Dear Faculty,
Now that we are several weeks into the semester, let us revisit James Lang’s article from the prior newsletter and dive deeper into curiosity. Curiosity is “a strong desire to know or learn something.” This wonderful summary describes our role in educating our students at UMass Dartmouth. As you will read and hear in this letter’s resources, curiosity is a practice; a trait we all have and can strengthen each day. Remember, as James Lang stated in his article How to Teach a Good First Day,
“Highly effective college instructors recollect what first fascinated them about their discipline, pay attention to what fascinates students today, and make a connection with those issues at the opening of the semester. Such instructors reflect upon why the course should matter, and work to convey the significance of its content to students as well as to their world beyond the classroom.”
To help you and your students spark and cultivate curiosity, we wanted to take this opportunity to introduce you to UMass Dartmouth’s outstanding library liaisons. View the Accessibility Appreciation area of this newsletter for more information.
-The ID Team
CITS | Instructional Development
Click a podcast to listen:
Click an article to read:
Did you know…
Your department’s liaison librarian supports faculty, staff, and students in your discipline. Your liaison librarian:
- Teaches research instruction sessions.
- Assists students and faculty with research.
- Purchases books, including faculty requests.
- Selects and assesses journals and databases.
- Assist with findings articles and videos.
- Request a text from another organization.
- Locate alternative formats in library databases to better meet ADA compliance, and so much more!
Connect with your discipline-specific library liaison today!
Resources Offering Accessibility Guidance
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- Course Combinations/Merges – Combination requests for Blackboard and/or Canvas need to include specific course section info. Please submit via the IT Help website.
- TA Requests – To have a TA/GA added to your course site(s), submit an email via the IT Help website including hiring/employment verification.
- Echo360 Scheduling – Please submit via the IT Help website.
- Tue, 2/18/25 at 11:30 am – Better Discussions + Easier Grading with Harmonize in Canvas
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!