2023 FITSI Events
- October 4 from 12:30 - 2:30pm in Conant Hall, Room 113. Lunch available at 12pm (see details below)
- October 10 from 6:00 - 7:30pm on Zoom (see details below)
- October 13 from 12:30 - 2:00pm on Zoom (see details below)
Title | Maximize Student Potential: Apply Universal Design for Learning to Your Instruction (FITSI) |
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Date/Time | Wednesday, October 4, 2023 from 12:30 - 2:30 |
Location | 113 Conant Hall. Lunch is available starting at 12:00. |
Abstract | Every learner is complex and unique, and has a unique way of learning. Universal Design for Learning is an inclusive approach to design that minimizes barriers and maximizes learning for all students. In this session, we will explore the UDL framework, look at barriers your students may be facing in your course, and workshop approaches to clear those barriers. Bring your syllabus, lesson, or other course materials and a laptop. |
Presenters | Scott Lapinski, Director, Student Accessibility Services | Scott Kimball, Manager, Learning Development and Innovation / CEITL |
Title | Leverage M365 Tools (bookings, M365 Tools in Canvas, Immersive Reader in Canvas) to Lift Learning (FITSI) |
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Date/Time | Tuesday, October 10, 2023 from 6:00 - 7:30PM |
Location | Zoom. |
Abstract |
Leverage the power of Microsoft tools for streamlined workflows and improved learning outcomes in any course. Connect Microsoft 365 to Canvas to enhance communication, collaboration, and content creation. When tools are integrated, it creates a simpler and more seamless learning experience for everyone. In this workshop you will be introduced to some of the tools that Microsoft Office 365 provides that can help you with managing your teaching presence and increase student engagement. During this interactive discussion, we will provide an overview of each tool, how to find it and set it up, and review some use cases, allowing time to discuss how you might use the tool to improve your learning environment. Tools covered include:
Additional resources for each will be provided, including training options. |
Presenters | Karen Hoover, Learning Design and Technology | Fran Keefe, Learning Development and Innovation |
Title | Innovating with Canvas (FITSI) |
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Date/Time | Friday, October 13, 2023 from 12:30 - 2:00 |
Location | Zoom. |
Abstract | Canvas serves as our Learning Management System (LMS), empowering us to seamlessly host course materials such as readings and videos, efficiently handle assignments, and facilitate exam administration. During this session, we will focus on developing innovative approaches with an aim toward guiding students to enhanced engagement and better learning outcomes. Key topics covered in this session encompass cultivating a vibrant learning community enhancing students’ ownership of their learning through innovative student strategies and the canvas tools to support them. |
Presenter | Fran Keefe, Learning Development and Innovation |
FITSI 2023: Empowering Faculty to Help Students be Their Best
This year’s keynote speaker is James Lang, author of Small Teaching and Distracted
June 6-7 Online, June 8 in-person
2023 marks the 22nd annual FITSI. We are re-imagining FITSI this year with a tiered participation model.
- Most of our online presentations and some workshops will be open to the public.
- The FITSI Project Cohort, limited to 20 seats, will have access to additional project-focused workshops and consultations as well as up to $2000 in technology / pedagogy support funding opportunities.
Eligibility:
The FITSI Project Cohort is open to regular faculty, instructors, and graduate students. Adjunct instructors are not eligible for the Project Cohort or funding but are encouraged to attend open sessions and engage with learning architects.
Applicants will identify a course in which student learning outcomes may be improved with the use of new technologies and/or strategies. The FITSI cohort experience will support a course transformation project with a series of online and in-person seminars and workshops, individual consultations with Learning Architects and Instructional Technologists, and up to $2000 in funding for technology/pedagogy support.
FITSI is made possible through funding by Academic Technology and the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs.
For more information, contact Scott Kimball.
2023

Empowering Faculty to Help Students be Their Best
Registration for 2023 FITSI is now closed.
2023 FITSI session Registration Form
FITSI 2023 Session Descriptions
2023 FITSI Guest Speaker: Dr. James Lang |
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![]() Dr. James Lang Tuesday, June 6, 10am - 11am (via Zoom)"Teaching Distracted Minds: Old Challenges, New Contexts"Presenter: Dr. James Lang Author of: Distracted: Why Students Can’t Focus and What You Can Do About It (2020) Small Teaching: Everyday Lessons from the Science of Learning (2016) |
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2023 FITSI Guest Speaker: Ray Schroeder |
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![]() Ray Schroeder Wednesday, June 7, 10am - 11am (via Zoom)"The Impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence on Higher Education"Presenter: Ray Schroeder Professor Emeritus of Communication, University of Illinois, Springfield Senior Fellow University Professional Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) |
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2023 FITSI Guest Speaker: Dr. Carol Hurney |
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![]() Dr. Carol Hurney Wednesday, June 7, 2:30pm - 3:30pm (via Zoom)"Making Active Learning Work Using the Science of Learning"Presenter: Dr. Carol Hurney Associate Provost, Faculty Development Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, Colby College |
Registration for 2023 FITSI is now closed.
2023 FITSI session Registration Form
FITSI 2023 Session Descriptions
2023 FITSI Schedule: June 5, 6, 7 & 8
Monday, June 5
Time | Location | Format | Title | Organizer |
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10am - 11am | Zoom | Pre-conference session (optional) | Canvas | Fran Keefe |
11am - 12pm | Zoom | Open session | Microsoft M365 Applications | Karen Hoover |
Tuesday, June 6
Time | Location | Format | Title | Organizer |
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10am-11:30am | Zoom | Keynote | Teaching Distracted Minds: Old Challenges, New Contexts | Dr. James Lang |
1-hour, 30-minute break from 11:30am - 1pm | ||||
1pm - 1:55pm | Zoom | Session | Active Learning – One Size Does Not Fit All: The ICAP (Interactive, Constructive, Active, and Passive) Approach Can Help Inform Your Design and Promote Student Learning | Dr. Catherine Overson |
2pm - 2:55pm | Zoom | Session | Universal Design for Learning | Scott Lapinski |
3pm - 4pm | Zoom | Panel | Exemplars of Engagement |
Facilitator: Scott Kimball Panelists: Trish Cox, Krista Jackman, Dr. Rose Pruiksma |
Wednesday, June 7
Time | Location | Format | Title | Organizer |
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10am - 11am | Zoom | Presentation | The Impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence on Higher Education | Ray Schroeder |
15-minute break from 11am - 11:15am | ||||
11:15am - 12pm | Zoom | Session #1 | Empowering All Students with M365 Tools: Built-in Equity and Accessibility Solutions | Karen Hoover |
Zoom | Session #2 | Graphic Design for Educators: Reducing Cognitive Load Through Elegant, Accessible Visual Design | Becca Van Horn | |
Zoom | Session #3 | A Survey of Multimedia Tools for Teaching and Learning | Mike McIntire & Doug Keene | |
1-hour break from 12pm - 1pm | ||||
1pm - 1:40pm | Zoom | Session #4 | Technology for the Purpose of What? Using the 4 Shifts Protocol Discussion Format | Karen Hoover |
Zoom | Session #5 | Twine – Choosing Your Own Adventure is Easier Than You Think | Mike McIntire | |
Zoom | Session #6 | Innovating with Canvas | Scott Kimball & Fran Keefe | |
5-minute break from 1:40pm - 1:45pm | ||||
1:45pm - 2:25pm | Zoom | Session #7 | Rubrics & Speedgrader | Fran Keefe |
Zoom | Session #8 | Multimodal Instruction and Assessment | Xuan Cai | |
Zoom | Session #9 | Accessibility Basics: Essential Skills for Creating Accessible Documents | Abby Brandt & Scott Lapinski | |
5-minute break from 2:25pm - 2:30pm | ||||
2:30pm - 3:30pm | Zoom | Speaker | Making Active Learning Work Using the Science of Learning | Dr. Carol Hurney |
Registration for 2023 FITSI is now closed.
2023 FITSI session Registration Form
FITSI 2023 Session Descriptions
Thursday, June 8
Poster Session: 12:30pm - 1:30pm | Paul College Great Hall, Rooms G25, G35 & G59
Title | Presenter(s) |
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Microsoft OneDrive & Sharepoint | Karen Hoover & Fran Keefe |
Wireless Projection | Craig Hopkins |
Streaming Software and Technology, 360° Cameras | Scott Kimball |
Virtual Reality | Mike McIntire |
Complementary Literacies | Kathrine Aydelott |