LTS supports accessibility in UIC's digital applications, content and websites.

For the next few years, Technology Solutions and LTS will be supporting the changes that need to be made to digital applications, digital content, and websites based on adopting the Americans with Disabilities Act Title II Regulations. We are already collaborating with several committees to gather materials and provide faculty with guidance on converting digital content used for teaching into accessible digital content, identifying applications and vendors that support WCAG 2.1 regulations, and helping develop a timeframe and support for ensuring that UIC meets these state requirements. 

For the foreseeable future, we will use our newsletters to communicate with faculty about applications we need to sunset because they don’t meet these regulations, share instructions and videos for content conversion, and provide insight and resources throughout this process.

In this newsletter, we feature insights from Sophia Hamilton, Director of the Disability Resource Center, Jemma Ku, Director of IT Accessibility, and Peter Berg, UIC ADA Coordinator, who are central to UIC’s accessibility initiatives.

UIC's AI adoption journey began with enthusiasm and caution, balancing AI's potential with concerns over academic integrity, job impacts, and trustworthiness. Through collaborative initiatives like vendor partnerships and dedicated advising groups, UIC is forging a thoughtful, ethical path forward with AI. Learn how faculty, students, and strategic frameworks are shaping UIC’s AI future.

As UIC prepares to meet the federal mandate for WCAG 2.1 AA compliance by April 2026, campus champions are leading the way. Discover insights from Sophia Hamilton, Peter Berg, and Jemma Ku on what this means for faculty, students, and institutional practice – and learn how you can support inclusivity.

At EDUCAUSE 2024, leaders shared how tech is transforming higher ed. Key themes included AI-driven teaching, digital equity, and trust-building. Learn how these trends can empower UIC instructors to enhance learning and support student success.

VoiceThread will be retired on June 13, 2025, due to low usage and cost concerns. Instructors should transition content to Blackboard Discussion Board, Panopto, or Padlet. New content creation and editing will cease after this date. Plan ahead to ensure a smooth transition!

We’d love your feedback! Help us improve faculty support by completing a brief feedback form on Grammarly for Education. Your insights will guide future resources and support for this tool. Take a few minutes to share your experience – your input matters!

Learning Technology Solutions (LTS) is excited to introduce a one-stop Help Page for all learning technology requests. Based on faculty feedback, this page streamlines access to resources and support, making it easier than ever to find what you need. Visit the new Learning Technology Help Page on the LTS website. Thank you for helping us create a more seamless experience!

Heads up, instructors! While Panopto quizzes can boost student engagement, LTS advises against using them for grades due to integration issues with Blackboard. Explore alternative methods for graded video quizzes and ensure smooth course management. Stay informed and keep your gradebook hassle-free!

Exciting updates are coming to Blackboard Ultra – including enhanced discussion features, a Mastery tab, “Achievements” functionality, and streamlined course access management. Read now for a full overview of what to expect from Ultra in the next few months as an instructor at UIC. 

Metacognition, or thinking about one’s thinking, can help support student success. Learn more about implementing Weekly Reflection Journals for Metacognition, which can afford instructors crucial insight into student thinking and help students cement and deepen their learning. 

INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS FOR TEACHING & LEARNING