Tuesday, June 2
Session 1: Using AI tools to implement a UDL framework in course design
Time: 9:00 - 10:20
Location: Library Classroom 101 / remote access
Presenter: John Kane
The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework provides students with multiple means of: engagement (the “why” of learning), representation (the “what” of learning), and action and expression (the “how” of learning). Participants in this hands-on workshop will use AI tools to more effectively connect course content to student interests, enrich the course with multimodal content aligned with course learning outcomes, and to expand the ways in which students can demonstrate their learning. Participants are encouraged to bring a syllabus from one of their courses to explore alternatives to traditional readings and assignments. Prompt templates will be shared that can be used to support a UDL framework. This session focuses on how AI can be used in designing or redesigning a course.
Session 2: Using AI to support inclusive teaching, student engagement, and active learning in a live course
Time: 10:30 - 11:50
Location: Library Classroom 101 / remote access
Presenter: John Kane
Participants in this session will examine how AI tools can be used to assist in creating and maintaining an inclusive classroom environment, creating engaging active learning activities and authentic assessments aligned with student interests, gathering and summarizing student feedback throughout the semester.
Session 3: Using AI to assist in remediating digital content
Time: 1:00 - 2:20
Location: Library Classroom 101 / remote access
Presenter: John Kane
Participants in this session will explore how AI tools can be used to assist in the remediation of digital content to meet WCAG 2.2 AA standards. In addition to determining what generative AI tools such as Gemini can and cannot do to directly remediate content, we’ll examine how gen AI tools can be used to assist in creating workflows to handle more challenging content remediation. A set of links to additional accessibility resources will also be shared.
Session 4: Creating chatbots in Gemini to support student learning
Time: 2:30 - 3:50
Location: Library Classroom 101 / remote access
Presenter: John Kane
Participants in this session will create one or more chatbots that can be used to provide students with Socratic tutorial support, create productive learning paths for students with guardrails to prevent cognitive offloading, automate repetitive tasks, or increase personal productivity.
Wednesday, June 3
Session 5: The Plus One Approach to UDL
Time: 9:00 - 9:50
Location: 123 Penfield / remote access
Presenter: Peter Ghazarian
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) offers a powerful framework for building inclusive courses, but the prospect of redesigning a course around UDL principles can feel overwhelming, especially mid-semester. The Plus One approach (Behling & Tobin, 2018) offers a practical alternative: identify one "pinch point" in your course where students consistently struggle, then add one more option, one more pathway, or one more mode of engagement to address it. This hands-on session introduces the Plus One approach and walks participants through applying it to their own courses. By the end, each participant will leave with one concrete Plus One they can implement in a current or upcoming course.
Session 6: Endorse Your Colleagues on LinkedIn
Time: 10:00 - 10:50
Location: Library Classroom 101 / remote access
Presenter: Allison Ayotte
Come learn how to endorse your colleagues' skills on LinkedIn. The workshop will begin with a short demonstration. The remainder of the time can be used to endorse others' skills and request endorsements from your connections on LinkedIn. Let's lift each other up!
Session 7: Hypothesis
Time: 11:00 - 11:50
Location: 123 Penfield / remote access
Presenter: John Kane
Hypothesis is a social web annotation tool in which individuals can annotate and tag content that exists on the web or within Brightspace. This tool can be used in place of online discussion forums, to collect and tag research materials, to provide peer feedback on written work, and much more. In this hands-on workshop, participants in this session will examine how Hypothesis might be used in your classes.
Session 8: Tagging PDF Documents for Accessibility
Time: 1:00 - 1:50
Location: Library Classroom 101 / remote access
Presenter: Jinyan Guo
This workshop applies to digital PDF documents such as registration and other forms, posters, flyers, course handouts, and other non-copyrighted PDF documents. Using Adobe Acrobat Pro (a free software for faculty and staff), this hands-on workshop explains how to: 1) edit the content of the PDF document to achieve digital accessibility standards; 2) enhance color and contrast; 3) use hyperlink with contextual hypertext; 4) add alternative text for images; 5) tag the headings and paragraphs for structured content; 6) arrange a logical reading order for screen readers and other assistive technology.
Session 9: Easily create interactive video quizzes
Time: 2:00 - 2:50
Location: 123 Penfield / remote access
Presenter: John Kane
Participants in this hands-on session will learn how to easily embed questions into a video that they've created (or any videos publicly available on YourTube) using EdPuzzle. You can either create your own questions or use the embedded AI tool to generate and embed questions in these videos. Once created, these videos can be easily added to Brightspace with grades automatically appearing in the gradebook. (A free EdPuzzle account allows you to create up to 20 interactive video quizzes at no cost.) A laptop is required to participate in this session.
Session 10: Closing Equity Gaps
Time: 3:00 - 3:50
Location: 123 Penfield / remote access
Presenter: John Kane
Participants in this session will discuss strategies to help create a more equitable and inclusive classroom environment. Pedagogical practices shown to reduce equity gaps will be discussed and participants are encouraged to share concerns and teaching strategies.
Thursday, June 4
Session 11: Campus integrity update
Time: 9:00 - 9:20
Location: 123 Penfield / remote access
Presenters: Paul Tomascak, Carol Willard, Kelly Roe, and Kristin Sotak
We give the end-of-academic-year update on where the campus stands on integrity policy violations. An opportunity to have all of your integrity-policy-related questions answered!
Session 12: Office of Learning Services Updates
Time: 9:30 - 9:50
Location: 123 Penfield / remote access
Presenters: Allison Ayotte & Theresa Hoffman
Come see what's new in the Office of Learning Services, and let us know if you have additional suggestions for tutoring offerings.
Session 13: Revising Publisher Accessible PPTs
Time: 10:00 - 10:20
Location: Library Classroom 101 / remote access
Presenter: Matthew McLeskey
This session will cover how to revise publisher-provided "accessible" PPTs to be even more accessible. While they are useful as a place to start, they may not cover the broad scope of accessibility needs.
Session 14: Learning the Brightspace Media Library
Time: 10:30 - 10:50
Location: Library Classroom 101 / remote access
Presenter: Douglas Hemphill
This workshop introduces faculty to Brightspace’s Media Library, a centralized hub for uploading, organizing, and managing reusable course assets.
Learn how to streamline content management by utilizing key features:
- Content Organization: Create folders to logically structure your digital assets.
- Version Control: Apply version control to ensure the use of the most current files.
The Media Library supports all critical media and documents: Audio, Video, Images, and Documents.
Transform how you manage and update your essential teaching materials.
Session 15: Credits for Prior Learning and Testing
Time: 10:30 - 10:50
Location: 123 Penfield / remote access
Presenters: Sarah Wehrle and Nora Covington
This session will review options for Credit for Prior Learning, including Prior Learning Assessments we offer at SUNY Oswego. Topics such as Military Transfer Credits, CLEP, DSST, Language Testing, Portfolio Assessment, Pearson Vue Certifications, and other Make-up testing and proctoring options through the university's Testing and Proctoring Center.
Session 16: Crafting an Engaging Discussion
Time: 11:00 - 11:20
Location: Library Classroom 101 / remote access
Presenter: Doug Hemphill
Discussion forums are often misunderstood as mere "social tools." While this is definitely a feature of discussions, they can also serve as a two-stage pedagogical engine: moving students from individual knowledge construction to collaborative critical thinking. This presentation will look at crafting engaging discussions, both in the creation and offering, that will take your course conversations to the next level.
Session 17: Making screenplays digitally accessible
Time: 11:30 - 11:50
Location: Library Classroom 101 / remote access
Presenter: Juliet Giglio
Screenplays are written on different software platforms such as Final Draft and Writer Duet but are always shared on PDF which is problematic as the PDF is not digitally accessible unless it’s converted. This session will inform and give tools to anyone who needs to learn how to make a screenplay accessible. Faculty in the departments of creative writing, cinema & screen studies, broadcasting and theater will be especially interested.
Session 18: Using QR codes in class and professional presentations
Time: 1:00 - 1:20
Location: 123 Penfield / remote access
Presenter: John Kane
QR codes can be embedded in presentations to share resources (such as google docs, folders, or website) or to solicit feedback from students or conference attendees. In this hands-on session, participants will learn how to generate a QR code in Chrome that links to a web resource (such as a google form, doc, folder, sheet, or slideshow), and embed the QR code in a slide presentation. Examples of several use cases will be presented during the session.
Session 19: Using AI for Fact Checking
Time: 1:30 - 1:50
Location: 123 Penfield / remote access
Presenter: John Kane
The ability of AI to verify the reliability of online claims is seriously underrated. Participants in this session will explore how generative AI platforms can be used to verify online information using Mike Caufield's SIFT method.
Session 20: Adding supportive structure to courses in Brightspace
Time: 2:00 - 2:50
Location: 123 Penfield / remote access
Presenter: John Kane
A large and growing body of research demonstrates that providing more structure in classes improves learning outcomes for all students while also reducing achievement gaps. Participants in this hands-on workshop will learn how to add checklists, organize support resources compactly using accordion files, use intelligent agents to send timely reminders to students of approaching due dates, and to automatically remind students of support resources available in the course when they experience difficulties on assessments.
Friday, June 5
Session 21: QPR Suicide Prevention Training
Time: 9:00 - 9:50
Location: 123 Penfield / remote access
Presenter: Jessica Harris
QPR is a suicide prevention program that empowers individuals to recognize warning signs of suicide, intervene, and refer someone to the appropriate resources. The free training will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to support our students in crisis.
By becoming a certified QPR trainer, you will be able to offer a valuable service to our students and colleagues and be better equipped to address mental health concerns on our campus.
Session 22: Lights, Camera, Learning
Time: 10:00 - 10:50
Location: Library Classroom 101 / remote access
Presenter: Jason Hy, Academic Videographer, Division of Extended Learning
Do you need help on making better self-made videos for your online courses? Stop by and get tips on better camera work, better lighting, and better audio that will raise the quality of your production, and make your videos stand out to your students. Also learn more about SUNY Oswego's Academic Videographer, and what video services he can provide you with to ensure any videos in your courses are of the highest quality.
Session 23: A Tale of Two Precalculus Semesters
Time: 11:00 - 11:50
Location: Library Classroom 101 / remote access
Presenter: Zoë Misiewicz
In Spring 2025, across two sections of Precalculus, almost a third of students were failing at the midterm or had already withdrawn. In Spring 2026, in those same two Precalculus sections taught by the same instructor, the number of students with an E or W at the midterm had dropped to just under 8%. This session will discuss some of the interventions and other factors that contributed to this dramatic increase in student success, including the use of a structured “corequisite support” model for all students enrolled in the course.
Session 24: Moving beyond neuromyths
Time: 1:00 - 1:50
Location: 123 Penfield /remote access
Presenter: John Kane
Over the past century a large body of research has focused on how humans learn. Most college faculty, though, were not exposed to this research during their graduate training and most college students have never been taught how to learn more efficiently. In this session, we'll discuss some of the most common neuromyths that many faculty and students share, how these neuromyths might impair student learning, what research tells us about effective learning strategies, and how we might use findings from cognitive science research to improve our course design and help our students learn about and adopt more effective learning strategies.
Session 25 : PreTeXt for Accessible STEM documents
Time: 2:00 - 3:20
Location: Library Classroom 101 / remote access
Presenters: Oscar Levin (University of Northern Colorado), Jeff Slye
PreTeXt is an open source authoring tool for creating accessible scholarly documents, especially those in STEM fields. You write your content with semantic markup, and PreTeXt generates a variety of output formats — including HTML, PDF, ePub, and even Braille — all from the same source. The HTML produced by PreTeXt meets or exceeds WCAG 2.1 AA standards (with image descriptions you provide along the way).
In this hands on session, we will explore how to start writing course materials with PreTeXt. Using the online "Overleaf-like" PreTeXt Plus editor, we will quickly create a worksheet that can be both embedded in Brightspace and printed with room for writing. We will also explore how to use LaTeX-authored documents as a starting point with minimal effort to get the same PreTeXt-generated outputs.
Monday, June 8
Session 26: FA and You: Governance at Oswego
Time: 9:00 - 9:50
Location: Library Classroom 101 / remote access
Presenters: Gwen Kay, Faculty Assembly Chair; Andrea Vickery, Faculty Assembly Vice Chair
In this session, you will learn about campus governance at Oswego and our representative body called Faculty Assembly (FA). We’ll review the aims of governance in campus decision-making, who is (and isn’t) a voting member among full-time professional staff and faculty, briefly review the functions of the councils and the role of FAEB (the Executive Board). We’ll discuss the duties of department FA representatives, review what typical FA and General Faculty meetings look like, and spend time discussing how you can participate in governance on SUNY Oswego’s campus. We’ll also briefly discuss the University Faculty Senate as a model for SUNY-wide governance participation. We’ll leave plenty of time for questions, comments, and discussion!
Session 27: Starfish Strategic Review
Time: 10:00 - 10:50
Location: Library Classroom 101 / remote access
Presenters: Michelle Bandla, Andrew Buchmann
Starfish serves as SUNY Oswego’s primary student success and early-alert platform. It is designed to facilitate communication between faculty, staff, and students to provide timely interventions that support academic persistence. Following a comprehensive evaluation in Fall 2022 with the help of our Institutional Research and Assessment team, the system has undergone significant revisions to simplify faculty reporting, automate alerts through system triggers (such as registration holds and credit completion), and integrate more deeply with the university’s new advisement model.
Session 28: Making Scientific Writing Accessible
Time: 11:00 - 11:50
Location: Library Classroom 101 / remote access
Presenter: Mohammad Islam
Scientific communication relies on digital documents containing mathematical equations, figures, tables, and technical notation. Commonly used document formats, however, remain difficult to access for individuals using screen readers and other assistive technologies. Inaccessible equations, improperly structured slides, and image-based mathematical content can create significant barriers for students, researchers, and educators with visual impairments or learning disabilities. This presentation discusses practical strategies for making scientific writing more accessible across widely used formats: Microsoft Word (.docx), Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx), Google Docs, Google Slides and LaTeX documents.
The presentation introduces the principles of accessible scientific communication, with particular emphasis on the accessibility of mathematical expressions. In Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, accessible equation entry methods using built-in equation editors and MathML-compatible workflows are demonstrated. In Google Docs and Slides, accessible equation entry methods using Math-Type-compatible workflows are demonstrated. For LaTeX documents, the presentation explores methods for generating accessible outputs using tools such as TeX4ht and tagged PDF workflows, with discussion of current limitations and best practices.
Session 29: Potential OER course creation grant
Time: 1:00 - 1:50
Location: 123 Penfield / remote access
Presenter: John Kane
Earlier this year, we applied for an OER course creation grant from SUNY that would provide funding of $1,000 for each of 14 faculty members to create shareable OER courses during the 2026-27 academic year that include ancillary materials created with AI assistance. This session will serve as an information session for potential participants if the grant is approved (this session will be canceled if the grant is not approved - a decision should be released in late May)
Session 30: Adventures in Multiple Grading Schemes
Time: 2:00 - 2:50
Location: 123 Penfield / remote access
Presenter: Aryeh Jacob Drager
Multiple Grading Schemes is an alternative grading approach in which each student's grade is calculated with several different weighting formulas, and the final grade is based on the best score among the results. The schemes are designed to offer flexibility for students to demonstrate their achievement of course learning outcomes in different ways and on different timelines. This workshop will explore the presenter's adventures, misadventures, and lessons learned in implementing multiple grading schemes in various meteorology courses during the 2025-2026 academic year, and it will offer tips and resources for those interested in implementing this alternative grading approach in their own classes.
Session 31: Active Learning
Time: 3:00 - 3:50
Location: 123 Penfield / remote access
Presenter: John Kane
In study after study, active learning approaches have been shown to result in increased student learning and reduced equity gaps. In this session, a variety of active learning activities will be shared, along with strategies to overcome student resistance to active learning.
Tuesday, June 9
Session 32: Accessible Practices for Neurodiversity
Time: 9:00 - 9:50
Location: 123 Penfield / remote access
Presenter: Emily Bovier
Participate in this session to learn about individual differences in cognition and accessible practices to be inclusive of those who are neurodiverse. You will hear student testimonials from our own neurodivergent students! We will also engage in thoughtful discussion about designing inclusive spaces and experiences.
Session 33: Campus integrity update
Time: 10:00 - 10:20
Location: 123 Penfield / remote access
Presenters: Paul Tomascak, Carol Willard, Kelly Roe, and Kristin Sotak
We give the end-of-academic-year update on where the campus stands on integrity policy violations. An opportunity to have all of your integrity-policy-related questions answered!
Session 34: Using dual monitors in classroom and/or Zoom meetings
Time: 10:30 - 10:50
Location: 123 Penfield / remote access
Presenter: John Kane
If you have two monitors in your classroom, office, or home, you can present, poll, and share resources much more efficiently. In this session, strategies for using a second display effectively will be discussed. This is particularly relevant for those using iClicker Cloud in their classes or those who need to monitor remote chat while also presenting in person.
Session 35: Supporting Student Success: C2C Roadmaps
Time: 11:00 - 11:50
Location: 123 Penfield / remote access
Presenters: Kristin Croyle, Emily Estrada, Jacqueline Wallace
We will present the Curriculum 2 Career Roadmaps developed in CLASE during the past academic year. In collaboration with the CLASE Dean’s Office, Career Services, the Advising Center, Experiential Learning and CLASE departments, we created four-year academic and career roadmaps designed to help students better understand their curriculum, recognize the value and purpose of their coursework, and identify steps they can take to prepare for success after graduation. After discussing our development process and implementation strategies, participants will have the opportunity to brainstorm curriculum and career roadmap ideas for their own programs.
Session 36: Using AI to TILT your assignments and increase student success
Time: 1:00 - 1:50
Location: 123 Penfield / remote access
Presenter: John Kane
The Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) framework created by Mary-Ann Winklemas encourages faculty to be more explicit in explaining to students the connections among course educational activities, learning objectives, and assessments while also providing students with the structure and support resources that are needed to be successful in the course. In this session, we'll discuss how the TILT approach can be applied in all course modalities. An AI tool that assists in restructuring assignments to a TILT format will be shared. (Users are encouraged to try this tool with one of their existing assignments.)
Session 37: Using iClicker to enhance student engagement and learning
Time: 2:00 - 2:50
Location: 123 Penfield / remote access
Presenter: John Kane
Participants in this session will explore how iClicker polling can be used in any class, large or small, to create a more inclusive learning environment, assess prior knowledge, provide immediate feedback to students and instructors, stimulate student curiosity, and increase student engagement and learning. Examples of the use of each question type (multiple choice, multiple select, numeric, and image target) will be provided.
Session 38: Using the AI question creator in iClicker
Time: 3:00 - 3:20
Location: 123 Penfield / remote access
Presenter: John Kane
This session will provide a heads-on demo of the AI question creator that was recently introduced into iClicker cloud.
Session 39: Getting started with iClicker Cloud
Time: 3:30 - 3:50
Location: 123 Penfield / remote access
Presenter: John Kane
Participants in this workshop will set up their own instructor account, and connect this platform with the roster and gradebook in one or more of their Brightspace courses.
Wednesday, June 10
Session 40: Using Penfield Special Collections
Time: 9:00 - 9:50
Location: Library Classroom 101 / remote access
Presenters: Zachary Vickery (University Archivist Librarian) and Lyn Blanchfield (History)
Zachary Vickery (University Archivist Librarian) and Lyn Blanchfield (History) will discuss how instructors in various disciplines (and not only in the humanities!) can utilize the materials in Penfield Library Special Collections for their courses.
Session 41: Accessibility Features in Brightspace
Time: 10:00 - 10:50
Location: Library Classroom 101 / remote access
Presenter: Carrie Mocyk
Brightspace includes several built-in accessibility features designed to support more inclusive course design. Knowing where they are located and how to use them effectively makes all the difference.
In this session, we’ll explore the different content pages in Brightspace and examine how design choices can impact accessibility.
Session 42: The Brightspace Gradebook Explained
Time: 11:00 - 11:50
Location: Library Classroom 101 / remote access
Presenter: Carrie Mocyk
This session focuses on understanding how the Brightspace Gradebook works as a system. Rather than troubleshooting isolated issues, we’ll explore the flow of information and the design logic behind how the Gradebook operates. Through a series of “if I do this, then this will happen” scenarios, participants will learn to better anticipate how the Gradebook responds to different actions.
With this understanding, you’ll be better equipped to make sense of common Gradebook behaviors, such as why certain items cannot simply be removed or why inconsistencies in assessment names and point values may appear across different parts of a course.
This session will be presented in plain language and will focus on concepts rather than technical details.
Session 43: Shifting the focus from grades to learning
Time: 1:00 - 1:50
Location: 123 Penfield /remote access
Presenter: John Kane
Traditional grading systems create incentives that encourage students to focus on maximizing their grades rather than their learning. It can also encourage students to rely on AI tools to complete assignments as a low-effort strategy to achieve higher grades. In this session, a variety of alternative grading systems will be discussed that are designed to provide all students with more equitable opportunities to be successful in our classes. Among the topics discussed will be: mastery learning, contract grading, specifications grading, labor-based grading, and ungrading.
Session 44: Open Pedagogy Projects
Time: 2:00 - 2:50
Location: Library Classroom 101 / remote access
Presenter: John Kane
Open pedagogy involves student creation rather than consumption of educational content. Participants in this session will explore ways in which open pedagogy projects can be used to increase student engagement and learning. Examples of open pedagogy projects at Oswego and elsewhere will be discussed. Resources for the creation of open pedagogy projects will be shared.
Session 45: NotebookLM
Time: 3:00 - 3:50
Location: 123 Penfield / remote access
Presenter: John Kane
NotebookLM is a generative AI tool that can summarize materials contained in multiple Google docs, google slides, pdf files, text files, websites, publicTube videos and audio files, and web content. Participants in this session will explore how NotebookLM can be used to summarize content in briefing documents, infographics, slide shows, podcasts, and videos. It can also be used to generate self-quizzes.
Thursday, June 11
Session 46: The Mentor’s Scaffolding Toolkit
Time: 9:00 - 9:50
Location: Library Classroom 101 / remote access
Presenters: Allison Ayotte & Holli Stone
This workshop introduces the +1 Toolkit, a strategic framework for mentors of student change-makers. We will explore how to use the Confidence Ruler to identify tactical gaps and demystify the "Hidden Curriculum" of institutional systems. By building stairs instead of carrying the weight, you can help move students from participants to initiators—reclaiming your own time while giving them the tools to navigate any institution and move their ideas into high-impact action.
Session 47: Creating Accessible Web Pages
Time: 10:00 - 10:50
Location: Library Classroom 101 / remote access
Presenter: Kate DeForest
Creating accessible web pages with Drupal (Oswego's Content Management System) is easier than you may think! In this virtual session, Kate DeForest will lead participants through a web editor training that focuses on simple tactics to make Oswego.edu web pages usable for a wide audience. Topics discussed will include how to style headings, adding alt text to images, using descriptive link text, and writing in plain language.
While Kate will be demonstrating using the Drupal platform, these principles are applicable to any website. Department web editors are encouraged to attend and all campus personnel are welcome
Session 48: Beyond the Final Answer: AI, Critical Thinking, and Process-Based Assessment
Time: 11:00 - 11:50
Location: 123 Penfield / remote access
Presenters: Judith Littlejohn, Director of Online Learning, GCC; Sarah Wessel, Instructional Designer, GCC; and John Kane
A practical framework for moving from "AI-resistant" to "AI-ready" course design. Participants will explore five key assessment shifts: process-based assessment, metacognitive reflection, judgment-focused assignments, structured oral components, and clear AI disclosure expectations. Participants will acquire practical tools for creating assignments emphasizing human thinking, reflection, and judgment rather than AI-generated products.
Session 49: Curiosity as Pedagogy
Time: 1:00 - 2:20
Location: 123 Penfield / remote access
Presenters: Rebecca Mushtare and John Kane
This workshop explores how curiosity can serve as a powerful pedagogical tool to increase student engagement, deepen learning, and strengthen motivation. In addition to methods for sparking student inquiry, it highlights how faculty curiosity, about emerging technologies, students’ experiences, and their disciplines, can renew a sense of purpose and joy in teaching. Participants will leave with practical, ready-to-use strategies for creating classrooms where curiosity drives meaningful, energizing learning for everyone.