August 2024 Newsletter

As you prepare for the fall semester, don’t hesitate to contact the Digital Learning team with any questions or for support. You can reach us using the options below:

• Drop-in to our Virtual Support Room, open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Book a meeting with an instructional designer or technologist on the ILCI website for assistance with instructional design, instructional technology, YuJa, and more.
• You can always email the team at uno.its.digitallearning@unomaha.edu and someone will get back to you as soon as we can.

Submit Your Proposals: Open AI Challenge RFP Open Through August 31

ILCI invites you to submit a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Open AI Challenge! Submit an RFP for the opportunity to receive one of UNO’s 1000 ChatGPT enterprise licenses.

We’re seeking proposals that cultivate creativity, enhance engagement, and improve efficiency, among other considerations; with a priority on those proposals that complement our goal of AI fostering a positive campus-wide impact. The RFP process will remain open for submissions through August 31 to align with faculty schedules and the fall semester.

AI Learning Lab Website

The AI Learning Lab now has a more robust website offering detailed information and resources on all things AI at UNO. On the website, you’ll find:

• Open AI Challenge Information
• Information about the AI Campus Consortium
• AI-Powered Resources and Professional Development Opportunities
• The NEW AI-Powered Educator Badge
• AI Spring Summit information
• Stories of AI on campus

AI-Powered Teaching Grants Now Available

ILCI is offering a first round of AI-Powered Teaching grants to help you integrate Generative AI into your course(s). Collaborate with an Instructional Designer to effectively and meaningfully implement AI into your teaching in three different ways.

• Tier 1: Assignment Implementation
• Tier 2: Module Implementation 
• Tier 3: Full Implementation

As mentioned in the July newsletter, over the summer there have been additions to Canvas with the Lucid Collaboration Suite and Module and Assignment Differentiation. Canvas has also made changes to how Assignment Dates are entered, which you can learn more about in this video. Additionally, a recent update allows you to add a signature to messages sent from the Inbox on Canvas, and to set up an auto response when needed. Here is a guide page about how to manage your Inbox settings in Canvas. 

Beginning of the Semester Items

Download and view the Beginning of Semester Checklist to ensure you're ready for the fall semester! Other items to consider completing before the fall semester begins are:

• Use the Canvas Link Validator to check for broken links
• Double check UNO policies in Syllabi and Canvas courses by using the Teaching Policies navigation tab
• Import a getting started module for your modality (in-person, hybrid, online) from Canvas Commons
• Import the student technology resource module into your course from Canvas Commons
• Add the AI for students page to your start here module (available in Canvas Commons)
• Help your students get to know you by updating your Canvas Profile (i.e. Bio, Photo)
• Share the Equipment Request Form with students to check out laptops and mobile Wi-Fi hot spot devices
• Verify all course due dates and semester breaks using the Academic Calendar
• Confirm your Final Exams Schedule
• Prepare your Canvas course site as much as possible before the beginning of the semester. Having all of your assignments created and published with due dates helps students from day 1 so they can see a combined view of important dates for all of their classes.

We recommend publishing your courses a few days to a week before the start of the semester with the Home page and Getting Started module published (at minimum). This will allow students to get comfortable with the course and its' expectations before it begins!

Save the Date: Future of Work Symposium – September 24

This fall, national and local leaders will come together to discuss "A Skills-Based Approach for a Future-Ready Workforce" on September 24, 2024, from 1-4 p.m., at the Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center (CEC). The Future of Work Symposium continues its series of conversations on critical topics influencing how, why and where we work.

Stay tuned—registration opens soon! Learn more about the Future of Work Symposium on the ILCI website.

Marketing and Communications Project Request

ILCI offers marketing and communications support for your online degrees and programs! This service will offer support in strategizing and designing your marketing and communications needs. You can receive this support by submitting the Marketing and Communications Project Request Form. 

Advancing Excellence in Online Teaching Badge

ILCI's Digital Learning team offers a non-credit Advancing Excellence in Online Teaching Program that is designed to prepare you for online instruction or advance your skills if you are a seasoned instructor.

Course Development Grant Opportunity

The Office of Digital Learning awards grants for faculty to develop or improve the online delivery of one of their courses; these due dates are now rolling, meaning you can apply for a course development grant at any point during the year. Learn more and apply for a grant on our ILCI Course Development Webpage.