In this edition of the Pew FTLC Newsletter:

Learning is a lived experience. This rephrasing of the adage that “the one who does the work does the learning” reminds us that learning is an active process. What might this look like as we adapt our teaching practices and course plans to become more AI-aware? And design experiences for students that emphasize AI literacy as judgment cultivation and not simply as tool adoption? These practices are likely to look familiar: 

I like the phrase “AI-aware” because it accommodates a range of approaches and disciplinary contexts. I have just started digging into the e-book version of the newly released Norton Guide to AI-Aware Teaching (out in paperback in September). At first glance, there appears to be something for everyone, so consider it a provisional recommendation. 

Ghost in the machine. Spending time exploring digital literacy topics this summer, I have learned some eye-opening things. Here is a sampling that I offer as food for thought, critical analysis, and perhaps as openers to deeper conversations with students this coming fall:

Digital Accessibility Corner. In alignment with the Digital Literacy Initiative, I will be regularly sharing resources that support the why and the what of our goals for digital accessibility. A related site to bookmark is the Digital Accessibility Committee resource page. Let’s begin in a place that likely impacts all of courses: Documents. Whether you are a Word or a Google Doc person, building documents with headings doesn’t take a lot of time and has huge benefits for those using screen readers or other assistive technologies, as well as anyone who would appreciate an easier time navigating a document! Key resources: (1) document creation best practices, (2) Microsoft Word – short story and more detailed story, and (3) Google Docs – overview and longer story. 

Getting back to the Beautiful Questions idea and inspired by my current read, Our Moon: How does the size of the moon compare to the size of the earth? I suspect that pondering this question may raise even more interesting questions. And that is a fine, fine thing.  

-Christine  

What are you thinking about or learning more about this summer? Do you want to have a conversation about it with other faculty and/or staff? Now is your time to propose a Learning Community to do just that!

Learning Communities (LCs) are small, faculty- and staff-led groups that gather around a shared topic for a semester or two. These communities create space for collaboration, new kinds of learning, and the opportunity to meet people across campus.

If you’ve got an idea—or just the start of one—we invite you to propose a Fall 2026 LC or Year-Long LC. Submit a Letter of Intent using our online form. If you're wondering what’s possible, browse our Past LCs webpage for inspiration from years past. And, if you want to check out our current LCs, visit our Current Learning Communities webpage.

Faculty and staff have access to an online professional development resource, The Teaching Professor Digital Library. This is a growing library of video-based programs to help you address teaching opportunities and challenges. Each video is accompanied by PDF handouts and a transcript. 

Through the GVSU membership, you will have access to 400+ Instructional Videos, Monday Morning Mentor, and Monthly Resource Spotlight.

To activate your Teaching Professor Digital Library subscription, contact us at pewftlc@gvsu.edu and we will send you the GVSU activation code.

Learn the Library Conference

Wednesday, August 19, 2026, 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Mary Idema Pew Library, Valley Campus Allendale

Register today to attend this free one-day conference that seeks to engage with faculty and staff at all levels, particularly adjuncts, visitors, and new arrivals with the many services and resources the University Libraries and Art Museum has to offer. 

Register today! Registration closes on August 11th.

Faculty Office Hours – Course Development & Accessibility Support

Bring your laptop and join us for dedicated course development time with support from the eLearning Technologies team and Student Accessibility Resources.  Whether you're preparing a new course or refreshing existing content, stop by for one-on-one assistance.  

Bring your questions, and feel free to stay for as little or as much time as you need. Team members will be available to provide:

Available Sessions

Fill out this registration form to reserve your spot!