Spring Professional Development
We hope your spring term is going smoothly. Like spring weather, teaching and technology changes may arrive slowly... or very quickly. Whatever course design challenges you are facing, we are here to support you (see How to Get Help).
First, I would like to highlight these time-sensitive opportunities:
- RSVP: Accessible Course Design Workshop, Tues., April 28, 4-5 PM, Zoom
Offered by the Institute for Critical Disability Studies. - REGISTER: Panopto Advanced Recording Training Webinar, Wed., April 29, 8-9 AM, Zoom
Offered by Panopto. - AI Fridays are back! Fri., May 8 and Fri. May 29, 11 AM-Noon — See below.
Consider exploring the the CII professional development opportunities and join the ATUS-CII ProDev Self-Enroll Canvas course for current and past professional development materials, additional resources, and announcements.
ACCESSIBILITY UPDATE
Accessibility Work Continues
In case you have not heard, the US Department of Justice extended the compliance dates for digital accessibility to April 26, 2027. Before breathing a sigh of relief or getting frustrated with this last-minute change, please know that the work continues! Western is still aiming to comply with Washington State's Digital Accessibility Policy (User-01) to ensure digital content is accessible to all students.
- Canvas Accessibility Help: See our collection of resources!
- CII Consultations: As always, reach out to Chris, AJ, or Justina to consult about your course.
AI UPDATES
AI Fridays: Exploring AI in Teaching & Learning
Join us for live discussions about AI. Mark your calendar and join via Zoom: https://wwu-edu.zoom.us/j/95345169281, or, reply to have this added to your calendar.
- Fri. May 8, 11 AM-Noon
- Fri. May 29, 11 AM-Noon
AI Hub
AI-related resources and initiatives at Western. Check it out, offer feedback, join the AI Hub Discussion Group, and get involved.
CANVAS UPDATES
LockDown Browser for Canvas Quizzes Pilot Ends Soon; Feedback Needed!
- LockDown Browser at WWU through 7/31: There is still time to try this method with your students for practice or regular quizzes. The goal of this pilot is to provide a tool that helps deter AI misuse and digital cheating—while maintaining equity and accessibility. LockDown Browser is available for faculty to enable in Canvas on an individual quiz basis and is supported in all ATUS General University labs.
- LockDown Browser Faculty Feedback Survey: ATUS and stakeholders request feedback to consider further support for this or similar tools.
Student Dashboard Change Coming Soon
- Customizable Canvas Dashboard for Students: A new customizable dashboard for students is coming in mid-June. This allows them to change the Dashboard view from the traditional view to one that is fully customizable.
MORE WAYS TO LEARN
Canvas
Get ready to wrap up your spring courses with the End-of-Term Course Checklist, and as always, use the Canvas Help email for fast solutions.
- Canvas Foundations (self-enroll) — 8 videos in about an hour
- WWU Canvas Orientation for Faculty (self-enroll)
Weekly Teaching & Learning Video Subscription
Monday Morning Mentor Weekly Videos (self-enroll Canvas course) — Teaching-focused videos with transcripts and slides.
Want a preview before enrolling? See: Spring 2026 Schedule. NOTE: New one-time registration allows you full access to the weekly videos without a new password each week.
Panopto & TLC
- Panopto 101: Quickstart Faculty Guide — Western's video management system, integrated into Canvas
- Teaching & Learning Co-op — searchable strategies and tools for teaching and learning
KEY RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS
- Basic Needs Hub
- Study Spaces
- Syllabi at WWU (Tip: Link to this from your syllabi!)
- Student Tech Center Learning Modules (self-enroll)
- WWU Canvas Orientation for Students (self-enroll)
THE CII
While our CII team is small, our resources are strong. We are happy to help in any way we can. Looking for something else? Be sure to explore the TLC site for relevant info and view How to Get Help to connect with the right support.