CITL Newsletter - Issue 4 for 2025

Welcome to the CITL Newsletter, your go-to resource for professional learning, teaching strategies, and innovative practices in education. Stay informed, get inspired, and explore new ways to enhance student learning and engagement.

Exploring GenAI in Teaching: Insights from Illinois Graduate TAs

In our Student Quick Takes #3 Dulf Vincent Genis explores GenAI use with two graduate teaching assistants at Illinois, Ryan Ziegler (Computer Science) and Eva Lam Redondo (Latin American and Caribbean Studies). We share three conversations: an exploration of GenAI use on campus; reflections on the global impacts of GenAI; and, finally, words of advice for new undergraduates at Illinois.

Debunking Myths About Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is gaining momentum as a framework for creating inclusive and effective learning experiences, yet several misconceptions persist. This month’s UDL Tip of the Month tackles four common myths.

🔹 Myth #1: UDL is only for students with disabilities.
✅ Fact #1: UDL benefits all learners by providing multiple ways to engage and demonstrate understanding.

🔹 Myth #2: UDL lowers academic standards.
✅ Fact #2: UDL removes barriers while maintaining rigorous expectations.

🔹 Myth #3: UDL requires a complete course redesign.
✅ Fact #3: Small, incremental changes can significantly improve student success.

🔹 Myth #4: UDL is all about technology.
✅ Fact #4: UDL is about flexible teaching strategies, whether tech-based or not.

By embracing UDL, educators can increase engagement, foster expert learners, and create more equitable learning environments. Read the full article to learn more.

CITL Teaching Certificate Deadline is Tuesday, April 15, 2025

If you are pursuing one of CITL's teaching certificates, the deadline for finishing the requirements this year is Tuesday, April 15. If you don't submit your application by Tuesday, April 15, all of your progress still counts, and you have until April 2026 to finish the remainder of the requirements. Check out the FAQs for information that may answer some questions you currently have. 

The SpORE Framework: A Practical Guide to Reflexive Practice

On Thursday, April 3, 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. on Zoom, join speakers Agnes Rieger, M.S. and Violeta J. Rodriguez, M.S.Ed., Ph.D. as they present a guest workshop on a technique they’ve developed to help students engage in reflexive practice, playfully called “SpORE" (Specific Observation, Reaction, Expansion). This adaptable framework provides tangible starting guidance for entry-level reflexive practice. It is also a lot of fun! Click here for more information and to register. 

CITL Art of Teaching Lunchtime Seminar: Digital Accessibility Resources for Inclusive Learning and Course Design

Join Keith Hays (Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) and Marc Thompson (Center for Innovation in Teaching & Learning) on Thursday, March 6, from noon – 1 p.m. (Zoom) to explore key tools and resources to create accessible and inclusive learning experiences while following state and federal accessibility standards. This presentation will highlight the "Make Your Course Accessible" website, the Quick Start workshop series, and new certificate tracks in accessible course, document, and multimedia design. Registration is open.

Reminder - Annual Faculty Retreat on Thursday, March 6.

The theme of this year’s retreat is “Opening the Classroom Door: Creating a Culture of Dialogue and Reflection.” As reflective teachers, we should enhance awareness of our teaching from many vantage points. Attend this retreat to hear from colleagues and students about what excellent teaching looks like, sounds like and feels like. Engage in innovative ideas, interactive activities and available grants. Register here. Space is limited.

Register Now for the Spring 2025 MCOT Cohort

CITL's Master Course in Online Teaching (MCOT) is a deep-dive into online teaching strategies that goes beyond earlier summer teaching institutes. Prior participation in an instructional development series is not required but professional experience with university-level instruction is strongly encouraged. MCOT provides an opportunity for social learning and networking with a supportive interdisciplinary learning community.

The MCOT Canvas Course opens on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, and our synchronous meetings occur at 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. on the following four Wednesdays - March 26, April 2, April 9, and April 16. Certificates will be presented to those who complete all course requirements. Register here to join the spring 2025 cohort.

Upcoming Workshops & Events

🔹 Quick Start Workshop Series: Digital Accessibility
📅 Tuesday, March 4 | ⏰ 2 - 3 p.m. | 💻 Online (Make Your PDF Documents Accessible, Part 1)
📅 Tuesday, March 11 | ⏰ 2 - 3 p.m. | 💻 Online (Make Your PDF Documents Accessible, Part 2) 

🔹 Spring 2025 Faculty Workshop Series on Teaching & Learning
📅 Wednesdays | ⏰ 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | 📍 Armory 182
March 5 (Observe Exemplary Teachers), March 12 (Teaching Philosophy Statement for P&T)

🔹 Developing Your Teaching Philosophy for a Faculty Job Search
📅 Monday, March 3 | ⏰ 1 - 2:30 p.m. | 📍 Armory 182 

🔹 Embedding Digital Literacy in Your Course
📅 Wednesday, March 5 | ⏰ 10 - 11:15 a.m. | 💻 Online

🔹 Innovation Studio Open Hours
📅 Mondays & Tuesdays | ⏰ noon - 4 p.m. | 📍 Innovation Studio, Armory 172

🔹 Canvas Open Office Hours
📅 Thursdays | ⏰ 11 a.m. - noon | 💻 Online

Stay tuned for this spring's events! Bookmark the CITL Event Calendar for all upcoming workshops and the Training Services (formerly FAST3) Calendar for additional training opportunities.