Monthly Archives

September 2025

Francesca Joyce
In EdTech Tools & Course Delivery, GenAI, Smeal Academy Sessions, SmealAI@Work

Smeal AI@Work: Writing Effective Prompts

 

Ready to get more out of Generative AI (GenAI)? This beginner-friendly session introduces you to effective prompt writing strategies to return better results from AI tools like the free version of Microsoft Copilot. You’ll learn what makes a good prompt, explore different types of prompts, and walk through the prompt-writing process. Participants learn how to craft precise and relevant prompts, understand the nuances of GenAI applications in higher education, and explore strategies to integrate AI into our daily work. Whether you’re drafting emails, building presentations, or organizing student materials, this session gives you practical, hands-on guidance for building smarter prompts for GenAI.

 By the end of the training, participants should be able to:

 

RESOURCES:

Michael Christie
In Smeal Academy Newsletter

Smeal Academy Newsletter: September 2025

Roots & Wings:

Grounded in Practice, Inspired by Innovation

As we settle into the fall semester, this month’s theme celebrates the balance between strong pedagogical foundations and innovative teaching tools. Enduring practices anchor us, while fresh ideas lift our teaching in new directions. In this spirit, we offer ways to balance tradition with innovation, keeping your teaching both steady and alive with new energy.


Upcoming Smeal Academy Sessions

Technology should be used in ways that enhance learning outcomes, not just digitize existing practices. The Community Development initiatives below are designed, in part, to help bridge the gap between strong pedagogical practices, innovative tools, and strategies that support both teaching excellence and everyday productivity.

Smeal AI@Work
SEP
16

Session 1: Key Tools for Storage and Collaboration

September 16th Session Recording

Level: Beginner

SEP
26

Session 2: GenAI Prompt Writing Strategies and Microsoft Copilot (Free) Basics

September 26, 10:00 – 11:00 am via Zoom 

Level: Beginner

SEP
16

Session 3: Microsoft 365 Copilot Basics

October 6, 10:00 – 11:00 am via Zoom

Level: Beginner

Smeal Academy Session
OCT
16

Beyond Accommodation: Enhancing Learning, Simplifying Teaching

Wednesday, October 16, 10:00 – 11:00 am

Discover how accessibility in higher education goes far beyond meeting accommodations. It’s a teaching advantage! This session will highlight practical, easy-to-implement strategies that not only support students, including those with hidden disabilities, but also streamline your workload. Learn how designing with accessibility in mind creates classrooms where every learner thrives, and where teaching feels more sustainable.

Previous Smeal Academy session recordings can be viewed on the eLDIG website.

Faculty Recommendations

Technology should be used in ways that enhance learning outcomes, not just digitize existing practices. The Community Development initiatives below are designed, in part, to help bridge the gap between strong pedagogical practices, innovative tools, and strategies that support both teaching excellence and everyday productivity.

VoiceThread and similar tools open doors to student-centered learning, from active participation to collaborative discovery and flipped classrooms. When paired with thoughtful design, these approaches extend engagement beyond class time and deepen learning experiences.

VoiceThread Day – October 1st

Penn State IT and Teaching & Learning with Technology are sponsoring VoiceThread Day on Wednesday, October 1st, as part of a week-long Learning Tools for Teaching event. This is designed for faculty and staff who want to deepen their knowledge of campus-supported teaching and learning tools. Full information and registration for the Learning Tools For Teaching event is available on the event page.

VoiceThread logo Since 2012, VoiceThread has been Penn State’s web-based, asynchronous discussion platform. With service now extended through June 2028, VoiceThread now features enhanced accessibility features including improved navigation with screen readers and automatic captioning of all VoiceThreads with no additional cost or steps involved. Additionally, captions may be edited, or you can upload your own files.

Take a moment to discover what’s new and how VoiceThread can enhance and facilitate your classroom discussions. VoiceThread is available either through Canvas with its LTI 1.3 integration, or by logging in to the stand-alone service at voicethread.psu.edu.

Ask eLDIG: How Can I Balance Traditional Teaching Methods with New Technologies?

Blending long-standing teaching practices with emerging tools doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with what you already do well and let technology serve as a support, not a replacement.

Quick Tips for Balance:

  • Start with your learning objectives. When you are clear on your destination, you can choose tools that make that destination easier to reach.
  • Use technology to amplify (not replace) human interaction. For instance, AI can be a great tool for creating assignment rubrics, but your feedback should still be personalized.
  • Adopt a “low lift, high impact” mindset. Start small. Incorporate one new tool at a time, layered on top of proven teaching strategies.

We’re Here to Help!

We can help you with course design and redesign, educational technology tools such as Canvas, Zoom, and Kaltura, strategies for assessment and evaluation, instructional best practices, and the integration of Smeal College and University-wide resources.

Let’s start a conversation about how Smeal’s eLearning Design & Innovation Group can help you.

Contact Us

Francesca Joyce
In GenAI, Smeal Academy Sessions, SmealAI@Work

Smeal AI@Work: Key Tools for Storage and Collaboration with ITLD

This session explores the storage and collaboration functions of OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams. You will also learn how OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams interact and the relationship between the three. The session provides you with information and opportunities for hands-on application of these Key Tool and their features. Learning to effectively use OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams builds the foundational collaboration and data management skills that strengthen AI literacy, helping faculty and staff streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and better integrate Microsoft Copilot and other AI tools into their daily work.

 By the end of the training, participants should be able to:

  • Access and navigate Microsoft 365 applications (OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams)
  • Identify the storage and collaboration functions of OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams
  • Explore ways OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams interact

 

RESOURCES:

Francesca Joyce
In GenAI, Smeal Academy Sessions, SmealAI@Work

Smeal AI@Work: GenAI Basics and Overview (Demystifying GenAI)

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Curious about all the AI buzz? The Smeal AI@Work series explores what Generative AI really is and how to get started with using it. 

In this beginner-friendly session, we’ll demystify GenAI and introduce you to Microsoft Copilot (the free version is all you need for this session). Copilot is freely available to all Penn State users and provides a basic Generative AI tool that keeps your data protected. For those needing deeper integration, the paid version of Microsoft 365 Copilot unlocks advanced features across Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and PowerPoint. During this session, we’ll separate myths from reality, highlight tools you’re probably already using (like autocomplete and smart replies), and demonstrate how Copilot can support your everyday work. 

You’ll also see a live demo of Copilot in action, and explore real-world examples tailored to staff and faculty productivity and task management, from streamlining meeting notes to simplifying email drafting. 

Whether you’re brand-new to AI or just looking to better understand how it fits into your daily workflow, this is the place to start. Come and find out how to get started with GenAI basics.