Nicole Speelman and Janet Lively recently attended The Teaching Professor Conference in New Orleans. Here’s what they had to say about the event: 

When and where did the event take place? 

June 7-9, 2024, New Orleans

Please share details from a memorable keynote speaker, conference session, or something else notable from the event.

From Janet – Most of the sessions were excellent. The particularly useful ones were the closing plenary on AI and the session from Colorado State on a highly structured, highly positive peer observation system.

From Nicole – I enjoyed the session on using the three principles of universal design of learning to to enhance course learning experiences and the session on low-to-no prep student engagement activities. I will definitely be using these activities in my courses this coming year!

How likely are you to recommend this opportunity to a colleague?

Very Likely

Do you have any big takeaways that you’ll be applying to your pedagogy in the near future? 

From Janet – Banning and busting AI use is futile and counterproductive. It is much better to teach AI literacy and emphasize the benefits and limitations of the tool.

From Nicole – One simple takeaway is to use better verbs when asking questions (Bloom’s Taxonomy). The folks from the University of Louisville provided a QARRD (Questioning Aid for Rich, Real-time Discussion) that I will use.

Is there anything else you’d like CIE or your colleagues at NMC to know about this experience? 

New Orleans is super fun – wonderful food and great culture! Nicole and Janet are a great team 🙂 Take Swoop with you. They are very popular and a great conversation-starter.

Nicole, Janet & Swoop

Nicole and Janet took Swoop to NOLA. If you’re going to a CIE sponsored PD opportunity, you can borrow Swoop or an NMC flag to take a picture with at the event.