Announcements
Staff Spotlight
Celebrating Excellence
Patrick Kittrell to be promoted to
Senior Learning Technology Specialist
Since joining CAL in 2022, Patrick has been a driving force for innovation, expanding his role from managing a few learning technologies to overseeing more than 15 platforms and essential hardware such as VR headsets, iPads, and smartboards. Patrick’s leadership exemplifies CAL’s mission and has transformed how CAL supports faculty and students. “Patrick’s expertise in both software and hardware has been pivotal, especially in implementing the second iteration of UDC’s HyFlex classrooms,” said Fatma Elshobokshy, Director of CAL. Julian King, Instructional Designer and QM Manager, added, “His dedication to excellence is unmatched.”
Join us in celebrating Patrick’s remarkable contributions to advancing teaching and learning at UDC!
Spotlight is for individuals who have worked closely with CAL to significantly contribute to teaching and learning at the University.
First QM-Recognized Course
for the Digital Media in the
College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
Professor Olive Vassell
Associate Professor of Digital Media
College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
Professor Olive Vassell successfully redesigned her course, DIGM 200 – Media Ethics, earning Quality Matters (QM) certification. “The process of revising my course for Quality Matters certification was an enriching journey that deepened my understanding of effective online education,” she reflected. Vassell highlighted how the experience underscored the importance of continuous improvement and peer review. “Though I have taught the course since 2013, revisiting it allowed me to meticulously evaluate every aspect of the course’s design, from learning objectives to assessment alignment.”
Click here to read the full reflection.
To read more about the UDC Quality Distance Learning initiative and participate, click here.
To access the full list of UDC-certified courses, click here.
For questions, email julian.king@udc.edu
Past Issues
Location | Bldg. 38 – B Level – Academic Commons
Email | calhelpdesk@udc.edu
Walk-in / Virtual Office Hours Click here
CAL Annual Customer Service Survey
2023-2024
Your feedback helps us improve and better serve our community. Take this one-minute survey to help us maintain excellence and enhance your experience!
Click here to share your feedback.
To access the 2022-2023 CAL Annual Customer Service Report click here.
Professional Development Offerings
Integrating Virtual Reality into a Humanities Course
with Christian Aguiar, M.A., Assistant Professor of English, UDC Community College
Thursday, January 16th at 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. | Click here to register
Meeting the Needs of All Learners including Learners with Disabilities: A Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Approach
With Arlene King-Berry, J.D., M.Ed., Professor of Special Education
in the Division of Education, Health, and Social Work, and Chair of the Faculty Senate
Friday, January 24th at 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. | Click here to register
Uses and Limitations of Generative AI
With Glen Benedict, Reference and Instruction Librarian, and Meghan Kowalski, Outreach and Reference Librarian, LRD
Friday, January 31st at 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. | Click here to register
Discover Hypothesis Academy Courses
Transform your teaching and earn a badge with self-paced, two-week asynchronous courses ons ocial annotation:
Social Annotation 101
Social Annotation in the Age of AI
Social Annotation for Student Success
To register and earn your badge, click here.
For questions, email Kayla.Kelly@udc.edu.
HyFlex Classroom Innovation at UDC
New HyFlex classroom Design in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
UDC introduced its first HyFlex classrooms during the pandemic in 2021 to meet the growing demand for flexible learning options. Over the past three years, CAL has managed these spaces, gathering faculty feedback to create a second iteration of HyFlex classrooms that better serve both faculty and students.
“The second iteration focuses on faculty feedback to address challenges in the previous design” said Patrick Kittrell, Senior Learning Technology Specialist. Fatma Elshobokshy, Director of CAL, added, “This redesign prioritizes simplicity and user experience, ensuring the technology is seamless and intuitive. This approach empowers faculty to focus on teaching while enhancing the overall learning experience for students.” The CAS HyFlex classroom now serves as a blueprint for innovative classroom design at UDC. This approach also lays the foundation for new HyFlex spaces in the School of Engineering, the Community College and Academic Commons (LRD and CAL), and the Community College.
Special thanks to Joanna Edward, Project Manager, and Jonathan Harden, AIA, LEED AP, from the Office of Facilities & Real Estate Management for their hard work and contributions to the success of this project.
To open in full screen mode, click on Thinglink in the bottom right corner.
EdTech Corner
Microsoft AI Copilot to Enhance Productivity
Maximize your productivity with Microsoft AI Copilot—a powerful tool available to the UDC community. Enhance your work and teaching experience with secure and intuitive AI features. with robust security to protect your data.
Get Started with Support:
how to access UDC Copilot Web, click here.
To visit the CAL office, click here for personalized assistance.
CAL Book Club
Join us this spring as Anthony Mazza, J.D., M.B.A., M.S., Assistant Professor in the Crime, Justice, and Security Studies Program, leads a discussion on Brave New Words by Salman Khan. This inspiring book explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence in education, offering valuable insights into innovation and the future of teaching and learning. We will meet the forth Friday of each month, starting in February. CAL is providing 24 hard copies—don’t miss out!
To sign up or to suggest a book, email Catherine.Patterson@udc.edu.