18th Annual Teaching & Learning Conference
Technology-Infused Learning: Current Trends in Higher Education
At this year’s conference, SUNY FACT2 Award winning educators will explore pivotal trends shaping the future of higher education.
Monday, August 19, 2024
8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Attend Virtually or In-person (registration links for individual sessions, available below)
No cost to attend.
In-person location:
Williams Center
State University of New York at Fredonia
Fredonia, NY
Campus Map
For in-person attendees, refreshments will be available starting at 8:30 am.
Our Presenters:
Stephanie Malmberg, Dean for Distance Learning, Professional Development and Student Success & Adjunct Instructor, SUNY Broome
SUNY FACT2 Excellence in Administrative Leadership: Community Colleges Award Recipient 2024
Steven Sturman, Project Manager and Lead Instructional Designer, University at Buffalo
SUNY FACT2 Excellence in Instructional Support Award Recipient 2024
Susan Spangler, Professor of English, SUNY Fredonia
SUNY FACT2 Excellence in Instruction Award Recipient 2024
9:00 am - 10:00 am:
Panel Discussion: Leveraging Innovative Technologies in Practice
In person location: Williams Center, S204 A-C
Register to attend this session In-person or via Zoom
As higher education continues its rapid evolution in the digital age, the integration of advanced technologies into academic environments is transforming teaching practices and learning experiences. In this panel discussion, SUNY FACT2 Award winning educators, will explore several pivotal trends shaping the future of higher education:
Leveraging Campus Software Platforms to Support Student Success: Discover how campus software is revolutionizing the way educators inform their teaching practices. This segment will delve into how data analytics, learning management systems, and other educational technology platforms can provide valuable insights into student performance and engagement. Attendees will learn how to utilize these tools to tailor their teaching methods, enhance student outcomes, and streamline administrative processes.
Virtual Reality in Higher Education: Virtual reality (VR) is no longer a futuristic concept but a tangible tool enhancing learning experiences in higher education. This part of the session will showcase real-world applications of VR in various disciplines, from virtual field trips to immersive simulations that provide hands-on experience in a controlled environment. Attendees will learn about the benefits, challenges, and potential of VR to create engaging, interactive, and impactful learning opportunities.
HyFlex Classrooms: The hybrid-flexible (HyFlex) classroom model offers a versatile approach to education, accommodating both in-person and remote learners simultaneously. This section will cover the principles and implementation of HyFlex classrooms, highlighting the flexibility they provide to students and educators alike. Learn about the technology requirements, instructional design considerations, and best practices for creating an inclusive and effective HyFlex learning environment.
Technology to Enhance Teaching: Incorporating technology into teaching strategies can significantly elevate the educational experience. This segment will explore various classroom tools and techniques, such as interactive syllabi, low-stakes activities, virtual escape rooms, regular and substantive student interactions, and labor-based grading contracts. Attendees will gain insights into how these practices can enhance student engagement and improve learning outcomes.
Join us for this comprehensive panel discussion to stay at the forefront of technological advancements in higher education. Gain practical knowledge, discover new tools, and learn how to effectively integrate these technologies into your teaching practices to create a dynamic and future-ready academic environment.
Breakout sessions that follow will take a deeper dive into each of these topics.
Breakout Sessions: 10:15 - 11:15 am
Creating a Technology Toolbox: Enhancing Student Engagement in the Classroom
With Susan Spangler, Professor and English Education Coordinator, SUNY Fredonia,
SUNY FACT2 Excellence in Instruction Award Recipient 2024
In-person location: Williams Center S204D
Register to attend this session In-person or via Zoom
This session will explore the evolution of effective teaching strategies that can be utilized in online and in-person classroom environments. This session will provide a deeper exploration of interactive teaching tools like dynamic syllabi, low-stakes quizzes, and virtual escape rooms to enhance student engagement. Learn about regular and substantive interaction (RSI) through personalized communication methods, and the use of labor-based learning contracts to build more equitable and inclusive classrooms.
HyFlex Teaching: Enhancing Access and Engagement Across Modalities
Steven Sturman, Project Manager and Lead Instructional Designer, University at Buffalo
SUNY FACT2 Excellence in Instructional Support Award Recipient 2024
In-person location: Williams Center S204E
Register to attend this session In-person of via Zoom
This session will offer an overview of the HyFlex model, highlighting its core principles and the benefits and challenges of teaching across multiple modalities. Aimed at faculty, the discussion will focus on how HyFlex can improve student learning outcomes, retention, and access, while also expanding enrollments. Join us to discover how adopting HyFlex can create a more flexible, inclusive, and effective learning environment. Reflecting on a two-year HyFlex grant project, we will provide an insightful retrospective of our experiences, lessons learned, and impactful outcomes. Information will also be shared regarding SUNY initiatives that will provide learning opportunities and support for faculty and instructional designers interested in learning more about effective course design for HyFlex classrooms.
Leveraging Early Alert Programs for Student Success
Stephanie Malmberg, Associate Dean for Distance Learning, Professional Development and Student Success & Adjunct Instructor, SUNY Broome
SUNY FACT2 Excellence in Administrative Leadership: Community Colleges Award Recipient 2024
In-person location: Williams Center S204A
Register to attend this session In-person or via Zoom
This session explores the benefits of early alert programs, such as Starfish, in order to improve the classroom experience and enhance overall student success in college. Early alert programs identify students at risk of academic challenges early in the semester, allowing faculty to intervene proactively with targeted support and resources. By leveraging data-driven insights and collaborative strategies, these programs enable instructors to address students' needs before they escalate, fostering a supportive learning environment. Attendees will learn about best practices for early intervention, and effective communication techniques with students and support staff. The session will provide faculty with strategies for utilizing early alerts to enhance their teaching practices and contribute to higher student retention and graduation rates.
Breakout Session: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Enhancing Trauma Informed Practice Through Virtual Reality: A Collaborative Initiative
Steven Sturman, Project Manager and Lead Instructional Designer, University at Buffalo
SUNY FACT2 Excellence in Instructional Support Award Recipient 2024
In-person location: Williams Center S204E
Register to attend this session In-person or via Zoom
This presentation will provide an overview of the current state of Virtual Reality and how it is being integrated into higher education, specifically within health related professions. We will discuss how faculty at the University at Buffalo School of Social Work (UBSSW) developed a Trauma Informed Virtual Reality Learning Environment (VRLE) called "Trauma Informed Spaces," originally designed for the Meta Quest VR headset. Partnering with SUNY Brockport School of Social Work, they created and beta-tested a low-cost cardboard version for mobile phones, broadening accessibility. This VRLE immerses students in a mental health outpatient clinic, contrasting trauma-informed setups with non-trauma-informed ones. By experiencing these environments from a client's perspective, students gain empathy and understand how physical settings impact client experiences and engagement. Integrated into UBSSW's Master and Doctorate programs and SUNY Brockport's Bachelor program, the VRLE has been assessed for usability and instructional effectiveness. This presentation will describe the development process, the review process, and the feedback that was used to improve the VRLE. We will also discuss how the VRLE was integrated into the courses and how instructors in related disciplines can use the VRLE in their courses. Following beta testing, a mobile app soft launch is planned for Spring 2024, with a full launch in Fall 2024, aiming to expand its reach within SUNY.
AI Supports for Your Courses
Kathleen Gradel, Interim Director, Grants & Sponsored Programs and Professor, College of Education, Health Sciences, & Human Services
SUNY FACT2 Excellence in Instruction Award Recipient 2016
In-person location: Williams Center S204D
Register to attend this session In-person or via Zoom
AI is everywhere, right? We'll focus on a few concrete uses of AI that may help you with your own course design/delivery efficiency. We'll not talk about the "should we or shouldn't we" conundrum - and you can look up definitions of AI "vocabulary" ... instead, we'll focus on examples of tool use (for free) that you may want to add to your toolbox. Plus, leave with a short list of start-up resources.
Empowering Success 2.0: Debugging the Full Spectrum of Student Support Services @ Fredonia
Presented by Fredonia's Counseling Center, Student Health Center, Disability Support Services, Prevention, Advocacy & Wellness Services, Care Coordination, University Police, and Retention & Academic Success (Advising, ACE, Tutoring, Career Development, EOP/FOP, Honors, International Support Services)
In-person location: Williams Center S204A
Register to attend this session In-person or via Zoom
Join us for an informative session aimed at enhancing understanding and collaboration among faculty, staff, and the diverse array of student support services available at Fredonia. "Empowering Success 2.0" aims to provide a comprehensive overview of how these services work together to foster student well-being, academic success, and overall campus safety.
In this session, we will explore the vital roles of various departments dedicated to supporting our students:
Counseling Center: Learn about the mental health services offered, including individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and workshops designed to promote emotional well-being.
Student Health Center: Discover the range of medical services available to students, from routine check-ups to urgent care, and the center’s role in maintaining campus health.
Disability Support Services: Understand how this office provides reasonable and appropriate accommodations and support to ensure equal access to educational opportunities for students with disabilities.
Prevention, Advocacy, & Wellness Services: Gain insights into programs focused on promoting healthy lifestyles, preventing substance abuse, and providing advocacy for survivors of violence.
Care Coordination: Explore the comprehensive support system for students facing challenges that impact their academic and personal lives, ensuring they receive the necessary resources and referrals.
Students of Concern (SOC) Team: Serves as a resource to the campus community and is designed for early intervention regarding behavioral issues to help support the health, safety, and success of students.
University Police: Learn about the measures in place to ensure campus safety, including crime prevention, emergency response, and community policing initiatives.
Retention & Academic Success: Discover strategies and programs aimed at increasing student retention and academic achievement, including early alert systems and academic coaching.
This session will empower faculty and staff with the knowledge and tools to effectively connect students with the resources they need, fostering a supportive and thriving campus community. Join us in optimizing the full spectrum of student support services and contributing to the success of every Fredonia student.