All Posts By

Francesca Joyce

Francesca Joyce
In Accessibility, Instructional Strategies & Student Engagement, Smeal Academy Sessions

Smeal Academy: Effective & Accessible Use of Graphic Arts in Business Briefings and Classroom Pedagogy

Join Smeal Professor Andy Gustafson to improve the clarity, professionalism, and accessibility of your PowerPoint presentations. This session covers practical graphic design strategies for business briefings and classroom instruction, along with step-by-step guidance from members of the eLDIG team for meeting accessibility and compliance standards. This session is designed for faculty and staff who want their slides to look better, communicate more clearly, and meet required guidelines.

 

RESOURCES:

Francesca Joyce
In GenAI, SmealAI@Work

Smeal AI@Work: M365 Copilot Personal Productivity and Task Management

Explore the potential of Microsoft 365 Copilot to support your daily work and help you stay organized. This intermediate session focuses on practical ways to use Copilot within Microsoft 365 to increase efficiency, improve clarity, and simplify routine tasks.

Session objectives:

  • Summarize and respond to emails in ways that reduce inbox overload and help you focus on what matters most.

  • Create task lists and reminders directly from Outlook, Teams, and documents to keep projects moving forward.

  • Turn long documents and meeting notes into clear, manageable action steps.

  • Set up a personalized Copilot agent that reflects your own role and preferences.

  • Use organizational knowledge and shared resources to make well-informed decisions more quickly.

Whether you are coordinating projects, working across departments, or looking for ways to streamline your workflow, this session offers hands-on techniques to help you use Microsoft 365 more effectively with the support of Copilot.

Francesca Joyce
In GenAI, SmealAI@Work

Smeal AI@Work: Excel Data Management

In this hands-on workshop, participants become familiar with the basic tools for data management in Microsoft Excel. Participants learn how to import, extract, and manipulate spreadsheet data. Participants also use some of Excel’s tools to work more efficiently, including data validation, PivotTables, and PivotCharts. Note: This session uses Excel on the Windows platform. This session is not for Excel Online.

Objectives
Learners will:

  • Explore ways to import data from external sources into Excel for analysis
  • Specify criteria to control data entered into a worksheet
  • Create pivot tables to explore, analyze, and summarize data sets

Learning Path
You may also consider reviewing our Excel Learning Path, for self-paced and sequential step-by-step resources.

Francesca Joyce
In GenAI, SmealAI@Work

Smeal AI@Work: Microsoft Teams Beyond the Basics

Virtual collaboration and communication have become an integral part of higher education. However, staying organized while using different applications is often challenging. Take your Teams skills to the next level and learn synergistic approaches to communicating and collaborating with Microsoft Teams. During this hands-on session, you will explore different scenarios for using Teams, providing fresh ideas and the knowledge to put those ideas into practice.   

If you have not done so already, please send us your feedback about the session by completing our brief evaluation survey. Your comments are very important to us. Thank you!

 

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Francesca Joyce
In GenAI, Smeal Academy Sessions

AI and Copyright: What You Need to Know

Artificial intelligence is reshaping our work and also raises new copyright and ethical challenges. In this Smeal Academy session, Danielle Steinhart, Interim Copyright Officer and Head of the Office of Scholarly Communications and Copyright, guides Smeal College of Business faculty and staff through key questions at the intersection of AI and copyright. Topics include:

 

  • Uploading course materials (slides, articles, cases) into AI tools
  • Fair use vs. infringement when sharing excerpts or full works
  • Transparency when AI supports research, writing, or analysis
  • Using AI to adapt or remix OER and attribution requirements

Watch to gain practical guidance for using AI tools responsibly in teaching, scholarship, and resource creation.

 

RESOURCES DISCUSSED DURING SESSION:

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

Smeal AI@Work: Microsoft Copilot 365 for Word

This intermediate-level session is for people who are new to Microsoft Copilot 365 Copilot for Word and are ready to build their skills and confidence. This interactive session focuses on how Copilot can support the drafting, editing, and collaboration of documents in Word. Whether you’re drafting meeting agendas, polishing a departmental report, or summarizing meeting notes, Copilot can support this work.

In this session, participants will learn how to:

  • Draft, rewrite, and refine documents ranging from memos to proposals using AI assistance.

  • Summarize lengthy content into concise, actionable takeaways to support quicker decision-making.

  • Generate outlines, tables, and visuals, or expand bullet points into polished paragraphs (and vice versa).

  • Adjust tone and format to fit your audience (professional, friendly, or academic) without losing your personal or departmental voice.

  • Collaborate effectively with Copilot to enhance your writing.

This session includes live demos, hands-on tips, and examples directly relevant to Smeal workflows. Whether you’re a frequent Word user or just exploring how AI can streamline your day-to-day tasks, this session will help you build your Copilot skills.

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

Smeal AI@Work: Microsoft 365 Copilot for Outlook and Teams

Already familiar with the basics of GenAI? This intermediate session focuses on ways to leverage Microsoft 365 Copilot to increase productivity across your daily tasks focusing on Outlook and Teams.

We explore how Copilot can help you:

  • Draft and refine emails

  • Summarize email threads and chat conversations

  • Create meeting follow-ups

  • Adapt tone for different audiences

  • Build templates and FAQs for quick responses

This session is perfect for staff and faculty who are ready to move beyond “getting started” and want to unlock more targeted, time-saving strategies. Come discover how Microsoft 365 Copilot can become your behind-the-scenes assistant.

RESOURCES:

Francesca Joyce
In Accessibility, EdTech Tools & Course Delivery, Instructional Strategies & Student Engagement, Smeal Academy Sessions

Beyond Accommodation: Enhancing Learning, Simplifying Teaching

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.

 

RESOURCES:

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

Smeal AI@Work: Microsoft 365 Copilot Basics

Not sure how to get started with Microsoft Copilot? Join for a hands-on introduction to Microsoft Copilot 365 (paid). Whether you’re writing emails, analyzing data, scheduling meetings, or taking notes, Copilot is here to lend a digital hand.  In this session, we:

  • Discover what Microsoft Copilot 365 is and where it lives in your everyday tools (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and more!)

  • Expect a judgment-free zone, some friendly AI humor, and plenty of “I didn’t know it could do that!” moments.

 

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:

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. 

Francesca Joyce
In GenAI, Instructional Strategies & Student Engagement, Smeal Academy Sessions

AI Inspiration Lab – Hands-On Exploration (Session 2)

This session featured opportunities to explore even more AI tools that enhance instruction, reduce administrative burden, and elevate student outcomes.

Highlights include:

  • Curious About AI in Research? Start Here.
  • What’s in the BoodleBox? BoodleBox for Teaching and Learning
  • From Ideas to Interactions: Teaching with NotebookLM and Copilot

RESOURCES:

Francesca Joyce
In GenAI, Smeal Academy Sessions

AI Inspiration Lab – Hands-On Exploration (Session 1)

In this session, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a variety of AI tools that enhance instruction, reduce administrative burden, and elevate student outcomes. Bring your curiosity—we’ll provide the information, guidance, and time to experiment! Highlights include:

  • From Blank Page to A+: Building Assessments & Rubrics with AI
  • Smarter Teaching Tools, No Code Required: Custom GPTs for Instructors
  • Build, Click, Engage: Interactive Tools with AI

Only interested in a particular section? Use our session playlist!

 

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Francesca Joyce
In GenAI, Smeal Academy Sessions

AI Inspiration Lab: Book Discussion Part 2

 

This is the second session from Smeal Academy’s Summer 2025 AI Inspiration Lab—a hands-on series designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and explore the practical power of Generative AI in business education.

This second session is centered around a discussion of the last five chapters of the insightful book Teaching with AI by José Bowen and C. Edward Watson.

 

RESOURCES:

Francesca Joyce
In GenAI, Smeal Academy Sessions

AI Inspiration Lab: Book Discussion Part 1

 

This is the first session from Smeal Academy’s Summer 2025 AI Inspiration Lab—a hands-on series designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and explore the practical power of Generative AI in business education.

This first session is centered around a discussion of the first several chapters of the insightful book Teaching with AI by José Bowen and C. Edward Watson.

 

RESOURCES:

Francesca Joyce
In GenAI, Smeal Academy Sessions

GenAI Series: Student Voices: AI in Higher Education Discussion Panel

This session was a student panel where the next generation of learners share their perspectives on the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in education. Hear firsthand how Smeal undergraduate students are experiencing, engaging with, and evaluating AI tools in the classroom—and what they believe the future should hold. This is a must-attend event for faculty and staff to gain insight, spark new ideas, and shape innovative learning environments at Smeal!

 

RESOURCES:

Francesca Joyce
In Academic Integrity, GenAI, Smeal Academy Sessions

GenAI Series: Empowering GenAI Responsible Use in Students

This session explores best practices for guiding students in the responsible and ethical use of Generative AI (GenAI). As AI becomes an integral part of teaching, learning, and business, it is crucial to establish clear expectations, teach students how to craft effective prompts, and help them critically evaluate AI-generated content.

In this session, we:

  • Explore the benefits and challenges of GenAI in student learning.
  • Discuss strategies for integrating AI into coursework while maintaining academic integrity.
  • Provide hands-on activities for crafting effective prompts and verifying AI outputs.
  • Address ethical considerations, transparency in AI use, and student concerns.
  • Offer practical tools for detecting AI misuse and fostering responsible engagement.
Francesca Joyce
In Assessment, GenAI, Smeal Academy Sessions

GenAI Series: Rethinking Teaching and Assessment in the Age of AI

Generative AI (GenAI) is transforming the landscape of teaching and learning, yet many faculty members struggle with when, how, and whether to incorporate it into their courses. This resistance may stem from their own concerns, hesitation about its use for various reasons, or academic integrity concerns, as well as skepticism from students. This practical session provides practical strategies to address these challenges while also highlighting the opportunities GenAI offers to enhance teaching and learning. The session focuses on designing assignments that leverage GenAI as a tool to foster deeper engagement, critical thinking, and skill development. Participants will discuss how to:

  • Explore use cases for AI-inclusive assignments that foster student learning.
  • Create AI-resistant assessments.
  • Cultivate AI literacy by helping students critically evaluate AI outputs, understand its limitations, and use it responsibly.

Rather than viewing GenAI as a threat, this session explores strategies to reimagine assignments in ways that both protect academic integrity and help prepare students for an AI-driven business world.

 

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