CRTLE NEWSLETTER

NEWS 130, April 22, 2026

Turning Data into Action: Using Canvas Analytics & Inspire for Faculty to Support Student Learning

Wednesday, April 22

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Trinity Hall, Room 105 or via Microsoft Teams

Discover how to harness the power of Canvas Analytics and Inspire for Faculty to better support your students and boost instructor presence, especially relevant for online courses! This hands-on session will guide faculty through practical ways to use course data to improve student success. You'll leave with simple, actionable strategies you can implement right away. This session is hybrid. Light lunch provided for all in-person attendees. 

Join CRTLE and OIT in the Technology Test Kitchen!

Step into an interactive space where faculty can explore digital tools and learn practical strategies for integrating technology into their teaching. 

Discover how to make the most of Khanmigo and IgniteAI—AI teaching tools already built directly into Canvas and ready for you to use today. This AI-focused hands-on Test Kitchen session gives faculty a practical, low-pressure space to try out lesson design ideas, explore AI-supported activities for teaching design and assessment, and see how these tools can meaningfully enhance quiz creation, discussion boards, and more instruction, adding complexity. With faculty interest in AI at an all-time high, this session focuses on real, classroom-ready strategies—when AI can help, when traditional approaches shine, and how to blend both with intention. Faculty are welcome to stay for the full experience or drop in for a shorter visit—whatever fits your day.

In this Test Kitchen, faculty will:
• Prototype AI‑enhanced lesson elements tailored to their courses
• Compare AI‑generated ideas with existing teaching goals
• Consider ethical, transparent AI integration practices
• Leave with a draft lesson, activity, or prompt sequence
Ideal for faculty curious about using AI responsibly and creatively.

THIS SESSION IS ON TEAMS ONLY, NOT IN-PERSON

Join us for an engaging Faculty Outreach Discussion hosted in collaboration with the Urban Institute as part of UTA’s Data to Action grant. This interactive session will explore practical strategies to better support parenting students and other nontraditional learners through faculty discussion and case study review.

The session will be led by Dr. Sophia Fantus, from the School of Social Work, whose research focuses on identifying meaningful resources and support systems for student parents at UTA.

We encourage faculty across disciplines to participate and contribute to this important conversation.

📅 Date: April 27
⏰ Time: 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM
📍 Location: TBD

📩 Interested? Contact Ashley Purgason at purgason@uta.edu to get involved.

Help us create a more inclusive and supportive academic environment!

During this session, you’ll be introduced to our experienced IRB Mentors, Dr. Kathy Lee Siepker and Dr. Laura Hwang, who provide personalized, educational support at every stage of the IRB journey—from refining research ideas to preparing strong, submission-ready protocols. 

This session is ideal for graduate students and faculty seeking guidance, clarity, and confidence in the IRB process.

Bring your questions and learn how this program can help streamline your research journey!

Peer Observation of Teaching Training with Certificate

Tuesday, April 28

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Microsoft Teams

This training helps faculty develop practical skills for conducting constructive peer observations, giving meaningful feedback, and supporting ongoing improvement in teaching. The session includes AI-supported role-play using LinkedIn Learning’s AI Role Play tool, with alternative options via Microsoft Copilot or peer-to-peer activities to ensure all participants can practice feedback and coaching skills.

NOTE: Peer Observation Training Records
CRTLE formal records of peer observation training began in 2021. If you completed training prior to that time and are not listed on our website, we may not have access to historical records. In these cases, we accept faculty self‑attestation of prior completion. We also recommend (but do not require) a refresher training if it has been several years. Please check the list here: Certified Peer Observers - CRTLE - The University of Texas at Arlington

Please contact CRTLE@uta.edu with any updates.

CRTLE PLCs are faculty-driven, ongoing spaces inspired by the collaborative spirit of the Salons of Paris, where educators come together across disciplines to exchange ideas, explore challenges, and reflect on teaching practices.

Virtual meetings will be held every three weeks starting in September 2026, using a provided group book. Each group will be capped at 12 participants (waiting list available).

#1 Digital Learning Design Studio is designed for faculty who teach online or hybrid courses—and those preparing to do so—who want to intentionally design, refine, and sustain high‑quality digital learning experiences. 

#2 Teaching in the Age of AI Collaborative brings together faculty who want to thoughtfully explore how generative AI and related technologies are reshaping teaching, learning, and assessment. 

Apply by August 1st!

Register by May 4! 

How can we integrate AI into our courses in ways that support learning, uphold academic integrity, and prepare students for what comes next?

The CRTLE AI Course Redesign Hub at UT Arlington brings together:
Beginner‑friendly guidance for faculty exploring AI in teaching
Classroom‑tested examples from the AI Course Redesign Institutes
Curated resources grounded in pedagogy, transparency, and ethical use
A focus on AI as a learning partner and not a replacement for human judgment

Whether you’re just getting started or refining an AI‑informed assignment, this hub is designed to be practical, low‑pressure, and faculty‑centered.

This is a four-part series:

⭐Pre-work and materials to read to build your foundation and create a plan.

⭐Attend the institute on May 14 (in-person or virtual).

⭐Do the two-week design sprint to redesign your syllabus(es).

⭐Attend the post-institute webinar to share updates and goals!

Explore the AI Course Redesign Institute preview and register now!

AI Literacy Pyramid: Learning the Basics
Source: AIandYou

The Office of Academic Affairs is inviting faculty input on a proposed AI Literacy course designed to support UTA students.

The brief survey provides background on the initiative and asks for your perspectives on proposed student learning outcomes, implementation options, and your own interests or potential contributions.

🕒 Time Commitment: Approximately 5–10 minutes
📅 Deadline: May 5

Your insights are an important part of shaping how AI literacy is approached at UTA. We encourage you to take a few minutes to share your thoughts.

👉 Start the Survey: CLICK HERE!

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
SUSAN DEQUEANT, M.ED., ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, CENTER FOR SERVICE LEARNING
BETH FLEENER, PH.D., SENIOR TEACHING INNOVATION RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
NAKESHA BROWN, M.ED., COORDINATOR II, SPECIAL PROGRAMS