific breakout room for their program session.

 

 

 

8:00am-8:45am

Speaker: Nate Ewings and Kelsey Zeller

Room: Fifth Quarter Studio (2nd floor)

8:45am-9:00 am

Break

9:00am - 9:45 am

Speaker: Ryan Anderson, Kyle Sky, Laurie Berry, Kristine Pierick and Media Team

Room: Wisconsin Idea (2nd floor)

9:45am-10:00am

Break

10:00am-Noon

Representatives for the Applied Computing programs will meet in a specific breakout room for their program session.

Representatives for the Biodiversity Conservation and Management program(s) will meet in a specific breakout room for their program session.

Representatives for the Cybersecurity program will meet in a specific breakout room for their program session.

Representatives for the Health Information Management & Technology program(s) will meet in a specific breakout room for their program session.

Representatives for the Independent Learning programs will meet in a specific breakout room for their program session.

Representatives for the Health and Wellness Management program(s) will meet in a specific breakout room for their program session.

Representatives for the UW-Milwaukee Flex programs will meet in a specific breakout room for their program session.

Representatives for the UW-Parkside Flex programs will meet in a specific breakout room for their program session.

10:00am-10:45am

Speaker: Nate Ewings and Kelsey Zeller

Room: Fifth Quarter Studio (2nd floor)

10:45am-11:00am

Break

11:00am-11:45am

Speaker: Ryan Anderson, Kyle Sky, Laurie Berry, Kristine Pierick and Media Team

Room: Wisconsin Idea (2nd floor)

11:45-12:30pm

The Venue

The 2024 Faculty Symposium will be held at the The Union South

1308 W Dayton St, Madison, WI 53715

Please note that you will be responsible for covering the cost of travel, parking within Madison, and any incidentals at the hotel. We advise you to check with your respective campus for reimbursement policies.

The Holiday Inn Express and Suites

610 John Nolen Drive, Madison WI 608-709-5050

  • Complimentary parking
  • If you would like to use the hotel’s shuttle service, please reach out to Inge Dilla at Inge.Dilla@uwex.wisconsin.edu
  • UWEX will work with the hotel to process the cost of your room. Please note: a credit card may still be needed at check-in to cover the cost of incidentals.
  • Complimentary breakfast.
  • UW Extended Campus will provide breakfast Wednesday, May 22nd at Union South.

The Sheraton Madison Hotel

706 John Nolen Drive, Madison WI

  • Complimentary parking
  • If you would like to use the hotel’s shuttle service, please reach out to Inge Dilla at Inge.Dilla@uwex.wisconsin.edu
  • UWEX will work with the hotel to process the cost of your room. Please note: a credit card may still be needed at check-in to cover the cost of incidentals.
  • Sheraton breakfast is available in their market at guests’ expense. UW Extended Campus will provide a breakfast Wednesday, May 22nd at Union South.

 

Parking near Union South

Campus lots:

• Lot 80 (Located below the Union South. Entry on Dayton)
• Lot 17 (Engineering Drive Ramp)
• Lot 20 (University Ave Ramp)

Parking Map

 

Centering Student Connection

Dr. Glazier’s extensive research on teaching and learning all comes down to the importance of connecting with students. Whether we teach online, face-to-face, hybrid, or some yet-to-be-invented combination, what matters is building rapport with our students. And there is no format where this is more needed—or more challenging—than asynchronous online classes. Building rapport means seeing each other as real humans and letting our students know that we care about their success. What more can we do to center student connection in our teaching? And how can we do it without burning ourselves out? In this interactive presentation, Dr. Glazier will share qualitative and quantitative research on the impact rapport can have for students, strategies for building rapport, and evidence of just how easy it can be to make meaningful connections. Participants will leave with new ideas and strategies for building rapport in their classrooms and a new understanding of the difference it can make.

Breakout Sessions

Coaching Students on How to Thrive in the Era of AI | Dee Piziak, UW-Milwaukee, Information Science & Technology

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming mainstream in our society. The transformative impact of AI will have far-reaching economic, legal, political and regulatory implications on all types of industries and careers. As educators, we need to be discussing and preparing our students for their future. This presentation will raise awareness of the critical skills students need to have to thrive in their professional environments and how to incorporate those learnings into our Flex program. 

Presentation Learning Outcomes: 

  • Raise awareness of AI reach and range  
  • Understand the implications of AI on student professional success  
  • Discuss how to coach students to build critical skills 

Creating Effective 15-Minute Narrated PowerPoint Lectures for Online Classes | John Bennett, UW-Parkside, Health Information Management & Technology

In this talk tailored for online educators, I will present the intricate process of creating concise and impactful 15-minute narrated PowerPoint lectures for online courses. I will demonstrate how I streamline the course construction process by efficiently gathering resources from publishers, utilizing available slides, and incorporating additional relevant materials. The focal point of the lecture construction journey involves thorough planning of assessments. I will walk through my approach to selecting and adapting assessments, aligning them with the provided learning outcomes from the textbook authors. Through this iterative process, I ensure comprehensive coverage of key concepts while refining the assessment strategy to meet the specific needs of each chapter. During the final stage, I employ the narrated PowerPoint lectures as a strategic tool to guide students through essential chapter highlights. These lectures provide guidance on crucial points rather than an in-depth presentation of content. I also use this platform to enlighten students about the assessment criteria, emphasizing the key learning outcomes and providing insight into the grading process. 

Presentation Learning Outcomes 

  • Participants will gain insights into the streamlined process of creating 15-minute narrated PowerPoint lectures, incorporating publisher resources effectively.  
  • Attendees will learn how to strategically align assessments with learning outcomes, ensuring a comprehensive and targeted approach to evaluating student understanding.  
  • Educators will discover techniques for using brief narrated lectures to guide students through essential chapter highlights, emphasizing key learning outcomes and assessment criteria, fostering a more engaged and informed learning experience. 

Aligning Curriculum with Changing Industry Needs | Eileen Horn and Kelli Stein

Presenter:
Kelli Stein, Flex Program instructor in the Business Administration Degree and Project Management Certificate programs, UW-Parkside
Eileen Horn, Senior Instructional Designer and Manager, UW-Extended Campus

This session, relevant to all online faculty, explores strategies for effectively adapting curriculum to meet changing industry needs in the online learning environment. We will discuss the process of analyzing current curriculum, potential changes, and restructuring of the Flexible Option Project Management certificate to reflect updated methodologies of the Program Management Institute (PMI). Drawing upon research and practical experiences, we examine the critical components of curriculum alignment in the context of competency-based education (CBE). We explore methods for identifying emerging industry trends and integrating them into course design, ensuring participants are equipped with relevant and marketable skills. Attendees will gain valuable insights into effectively aligning curriculum with changing industry needs in the dynamic landscape of online education. 

Presentation Learning Outcomes 

  • Describe ways to keep your course current based on evolving needs of the industry and the online learning landscape.  
  • Explore ways to promote faculty professional development to ensure instructors have the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively teach the updated curriculum. 

Strategies for Incorporating Labs into Online Science Courses | Laura Lee, Kristine Prahl, Kristine Pierick and Jennifer Bray

Presenter:
Laura Lee, UW-Stevens Point, Associate of Arts & Science (Semester-based)
Kristine Prahl, UW-Stevens Point, Associate of Arts & Science (Semester-based)
Kristine Pierick, UW-Extended Campus, Associate of Arts & Science (Semester-based)
Jennifer Bray, UW-Stevens Point, Associate of Arts & Science (Semester-based)

A great deal of attention has been given to online laboratory offerings since most college instruction was abruptly moved online during the COVID pandemic. However, online courses with lab components have been part of UW System for years prior to the pandemic, and offering meaningful lab experiences to students participating in these courses has long been concerning. The Collaborative Associate of Arts and Sciences Degree program contains several lab science courses. In this breakout session, the instructors and designers involved with the design and development of three biology courses will discuss how both online labs and at-home labs were incorporated into them. The advantages and disadvantages to both students and instructors of each lab variety will be discussed. Of particular importance is the collaboration that must occur with third-party vendors for proper integration of labs into the design of the course. As each of these courses either has recently gone through or will soon go through a course revision, lessons learned and improvements made will also be discussed. Time for the audience to brainstorm and share their own best practices for designing and teaching online lab courses will be included at the end of the session. 

Presentation Learning Outcomes 

  • Learn strategies for incorporating online lab activities into online science courses  
  • Learn how third-party vendors can be utilized to provide at-home lab kits and cloud platforms for online science courses  
  • Learn how Canvas discussions can be used to evaluate lab data within a course 

Challenges and opportunities in online asynchronous group learning. | Pritosh Kuma and Michelle Gabor

Presenter:
Pritosh Kumar, UW-Parkside, Business Administration/Project Management/Business Analytics (UW Flexible Option)
Michelle Gabor, UW-Parkside, Business Administration/Project Management/Business Analytics (UW Flexible Option)

Positive group learning through assignments increases academic self-confidence and has been linked with improved student learning, retention, and success. However, in an online asynchronous environment, group learning can become challenging due to constraints such as location, lack of face-to face interaction, and managing threads of student discussions on platforms such as Canvas. This presentation aims to highlight the importance of group assignments in an online environment. We compare in-person and online asynchronous modes and undergraduate and graduate-level courses by highlighting the differences, nuances, and challenges of group assignments at various levels. We discuss best practices in creating the right groups, managing them, and monitoring them. Then, we move on to the evaluation of the group learning success through metrics such as participation, group cohesion, group learning, and individual learning through an online team evaluation form. We also address the various ways to increase student feedback about such learnings. We follow this with a discussion about new tools, such as Hypothesis, which can aid in group learning and other ideas for the future. We close the presentation by discussing the areas where we should not use group learning and open the floor for the audience. 

Presentation Learning Outcomes 

  • Recognize the importance of group learning in an online environment.  
  • Identify the various best practices that can aid in creating the right group assignment for an online course.  
  • Evaluate whether the group assignments for an online course are having the desired outcomes. 

Creating Effective Group Project Teams | Scott Dickmeyer, UW-La Crosse, Cybersecurity

Most students hate group projects and with good reason–faculty, generally, populate groups haphazardly and increase the likelihood of ineffective task and relational outcomes of the group project. This breakout session shares a systematic way of populated groups by identifying individual student managerial strengths and communicator styles and using this information to establish groups. Additionally, the presenter(s) will share an initial group activity that assists students in assigning group tasks and crafting a team persona and culture. Participants will engage in completing the two assessments and share in the dynamics students experience when learning their individual managerial strengths and communication styles. 

Presentation Learning Outcomes 

  • By completing this session, participants will be able to systematically craft student work groups through the process of selecting participants based on managerial strengths, communicator styles, and diversity–insuring well-rounded groups.  
  • By completing this session, participants will be able to competently describe their managerial strengths and communicator styles 

Teaching Communication in Degree Programs | Terry Tao and Tim Krause

Presenter:
Terry Tao, UW-Extended Campus, Data Science
Tim Krause, UW-Stevens Point, Data Science, Cybersecurity

In Data Science (MS), Applied Computing (BS), and information Technology Management, students often question the need for a communication course in a technical field. Additionally, they also often have significant questions and concerns about the capstone course in those respective majors as well. We know from past experience that one of the best ways to explain the importance of communication and project management is to share video testimonials from previous students who took the course. Those testimonials have come from current students, alumni, and advisory board members. The presentation will focus on a couple of related topics including:   

  • Incorporating expert interviews into the course design.   
  • Linking curriculum to the field of practice through interview testimonials.   

The presentation will also discuss the processes for developing those testimonials and corresponding assignments:   

  • Collaborating with UW Extended Campus to effectively conduct remote interviews.   
  • Improving the use of rubrics in Data Science and other program assessments.

Presentation Learning Outcomes 

  • How to produce engaging, short video testimonials, and the role of instructional and media design.  
  • How to write effective rubrics for corresponding assignments with video testimonials 

Managing Capstone and Other Online Projects | Time Krause, Michael Steury and Kristin Kowal

Presenter:
Tim Krause, UW-Stevens Point, Applied Computing, Data Science
Kristin Kowal, UW-Extended Campus, Applied Computing
Michael Steury, UW-Stevens Point, Applied Biotechnology/Bioinformatics


We will offer a panel discussion that will introduce attendees to the challenges associated with working with Capstone students on applied projects for their major. The discussion will focus primarily on some of the challenges associated with working in an entirely online, asynchronous setting. Panelists will start with an overview of evaluating and selecting projects and high-level planning for those projects. Additionally, panelists will lead discussion on not only preparing students for the Capstone, but also for helping them with the ongoing management of their project over the course of a 15-week semester.  

Presentation Learning Outcomes 

Participants will learn how to assist students with selecting Capstone projects. They will also be provided with an overview of a handful of resources and grading rubrics to assist them and students with managing their projects over the course of the semester. 

Practice Resilience by Inviting New Challenges: Activate Your "Bucket List'! | Theresa Dionne, UW-Stevens Point, UW-Madison, Health and Wellness Management

Like many professionals, individuals in higher education such as University of Wisconsin faculty, experience challenges in maintaining their health and wellness. Consider how stress negatively impacts health and wellness of our educators. Just to name a few worries: The demands of performing in their roles, highly competitive cultures, and stigma of seeking help for mental health concerns all impact health and wellness in negative ways. Like many organizations, universities that support their employees and staff by empathizing the importance of selfcare, provide resources and create opportunities to participate in resilience practices may reduce negative effects of health and well-being. To contribute to a culture of resilience at the University of Wisconsin, faculty need training, skills for implementation, as well as protected time to practice the concepts. This workshop provides introductory-level knowledge and skills. This 30-minute workshop is designed to provide learners with a framework for improving one’s resilience, by designing a “Bucket List” which is intended to assist learners with developing their own action plan to resilience. Learners will conceptualize a personalized plan with the intention to ‘take action’ by utilizing “GROW Model” and “Vision Board” approaches. The workshop is interactive, with group discussions. 

Presentation Learning Outcomes 

  • Define and discuss the importance of resilience.
  • Define and prepare your personal bucket list.
  • Generate ideas to design your personal vision board to manifest your goals.
  • Apply ‘GROW Coaching Model’ with the intent to initiate a plan to achieve your goals.

Driving Choice & Collaboration in Asynchronous Quantitative Environments | Lauren Mauel, UW-Green Bay, Data Science

This presentation will discuss ways in which instructors can build collaboration and choice within asynchronous environments and classroom communities. We will discuss relevant examples within quantitative courses and ideate possibilities for instructors within their specific space. 

Presentation Learning Outcomes: 

Students will: 

  • Learn ways to build collaboration in asynchronous courses.  
  • Learn ways to build choices within quantitative courses.  
  • ideate possibilities for implementation in their own courses. 

Open Topics Discussion | Ryan Anderson, Kyle Sky, Laurie Berry, Kristine Pierick and Media Team

Presenter: 
Ryan Anderson, UW Extended Campus
Kyle Sky, UW Extended Campus
Laurie Berry, UW Extended Campus
Kristine Pierick, UW Extended Campus
Media Team, UW Extended Campus

Have a pressing topic you’d like to discuss with your fellow online faculty members? Join us for an engaging session focused on discussing topics of interest related to online course design and teaching. Through a collaborative brainstorming session led by our Instructional Design Team, we will collectively identify a list of potential topics. Following this, the group will swiftly prioritize the top four topics, ensuring a balanced discussion on each. To conclude, our ID and Media Teams will review valuable resources available to all faculty as they pursue new course creation or revisions.

AI | Nate Ewings and Kelsey Zeller, UW Extended Campus

Join us for an insightful roundtable discussion as we delve into the impact of AI on education. This session provides a platform for instructors to share how AI impacts what (and how) they teach, how they are using AI for their work, and how they are seeing students use AI. Infused throughout, we’ll consider this tool’s potential benefits and limitations in the educational setting. The session will be structured as an open discussion, with the opportunity for smaller group discussions if needed, and will conclude with sharing key takeaways among the group.

Registration is now closed! 

If you need to make changes to your registration or hotel room reservation, or if you have any questions, please contact Inge Dilla at Inge.Dilla@uwex.wisconsin.edu.

There is no fee to attend, and meals will be provided. Hotel accommodations for participants traveling from a campus outside of Madison will be covered on Tuesday, May 21. Hotel rooms for Monday, May 20, are primarily reserved for participants traveling from greater distances.
Please note that you will be responsible for covering the cost of travel, parking within Madison, and any incidentals at the hotel. We advise you to check with your respective campus for reimbursement policies.