Seminars

Check out the below Seminars and the sessions grid (.pdf)!

National and Regional Technology Leaders

Artificial Intelligence Seminars

  • Abhilash Panthagani -Associate Director of Research & Ann Forman Lippens - Managing Director at EAB
    • Title: AI and the Future of Higher Education: Debunking Myths and Exploring Opportunities
    • Abstract: How will AI transform higher education? This isn't just a question for the future—the changes have already begun. Join this session to learn how to navigate the hype around AI and figure out what it means for your staff, your students, and your institution. EAB experts will discuss:​
      • Why ChatGPT and other generative AI tools mark a new era in AI capabilities.​
      • 3 common misconceptions about AI and why they are not true​.
      • The biggest opportunities AI presents for higher education​
  • David Weil, Vice President for Information Technology and Analytics at Ithaca College
    • Title: Exploring AI’s impact across our institutions
    • Abstract: The rapid advances in Artificial Intelligence will have a significant impact on higher education. Join us to explore 7 questions that can help frame conversations about the many ways AI will affect our institutions, students, faculty, and staff. We’ll use these questions to examine AI’s impact on how we prepare our students to enter an AI-driven workplace, improve college operations, explore the changes needed for the jobs and skills of our institution’s workforce, and look at policies and governance that will be required. Much has been written about AI’s impact on teaching and learning, at this session we’ll look at that and many other ways AI will be felt across all aspects of our institutions.
  • Chris White, Senior Specialist at Microsoft Education 
    • Title:  Microsoft Copilot, your OpenAI Powered Teaching/Learning Assistant 
    • Abstract: AI models like ChatGPT from Open AI are advancing rapidly and dramatically, impacting many industries including education. OpenAI powered Microsoft Copilot is like having a teaching assistant at your side whenever you search the web. Microsoft has created a proprietary way of working with OpenAI that allows it to best leverage the power of new Large Language Models (LLMs). The collection of capabilities and techniques, called the Prometheus model, produces more relevant, timely, and targeted results with improved safety. With this set of AI-powered features, educators can ask complex questions, receive detailed replies, and have a conversation. During this session we will explore how to: 
      • Summarize the basics of Microsoft Copilot and how they can help educators
      • Use Copilot and use the basic functionality provided in all its features
      • Design prompts that support teaching and learning
      • Judge the responses produced by Copilot for overall quality and credibility
  • F. Paul Greene CIPP/US, CIPP/E, CIPM, FIP is a partner in Harter Secrest & Emery 
    • Title: Ethical Adoption of AI on Campus:  Challenges and Opportunities
    • Abstract: Few things have campus administrators, faculty, and IT teams more engaged at the moment than the explosion of Artificial Intelligence solutions, including generative AI, in education.  Whether it be student use of generative AI, privacy concerns, or developing an institutional approach to AI governance, the issues surrounding AI are complex and challenging.  And the legal and regulatory framework surrounding AI adoption is being built as we speak.  As a result, many institutions find themselves in the AI trenches without sufficient guidance or survival skills.  This discussion will focus on instilling an ethical approach to AI adoption that can aid in AI risk management and foster a broader awareness of the benefits and challenges of AI adoption in the education sphere. 
  • Debbie Cole, Sales Manager and Matthew Knights, Director of Sales at Boston Dynamics
    • Title: Boston Dynamics' Spot for Academia and Research
    • Abstract: Spot has changed how we think about robotics and we will provide an overview of how Spot is being used in a wide range of industries. Whether you’re pushing the boundaries of robotics and AI, developing novel applications, or educating the next generation of researchers, engineers, and technicians Spot can be a key component of your project. Boston Dynamics has solved mobility, manipulation, and ease of use out of the box while providing a robust SDK and developer ecosystem so you can focus on your area of interest and know you have a reliable robotic platform to deploy on
  • Kavita Bala, Cornell University
    • Title: Generative AI in Education and Research: Recommendations, Early Experiences and Next Steps
    • Abstract: Since ChatGPT was released for public use in late 2022, there has been immense interest, speculation, and trepidation about Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) technologies and their impact on society. The term “Generative AI” refers to a range of AI techniques including text-based variants like GPT-4, Bart, Gemini, used in search and chatbots, and image generation technologies like Dall-E and MidJourney. There is excitement about the immense opportunity that GenAI presents for personalized learning and training, but these technologies have raised concerns about use by students to circumvent learning in violation of academic integrity policies. In administration and research, GenAI promises to automate mundane tasks, increase efficiency, and provide better service to stakeholders. But accuracy, bias, and privacy concerns complicate the near-term use of GenAI.

      In this talk, Dr. Bala will describe the opportunities and concerns with the use of GenAI technologies in universities and describe Cornell's thinking on the deployment of GenAI in education, pedagogy, research, and administration. Dr. Bala will describe Cornell's early experiences using it over the past year and outline next steps for the future.
       
  • Anthony Idi, AWS
    • Title: Generative AI on AWS
    • Abstract: AWS generative AI services can significantly impact the higher education industry by transforming various aspects of teaching, learning, and research. These services can enhance online learning, improve accessibility, streamline administrative tasks, advance research, foster innovation, enable personalized learning, and enhance student support. However, higher education institutions must use these technologies responsibly, ensuring data privacy, addressing potential biases, and maintaining human oversight. By leveraging AWS AI services thoughtfully, higher education institutions can drive innovation, improve student outcomes, and prepare learners for the challenges of the future.
  • Abhilash Panthagani & Ann Forman Lippens, EAB
    • Title: Approaching AI on our campuses - a facilitated discussion with campus leaders and EAB
    • Abstract: Join campus leaders and EAB for an informal conversation around ways to approach AI efforts on campus. In particular, the group will explore: how we’re helping our institutions explore generative AI, areas where we are starting pilots, licensing strategies, and foundational capabilities (e.g. staffing, data management) that need to be put in place to support AI innovation.

Security Seminars

  • Emilyann Fogarty, Chief Information Security Officer, NYSERNet
    • Title: Guardians of the Campus: Strengthening Cyber Defenses 
    • Abstract: Participants from all campus roles are welcome to engage in this simulated cybersecurity crisis, regardless of IT security knowledge. This interactive exercise, simulating a phishing attack targeting students and compromising critical campus systems, is designed to explore incident response strategies, communication protocols, and collaborative efforts aimed at mitigating the impact. Navigating the challenges posed by compromised campus data will be a focal point for participants. The session aims to elevate awareness and resilience in response to the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. Regardless of your specific campus role, all participants will depart with an understanding of the collaborative and interconnected dynamics inherent in cybersecurity incident response. This acquired knowledge will fortify a more resilient and proactive defense mechanism against the continuously evolving threats facing educational institutions. 
  • Justin Henderson, Senior Instructor at H&A Security
    • Title: Achieving monitoring and detection that is relevant and based on your organization
    • Abstract: In this presentation, you will learn how to assess and measure your organization's monitoring capabilities, what data sources matter, and how to incorporate custom detections into your security tools. You will also discover some open source or free tools that can help you continuously evaluate and improve your detection capabilities. The presentation will focus on providing actionable information that you can apply to your own environment, with an emphasis on using tools such as SIEM, XDR, and MDR. By the end of this presentation, you will have a better understanding of how to leverage open source and free tools to enhance your detection capabilities and security posture.​
  • David Cialone, Chief Information Security Officer at Synergy IT Solutions
    • Title: Lets go #ishing
    • Abstract: Social engineering is the art of manipulating people into divulging confidential information. Cybercriminals use social engineering tactics all the time to trick people into giving away their personal information. This has reaped great reward for the criminals and much havoc on individual privacy and fortune. ​This session will be presented by Dave Cialone, Synergy’s CISO, and will take a lively and educational look at the different ways that cyber criminals “hack the human” to get the information they want. The title “Let’s go #ishing” alludes to the many different phishing methods that have been added to our lexicon. We will go over those as methods of attack are constantly evolving. We will also take a broader look at social engineering in general and how criminals have historically gotten into critical systems simply by asking people to let them in. Examples are numerous but banks, casinos, hospitals, universities, and local school districts have all seen major impact. ​This discussion will be education-focused, so we will highlight specific real-world examples of what has happened in school districts and universities and how employee and student data was impacted. We will also cover any new laws that have been enacted to combat this data loss. ​
  • Dilip Singh, Vice President of Cyber Operations at Sedara 
    • Title: Operationalizing your Cybersecurity through Penetration Testing
    • Abstract: Explore the role of penetration testing in operationalizing cybersecurity defenses against evolving threats. Beginning with foundational concepts, we will cover the importance of identifying vulnerabilities through assumed breach philosophy. By using actionable insights from testing findings, learn how organizations can prioritize remediation efforts and strengthen their overall cybersecurity posture.
  • David Hinsdale, Special Agent, FBI
    • Title: FBI - The Cyber Threat Landscape
    • Abstract: This presentation will discuss the ongoing cyber threat to critical infrastructure and national assets from an investigative point of view. It will share insight into the threat landscape, malicious cyber actors, and the resources and collaborative efforts used to combat them. Case studies related to high-tech crimes, cyber-attacks, computer intrusions, and major cyber fraud will be presented.
  • Jonathan Borgesen, Client Security Principal, ePlus & Thomas Rodriquez, Eng Services Manager, Varonis
    • Title: Securing Data Beyond Boundaries: A Data-Centric Approach
    • Abstract: In an era where data is the new gold, safeguarding it has become paramount. As we navigate the intricate landscape of data security, we must transcend perimeter-centric approaches and embrace a data-centric mindset. Join us as we delve into the world of Data Security Posture Management (DSPM), exploring how to fortify our most critical data across all data domains (on-premises, SaaS, and Cloud).

      Additionally, we will discuss how to responsibly harness the power of AI by protecting AI workloads through precise permissions and accountability. Let’s protect our data treasures while unlocking AI’s transformative potential! 

Esports

  • Jessie Lubinsky, Education Evangelist at Adobe, Inc.
    • Title: The esports Education Playbook: Empowering Every Learner Through Inclusive Gaming
    • Abstract: Esports have been part of an incredible global phenomenon over the past few years. But it isn’t just something booming in popular culture. Esports has become a dominant force in the lives of both K-12 and higher education students.  Affording equitable opportunities for all learners, esports serves as a field for inclusion greater than any other sport. Whether you are completely new to esports, looking to start your own program, seeking out ways to make your existing program even better, or just curious, this session will offer something for everyone. Join one of the co-authors of The Esports Education Playbook: Empowering Every Learner Through Inclusive Gaming which emphasizes the role that esports plays in creating SEL and CTE opportunities for students regardless of gender, race, or socioeconomic status.
  • Chris White, Senior Specialist at Microsoft Education 
    • Title: eSports, Your Path to Creating Engaging, Challenging and Competitive Learning Experiences
    • Abstract: Esports is organized, competitive video gaming. Esports is different than traditional video gaming. Esports is competitive (human-vs-human) and usually has an engaging spectator element to it, like traditional sports. Just like traditional sports, esports requires teamwork, communication, critical and strategic thinking, creativity, sportsmanship, and leadership. During this session we will explore how:
      • Explain the role esports can play in educational settings
      • Identify benefits and opportunities for expanding future-ready skills through esports
      • Connect esports-related education to career pathways
      • To launch a successful eSports experience.
  • Tyler Johnson, Executive Assistant to the Assistant Vice President for Student & Campus Life at Cornell University
    • Title: Building a Successful Campus Gaming Facility – The Development of Cornell University’s Esports Gaming Lounge
    • Abstract: Over a period of several years, Cornell University’s club esports teams urged the university to create a space with high-end gaming PCs the teams could use during intercollegiate esports competitions. The proposal grew and developed into Cornell’s Esports Gaming Lounge, a campus gaming facility with 13 gaming PCs, 3 TVs for console games, and a space intentionally designed for a great gaming experience for both recreational and competitive players.

      Since opening in March 2023, the facility has hosted more than 15,000 play sessions on console and PC by more than 3,000 different students. For many, it is more than just a place to relax and have fun; it’s where they’ve built friendships and found a sense of belonging and community through a shared love of games. To achieve this level of success, the university has made many intentional choices along the way based on thoughtful design and an understanding of the technical and cultural expectations of different kinds of players.

      This session will share the story of how Cornell University’s Esports Gaming Lounge developed and highlight some of the key decisions that have made it a successful space for the Cornell student community. Attendees will learn about some of the unique challenges of managing gaming facilities as well as some of the many benefits they can provide students.

  • Jacob Van Ryn, NECC ESPORTS
    • Title: From Traditional Fields to Digital Arenas: The Evolution of College Esports
    • Abstract: "From Traditional Fields to Digital Arenas: The Evolution of College Esports" explores the transformative journey of esports within collegiate settings. Spearheaded by Jacob VanRyn, a veteran in college athletics, this session delves into the origins and exponential growth of the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC), which rapidly expanded from 36 to nearly 500 member institutions. The presentation addresses common challenges colleges encounter when initiating esports programs, such as infrastructure development, funding, and establishing a competitive balance. Additionally, it contrasts the dynamics between club and varsity esports, highlighting the unique benefits and hurdles of each level, including resource allocation, recruitment, and the integration within academic frameworks. This comprehensive overview offers insights into the burgeoning realm of collegiate esports, underscored by VanRyn's extensive experience and visionary leadership in the field.

Classroom Technology Seminars

  • Dan Georgescu, Director of Business Development at Cardone Solomon and Associates, Inc.
    • Title: Unveiling Classroom Technology Solutions: A Comprehensive Look Behind the Curtain 
    • Abstract: In today's landscape, the abundance of technological solutions offers a spectrum of choices, ranging from the straightforward to the intricate, from centrally managed systems to independently deployed setups, and from standardized deployments to bespoke solutions. This seminar aims to delve into the intricacies of the process, shedding light on the often-overlooked journey from conception to completion. At the forefront of any successful project lies the crucial phase of discovery. This session emphasizes the significance of foresight, advocating for a holistic approach that extends beyond the confines of individual projects. By envisioning the end goal from the outset, we pave the way for seamless transitions and sustainable technological ecosystems on campuses. Equally paramount are the infrastructure requirements, which demand meticulous evaluation to ensure compatibility and longevity. By anticipating future needs and considering the ripple effects on subsequent projects, we can mitigate disruptions and optimize resource allocation for both present and future endeavors. In the realm of technological selection, discernment reigns supreme. Rather than fixating on superficial features or brand loyalty, this seminar advocates for a focus on consistency, adaptability, and long-term value. By weighing factors such as total cost of ownership, support capabilities, and scalability, we empower decision-makers to make informed choices that align with organizational objectives. Furthermore, fostering strategic partnerships with stakeholders—from general contractors and manufacturers to integrators and support teams—is paramount. By prioritizing synergy and collaboration, we ensure that projects are not only delivered on time and within budget but also tailored to meet the evolving needs of end-users. Join us as we navigate the intricacies of classroom technology solutions, unraveling the complexities behind the scenes to empower decision-makers and drive success in educational environments.
  • Alan Jacobson, CTS Regional Solutions and Consultants Manager at Legrand 
    • Title: Troubleshooting IGMP systems using the network switch tools CTS, CTS-I, and CTS-D
    • Abstract: This course will provide a basic mechanism for figuring out how to utilize the network switch to locate and solve problems. You'll also learn how to use the IGMP port statistics and groups information to see if your switching system is working and get a scope of the different multicast flowing through a system.  Learn the importance of final system drawing documentation to reference when looking at the system traffic.
  • Michael Noce, VP of Higher Education at Echo360
    • Title: Harnessing the Power of Student Response Technology
    • Abstract: This presentation delves into the innovative integration of Student Response Technology (SRT) within the education setting. Through real-world use cases, we will explore how the instructors leverage SRT technology to bridge geographical gaps, enhance learner engagement, and elevate the overall quality of instruction. Through the adoption of these practices, the institutions have been able to transcend the boundaries of the traditional classroom, allowing learners to access high-quality instruction.​ This session showcases how instructors can maximize knowledge transfer by creating interactive media that not only brings the classroom to students but also provides them with a way to engage with the material, providing immediate feedback to both learners and instructors. Supported by compelling data, this presentation highlights the substantial impact on learners and instructors, including:​ 
      • Increase in retention of material post-training session
      • Improvement in learner outcomes​
      • Improvement in learning experience​
      • By embracing these innovative tools, educators can create a learning environment that transcends physical constraints, fosters engagement, and significantly contributes to the deepening of a learner’s understanding and retention of crucial surgical technology concepts.
  • Cheryl Ten Eyck, Whit Sprague, Robin Campo, ePlus and Finger Lakes Community College
    • Title: The Success of Hyflex Learning Technology at FLCC
    • Abstract: In 2017 FLCC began its Hyflex journey through implementation of technology to support Synchronous learning between FLCC’s main campus in Canandaigua, NY and our 4 remote campus locations in Newark, Victor, Geneva and the Mueller Field station located at the southern end of Honeoye Lake. By meeting the transportation challenges of our student population head on, we increased their completion opportunities at a local level. The Covid Pandemic introduced opportunity to make further improvements by using technology already in place to expand the Synchronous learning modality into one that would accommodate all students’ learning needs regardless of location and personal challenges. Thanks to a great partnership with Cisco Systems and ePlus Technology, FLCC has met the challenges of our time and continues to exceed the technological experience for both students and faculty. Our increased enrollment numbers for the 23/24 academic year bears proof of these claims.
  • Keith Fenton,Field Sales Engineer Northeast Region andRegina Yeager, NYS Territory Director atPromethean World
    • Title: State of Technology: Improving Ed Tech Efficiencies and Collaboration
    • Abstract: Learn more about the Promethean whiteboard solution and our new partnership with Explain Everything, a collaborative whiteboard that works the way you think. Increase productivity and efficiency in your classroom with roaming profiles along with the power of Promethean's native apps such as Screen Share, and device management through Promethean panel management, and RADIX.

Other Seminars

  • Apple Education
    • Title: Accessibility
    • Abstract: More students are learning with a varying array of abilities. And institutions are exploring new ways to not only support these students, but also to personalize every student’s learning experience. In this session, explore the built-in features included on every iPad and Mac.  Here is what you'll experience:
      •  See how iPad and Mac can transform into almost any tool students need - a communication device, a daily planner, a live caption tool, a reader and more. 
      • Discover apps and resources that can personalize learning for all students.   Don't miss the opportunity to see how Apple products are revolutionizing the learning experience for all students. 
  • Apple Education 
    • Title: Apple and Creativity
    • Abstract: Apple is considered one of the most creative companies in the world. But what is it about Apple that makes them so creative, and allows them to inspire and enable creatives everywhere? 
      In this discussion, we'll talk about Apple's hardware and software; How they work together to support creativity, as well as how Apple approaches the creative process through technology.
      Don’t miss this opportunity to see how Apple products are revolutionizing the learning experience for all students.
  • Rob Snyder, Director of Analytics & Special IT Projects at Ithaca College 
    • Title: A Modern Framework for Institutional Analytics
    • Abstract: An effective institutional analytics program has become essential to providing proactive student services and informing strategic actions. Join us for a discussion about strategic guiding principles and key competencies that form part of a modern analytics framework that can help you obtain actionable insights from your data. We’ll explore a data and analytics maturity model, a framework for planning your data and analytics roadmap, and how an incremental approach to data and analytics can help accelerate this roadmap while mitigating risk.​
  • Brendon Rothfuss, Relationship Manager at First American Education Finance 
    • Title: Funding Strategies for Technology Refresh Program
    • Abstract: A Technology Refresh Program offered by First American Education Finance can provide educational institutions with upgrades to optimize their IT infrastructure. By replacing outdated hardware and software with modern and reliable solutions, we can help you improve your IT performance, security, and management, as well as provide guidance and support on best practices for IT governance and planning.​In this presentation, we will introduce you to First American Education Finance, the current trends and challenges in the education sector, and the benefits and outcomes of our Technology Refresh Program. We will show you how we can provide a spectrum of offerings to fit your specific needs and goals and share success stories from our clients who have implemented our program. Our aim is to give you a clear and comprehensive overview of the enhancements that First American can offer to your institution through our Technology Refresh Program.
  • Rob Montgomery, System Engineer at Extreme Networks
    • Title: The Secure Enterprise Fabric
    • Abstract: It is without a doubt that security is first and foremost for those that run and control networks. Learn how thousands of networks have benefitted from implementing Extreme Networks Secure Enterprise Fabric architecture. Also learn how this technology functions to support the most secure networking technology in the industry.
  • Michael Barbato, SR. Account Technology Strategist, Microsoft
    • Title: Fabricate Your Analytics: An Introduction to Microsoft Fabric
    • Abstract: Microsoft Fabric is a revolutionary analytics platform that integrates a suite of services for enterprises, encapsulating data movement, data science, Real-Time Analytics, and business intelligence into a single, unified experience. With Fabric, users benefit from an extensive range of analytics services, centralized administration, and a unified data lake known as OneLake. As the embodiment of the data mesh architecture, Microsoft Fabric enables organizations to transform complex data into actionable insights, fostering a collaborative and efficient analytical ecosystem.
  • Toshiba
    • Title: Maximizing your investment in Technology

Teaching and Learning with Technology Symposium

Since 2010, the Finger Lakes Faculty Development Network (FLFDN) has partnered with Educational Technology Day at Ithaca College to provide our group and faculty members we serve an opportunity to share their work with others during the Teaching and Learning Symposium. This year Ed Tech Day celebrates 30 years and will once again be showcasing FLFDN presenters who want to share innovative uses, best practices, and scholarship of new and established educational technologies.

  • Tim Reynolds, Ithaca College
    • Presentation Title: Utilization of Social Media to Increase Student Learning Opportunities
    • Presentation Abstract: The amount of time spent in front of a screen is constantly growing with today’s student
      population, which means their access to social media is literally in the palm of their
      hand. Academics should acknowledge the changes within society and embrace the benefits that social media platforms may have in their pedagogical approach to teaching.
  • Lara Cardoso Goulart, Rochester Institute of Technology
    • Presentation Title: Elevating Project Presentations into Engaging Learning Experiences for All
    • Presentation Abstract: Project presentations hold several learning opportunities that are often unnoticed. Apart from the presenter, the other students passively participate. How might we make presentation sessions an engaging learning opportunity for all personality types?
      In this seminar, you will learn how to effectively apply active learning techniques in your classrooms to get the most out of project presentations. You will also learn how a midterm or final review sessions can be a great opportunity to teach your students about constructive feedback, empathy, critical thinking, and soft skills. You will also be exposed to toolkits and digital platforms to use in classroom to make feedback sessions more engaging and collaborative for all students.
  • Dr. Rebekah Greene, University of Rochester
    • Presentation Title: Unlocking the Potential: Leveraging Technology for Efficient and Effective Peer Review in the Nursing Education Classroom
    • Presentation Abstract: Scholarly writing skills are vital for future nurse educators, but frequently, graduate nursing students require additional support refining these skills (Greene et al., 2022). Peer review of scholarly writing assists students in demonstrating competency and metacognition about their own writing processes. Recent experiments in a nursing education course have led to a move from a traditional paper-based process to experimenting with several technologies, including Microsoft Forms and Feedback Fruits, in order to more efficiently facilitate the peer review process in both physical and virtual classroom environments. Course faculty and writing center personnel collaborated to create a peer review assignment for students to learn how to reflect on their own writing and offer meaningful feedback in both written form and via a pair-and-share activity. This collaborative instructional model, intended to support the NLN competency of engaging in scholarship, anticipated that course faculty would eventually receive more thoughtfully composed papers, allowing feedback focused on higher-order skills in scholarly writing. The peer review process, enhanced by technology, helped students learn how to offer meaningful feedback, an invaluable skill for nursing educators. This session will offer attendees strategies for using technology to help design and then efficiently and effectively guide the peer review process.
  • Ann Giralico Pearlman & Dr. Jie Zhang, University of Rochester
    • Presentation Title: Open Educational Resources (OERs) in Technology Enhanced Globally Networked Courses
    • Presentation Abstract: It is important for higher education institutions to prepare students to be citizens of the world by offering opportunities to deepen their understanding of diversity, inclusion, and collaboration in today’s global society. The presenters will share experiences integrating open educational resources (OER) into technology-enhanced globally networked learning (GNL) courses. These courses provide cost-effective ways for faculty and students across countries to collaborate on joint projects using shared OER materials to achieve meaningful learning outcomes. Through GNLs, students gain cross-cultural, cross-linguistic, and cross-disciplinary diverse experiences, develop communication skills using technology, and improve intercultural competence. After the outbreak of the global pandemic in March 2020, it became even more urgent for higher education institutions to find practical ways to sustain GNL courses and support students to learn intercultural and transdisciplinary competencies, or their “ability to understand and respect different cultural and disciplinary contexts and viewpoints” (Farrugia & Sanger, 2017, p. 7). The purpose of this presentation is to share the journey of how faculty and an instructional designer integrated OER materials and collaborated in technology-enhanced virtual exchange global courses to prepare college students for career and cultural readiness prior to and during the pandemic.
  • Chris Price & Rachel Hagerman, SUNY Center for Professional Development
    • Presentation Title: Investigating Videoconference Tools for HyFlex Courses
    • Presentation Abstract: This presentation summarizes the results of a mixed methods research conducted as part of the “Tools for HyFlex Courses” project funded by the State University of New York (SUNY) Innovative Instruction Technology Grant (IITG) program in the 2022-23 academic year. HyFlex courses are student-centered course offerings “that allow students to choose whether to attend classes face-to-face (F2F) or online, synchronously or asynchronously” (Beatty, 2019). Students in HyFlex courses have the ability to choose their mode of attendance with flexibility each week and are not locked into the same format over the course of the semester.  The purpose of this project was to investigate and assess the efficacy of videoconference software tools in the delivery of HyFlex courses to better understand faculty use of these tools and how that impacts student experience. The 55 faculty participants from 20 different SUNY campuses were asked to select one of four video conferencing tools (Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Class, or Engageli), received vendor training on their selected tool, as well as training on how to design and deliver HyFlex courses with support from a dedicated instructional designer.
  • Colleen Countryman & Ted Mburu, Ithaca College
    • Presentation Title: Designing Instructional Apps and Games with Undergraduate Researchers
    • Presentation Abstract: Physics is often considered a notoriously difficult class. Physics topics tend to rely heavily on students’ evolving problem-solving skills and conceptual understanding of physical phenomena. Concepts like those involving electric fields can be perceived by students as particularly abstract and challenging to grasp because they are intangible and cannot be observed directly with the naked eye. Visual aids can be used to facilitate students’ understanding. Traditional visual aids (like those shown in textbook diagrams) have several limitations and cannot be correlated one-to-one with their real-world counterparts. To address some of these limitations, undergraduate research students in my lab have developed simulations that other physics students from the introductory to advanced level can interact with to deepen their insight into difficult concepts.  We will discuss the design, development, and assessment of the simulations, and how undergraduate researchers led the “charge.” 
  • Jesse Lubinsky, Adobe
    • Presentation Title: Authentic Assessment in the Age of AI
    • Presentation Abstract: The rise of AI has created new and exciting opportunities for both educators and learners but has created a number of challenges as well. How do we now know that students understand what they turn in (or if it is actually their own work) when AI can do it in quicker and often more efficiently? More than ever, we need to help students scaffold their process and show their work. This session will help educators reexamine how we ask students to demonstrate their thinking and share strategies on how to meaningfully leverage technology and creativity in their work.
  • Dr. Toby Brown, Dr. Kristen Love, & Christine Perrotti, University of Rochester
    • Presentation Title: The Good, The Bad, & The Bot-iful: Discussing the Challenges & Rewards of Implementing AI in Higher Education
    • Presentation Abstract: Faculty and staff from three schools at the University of Rochester recently received an on-campus grant for a cross-curricular pilot program to identify, integrate, and review generative AI tools for advancing faculty and student knowledge. We're in the early stages of launching the AI boat and are interested in how other departments/colleges/schools/higher education institutions are navigating the deep, wide, ever-changing AI waters--is it smooth sailing or choppy seas? Join us for an active discussion to crowdsource best practices, offer and receive advice, or cry on each other's shoulders.
  • Dr. Keirah Comstock, University of Rochester
    • Presentation Title: How Can Custom ChatGPT Models Transform Teaching & Learning Experiences?
    • Presentation Abstract: In the evolving landscape of education, the use of artificial intelligence, and specifically custom ChatGPT models, has proven to be a transformative approach to teaching and learning. This presentation will elucidate the process of developing these custom models and the rationale for their integration into educational practices. The presenter will detail the steps for creating custom ChatGPT models and outline the anticipated benefits for teaching and learning. The integration of ChatGPT into pedagogical strategies has become to bolster students' critical thinking, independence, problem-solving skills, and creativity. Educators, too, stand to benefit from the incorporation of ChatGPT, as it facilitates the creation of personalized learning experiences that drive deeper engagement with the curriculum. Participants will be introduced to both academic and non-academic applications of custom ChatGPT models. Academically, educators will learn to craft tools such as exam preparations and study guides. On the non-academic front, the creation of engaging activities, including travel guidance and conversational companions, will be explored. Ultimately, this presentation aims to empower educators with the knowledge and tools necessary to leverage AI for the development of dynamic and interactive learning environments, enhancing the educational journey and effectiveness of their teaching methodologies.
  • Roberta (Robin) Sullivan, University at Buffalo
    • Presentation Title: Curated Emerging Technologies to Engage Student Learners
    • Presentation Abstract: The goal of SUNY #EmTech is to foster collaborative and lifelong learning through digital literacy and emerging technologies. This inclusive professional development opportunity benefits educators, to assist them to become lifelong learners who are digitally fluent. Our goal is to develop instructors' skills so that they can instill these traits in their students. Scaffolded activities aid instructors as they learn to use free and open-source technology to meet their own specific learning outcomes. An important lesson that is conveyed in this learning opportunity is that technology changes rapidly. To stay current, we must be equipped to continuously learn and be able to adapt to new technologies, as well as be capable of identifying the tools and resources to achieve our specific goals. Recent enhancements to #EmTech include a focus on UDL to identify inclusive/assistive technology and privacy/security aspects. This session will also focus on the benefits of XR and AI technologies through a sampling of freely available tools, tutorials, and resources within the EmTechWIKI collection.
  • Kristina Santory & Kaitlyn Burke, Unversity of Rochester
    • Presentation Title: Implementing PlayPosit in a Graduate-Level Course
    • Presentation Abstract: PlayPosit is an educational technology that can deliver asynchronous, interactive video activities for students. The technology includes customizable question-and-answer interactions, which allows flexibility with implementation and evaluation. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss how faculty leveraged PlayPosit to implement interactive pre-learning activities to facilitate more active learning in the classroom while using principles of universal design for learning. These activities were implemented in a graduate-level nursing physical assessment course for educators and leaders to facilitate inclusive, application-based learning in a nursing laboratory setting. Content was introduced and reinforced asynchronously through the PlayPosit activities so that students could spend lab time practicing, teaching, and providing feedback on assessment skills. Pre- and post-implementation modular quizzes and teaching assessment demonstration scores were compared to evaluate the effectiveness of the PlayPosit implementation, which revealed increased scores. Implications include PlayPosit’s transferability, usability, and device agnosticism as evidenced by its use in other nursing programs. However, cost should be considered. Ultimately, these benefits underscore the potential of PlayPosit to enhance learning outcomes, and the presentation will offer insight for educators seeking to optimize technology in their teaching methodologies.

Tours

Join us for a tour of specific Ithaca College spaces.

  • 10:00 AM - Made in the IC Makerspace
  • 11:00 AM - Ithaca College Center for Print Production
  • Noon - Touring an Active Learning Environment for Undergraduate Physics Courses
  • Noon - Virtual Cinema and TV Production 
  • 1:00 PM - Health Sciences: Movement Analysis Lab and Anatomage Table