In the realm of organizational theory, we often distinguish between the "structure" of our work — the learning management system boxes and digital grids we inhabit — and the "culture" that gives those spaces meaning. As we navigate a semester defined by both a migration to Canvas and the continuous discussions and arrival of generative AI tools, it is clear that you are the primary "meaning makers" in this transition. This month’s newsletter explores how we are collectively tending our digital ecosystem, ensuring that as our "power grid" of technical tools expands, our pedagogical "garden" remains rooted in academic integrity and human-centered teaching.
Inside this issue, we dive into the data and the human stories shaping our campus today:
The learning management system transition — by the numbers: Discover how Cohort One is hitting its stride, with over 555 courses now live in Canvas and units like Nursing and Social Work reaching 100% completion for their fall requests.
The student AI experience: We break down the findings from our survey of 648 UIC students, revealing a significant "instruction gap" where 95% of students feel confident using AI, yet 62% fear being accused of misconduct due to unclear policies.
The "opt-in" standard for AI: Learn about the Learning Technology Solutions protocol for new Canvas AI features, ensuring that tools like Discussion Summaries and Smart Search undergo rigorous pedagogical review and only appear in your course if you choose to enable them.
Garden beds and power grids: A reflection on shifting our AI strategy from a series of "policy gaps" to a shared infrastructure that supports faculty agency and ethical reflection.
The next frontier: An update from the associate chief information officer on our upcoming pilots for Google Gemini and NotebookLM, focusing on how these tools can enhance the "human art of teaching."
Whether you are currently refining a digital module or critiquing AI outputs with your students, thank you for leading through this transition with both rigor and creativity.
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Leading through transition: a partnership in meaning and innovation
Instructure-led Canvas training sessions for UIC faculty continue through June, covering essential topics for building, teaching and managing courses in Canvas. Instructors who have participated have found these workshops incredibly productive.
YuJa Panorama
Learning Technology Solutions is offering YuJa Panorama workshops to support accessible course design, including YuJa Panorama Overview, YuJa Documents, YuJa PDFs and YuJa Slides.
The Learning Technology Solutions Learning Design team offers weekly office hours for faculty and staff. Meet one-on-one with an instructional designer to get help with Canvas course setup, using YuJa Panorama for accessibility remediation, organizing your course or addressing any questions related to teaching in the new learning management system. Schedule office hours with a Learning Technology Solutions instructional designer.
Customized workshops for your department
Looking for training tailored to your department or college? Learning Technology Solutions offers custom workshops on topics such as Canvas, digital accessibility, Perusall, Turnitin and other centrally supported learning tools. We’ll work with you to create a session that fits your goals and audience.
Schedule a consultation
Whether you're exploring new educational technology, troubleshooting a Blackboard or Canvas issue or planning a course redesign, the Learning Technology Solutions team is here to help. Request a one-on-one consultation to get the support you need. Contact the Learning Technology Solutions Team.
