October 2025 Academic Technology Newsletter

This month’s issue dives into innovation, accessibility, and connection across campus. Explore how Nobel laureate scholars in Economics are redefining technological change, how data and analytics are shaping the future of higher education, and don’t miss the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) AI Education Fellowship opportunity offering an award and national collaboration for faculty innovators. Plus, learn how one simple Canvas tool can make your course links more accessible for students.

We also invite you to connect and learn together! Join FacDev Lounge Hours on Mondays and Fridays from 1 to 4pm for coffee and conversation, and brace yourself for our Halloween-themed tech workshops Spooky Tales of CyberCrime and Spooked by Canvas.

Looking ahead, discover how Professor Carmen Saunders-Russell is empowering health science students through AI integration in her upcoming November session.

We’re excited to share that applications are open for the 2025 National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) AI Education Fellowship! This is a great opportunity for CSUN faculty who are leading innovation in AI teaching and learning. Awardees will receive a $5,000 fellowship stipend, travel support to attend national meetings, and collaborative projects with AI education leaders from across the country. The deadline to apply is November 1, 2025.

The Nobel Prize in economics was awarded to Joel Mokyr of Northwestern University, Peter Howitt of Brown University and Philippe Aghion of the College of France and the London School of Economics for their work on how cycles of technological innovation feed economic growth.

Tackle students’ top accessibility complaint - broken links - in one step with the Course Link Validator in Canvas. Learn how to fix them and follow best practices for clear, consistent, accessible links.

Explore how AI, data literacy, and analytics are reshaping higher education. The 2025 EDUCAUSE Horizon Report, in which Dr. Helen Heinrich participated in the expert panel, highlights emerging trends every CSUN faculty member should know and how they’re influencing teaching, research, and decision-making.

Drop by the FacDev Lounge Hours for coffee, snacks, and great conversation! Connect with colleagues or an instructional designer Mondays and Fridays from 1–4 p.m. in FacDev Commons (University Library, Room 3). No reservation needed. Come recharge and share ideas!

Find more professional development opportunities on the Academic Technology workshop calendar. Can't make it to a workshop? Book an appointment with one of our team members.

Learn about the most common threats, from phishing and ransomware to malware and social engineering and AI threats and get practical tips on how to protect yourself.

This drop-in session lets CSUN instructors meet with an instructional technologist for personalized guidance, troubleshooting, and tips on Canvas tools, resources, and solutions.

Join Professor Carmen Saunders-Russell as she shares her approach to integrating AI tools into graduate and undergraduate courses—from using AI for idea generation to literature reviews and data analysis. Learn how intentional AI integration prepares future healthcare leaders to navigate technology-driven systems with confidence and integrity. This hybrid workshop will meet in-person in UL30 and live on Zoom.

Share topics you would like to see covered in a future newsletter, give us feedback on your experience with instructional technology, or let us know of workshop resources you are interested in with the Academic Technology Feedback Form.

Want to connect? Join our Zoom Drop-in Hours, make an appointment, or send us an email. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for more Academic Technology updates.