Teaching and learning resources brought to you by:Smeal’s eLearning Design & Innovation Group (eLDIG)
AI Prompt Writing is Like a Box of Chocolates…
… experimentation is key!
Fortunately, there are resources to help guide even the most seasoned AI prompt engineer! One of our favorites is our recent Smeal Academy Session on Writing Effective AI Prompts. In it, we discuss types of prompts, best practices for prompt writing, evaluating output, strategies to refine prompts, and more!
Here are some quick tips to better AI prompt writing:
- Be clear and specific: Define exactly what you want, including format, tone, and details to avoid ambiguous responses.
- Provide context: Give background information or examples to guide the AI toward a more relevant response.
- Iterate and refine: Experiment with different phrasing, adding or adjusting details to improve results.
- Use constraints: Set word limits, structure guidelines, or style preferences to shape the output.
The session recording page lists some additional resources for you to enhance your prompt-writing prowess.
Mar
18/21
18/21
Smeal Academy GenAI Series – GenAI Teaching and Learning Use Cases
March 18th and 21st (Times TBD)
By the end of the session, participants will be equipped to guide students in leveraging GenAI as a tool to enhance their learning experience. Through hands-on activities, participants will discover how to:
- Establish clear expectations for GenAI use,
- Teach the creation of effective prompts,
- Empower students to use GenAI responsibly and ethically, and
- Integrate GenAI into learning while maintaining academic integrity.
Join us via Zoom.
Previous Smeal Academy session recordings can be viewed on the eLDIG website.
Mar
27
27
Dan and Robyn Ives AI Innovation Day & Case Competition
March 27, 2025
We are excited to announce the Dan and Robyn Ives AI Innovation Day & Case Competition on March 27, 2025 , proudly sponsored by Daniel and Robyn Ives, Palantir, and American Inference. This event will bring together students, faculty, staff, and industry leaders to explore how GenAI is impacting business education and beyond. The event will feature keynotes and sessions throughout the day, concluding with an undergraduate student case competition.
The case competition will feature an exclusive panel of experts, including Daniel Ives (Wedbush Securities and Smeal Alumnus), Raymond Kusch (American Inference), and others—and showcase students’ ability to think into the future of AI-driven business problem-solving.
Come for the full day or for specific sessions to learn and cheer on our students as your schedule permits.
Event Highlights:
- Keynote Addresses: Hear from Smeal Alumnus Daniel Ives and gain insights from a representative on Palantir’s management team.
- Featured Session: Engage with the CEO and Founder of American Inference.
- Interactive Breakout Sessions: Participate in dynamic sessions designed to foster collaboration and spark new ideas as we consider the impact of Generative AI on higher education, business, and industry.
- Student Case Competition: Undergraduate teams will tackle a real-world AI challenge.
Key Dates:
- Student Team Registration Opens: February 7
- Team Application Deadline: February 26
- Event Registration for Opening Keynotes and Sessions: Coming Soon!
Q:
Is there a PSU-sanctioned GenAI tool that I can use?
A:
YES! Microsoft Copilot utilizes GenAI to help improve productivity and efficiency by assisting with tasks such as summarizing long articles, drafting emails, and generating images. It is currently available to faculty, staff, and students as part of Penn State’s Microsoft contract.
Microsoft 365 Copilot is a paid version of the tool which integrates Copilot functionality with Microsoft 365 applications such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
It’s important to note that Copilot should only be used with data classified as Level 1 (public, low sensitivity) or Level 2 (moderate sensitivity) as defined by University policy. Copilot should never be used with data classified as Level 3 (high sensitivity) or Level 4 (restricted).
More information:
Have a question?
Email eldig@psu.edu and let us know!
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.
Teaching and learning resources brought to you by:Smeal’s eLearning Design & Innovation Group (eLDIG)
START YOUR ENGINES!
Spring 2025 is almost here! Set the pace for a successful semester with these actionable steps:
- Send a Welcome Message: A friendly message helps students feel valued and allows you to share key information, set expectations, and encourage engagement from day one.
- Use a “Who’s in Class” Survey: Learn about your students’ backgrounds, interests, and goals. This fosters connection, personalizes your teaching, and helps create a supportive learning environment.
- Check Your Canvas Ally Accessibility Score: Ensure your course materials are accessible to all students. A strong accessibility score reflects an inclusive and equitable learning experience.
- Add GenAI Policy Language to Your Syllabus: Address how AI tools can be used appropriately in your course. Clarify guidelines and expectations for leveraging these technologies in assignments and assessments.
With these simple yet impactful steps, you can get your semester off to a smooth and successful start, building an engaging and inclusive classroom environment.
eLDIG on LinkedIn
We are excited to announce the launch of Smeal Academy’s LinkedIn page, your new hub for connecting with our mission to empower Smeal instructors with the tools, strategies, and best practices they need to excel in teaching.
Follow us for updates, resources, and opportunities to engage. We can’t wait to connect with you!
Jan
23
23
Smeal Academy GenAI Series – GenAI Teaching and Learning Use Cases
January 23, 2025 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Join the eLDIG team and Smeal faculty and staff to explore ways that Generative AI is being used in our college classrooms!
Join us via Zoom.
Previous Smeal Academy session recordings can be viewed on the eLDIG website.
SMEAL ACADEMY PODCAST
The Smeal Academy podcast will return this spring after a winter hiatus. Until then, there are lots of episodes to catch up on, including Episode 12 – Faculty Focus: Strategies for Engaging Students from the Start. Get inspired for the first day with inspiring advice from Smeal instructors!
WHAT WE’RE READING
What is eLDIG reading?
Teaching with AI explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence in education, focusing on how AI can assist faculty, inform policies, and redefine grading and quality standards. The eLDIG team is exploring AI’s potential role in providing feedback and designing assignments and assessments that emphasize human effort.
Want to read along? The Penn State library provides digital access to audio and ebook versions.
Bowen, J.A., & Watson, C.E. (2024). Teaching with AI. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.
Q:
Will Central Scanning Services be available for Spring 2025?
A:
YES! While Penn State completes its review of alternative scanning solutions, legacy paper-based exam scanning services will remain in place throughout Spring 2025.
For more information:
https://www.schreyerinstitute.psu.edu/scanning
Have a question?
Email eldig@psu.edu and let us know!
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.
Teaching and learning resources brought to you by:Smeal’s eLearning Design & Innovation Group (eLDIG)
Fall ’24 Semester “Wrap-Up”
As the Fall 2024 semester comes to an end, we wanted to focus on two key aspects of end-of-semester planning: transferring final grades to LionPATH and evaluating end-of-course student feedback to drive intentional, student-centered improvements for future semesters.
The eLDIG team would also like to wish you and yours a happy holiday season! Here’s looking to an even better 2025!
SEEQ Feedback
The Student Educational Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ) is Penn State’s carefully designed feedback tool that moves beyond simple instructor ratings. Developed by the University Faculty Senate, the SEEQ focuses on students’ learning experiences by gathering targeted feedback on course elements like assignments, materials, instruction, and learning environment.
Where is SEEQ feedback posted?
Fall 2024 SEEQ surveys were open from 11/18 to 12/8. Prior to grade submission, only response rates will be visible to instructors. After final grades are posted to LionPATH, instructors will receive an email with a link to their complete SEEQ feedback. Mid-semester (MSEEQ) feedback is viewable now on the SEEQ Report website.
How can SEEQ feedback lead to course improvements?
- Reflect Critically and Objectively: Distinguish between subjective personal comments and constructive suggestions about course design, materials, and instructional methods.
- Develop Actionable Improvements: Create strategies for course improvements to address recurring student suggestions.
- Communicate Changes to Students: Build trust and encourage future students’ constructive feedback by communicating how you use it to inform course changes.
- Seek Additional Perspectives: Consult with colleagues and the eLDIG team to validate and refine improvement strategies.
When we view student insights as a collaborative tool for improvement, we widen the possibility of designing learning experiences that feel more engaging and meaningful. This approach can continually evolve teaching into a conversation that keeps everyone—students and professors alike—more interested, connected, and excited about learning.
Have more questions?
Jan
23
23
Smeal Academy GenAI Series – GenAI Teaching and Learning Use Cases
January 23, 2025 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Join the eLDIG team and Smeal faculty and staff to explore ways that Generative AI is being used in our college classrooms!
Join us via Zoom.
Follow These Steps for End-of-Semester Grading Success!
Transferring grades from Canvas to LionPATH saves time, reduces the risk of input error, and ensures that the final grades students see in Canvas match those in LionPATH.
The process outlined below is designed to:
- Create LionPATH-ready final grades in Canvas,
- Import final grades into the LionPATH Grade Roster, and
- Submit final grades to the the Office of the University Registrar for eventual posting as “official” course grades.
Steps to Follow in Canvas:
- Step 1: Enable a PSU-compatible Grading Scheme so Canvas grades sent to LionPATH comply with PSU grading policy.
- Step 2: Enter zeros for unsubmitted Canvas assignments so Canvas and LionPATH record scores of “0” for all unsubmitted student work.
- Step 3: Post grades for hidden assignments so all assignments are scored in both Canvas and LionPATH.
- Step 4: Export the Canvas gradebook to be sure the the “Current Grade” (visible to students in Canvas) and “Final Grade” (visible to students in LionPATH) columns match.
Steps to Follow in LionPATH:
- Step 1: Locate your course in the Faculty Home Base and click its Grade Roster icon.
- Step 2: Select “Canvas Final Grades” to import grades from Canvas.
- Step 3: Review student grades for accuracy. The Grade Roster will only display the first 20 students, so to view your entire class select “View All.”
- Step 4: Change the Approval Status field to “Approved” and click “Save” to submit final grades to the University Registrar.
NOTE: The University Registrar runs an automated process (usually at the top of every hour) to collect grades with an “Approved” status and mark them as official course grades.
Have more questions?
Check out these resources:
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.
Teaching and learning resources brought to you by:Smeal’s eLearning Design & Innovation Group (eLDIG)
Passing the Gratitude
“The more you practice the art of thankfulness,
the more you have to be thankful for.”
– Norman Vincent Peale
Of all the things you may pass during your Thanksgiving Day celebration this year, our wish is that gratitude would be the one shared and enjoyed the most. As we prepare for Fall 2024’s finale it’s a good time to pause and reflect on the things we have been the most thankful for this semester.
In the spirit of “passing the gratitude” we here at eLDIG are thankful for the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing community in support of its mission to provide excellence in education. We’re thankful for our team members who are passionate about teaching and learning, and for the many opportunities we have to exercise our individual and collective growth mindset muscles!
Podcast Spotlight
Upcoming Smeal Academy Sessions
Thankful for Our Community
We are grateful for the enthusiastic participation of the Smeal community in this semester’s Smeal Academy sessions. Participants this fall have explored and discussed everything from classroom engagement to the ethical implications of AI. We are grateful for your many contributions this semester, and look forward to renewed exploration in the New Year!
JAN
23
23
Smeal Academy GenAI Series – GenAI Teaching and Learning Use Cases
January 23, 2025 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Join the eLDIG team and Smeal faculty and staff to explore ways that Generative AI is being used In our college classrooms!
Join us via Zoom.
Previous Smeal Academy session recordings can be viewed on the eLDIG website.
Tips for Teaching & Learning With Technology
Thankful for Innovation
Several of the tools we rely on for teaching and learning with technology are going through major changes as Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes more prominent in higher education. One such innovation is highlighted below:
- Smart Recording allows you to organize your recorded meetings into sections and identifies editable key takeaways and meeting action items.
- Meeting Summary generates an emailed summary of the meeting with the option for the host to share the summary with participants. Note that if a host enables this feature in a meeting participants may automatically receive summaries after the meeting ends.
- Thread Summary summarizes discussions in the Zoom Team chat threads.
(Note: Meeting audio, video, chat, screen sharing, attachments, or other communications are not used to train Zoom’s AI models.)
For more information on these tools please reference the Getting Started with Zoom AI knowledgebase article.
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.
Teaching and learning resources brought to you by:Smeal’s eLearning Design & Innovation Group (eLDIG)
Engagement is like a box of chocolates…
Halloween candy and quality classroom engagement share a lot in common!
Variety Appeals to Different Tastes
- Halloween Candy: A good candy mix ensures that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
- Classroom Engagement: Just like candy, a mix of activities like group discussions, hands-on projects, visual aids, and tech-based learning helps engage all students, not just a select few.
A Little Goes a Long Way
- Halloween Candy: Even a small handful of candy is enough! You don’t need to overindulge to feel satisfied.
- Classroom Engagement: You don’t always need an elaborate plan to engage students. Small, well-designed learning moments can go a long way in keeping students engaged and satisfied.
Immediate Gratification and Long-Term Impact
- Halloween Candy: Candy is a quick, enjoyable reward. But there’s also the lasting memory of the joy of sharing candy with friends.
- Course Content: Students experience immediate engagement when they can see its value in their lives, and that impact lasts as they apply what they’ve learned in meaningful ways.
Smeal Students Share What Creates Classroom Connection
This month’s podcast features students from Smeal’s brand-new BA 397 Business Communication Course, discussing their favorite classroom engagement strategies. They discuss everything from TopHat to AI to cold-calling in the classroom!
Podcasts are released frequently, and housed on our eLDIG website, or follow the Smeal Academy Podcast on your preferred podcatcher!
OCT
18
18
Smeal Academy GenAI Series – How AI is Reshaping the Landscape of Higher Education
October 18, 2024 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Join Raymond Kusch, Founder and CEO of American Inference, and a Smeal Executive DBA student for this engaging session. Raymond will cover:
- a high-level overview of what faculty should know about AI
- the nature and capabilities of Generative AI
- top AI trends and their implications for education
- foundational knowledge and ethical considerations from an industry perspective
- critical concerns in higher education, including academic integrity and data privacy
As a special feature, Raymond will demonstrate Engaged Scholar, an innovative SaaS solution streamlining academic research.
Join us via Zoom.
OCT
23
23
Smeal Academy Session – Communication Skills for Teaching and Presenting with Andy Gustafson
October 23, 2024 from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Skilled staff and professors must possess technical AND communication skills that generate interest in their areas of expertise. This could mean the difference between success (or failure) in the classroom, earning a grant, or garnering support from the community regarding why your work matters. This session will introduce strategies required to garner audience interest and support.
Join us via Zoom.
NOV
4
4
Smeal Academy Roundtable Discussion: Why Aren’t They Paying Attention? Practical Approaches for Reaching Gen Z Students
November 4, 2024 from 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Who among us has not had moments of frustration staring out at a sea of young faces beaming looks of boredom or, worse, staring glassy eyed into their phones? Join other Smeal instructors and instructional designers to share experiences and discuss creative connection strategies for today’s higher ed. classroom.
Join us via Zoom.
Previous Smeal Academy session recordings can be viewed on the eLDIG website. You may want to watch our Smeal Academy session on suggestions for how to plan for asynchronous instruction on Election Day, November 5th.
Ask eLDIG: Simple Student Polling Solution?
Q:
I want to better engage students in my classroom. Is there a polling tool that is free, easy to set up and use, and can scale for any size class?
A:
Yes! The Microsoft Forms "Quiz" feature can be used to quickly:
- identify gaps in student knowledge,
- guide classroom discussion, and
- engage students in learning content.
Polls can be set up with just a couple of clicks and students can access them easily via QR code or URL. Best of all, it’s built right into Penn State’s Office 365 suite, so creating engaging polls has never been easier!
Check out our latest Video Tech Tip to get started!
Have a question?
Email eldig@psu.edu and let us know!
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.
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Teaching and learning resources brought to you by:Smeal’s eLearning Design & Innovation Group (eLDIG)
Set the Stage on the First Day
Welcome back to a brand-new academic year! As you prepare to navigate the first week of classes, take a moment to embrace the opportunities for learning – for you and your students – that come with it.
As you plan your first day of class, consider these ideas for sparking student curiosity and excitement:
- Consider the Climate: Research shows that the instructor’s emotions have an impact on instructional behavior and learning. Start the semester by infusing your classroom with confidence, enthusiasm, and optimism. Make space for communicating your passion for your topic. It’s contagious!
- Make Connections: Learning is social! Students are often more willing to participate when they feel connected to others in the classroom. Make time for you and your students to introduce yourselves to each other. As the semester progresses, you can build on this by having students work in pairs or small groups.
- Motivate Students: “I Care. I Can. I Matter.” In a recent LinkedIn post, Jose Antonio Bowen shared that students are motivated when they feel all three of these things. How can you reinforce these beliefs in your students this semester?
For more great suggestions, listen to the latest Smeal Academy Podcast, highlighted below!
Podcast Spotlight
Faculty Focus: Strategies for Engaging Students from the Start
Join Jennifer Eury, Ron Johnson, and Schalyn Sohn as they share their best advice for starting the semester off strong! They discuss everything from engaging activities for the first day of class to cultivating connection in the classroom!
Podcasts are released frequently, and housed on our eLDIG website, or follow the Smeal Academy Podcast on your preferred podcatcher!
GenAI and Syllabus Recommendations
Add a Policy About Artificial Intelligence Tools Like ChatGPT or Claude
eLDIG has prepared sample syllabus statements you can adapt based on your course objectives. Once you determine the GenAI policy for your course, we suggest adding a statement in each Canvas assignment reminding students of the GenAI policy. Our GenAI Canvas Assignment icons can be incorporated into your course to communicate your expectations.
Include a Link to Syllabus Policy Language Maintained by eLDIG
Do you struggle to keep up with syllabus policies? eLDIG maintains a current Smeal Undergraduate Residential Syllabus, Part 2 based on the semester instructions from Undergraduate Programs. You are welcome to link to this from your syllabus now or in the future.
Tips for Teaching with Technology
1
Ensure Your Canvas Course is Ready with eLDIG’s Beginning of Semester Checklist for Instructors
There is a lot to think about when preparing to teach and set up your Canvas space. Use this helpful checklist to ensure that you have covered your Canvas bases and are ready for Day 1!
2
Set Up Your Gradebook
If you will be using the Canvas Grades feature to calculate and communicate grades to students (recommended), you will need to configure the gradebook settings. For detailed instructions, refer to the How Do I Use the Gradebook? page.
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.
Smeal Academy Newsletter Special Edition: Chuck Farewell and Podcast
Photo from BA 545 Lightboard Video “Basic Model: What If Capital Stock”
Best Wishes, Chuck!
Dear Chuck,
As your retirement draws near, the eLDIG team wants to express our appreciation for the wisdom, leadership, and dedication you have shared with us and the college. The eLDIG team wouldn’t exist without your vision and commitment to excellence in business education. Thank you for your twelve years of service at Smeal and the positive impact you’ve made. We wish you all the best as you begin this new chapter. You will be missed!
With warmest regards and deep gratitude,
The eLDIG team (Kitt, Mark, Emily, Donna, Brett, Michael, Chris, Renee, Eileen, Apryl, Francesca, Jill, and Heidi)
Two-Part Smeal Academy Podcast Interview of Chuck Whiteman (aka: The Chuck-Casts)
Check out this week’s new Smeal Academy podcast, a two-part Interview of Chuck Whiteman, by clicking below! Smeal Academy Podcasts are released frequently, and housed on our eLDIG website, or follow the Smeal Academy Podcast on your preferred podcatcher!
Photo from BA 545 Lightboard Video “Basic Model: What If Capital Stock”
Contact Us
Email us at [email protected] or fill out the eLDIG Contact form and we will be in touch.