October 1, 2026

Vol. 1, Issue 6

Each month, our team at CRTLE scans the higher education landscape to bring you ideas, resources, and examples from UTA Faculty that are practical, relevant, and worth your time. I hope this issue sparks new conversations, offers useful ideas for your teaching, and reminds you that you are part of a growing community of faculty exploring what's possible (and cautionary notes) in the age of AI. --Peggy Semingson 

Dr. Peggy Semingson (left) is joined by Dr. Doug Stark (center) and Mr. Julian Rodriguez (right).

The 8th Hispanic Media Conference: Artificial Intelligence: What We Have Learned, What We Can Do, organized by Julian Rodriguez and the UTA Hispanic Media Initiative, brought together scholars, journalists, and industry leaders for a full day of conversations on AI's impact on media, communication, and society. The program featured speakers from OpenAI, Texas Tech University, DFW Airport, and UTA.

Among the featured presenters was Dr. Doug Stark (Department of English), a participant in CRTLE's Professional Learning Community (PLC) program. During the conference lunch keynote, "SLOP, TASTE, and AI," Stark explored how generative AI is reshaping ideas of creativity, authorship, and human judgment, emphasizing the continued importance of critical thinking and discernment in an AI-enabled world. Learn more about Doug's work here (https://www.dougstark.tech/) and follow his Synthetic Humanities Lab's Instagram page: (2) Instagram. Doug Stark's presentation: Doug Stark | Taste, Slop and AI | Hispanic Media Conference 2026 and slide deck: Stark_Taste, Slop, and AI - Google Slides

The Future of AI Starts with us

Read the full article: Higher Education Should be at the Forefront of Defining Humanity's Relationship with AI

As AI continues to reshape how we learn, work, and create, an important question remains: Who gets to define what AI literacy really means? In this thought-provoking article, higher education policy expert and AI readiness advocate Mara "Red" Woody argues that colleges and universities should do more than prepare students for the workforce. They should help shape society's relationship with AI by developing the human skills that matter most, including critical thinking, ethical reasoning, curiosity, discernment, and judgment. 

Drawing on higher education's long history of leading through times of change, Dr. Woody challenges educators to take an active role in defining the future rather than waiting for others to do it. It's an inspiring read for faculty interested in the evolving role of higher education in the AI era.

Free Resource!

Looking for new ways to support students in online and hybrid courses? This microlearning module explores how custom GPTs can help reduce learner isolation, provide just-in-time feedback, and create more interactive learning experiences. Discover practical applications such as AI-powered study planners, peer review partners, learning assistants, and discussion companions designed to foster engagement, reflection, and student success. 

Want to see how AI can enhance learning while keeping students at the center? This module offers ideas you can adapt to your own courses.

Explore the OLC Microlearning Library for free! Our university license gives UTA faculty and GTAs access at no cost.

Some of my most valuable uses of AI start with a simple thought: "This would make my course better" or "There has to be a more efficient way to do this." The challenge is that I don't always have the technical expertise to build those solutions myself. AI helps me move from idea to implementation. I've used it to generate complete H5P files for interactive learning activities, create QTI files for Canvas quizzes, troubleshoot HTML, develop Google Sheets tools with AppScript, and write complex formulas that would have otherwise required hours of learning and trial-and-error. What I value most is that it allows me to spend less time figuring out the technology and more time focusing on teaching, learning, and the student experience.

Dr. Heather Philip, Associate Clinical Professor and CRTLE Faculty Fellow for Teaching Innovation

How are you using AI in your teaching? From innovative assignments to program-wide initiatives, we want to showcase faculty-led AI integration across UTA. Share your example with crtle@uta.edu and help inspire new ideas across campus

The Impact of AI on Learning Assessment

How is AI reshaping the way we assess student learning? In the latest EDUCAUSE report, faculty and staff share how AI is influencing assessment design, academic integrity, and teaching practices across higher education. Based on a survey of 438 educators, the report highlights growing interest in AI-supported assessment while emphasizing the need for clear policies, thoughtful implementation, and AI literacy for both students and instructors. It's a timely read for anyone rethinking assessment in the age of AI

Want to stay current on AI without adding more to your reading list? Michael Schmid of UTA has curated a collection of AI-focused podcasts covering practical applications, emerging trends, ethics, and the future of work. Whether you're new to AI or looking to deepen your understanding, there's something for every listener. Explore the full list in AI Podcasts Currently in Michael Schmid's Rotation. 

👉 Explore the full list of recommended podcasts: AI Podcasts Currently in Michael Schmid's Rotation [websites.uta.edu]

Missed this week's Technology Test Kitchen? Discover how podcasting can help increase instructor presence, clarify assignments, and strengthen student engagement. From quick audio updates recorded on your phone to polished episodes using Adobe Podcast, this session explored practical ways faculty can use audio to support student success. Learn more and explore the resources shared during the session in Podcasting Technology Test Kitchen.

👉 Explore the Technology Test Kitchen:  https://websites.uta.edu/pedagogynext/3128-2/ 

DATE CHANGED

Thursday, October 8, 2026

1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.

Trinity Hall, Room 105

FOCUS: Rethinking what counts as evidence of learning when AI can generate polished products in seconds.

This session creates an essential forum for faculty to move beyond a narrow focus on detection and discuss how assessment can make student thinking, decision-making, and growth more visible. Together, participants will consider approaches that preserve rigor while responding realistically to an AI-rich learning environment. Coffee and Cookies provided. Enter the raffle to win a book!

Friday, October 30

9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Microsoft Teams Only

Designing for AI Literacy, Career Readiness, and Confident Practice. This institute is designed for instructors who want time to explore, try, redesign, and leave with something tangible and not just a “sit and get” experience.