The spring of 2021 is a strange, liminal time in many ways, including how we think about teaching and learning. We’re looking back on a year of disruption and looking forward to a new version of normal. Instructors in higher education are now expected to be familiar with teaching online or in hybrid formats, but our options are expanding again. It is an ideal time to reflect on what we learned from educating during a pandemic and plan what we can incorporate into our teaching practice moving forward.

For example, some faculty have learned about the merits of digital pen-based instruction and may consider using virtual whiteboards instead of physical whiteboards even after everyone returns to campus. Others have reflected upon the benefits of virtual office hours and will continue to offer that as an option in the fall. There are many lessons that we have all learned in the past year that may continue to have an impact on our work when we fully return to campus.

With this transition in mind, UFIT’s Center for Instructional Technology and Training is hosting a free virtual panel on May 12^th, 2021, where faculty members who had success breaking out of their comfort zone will discuss what they learned and how that will continue to inform their teaching. The panelists represent a range of disciplines and class sizes and will be answering questions about their practice. We hope that you will join us to hear their discussion and that you will consider staying after the panel to reflect with others about your experiences.

Register for this Tech Bytes event which is part of a series that covers the intersections of technology and teaching in bite-sized pieces. We hope to see you there!

Tags:Active Learning, Assessments, Canvas, Collaboration, Course Design, Educational Technology, Engagement, Faculty Development, Group Work, Hyflex, Online Teaching, Pedagogy, Teaching