CRTLE NEWSLETTER

NEWS 139, October 7, 2026

Faculty Voices 💠Practical Teaching Ideas 💠Professional Learning Opportunities

Helping UTA Faculty Teach, Innovate, and Thrive!

The conversation about teaching is changing quickly, especially as faculty navigate AI, student engagement, and evolving expectations for learning. This week's newsletter highlights practical resources you can use right away, including our new Teaching Roundtables, Faculty Voices posts from UTA colleagues, upcoming professional learning opportunities, and student reflections recognizing exceptional teaching. Thank you for all you do for UTA students! - Peggy Semingson, Ph.D., Interim Director of CRTLE

Wednesday, October 7

12:15 PM - 12:45 PM

Microsoft Teams Only

 Explore practical strategies for creating more AI-resistant assessments; Implement practical assessment changes that reduce dependence on AI tools; Adapt existing assignments that promote critical thinking and less reliance on generative AI.

Join us for peer-based dialogue and knowledge sharing

Each CRTLE roundtable centers practical, collegial dialogue rather than one-size-fits-all answers. Faculty may attend one session or the full series. No prior AI expertise is required. Coffee and cookies provided.

SESSION 1 | Beyond the Bot: Reclaiming Meaningful Assessment

Thursday, October 8, 2026

 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.

Trinity Hall, Room 105

(in-person only)

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

Thursday, October 8, 2026

 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.

Microsoft Teams 

Note: This is the last live session for Peer Observation as we move towards an "On-Demand" asynchronous Canvas course later this fall semester where you can lean 24/7/365. Stay tuned! 

New on Pedagogy NEXT: Faculty Voices About Teaching and Learning

Looking for practical, classroom-tested ideas from your UTA colleagues? Recent posts on Pedagogy NEXT explore simple strategies that foster student connection, engagement, and success across a variety of teaching contexts.

Small Teaching Moves That Help Students Connect, Develop, and Move Forward

Explore how small, intentional teaching practices can help students feel supported, build confidence, and stay engaged throughout the semester. Stay tuned for more tips from the Student Experience Project at UTA. 
👉 Read the post

Ditch Your Discussion Boards? Using Conversation Circles to Enhance Learning & Connection from Dr. Karen Magruder (SSW)

Discover an alternative approach to online discussion that emphasizes authentic dialogue, community-building, and student interaction.
👉 Read the post

Beyond the Textbook: Using Archives to Create More Authentic Learning Experiences from Dr. Shelley Wigley (COLA)

Learn how archival resources can help students engage with original materials, deepen their understanding, and connect course concepts to real-world inquiry and discovery.
👉 Read the post

Wednesday, October 21

12:15 PM - 12:45 PM

Microsoft Teams Webinar

Looking for new ways to assess student learning in the age of AI? Join us to explore how story-based assignments can provide engaging, authentic alternatives to traditional written assessments. Through examples from a variety of disciplines, participants will discover practical strategies and accessible tools that help students demonstrate creativity, critical thinking, and communication while supporting meaningful learning outcomes.

The newest collection of Ask a Maverick reflections is now available. Shared with student permission, these stories recognize faculty members and courses that have made a difference in students' academic journeys while offering insight into the teaching and learning experiences that contribute to student success at UTA. Yard signs are going up soon around campus near the Central Library and other high-traffic area. 

👉 Visit Ask a Maverick to read the latest student quotes and stories: Ask a Maverick

Thank you to the many UTA instructors who continue to inspire, challenge, and support our students. 

Want to create course videos but not sure where to start? Join this hands-on session to explore practical tools and strategies for recording, editing, and sharing videos that engage students and support learning. You'll discover tips for instructional videos, screen recordings, captions, and accessibility while creating content you can use in your own course right away.

Wednesday, October 28

TWO SESSIONS - SAME GREAT CONTENT! 

Session 1: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Session 2: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Sessions are held in Trinity Hall, Room 105, and run approximately 30–45 minutes, followed by additional time for hands-on practice and exploration. 

Thursday, October 29

12:00 PM - 12:50 PM

Trinity Hall 105 and Microsoft Teams

Led by the Student Experience Project

Help faculty & staff recognize and strengthen everyday signals that communicate welcome, belonging, clarity, and confidence in students’ ability to succeed.

Visit the CRTLE EVENTS page to learn more about upcoming sessions and workshops!

Stay ahead of the curve with AI in higher education!

Subscribe to The all new CRTLE AI Teaching Brief for bi-weekly practical teaching tips on AI, AI teaching approaches, faculty spotlights, and curated resources delivered straight to your inbox. 

Sign up today: https://common.forms.uta.edu/view.php?id=3094669

How can CRTLE support you?

The CRTLE team is here to support and inspire your teaching—from exploring new strategies and redesigning courses to integrating AI and digital tools. Share your questions, ideas, or requests using the form below, and a member of our team will follow up to connect you with the support you need. We look forward to working with you!

Did you miss a CRTLE Session? 

Don't worry! We have recaps of all CRTLE Sessions on our blog!

PEDAGOGY NEXT

Visit the CRTLE website for Updates on Event and Access to Our Many Teaching Resources: https://www.uta.edu/administration/crtle 

OFFICE OF THE PROVOST - CENTER FOR RESEARCH ON TEACHING AND LEARNING EXCELLENCE
PEGGY SEMINGSON, PH.D., ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AND INTERIM DIRECTOR
BETH FLEENER, PH.D., SENIOR TEACHING INNOVATION RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
NAKESHA BROWN, M.ED., COORDINATOR II, SPECIAL PROGRAMS