Welcome to Spring 2025 Professional Development Week (PDW)!
Theme: Embracing Resilient Educators
Focus on the workshops that best suit your professional development goals and schedule. A wide range of offerings is provided, so pick the ones that will benefit you the most.
Neurodiversity, or the naturally occurring variation in human cognition, is becoming a popular topic in higher education and adjacent fields as more of our students identify as “neurodivergent” and neurodiversity gains recognition as an important component of DEI initiatives. But what is neurodiversity, and what is the history and political importance of this concept?
Independent Consultant, Speaker, and Instructional Designer
Sarah Silverman, PhD is an instructional designer and instructor of Disability Studies. As an autistic educator, she has a personal stake in Neurodiversity as well as extensive college teaching and faculty development experience. Her interests include accessible and feminist pedagogy... Read More →
A participatory workshop designed for faculty to apply their knowledge to three areas of teaching that may benefit from a "neurodiversity perspective": (1) The syllabus statement about disabilities, accommodations, and access; (2) Accessible and transparent guidelines for "class participation" in its many forms; and (3) Introductory remarks to frame collaborative and or group class activities.
Independent Consultant, Speaker, and Instructional Designer
Sarah Silverman, PhD is an instructional designer and instructor of Disability Studies. As an autistic educator, she has a personal stake in Neurodiversity as well as extensive college teaching and faculty development experience. Her interests include accessible and feminist pedagogy... Read More →
Monday January 13, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
Zoom
At the request of faculty, the eLearning team will be available to provide tips and tricks to help you prepare to teach a pooled Colorado Online class. We will walk you through finding your required course materials, investigating what teaching resources are available, building your course shell, and answering questions - this is a hands on opportunity to get assistance and build your actual course! - NOTE: I talked to Katie about this a few months ago. We planned two, two-hour sessions on Wednesday - one during the day in person, and one in the evening on Zoom.
This session has been thoughtfully designed with the intention of catering to individuals who are either new to the realm of teaching or have merely dipped their toes into this profession for a period ranging from one to three semesters. The primary focus of this session is to impart knowledge and skills necessary for crafting an inclusive syllabus that fosters an environment of diversity, equity, and belongingness, establishing an attendance policy that strikes a balance between support and expectation, refining techniques for organizing lectures in a coherent manner that maximizes student engagement and retention, as well as delving into the intricacies of grading in a manner that is not only fair but also adds substantial value to the academic growth and development of students. By actively participating in this session, attendees can expect to gain valuable insights and practical strategies that will undoubtedly enhance their teaching repertoire and contribute to their overall effectiveness as educators in the classroom setting.
CETL Director and Assistant Professor, Pikes Peak State College
As the transfer director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) at Pikes Peak State College, I am excited to connect with educators and find out what best practices you are applying in your classroom! I have served in this role for over a year and am excited... Read More →
This session focuses on introducing basic language and terminology while creating a space for questions. We will cover the differences between sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as expand on the additional types of diverse identities that fall under the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) umbrella. This course explores best practices for engaging with the LGBTQ+ community, tips for supporting colleagues that come out as LGBTQ+, and strategies for supporting the community through allyship.
Are you committed to creating inclusive and equitable learning experiences for all students? Discover how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles can transform your courses and make them more engaging, accessible, and equitable for every learner. Learn practical strategies for accommodating diverse learning styles, providing choices for personalized learning, and creating activities that allow students to demonstrate their learning.
This workshop takes a deeper dive into the LGBTQ+ community, by exploring transgender and gender expansive communities. We discuss the unique experiences and challenges faced by these parts of the LGBTQ+ community; develop a better understanding about the transition process; the importance of pronoun usages and their impact on transgender and gender expansive people; gain a better understanding about pronoun usage and their impacts; and share affirming resources and services.
In this workshop, participants will gain a clear understanding of the HLC’s mission, guiding values, and accreditation requirements. The session will explore key elements such as the comprehensive evaluation process and the significance of meeting accreditation standards. Attendees will leave with practical ways they can contribute to the College's preparation for a successful comprehensive evaluation visit.
The basics of video editing in under an hour. Learn how to import recordings, trim what you don't need, mix and fine tune your audio, add simple graphics, and export it. Great for recording lectures or tutorials on software that you often have to repeat several times to different students. Now you'll be able to say "Check the D2L shell for the video on this."
Teachers often believe lecturing is a required part of college courses because they are expected by students, peers, and supervisors to transmit information to their students. But what if there was another way to keep students engaged and participative? This presentation will explore topics from the Active Learning Institute on traditional lecturing alternatives such as discussion, modeling, storytelling, and dynamic lectures in order to keep students awake, engaged, and critically thinking about class topics.
The Course Quality Initiative is designed to help faculty improve how their online courses are delivered, focusing on accessibility, engagement, and student success. The initiative doesn’t dictate what to teach but rather provides support, resources, and feedback to enhance the way courses are structured and presented. We prioritize continuous improvement in delivery methods while giving faculty full autonomy over their content. Our goal is to ensure a supportive environment that elevates both teaching effectiveness and the student learning experience.
This workshop is designed to provide faculty and staff with tips on how to identify and help a student who may be struggling with their mental health. This workshop will also provide helpful information to faculty and staff on how to create a classroom/lab/studio environment that is supportive of student mental health.
For first time and other students, going to college can be a very intimidating process. In order for them to learn, that tenson needs to be broken and replaced with an enjoyment of learning. By utilizing humor in our classes, we can break the tension and allow our students to greater absorb information
To maintain its accredited status with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), PPSC must demonstrate how its mission guides institutional operations (Criterion 1), its commitment to integrity and ethical conduct (Criterion 2), and the adequacy of its resources and governance structures (Criterion 5). In this workshop, participants will learn how the College addresses HLC’s expectations in these areas and discuss how they can contribute to a successful comprehensive evaluation visit.
Whether you're faculty, staff, APT, or a student, change is a constant at work and at home. This workshop will provide a foundational understanding of change management, focusing on the neuroscience behind change and practical strategies to make transitions easier for ourselves and those around us. Together, we'll cultivate a supportive environment that embraces transformation and fosters resilience and adaptability in all areas of life.
Bring real-world relevance into your curriculum by adding life lessons that resonate with students. In this hands-on workshop, learn how to incorporate life lessons into any course. The presenter will demonstrate a practical activity where students use Excel to explore investment growth, helping them understand concepts like compound interest and long-term planning. This engaging approach not only enhances financial literacy but also connects academic learning with essential life skills. Perfect for educators looking to inspire students with lessons that extend beyond the classroom!
Protect yourself from cyberattacks! Our ITSS experts are here to answer your questions about cybersecurity best practices. Learn how to identify phishing emails, safeguard your sensitive information, and stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.
Join us for this informative workshop on course reviews. Discover how to leverage the healthy course checklist and quality matters standards to create effective and engaging course design that drives instructional excellence.
This workshop will delve into HLC Criteria 3 and 4, which focus on key aspects of teaching and learning such as resources for effective teaching, quality of educational programs and learning environments, and processes designed to promote continuous improvement. Attendees will discuss how their efforts in ensuring the quality of education and student support services contribute to the overall success of the College’s accreditation reaffirmation.
Each year CETL hosts an interactive and engaging book club that is open to the campus community. This year we're reading Teaching with AI by the PDW keynote C. Edward Watson and CreatingWicked Students by Paul Hanstedt. Come read one or both books with us! CETL will organize the meeting times/spaces, order the books, and help to work with the group to share what we learn with our campus community.
CETL Director and Assistant Professor, Pikes Peak State College
As the transfer director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) at Pikes Peak State College, I am excited to connect with educators and find out what best practices you are applying in your classroom! I have served in this role for over a year and am excited... Read More →
Learn about the exciting changes in the PAGE program this year! If you're new to PAGE or have been a member for a while, this is your chance to interact with coordinator Krystal Miller.
Are you teaching online courses and wondering how to ensure they meet the rigorous standards of the Higher Learning Commission? Join us for a workshop on Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI). Learn practical strategies to foster meaningful connections with your online students, including interactive activities, online discussions, and personalized feedback. Discover how to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment that meets HLC requirements while also enhancing student success.
During your class time, who is doing most of the work? Jeremy Rentz argues that the one doing the talking is the one doing the learning. In this practical, hands-on workshop reflect on your approach to your classroom and develop strategies to talk less and teach more. Objectives:
Explain why students should do some of the work during class.
Discuss different ways teachers can support students doing the work during class time.
Effectively step aside during class so students can do the work of learning.
CETL Director and Assistant Professor, Pikes Peak State College
As the transfer director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) at Pikes Peak State College, I am excited to connect with educators and find out what best practices you are applying in your classroom! I have served in this role for over a year and am excited... Read More →
Tired of the same old textbooks? Discover the transformative power of Open Educational Resources (OER). Learn how to create more engaging, equitable, and affordable courses using OER. This workshop will explore how to locate and adopt OER texts and materials that align with your curriculum, understand the different types of open licenses and their use in your course, and innovate ways to integrate OER to enhance digital accessibility and ensure all students have equal opportunities to learn.
High school students in college classes can present some unique challenges. This workshop will outline some of the needs of high school students and how their college professors can meet them where they are. It will also go through tips and strategies for teaching high school students both on the college campus and in a high school setting.
What is Neurodiversity? Myths,misconceptions and facts about the 1 in 5 who learn differently. What we can do to make education more accessible. Strategies and Information.
At the request of faculty, the eLearning team will be available to provide tips and tricks to help you prepare to teach a pooled Colorado Online class. We will walk you through finding your required course materials, investigating what teaching resources are available, building your course shell, and answering questions - this is a hands on opportunity to get assistance and build your actual course! - NOTE: I talked to Katie about this a few months ago. We planned two, two-hour sessions on Wednesday - one during the day in person, and one in the evening on Zoom.
Ready-to-Teach" courses and programs ensure instructional and design preparedness, promote continuity in assessments, and reduce last-minute instructor and scheduling crises. By establishing uniform expectations, this approach fosters collaboration and consensus among chairs, faculty, and instructors, while alleviating the stress for new instructors—without sacrificing their autonomy. Skeptical? Join us for an engaging discussion on how this stabilizing design framework can enhance both instructional quality and faculty satisfaction.
There are a lot of big promises with AI (automatically send lecture notes and an encouraging reminder to a student who is marked absent? yes please!) but many of them are not available or are costly. We will look at a few AI tools that can help immediately with the more repetitive tasks of teaching: making activities/worksheets, creating lecture notes, and grading. We will also compare the free and paid versions of these tools so you can make an informed choice on whether it is worth purchasing.
Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) is a crucial component of online education, ensuring meaningful engagement between instructors and students. In Desire2Learn (D2L), RSI can be achieved through various methods such as providing direct instruction, offering timely feedback, and facilitating group discussions. Utilizing D2L’s tools effectively can help instructors maintain consistent and impactful communication with their students.
Are you ready to create a more engaging and transformative learning experience for your students? Join us for a dynamic, interactive session where we’ll explore High-Impact Practices (HIPs) — proven teaching strategies that boost student success and can be adapted to any discipline. This session will provide you with practical insights into how HIPs can enhance your teaching, foster deep learning, and empower students to thrive academically. Let’s dive into what works and how you can implement it in your courses!
Instructors & faculty are often the ones on the front line, dealing with students in crisis. An event this fall has encouraged me to research practical tips for dealing with distressed students. This workshop will focus on discussing best practices and will have a segment dedicated for faculty to share ideas and stories. While not pedagogical in nature, having a 50-minute timeslot would allow for ample discussion.
Confused by faculty load? Don’t be! Join the PPSC Faculty Load and Compensation (FLAC) team for an infobite where you can learn how (and why) load is calculated. Participate in activities designed to demystify load and overload and help you better understand how pay makes its way to you!
One of the complaints about AI is that it is being used to do the tasks we actually want to do (like making art) and not the tasks we want to avoid (like washing the dishes). But, you CAN get AI to wash your dishes in academia if you know the right way to ask! This infobite will focus on its practical applications in automating the mindless, repetitive, or boring tasks in and out of the classroom.
Within the STEM field some think that we're dealing with raw data and DEI isn't as big a deal. But the fact is that the STEM field has been built by people of all backgrounds. By looking at how those backgrounds shaped their discovery, we can show our students how their diverse backgrounds can contribute to the world of science and technology.
Join me to learn about how the Perkins Grant can support your CTE program. In this session, we will cover program eligibility requirements, eligible and ineligible projects, the proposal process, and answer any questions you may have related to Perkins funding. This session is ideal for CTE department chairs and deans. FY26 call for proposals will be released shortly after PDW, so now is the perfect time for a refresher.
Associate VP for Instructional Services and Credit for Prior Learning Gary Walker will give updates on the latest in credit for prior learning (CPL) at PPSC. This info session is ideal for department chairs and faculty, but all are welcome to attend. There should also be time at the end of the session for Q&A and discussion.
With Science, Engineering and Math, one tends to forget that we have definitions in STEM. We can call those definitions concepts with logic and connections. How one organizes notes can be a strategy for teaching and helping student with memorization.
This workshop will help staff and instructors understand how to report disruptive behavior to the Dean of Students' office. Instructors and staff will learn considerations that should be addressed in reports and what they can expect from the Dean of Students' disciplinary process.
This InfoBite is for anyone who wants to support English Language Learners (ELLs) at PPCC. Attendees will learn what assistance is available and will acquire strategies for supporting ELLs in their classes. All attendees will receive a document providing practical ways they can help ELLs be successful at PPSC.
As instructors and advisors, you want to point your students to resources that will help them reach their academic and career goals. In this session, you will learn about TRIO Student Support Services, a federal grant with a 25-year record of success at PPSC! TRIO supports eligible students to succeed in their classes, graduate, and transfer to four-year colleges and universities through providing a variety of tutoring, advising, and mentoring services. You’ll come away better informed about TRIO and how to direct your students to this valuable resource.
Come learn about the mathematicians, the doctors, the inventors, the engineers, innovators, artists, and activists who made an impact in so many different fields of study about whom the students in your classes should know. Launched in the Fall of 2024, join us as we continue to grow this organic project to determine the inspiring and too often forgotten national, regional, and local voices in American history across the disciplines—the sciences and the arts—whose examples can help us to create a more equitable, welcoming, and inspiring culture for our students here at our college and in our classrooms. We want to know more about the diverse people in American history about whom we should know because their words, ideas, actions, accomplishments, stories, and dreams made—and are continuing to make—an impact on the trajectory of our country. Help us to continue to develop, grow, and update the list that we started in the fall of 2024 of the too often forgotten Americans about whom we should know in your discipline and others that will inspire our students.
Dive deeper into the ADA Reasonable Accommodation process for students and how accommodations are handled in classroom, internship, and clinical settings. Explore the role of Accessibility Services and faculty responsibilities when you have concerns about how accommodations should be implemented in your courses. Through the ADA and the Fundamental Alteration Review Process, we can support our students and maintain the integrity of our curriculum. This workshop uses case studies to encourage participation and questions.
B.L.A.Q.: The Ultimate Guide to Dynamic Prompts unlocks the full potential of AI language models. Learn to craft prompts that adapt, evolve, and engage in various conversations. Discovering the secrets to creating compelling narratives, generating creative ideas, and even automating tasks. Whether you are a seasoned AI enthusiast or just starting out, this book is your key to mastering the art of dynamic prompting.
