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Message from the Vice-Provost
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As October comes to a close, I hope everyone has had a fruitful first half of the Fall term and can take a minute to reflect on the great work happening both in and outside of classrooms. This month, I'd like to invite you to the upcoming AI in Teaching & Learning Town Halls, draw your attention to the Teaching Awards Nominations Workshop and highlight the launch of the Experiential Learning and Community-Engaged Learning Modules. Read more about these exciting initiatives below.
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Teaching Awards & Grants
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The Path to Recognition: Crafting a Compelling Teaching Award Nomination
Tuesday, November 19 from 10:00-11:30 a.m. via Microsoft Teams
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Join us for this session intended for academic administrators and University staff supporting teaching award nominations, where we will:
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- Discuss approaches to identifying and supporting potential candidates for teaching awards
- Share strategies for crafting powerful narratives about teaching award nominees
- Learn from faculty who have been successful candidates for teaching awards
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The session will be facilitated by the Centre for Teaching Support & Innovation and the Office of the Vice-Provost, Innovations in Undergraduate Education. We are also pleased to welcome Professor Carol Chin, Principal Woodsworth College, Faculty of Arts & Science, who will share insights on how she has navigated this process as an academic leader supporting teaching award nominations.
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Upcoming Deadline: Global Classrooms Funding Initiative
On behalf of the Centre for International Experience and the Office of the Vice-President International, we are pleased to share that applications are open for the Global Classrooms Funding Initiative. Global Classrooms provide a unique opportunity to internationalize teaching and learning experiences by connecting classrooms across the globe. Faculty and instructors collaborate with peers abroad, while students engage in cross-cultural learning experiences.
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The deadline to apply for winter funding is Sunday, November 3.
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Generative AI
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AI in Teaching & Learning Town Hall
Tuesday, October 29 from 9:00-10:30 a.m. via Microsoft Teams
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All faculty members and librarians are invited to participate in an online AI Task Force Teaching & Learning town hall on Tuesday, October 29 from 9:00-10:30 a.m. to hear updates and provide input on emerging recommendations from the University of Toronto AI Task Force Teaching & Learning working group, co-chaired by Vice-Provost Susan McCahan, Provostial Advisor on Artificial Intelligence, and Karen Reid, Professor, Teaching Stream in Computer Science.
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A second town hall, in November, will provide an opportunity for staff, faculty and librarians to provide input into AI support and resources for courses and classrooms, among other topics.
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Register for tomorrow's AI Roundup - Emerging Trends
Friday, October 25 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. via Microsoft Teams
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All U of T faculty, librarians and staff who would find this content helpful are welcome to attend.
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Bridging Gaps: The Role of Human in the Loop in Generative AI
Thursday, November 7 from 3:00-4:00 p.m. via Microsoft Teams
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In this session the critical role of human oversight in mitigating biases within Generative AI systems in the university context will be explored. Join Donna Kidwell, Acting Chief Information Officer, for a discussion of emergent strategies and real-world applications that ensure AI models are not only technically robust but also socially responsible. Learn how integrating human judgment can help bridge the gap between technological advancement and ethical considerations, fostering a more equitable AI landscape. This session is co-hosted by the IT@UofT Inclusivity Working Group.
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Artificial Intelligence Virtual Tutor Initiative: Scalability and Security at the Intersection of Teaching and Innovation
Thursday, December 5 from 3:00-4:00 p.m. via Microsoft Teams
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This talk will provide an update on the University of Toronto's AI Virtual Tutor Initiative, which aims to enhance student learning through personalized, AI-driven support. Jordan Holmes, Senior Manager, Teaching, Learning & Technology, Centre for Teaching Support & Innovation will provide an update on the project highlighting the balance between developing a cutting-edge generative AI platform and addressing critical scalability and security concerns. Attendees will gain insights into the complexities of implementing AI in higher education, including the strategies employed to ensure the platform can handle a large student population following the current limited-scale initiative. This talk offers a unique perspective on the intersection of advanced technology and pedagogical innovation in a university setting.
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Experiential Learning
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Experiential Learning and Community-Engaged Learning Modules
While each module is a standalone resource, staff interested in community-partnered EL or in CEL can do all three modules and receive a "Supporting Community-Engaged Learning" certificate, on their staff professional development record on LLC. complete the modules to deepen your understanding of EL and CEL at U of T and to share these resources with your colleagues whose work intersects with EL.
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If you have any questions, please contact the Centre for Community Partnerships at info.ccp@utoronto.ca.
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2024 CEWIL and EWO Student of the Year Awards
Nominations are open for the Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL) and Experiential & Work-Integrated Learning Ontario (EWO) Student of the Year Awards. The Tri-Campus CEWIL and EWO Nomination Awards Committee at the University of Toronto is seeking nominations for outstanding students who participated in a Work-Integrated Learning (WIL), Experiential Learning (EL) or Co-op program in 2024. Faculty members and academic staff are encouraged to nominate students who have made significant contributions in their workplace, demonstrated exceptional learning or promoted WIL/EL initiatives.
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Experiential Learning Accommodations Guide
On behalf of Annicka Stabenow, Experiential Learning Accommodations Coordinator, and the team at Accessibility Services, we are excited to announce that the Experiential Learning Accommodations Guide for Faculty, Staff, and Supervisors has been published. This resource is intended to be used as a guideline for faculty, staff and external partners working with post-secondary students engaged in experiential learning.
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Teaching & Learning
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Consultations on Civil Discourse at the University of Toronto
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New Resources on Generative AI in Teaching & Learning
New instructor profiles and assessment examples incorporating generative AI are now available at the Centre for Teaching Support & Innovation's What’s Happening at U of T webpage. The updated page includes:
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- Examples of how instructors from various disciplines have successfully integrated AI tools into course assessments, supporting student learning and engagement.
- Explanations of how these assessments develop critical thinking and analysis, promote creativity, and build technological skills.
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Additionally, a new resource titled "Teaching with GenAI: Considerations for Teaching Assistants" is now available on the Teaching Assistant Training Program website, providing specific guidance for TAs on integrating AI into their teaching practices. This resource will serve as a useful reference for Course Instructors as they develop a plan on how to communicate with TAs on generative AI and teaching.
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Rethinking Learning Outcomes in the Age of Generative AI
Thursday, November 7 from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. via Microsoft Teams
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Led by the Centre for Teaching Support & Innovation, this forward-thinking workshop explores the potentially profound implications of generative AI on the evolution of human expertise, and how this may impact educational priorities. Through interactive discussions and thought-provoking exercises, instructors will be challenged to envision the future of their respective disciplines and professions in light of these technological advancements.
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The workshop will collectively reimagine course-level learning outcomes, emphasizing the knowledge and skills that will empower students to thrive in an AI-connected world.
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Updated Version of the Academic Toolbox for 2024-25
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