Welcome to the October edition of the CSUN Academic Technology newsletter! We’re excited to share some great updates, resources, and workshops to help you enhance your teaching and explore new technologies.

First off, a big thank you to everyone who participated in Move Your Content Day! We collectively removed thousands of files, including 2,000 image files, and our accessibility score inched up from 66.7% to 67.1%. Every little bit helps, and your efforts are truly making a difference in creating a more accessible campus.

The 2024 EDUCAUSE Horizon Report on Cybersecurity and Privacy is now out, and it’s packed with insights into the latest trends in cybersecurity, especially within higher education.

We also have an exciting dive into Digital Twin Technology, explored by Vahé Karamian, Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science. This innovative technology is not only transforming industries but also reshaping educational practices.

Our Spook-TECH-ular Open House was a huge success! The Garden Level of the University Library was buzzing with autumn festivities as faculty, staff, and students connected, learned about new tools, and discovered some of the exciting resources available to support teaching and learning. If you couldn’t make it, check out the recap!

For those of you looking to enhance your online course design, the Faculty Development Winter eLearning Institute is just around the corner, and the priority deadline is November 27th, so be sure to apply soon!

Lastly, we’ve got some great workshops this month! From learning how to incorporate AI into assignment design to making social media more accessible. You can also explore AI tools for student engagement or dive into creating accessible PDFs. Each session is designed to help you bring fresh ideas into your classroom and improve your digital content.

We hope you take advantage of these exciting resources and workshops to elevate your teaching experience. Explore more of what Academic Technology has to offer and start making the most of these tools today!

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.

The 2024 EDUCAUSE Horizon Report | Cybersecurity and Privacy Edition is here, offering an inside look at the latest trends and innovations shaping cybersecurity. Packed with real-world examples from colleges and universities, this report provides a fresh perspective on how higher education is tackling today’s cybersecurity challenges and preparing for the future. Explore the Report.

As technology rapidly evolves, it continues to reshape industries and education in ways once unimaginable. Vahé Karamian, Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science, delves into Digital Twin Technology—an innovation transforming business operations and education alike. So, what exactly is a Digital Twin, and how does it impact these fields? Learn more about Digital Twins.

On October 9th, the Garden Level of the University Library came alive with autumnal celebrations as Academic Technology, Faculty Development, and the Faculty Senate hosted an open house event highlighting resources for faculty, encouraging cross-campus networking, and showcasing innovative tools to enhance teaching and learning. Check out the open house recap.

If you are comfortable with technology and want to focus on pedagogy, this program is designed for you to build one of your courses in Canvas using the Quality Learning and Teaching (QLT) framework. Explore best practices and learn from faculty peer facilitators sharing examples and advice on online course design. The priority application deadline is Nov. 27th, so apply today!

The ICT form for accessibility reviews of technology purchases is now available through TOPdesk, the same site used by Purchasing & Contract Administration and the IT Help Center. This new form streamlines the process, allowing you to check the status of your request, receive notifications, and ensure that all necessary information is submitted promptly. Learn more about the new web form.

Join Dr. Joyce Marie Brusasco in this workshop to learn how AI can enhance your assignments using the Transparent and Backward Design Frameworks. Revamp existing assignments and create new ones from scratch. Elevate your teaching with AI today!

Social media has become a crucial tool for connecting with family, professionals, and beyond. This workshop will explore the growing importance of accessibility in social media, helping staff, faculty, and professionals optimize their online interactions.

Join Dr. Deone Zell to discover how AI can enhance student engagement, boost confidence, and improve participation, especially for non-native speakers and shy students. Elevate your classroom experience with practical AI tools and strategies!

Join this essential training on creating accessible PDF documents using Acrobat Pro DC, where you’ll learn key structural elements for converting Word to PDF. This workshop will help you ensure your PDFs meet accessibility standards and identify areas for improvement.

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.