Winter Professional Development
We hope you are doing well in the new year! As you navigate course design challenges related to accessibility, AI, and the evolving teaching technology landscape, we are here to support you.
First, I would like to highlight these time-sensitive opportunities:
- COIL Info Zoom Session, Thurs. 1/15, 4 PM — Learn about this unique stipend-based and international teaching opportunity (Office of Global Engagement & CII).
- Live Meeting with Pope Tech (Mark Pope), Fri. 1/16, 3:15 PM — See below.
- Open Lab Accessibility Help Available (1/21, 2/5, 2/20) — See below.
- AI Fridays are back! (1/30, 2/13, 2/27) — 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
THIS WEEK: Accessibility Tools Live Meeting with Pope Tech
Join Pope Tech's Mark Pope for a conversation with WWU followed by a Q&A including CII/ATUS staff. Learn more about Pope Tech's accessibility tools from the people who designed the product.
- Live Zoom Session: Fri. 1/16, 3:15-4:30 PM
- Q&A: Last 15-20 minutes
- Recording: Will post to ATUS-CII ProDev
Open Lab: Accessibility Q&A (Zoom)
Join Justina, AJ, and our accessibility collaborators for help with questions, troubleshooting, and solutions. Drop in during any of the following times.
- Live Zoom Session for:
- Wed. January 21, 10-11 AM
- Thurs. February 5, 3-4 PM
- Fri. February 20, 2-3 PM
More Accessibility Support
- Accessibility Dashboard Errors and Alerts Q&A — NEW! A helpful CII guide to complement the Pope Tech Accessibility Dashboard and Canvas Accessibility FAQs.
- VIDEO: Accessibility Tech Simulation in Canvas — NEW! Experience a simulation of screen reader access to web content.
- Canvas Course Accessibility Assistance Application Form — Ready for in-depth help? Just ask.
- Unlocking Accessibility: Pope Tech Canvas Dashboard — Learn at your own pace with our documentation and videos.
AI UPDATES
AI Fridays: Exploring AI in Teaching & Learning
Join us for live discussions about AI. Registration required:
LockDown Browser Coming Soon
To help deter AI misuse and digital cheating during online quizzes—while maintaining equity and accessibility—Western has funded a one-year pilot of LockDown Browser. More details coming soon!
AI Hub
AI-related resources and initiatives at Western. Check it out, offer feedback, and get involved.
MORE WAYS TO LEARN
Canvas New & Upcoming Videos
As always, use the Canvas Help email for fast solutions.
- Scheduled Feedback in Canvas Grades (2 min. 28 sec.) NEW! — Now in Canvas Grades, teachers can manage the visibility of grades and feedback for individual assignments.
- Recording to Panopto, One PowerPoint Slide at a Time NEW! — Record an audio lecture slidebyslide in PowerPoint, convert it to an accessible Panopto video, and stream in any Canvas course.
- Advanced Enhanced Rubrics — Coming in February to ATUS-CII ProDev.
Weekly 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.
Your Learning DIY
- Canvas Foundations (self-enroll) — 8 videos in about an hour
- WWU Canvas Orientation for Faculty (self-enroll)
- 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.