“How do we make higher education more accessible to learners by rethinking the structures of our programs?”
—Robin DeRosa
Dear Faculty,
Designing creative assessments that inspire curiosity and critical thinking is a great way to reimagine teaching and learning and fully engage students with assignments and assessments. Not to mention, reinvigorate our teaching for us as well. Creative assignments go beyond traditional evaluation methods by encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving in novel ways, promoting innovation, Project Based Learning (PBL), and reflecting real-world challenges.
These assessments can provide a tailored learning experience, aligning with specific objectives and emphasizing various intelligences, including visual-spatial and interpersonal skills. Additionally, creative assessments foster self-expression, adaptability, and engagement, making the learning process collaborative, more enjoyable, and motivating. Students are also being prepared for the evolving job market by cultivating a mindset open to change and resiliency in uncertainty. Creative assessments also capture and celebrate individual differences, recognizing the diversity of thought, expression, and personal experiences.
Please enjoy this batch of resources to help inspire creativity!
-The ID Team
CITS | Instructional Development
Watch the videos:
Listen to the podcasts:
Read the Articles:
Equitable and accessible course design ensures that all students, regardless of their abilities, backgrounds, or circumstances, can fully engage with and benefit from their education. It promotes fairness, fosters inclusivity, and helps institutions meet legal and ethical standards. Ultimately, it improves outcomes for students who face challenges and for all learners by making courses more engaging, flexible, and supportive of diverse needs.
Consider this presentation on Equitable Course Design:
2025 New Approaches to Teaching and Learning Conference:
CITS | Instructional Development Workshops:
- Tue, 11/5 at 1 pm – VoiceThread Basics 2: Groups and Secure Sharing.
- Tue, 11/5 at 1 pm – VoiceThread Basics 2: Groups and Secure Sharing.
- Thu, 11/7 at 2 pm – Excel Pivot Tables.
- Tue, 11/12 at 1 pm – VoiceThread Basics 3: Moderating comments, private and threaded replies, and copying.
- Tue, 11/19 at 10 am – Part 1: Working with the toolbox, palettes, and document window, setting up pages, guides, and grids.
View a full list of Blackboard and Canvas workshops and self-paced offerings!
Instructional Development works with faculty to…
- Explore, design, and experiment with different teaching and learning modes.
- Research and integrate technologies that can enhance teaching and learning.
- Design and develop online courses and programs.
- Write learning outcomes, design assessments, craft activities, and develop content.
- Utilize best practices for using instructional technologies.
Feel free to contact us online to book an appointment!