January 2023

Some of the images in the above collage were created using Canva's "text to image" feature.

Since its launch in November, ChatGPT has been a hot topic in higher education, with instructors expressing both concern and excitement. Many have reached out to us for guidance, but because ChatGPT is so new, we have only just begun our own conversations within Duke Learning Innovation. Here are the major points we want to emphasize as we enter the Spring term:

The Learning Innovation team is always exploring the ways innovations in technology may affect teaching and learning at Duke. If you have additional questions about ChatGPT and your course, you may contact us or visit our open office hours.

Our Recent Blog Posts on ChatGPT

ChatGPT Answers Some Burning Questions About AI In Higher Ed >>

Some Thoughts on AI, Plagiarism and Student Assessment >>

Are you a faculty member who teaches undergraduates? Duke has several helpful resources available as you finalize your syllabus:

The Spring ‘23 Syllabus Sample Language Menu includes language on university policies and support services, including behavior and community standards, mental health and wellness statements, assistance and accommodations, pronoun usage and more. The resource has curated topics that have been most frequently requested by your colleagues, and includes language that is suggested (not required) for your syllabus.

Consider uploading your syllabus to the Duke Syllabus Bank, an online repository that aggregates syllabi from all undergraduate departments across the university. The Duke Syllabus Bank enables both students and faculty to access syllabi in support of an equitable student learning experience. The tool, developed by Duke Student Government, provides video instructions for uploads of departmental syllabi by a department or DUS assistant. Questions should be sent to syllabi@duke.edu.

The Office of Interdisciplinary Studies, Office of Undergraduate Education and Duke Learning Innovation invite proposals for Summer Course Development Grants, which will support development of graduate student-taught, undergraduate summer courses that fill curricular needs in departments and schools, will attract significant student enrollments, and will incorporate innovative pedagogies to provide flexible and engaging student learning experiences. Learn more and apply by February 6, 2023.

All events are virtual and in Eastern time unless otherwise noted.

The Future of Grading? A Virtual Conversation

Thursday, January 19 from 1 - 2:30 pm
This event is offered by the Center for Excellence in Teaching in Learning at the University of Mississippi 

Join CETL staff and speakers Susan D. Blum (University of Notre Dame), Joshua Eyler (University of Mississippi), and Courtney Sobers (Rutgers University) for a virtual, public conversation about grades and (un)grading in higher education: what are our challenges, how are we meeting them, and where do we go from here? Register Now

Rethinking Learning in the Age of AI

Wednesday, January 25 from 12 - 1 pm

Since the release of ChatGPT, there has been a flood of questions about the implications of the tool for teaching and learning. Some educators are worried. Some see AI as an opportunity to further learning. What do you think about this conversation? How do you plan to think about AI in relationship to your discipline and courses? We welcome your input at this informal event. Register Now

Understanding Language Difference and Student Writing

Friday, February 3 from 12 - 1 pm

A panel comprised of multilingual, first-year Duke students will share about their language backgrounds, their experiences with writing in English in U.S. academic contexts as compared to other languages/cultural contexts, and what they wish professors understood about multilingual students. Some students will also share the results of research they did in a Fall 2022 Writing 101 course on language difference and writing. The panel will conclude with a Q&A session and a more general discussion about how teachers might better respond to language difference and support multilingual students in their teaching. Register Now

Faculty and students from across Trinity programs took some time to explain the value of research experiences for undergraduates and break down the elusive process of finding a research project.

Read the Story >>

A monthly series highlighting simple steps you can take to improve accessibility in your class.

Any time a microphone is available when you are presenting, you should use it. Doing so ensures that all attendees in the audience will have a better chance of hearing you no matter where they are seated in the room, what direction you are facing, or their degree of hearing loss. In this article from the Chronicle of Higher Education, the author notes that "The quality of sound coming from a microphone is different: It’s more distinct and easier to hear [than your voice alone]." Using a microphone when it is available improves the experience for all of your audience members (including students in a large lecture hall) and makes them all feel more included.

Learning Innovation and the Office of Information Technology are pleased to announce that Duke University and DKU will transition from Sakai to the Canvas platform during the 2023 – 2024 academic year. 

No action is needed at this time and no Spring 2023 courses will be affected. Additional information about this transition is available at the Duke LMS Transition website.