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CAL Connect Newsletter

Save the Date!

Summer Hangout with CAL

People hanging out
June 25 & July 23 from 12:30–2:30 p.m.
No work talk—just fun! 
Come hang out with the CAL team, play giant games and enjoy popcorn and popsicles. Bring your energy, your game face and let’s kick back together!
Stay tuned—we can’t wait to hangout with you!

UDC Reaches 29 Quality Matters (QM) Certified Courses!

A proud milestone that reflects our faculty’s dedication to high-quality 
course design and student success.

Nelda Ormond

Nelda Ormond, M.M.

 Professor of Music, Vocal Area Coordinator
College of Arts & Sciences (CAS)

“Redesigning MUS 105 – Music Appreciation and having it peer-reviewed through Quality Matters has been a rewarding journey. The detailed rubric provided clear guidance, helping refine the course design to better serve students. The collaboration with peer reviewers was particularly enriching—their feedback greatly strengthened the final product. While balancing the certification process with regular teaching duties posed some challenges, the result was well worth it. The course is now more structured, engaging, and accessible for all learners.”

 To read more about the UDC Quality Distance Learning initiative and participate, click here.

 For questions, email julian.king@udc.edu.

Announcements

CAL Summer Virtual Book Club

Teaching with AI

by José Antonio Bowen & C. Edward Watson
Ai Book

Join us this summer to explore how AI can enhance teaching and support student success.
CAL is providing 20 hard copies—reserve your spot today!
May 23 from 11–12:30 p.m. via Webex
To join or suggest a book, email catherine.patterson@udc.edu.

Spotlight

Congratulations to the 2025 CAL Outstanding Achievement Award Recipients!

Honoring Excellence in Innovation, Collaboration and Commitment to Learning

The Center for the Advancement of Learning (CAL) is excited to announce the inaugural Outstanding Achievement Award—an annual recognition for a faculty member, staff member or department who exemplifies CAL’s mission to advance innovation, inclusive teaching and student success.Outstanding achievement award

Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Department

College of Arts & Sciences (CAS)

Awarded for Leading with Innovation and Impact

The Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Department is recognized for its bold integration of immersive technologies, transforming clinical education and student engagement. Their commitment to innovation and research sets a powerful example of excellence in teaching and learning at UDC

Golnar Ahmadi

Golnar Ahmadi, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES)

Awarded for Pioneering Immersive Learning in Architecture

Professor Ahmadi is leading innovation in architectural education at UDC through the Firebird Immersive Innovation Lab. Her work in 3D visualization and emerging technologies reflects a strong commitment to student success and hands-on, future-focused learning.

Julian KingJulian King, M.Ed.

Instructional Designer & Quality Matters Manager

Awarded for Commitment to Excellence and Service

Julian is recognized for his role in strengthening UDC’s quality assurance efforts through the Quality Matters process. His commitment to mentoring faculty and supporting instructional designers reflects his passion for collaboration and service.

William Trotman

William (Finn) Trotman

Instructional Technologist

Awarded as Rising Star in Immersive Technologies

As both a UDC student and instructional technologist, Finn has played a key role in advancing immersive technology at UDC. His passion, creativity, and commitment to excellence have made him an essential contributor to CAL’s VR initiatives, embodying the spirit of innovation and collaboration.

Spotlight is for individuals who have worked closely with CAL to significantly contribute to teaching and learning at the university.

Professional Development Offerings

Designing for All Blackboard Accessibility Tools Webinar Series

Join this three-part series to explore Blackboard’s accessibility tools and learn practical strategies to create more inclusive courses. Led by Katie Grennell, Ph.D. and Amy Lomellini, Ed.D., the series covers key features, best practices and hands-on tips to enhance course design and student engagement.

Foundations of Accesibility and UDL

Thursday, May 1, 3–3:30 p.m.

Click Here to Register

Enhancing Course Accessibility in Blackboard

Tuesday, May 6, 3–4 p.m.

Click Here to Register

Leveraging Ally's Key Features Tuesday

Tuesday, May 13, 3–4 p.m.

Click Here to Register

Applying UDC Principles with Hypothesis

Thursday, May 15, 2–3 p.m.

Click Here to Register

EdTech Corner

Using Virtual Reality to Reduce Math Anxiety and Foster Engagement

Kelly Ivy

Kelly K. Ivy, Ph.D.

 Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education CAS

“In my research, I’ve found that many elementary teachers experience math anxiety—which often shapes how they approach teaching math to children. When integrating virtual reality into EDCI 571: Scope and Methods of Teaching Mathematics in the Secondary School, my goal was to create an experience that could help reduce this anxiety and build confidence in both learning and teaching math.
We used PRISMS VR, an interactive platform that leverages immersive virtual reality to teach STEM concepts through active, experiential learning. With PRISMS, students engaged with math in a whole new way—using movement and spatial reasoning to explore concepts. Some students productively struggled, while others quickly mastered the activities—but across the board, they loved the experience.
PRISMS not only helped students connect with math physically and visually, but also served as a tool for culturally responsive teaching. It bridged math content with students' real-world experiences, giving them a sense of ownership over their learning and transforming how they view and teach math.
A group of people wearing virtual reality headsets in a meeting room, engaged in a collaborative discussion.Interested in integrating immersive technology into your course? Click here to submit a consultation request.

EdTech Corner Submissions:

Share with the UDC Community your best practices and how you leverage EdTech in your teaching to increase learning outcomes.
Please email fatma.elshobokshy@udc.edu.
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