Teaching and learning resources brought to you by:Smeal’s eLearning Design & Innovation Group (eLDIG)
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.
16
26
Session 2: GenAI Prompt Writing Strategies and Microsoft Copilot (Free) Basics
September 26, 10:00 – 11:00 am via Zoom
Level: Beginner
16
Session 3: Microsoft 365 Copilot Basics
October 6, 10:00 – 11:00 am via Zoom
Level: Beginner
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.
