D2L Connection: Alberta

Hosts:
Barry Dahl, Teaching & Learning Advocate, D2L
Coco Wang, Customer Advocacy Manager, D2L

Join Coco and Barry for a welcome session to start the day. We’ll shine the spotlight on a few of our D2L Champions and share some stories about some of the Albertans who use Brightspace.

• Sparking Learner Engagement in Pre-Orientation Through Badging

  
  We took an innovative approach to develop a virtual pre-orientation course that encourages students to pursue badges through self-directed learning. The intention is to help bridge the gap as students transition into post-secondary, enabling them to learn the functionality of D2L’s Brightspace, and become familiar with the array of institutional resources and supports, all while fostering engagement and inclusion into the SAIT community. Through the use of badges, discussions, quizzes, and checklists students work through content to ensure they are arriving on their first day of classes confident and prepared to start their program.

  In this session, we will discuss initial findings from multiple student intakes, specifically diving into the use of badging as the underlying approach to self-directed learning, along with its impact on student preparedness and confidence. Further, we will discuss the benefits of using digital badging in post-secondary as a method to promote exploration, as well as celebrate student success and inspire continued motivation and engagement.
  

• The Implications of GPT Technologies on the Integrity of Online Learning and Assessment

  
  This session delves into the profound transformation brought about by cutting-edge technological advancements, with a specific focus on the influence of Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPT) on the field of online learning and assessment. As we witness the rapid evolution of GPT technologies, it becomes imperative to evaluate their impact on the integrity of existing educational paradigms.

  We will explore the pressing question of what transpires when the foundations of our current online learning and assessment methods face unprecedented challenges and vulnerabilities. This critical examination will provide insights into the potential risks and consequences associated with the deployment of GPT technologies in the educational landscape.

  Moreover, the session will survey the available options for mitigating these challenges and adapting to the changing educational environment. Attendees will gain an understanding of the forward-looking strategies and innovations that are on the horizon, shaping the future of online learning and assessment in the wake of GPT’s influence. Join us to engage in this thought-provoking discussion on the implications, solutions, and prospects in the era of GPT-driven educational technology.
  

• Hurry Hard! Efficiency in Course Design

  
  Organizations are finding delivering high quality learning at the pace required for today’s modern learners increasingly challenging as skills evolve more rapidly and technology forces fast change. This presentation will explore ways we can meet learner expectations by changing the way we design our learning through shorter, bite-sized course design, and automation. We will also explore a case study using AI and Creator+ to cut design and development costs in half in order to stay ahead of our learner’s needs.
  

• Engagement Enchilada w/Chef Streich, Part 1: Creating Strong Announcements using Video and Release Conditions

  
  In this segment Randolph will explore the power of the Brightspace Announcements widget. What steps can you take to draw the user to the important announcement? How can you make the announcement more personalized? How do you conditionally release and set timing on the announcement?
  

• How to Design Equitable Rubrics for Students on Brightspace?

  
  In this presentation, our team will explore the how-to of creating rubrics on D2L. For students to have equal opportunities to obtain success in their academic careers, it is important for instructors and faculty members to understand how to create equitable rubrics. Rubrics need to be designed in a manner where fairness, transparency and inclusivity are the inherent underlying characteristics. Those individuals who attend this session will be informed of best practices and strategies to use D2L to create rubrics and provide meaningful feedback. This way, we will be able to promote support and equity for multi-faceted learners in the classroom and within virtual spaces.
  

• Leveraging Peer Evaluations in Brightspace

  
  This session begins with discussing the benefits of using peer evaluation as a type of assessment for students and the faculty. Then, leveraging learning technology to create and manage assignments that allow students to read, review, and evaluate one or many papers submitted by their classmates.
  

• Engagement Enchilada w/Chef Streich, Part 2: Fierce Gamification

  
  Learning is hard when you are not engaged with the subject material. Join Randolph In this session as he looks at how to increase engagement by bringing in elements of game theory. What makes the learning compelling? How can game theory be applied to Brightspace learning? How do we define success?
  

Join us for an interactive working session where we will collaborate on how your organization can identify your learning vision, determine what supports you have in place, assess what is slowing you down, and how you can achieve your goals.

Facilitator: Jeff Salin, Manager, Learning Experience Consulting, D2L

• Pivot-Ed Micro-Credentials: an uncompromising experience

  
  Bow Valley College recognized the importance of equipping individuals with in demand competencies that align with industry needs. To achieve this, we collaborate closely with employers to create competency-based reskilling and upskilling micro-credentials that incorporate authentic assessments and engaging activities. As the job market is constantly evolving, it is essential post-secondary institutions provide individuals with the competencies that are in demand by employers. In this session, we will share how we’ve been able to partner with D2L, Brightspace, and Course Merchant to execute on our vision to “shape the future of college education” through our unique approach to competency-based development and design that involves deep collaboration with employers, authentic assessment methods, and rich learning experiences.

  In this session we will focus on:

  • Connecting Competencies that are in demand by industries
  • Connecting Employers to fully understand the requirements for competence
  • Connecting Assessments to ensure learners are demonstrating the competencies in manner relevant to the world of work
  • Connecting Experiences by providing rich and rigorous opportunities for learners

• Don’t Freak Out about ChatGPT and AI, Don’t Ignore it Either

  
  With the advancement of natural language processing technology, ChatGPT has emerged as a promising tool for online education. However, as with any technology, there are potential benefits and risks associated with its use. We will explore the various applications of ChatGPT in online courses, and also examine the potential misuses of AI tools and discuss strategies for mitigating these risks. Through a combination of presentation, group discussion, and live demos, participants will gain a better understanding of the benefits and challenges of incorporating ChatGPT into online courses and how to navigate the ethical considerations involved. (NOTE: this description was written by ChatGPT and may or may not match the actual presentation content.)
  

• Engagement Enchilada w/Chef Streich, Part 3: D2L Review of Stuff you Desire2Know

  
  Review of the stuff you Desire2Know with Senior Solutions Engineer Randolph Streich. Randolph will take us through some key areas of Brightspace including: Communication, measurements and metrics, lesser known tools and hidden gems. This will be an open presentation so be ready to bring your questions.