Faculty professional development for teaching has been a passion of mine since I was in graduate school. I developed interest and appreciation for creating opportunities for faculty to engage in professional development when I realized the barriers of time and resources for faculty to stay on top of the trends and innovation in higher education. How can busy instructors get engaged in PD that are meaningful to them? How do we motivate them with so many competing factors for their time?
Here are some ideas I have tried over the years. Some of them are personal efforts or initiatives in my college or department. I think professional development is at the heart of the institutions that take pride in their mission to educate the students they serve everyday. A few of the most recent faculty engagements are part of my recent role as the Digital Pedagogy Expert for UNK Online.
Here are some ideas I have tried over the years. Some of them are personal efforts or initiatives in my college or department. I think professional development is at the heart of the institutions that take pride in their mission to educate the students they serve everyday. A few of the most recent faculty engagements are part of my recent role as the Digital Pedagogy Expert for UNK Online.
Faculty Research FellowsThe purpose of the UNK Online Faculty Research Fellowship is to foster a culture of scholarship in online and digital learning among faculty. The program brings together faculty from multiple disciplines to investigate the art and science of digital teaching and learning.
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Outstanding Digital
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UNK TechEDGE ConferencesI established UNK Tech EDGE conference in 2016 through a partnership with UNL. The goal is to partner with Nebraska school districts and Nebraska teacher education programs to improve student learning by informing teacher preparation students, university methods professors, and practicing teachers on effective use of new literacy and 21st century technologies in the classroom.
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Inclusion & Belonging
Many recognize that systemic ills and discrimination are alive and well in all facets of society, including education, business, healthcare, and the workplace. We have a critical role and responsibility to bring about transformation within our work environments and communities to promote equity, safety, and well-being for all. This statement is a reflection of my commitment to engage in the action needed to make our classrooms and learning environments, and the workplace welcoming and inclusive, which allows each individual to achieve their full potential as lifelong learners and respected members of society.
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COE Teaching and Research ForumThe forum encouraged discussions among faculty on teaching and learning from various disciplines and departments. It also helped faculty to identify colleagues from across campus with similar research interests. Many research projects started during these conversations in COE.
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Faculty Development for Teaching
Faculty will do amazing things in their teaching with proper opportunities to learn and innovate. The UNK campus offer the latest tools and technologies faculty need to take the next steps in enhancing the already great work they do everyday. I believe faculty can lead the way in sharing their successes, stories and skills with colleagues from across campus. We just need to provide them with the support and trainings, and opportunities to showcase their work! Faculty can and will inspire others to do their best! The following are samples of professional development activities that I created in my role as Digital Pedagogy Expert for UNK Online. These were planned in partnership with ITS staff, Learning Designers and a number of faculty for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 academic year.
Faculty Workshops & Presentations:
Faculty Research Presentations on Student Engagement
Perceptions of Student (dis) Engagement: A Survey Study of Higher Education Faculty
Faculty perceptions of post-pandemic student disengagement: A Focus Group Study Open Educational Resources
UNK Faculty OER Showcase
OER Partnership with Akademos and Skiepack Thinking Beyond (Free) Textbooks NU OER Week Grand Opening (March 9th) NU OER Week Sessions include (April 25-27, 2023)
Instructional Design for Teaching and Learning
Using Video to Increase Student Engagement
Using Yuja to Engage Learners Techniques for Student Engagement Teaching Development Presentations
Keep Teaching in Canvas (by ITS and UNK Online staff)
Self Reflection: My Teaching Journey at UNK, by Dr.Ladan Ghazi-Saidi Faculty Yuja Speed Sessions, by faculty from across campus DesignPlus for Content Presentation, by faculty from multiple colleges and departments |