Center for the Advancement of Learning Web Banner Center for the Advancement of Learning (C.A.L.) - Class room setting Center for the Advancement of Learning (C.A.L.) - Class room setting Center for the Advancement of Learning (C.A.L.) - Class room setting Center for the Advancement of Learning (C.A.L.) - Class room setting

About Us

The Center for the Advancement of Learning (CAL) is a fusion of the unit formerly known as the Center for Academic Technology and the Research Academy for Integrated Learning. Housed in the Learning Resources Division, CAL, is an extension of the Office of the Chief Academic Officer that works with faculty, staff, graduate student instructors, postdoctoral scholars, and administrators across UDC’s colleges, divisions, and campuses.

CAL offers a variety of services, programs, and professional development activities to advance teaching and learning. Our Team maintains advanced degrees and certifications in a variety of academic disciplines and provides programming in cross-disciplinary, discipline-specific, and institutional capacities. Each program is customized to the individual needs of departments, schools, and colleges. CAL strives to promote a learner-centered culture that values and rewards inclusive, innovative, and effective instruction and course design.

Our Mission

The Center for the Advancement of Learning (CAL) offers a comprehensive range of services, programs, and professional development activities designed to enhance teaching and learning across all modalities for UDC constituents. It acts as a catalyst for digital transformation by driving innovation to enrich the educational experience.

Our Vision

To advance UDC’s culture of teaching and learning through innovation and become a model for other HBCUs.

Our Goals

  • Implement collaborative initiatives that drive innovation, integrate learning technologies, and embrace diverse approaches to learning, contributing to a culture of excellence in teaching and learning.
  • Partner with various university departments to facilitate Digital Transformation and advocate for inclusive learner-centered practices across the University’s cultural landscape.
  • Scale up UDC’s Distance Learning offerings by managing and enhancing UDC Quality Assurance processes to ensure the highest standards of learning experience.
  • Collaborate on developing workshops, hands-on training, and personalized support for faculty, staff, and students, employing various modes of delivery.

Center for the Advancement of Learning Team

To Learn More About a Team Member, Click On Their Bio.

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Location     |  Bldg. 38 – B Level – Academic Commons 

Email          |    calhelpdesk@udc.edu

Walk-in / Virtual Office Hours Click here

Consultation Request Form


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Fatma Elshobokshy, M.A. Acting Lead Director and Director of Learning Technology, Center for the Advancement of Learning Technology

Fatma Elshobokshy, M.A.
Acting Lead Director and Director of Learning Technology
Email: fatma.elshobokshy@udc.edu

Julian King, M.Ed. Learning Design Coordinator

Julian King, M.Ed.
Instructional Designer & Quality Matters Coordinator
Email: julian.king@udc.edu

Bio

Julian King is the Quality Matters Manager & Instructional Designer at the Center for the Advancement of Learning (CAL). His focus is on managing the certification process of UDC Distance Learning courses.  In this position, he also provides coaching and expertise to faculty regarding research-driven best practices of learning science and course design to meet the needs of all learners. Mr. King also consults on data-driven assessment methods and resource planning for applications of emerging instructional technologies. As the Assistant Blackboard administrator, he collaborates with faculty and staff in drafting training programs, work plans, and instructional technology support including web-based and interactive video-based courses. He regularly delivers training to UDC faculty through webinars on topics such as Quality Matters, Course Design & Blackboard Gradebook.

Prior to joining UDC and CAL, Mr. King worked in secondary education, where he provided coaching, training, and resources to enhance data-driven mathematics instruction and foster a sense of community within his partnering Maryland & DC schools. He has also spent 6+ years working in the public sector of education as a math instructional coach and secondary math teacher.

Mr. King also enjoys traveling, swimming, sports, and hanging out with friends.

 

Education

M.Ed. Instructional Technology, University of Maryland Global Campus

B.A. Mathematics: Secondary Education, Virginia Union University

Pat Kittrell, B.S. Educational Technology Specialist & LMS Administrator

Pat Kittrell, B.S.
Educational Technology Specialist & LMS Administrator
Email: patrick.kittrell@udc.edu

A headshot of Grace Kent

Grace Kent, M.A.
Instructional Designer, Outcomes Assessment Coordinator, and Quality Assurance Manager
Email: grace.kent@udc.edu

A headshot of Catherine "Kit" Patterson

Kit Patterson, Ed.M.
Learning Experience Designer
Email: catherine.patterson@udc.edu

A headshot of William Finn Trotman

William “Finn” Trotman, B.S.
Instructional Technologist for UDC Apple and Immersive Technologies Programs
Email: william.trotman@udc.edu