Digital Accessibility Microlearning Series
Address digital accessibility needs and requirement in your courses by attending short, practical workshops offering just-in-time support.
The Center for Teaching Excellence welcomes your suggestions for presenters and programming aimed at improving teaching and learning at USC. Please share your thoughts. We’d love to hear your ideas! Submit Professional Development Recommendation
Monday, December 1, 2:20pm - 2:50pm - Webinar
PDFs are one of the most common file types shared across courses and websites, but they can also be one of the least accessible if not properly designed. This micro-workshop explores how to create and remediate accessible PDFs, whether you’re exporting from Word, PowerPoint, or scanning existing materials. Learn how to check PDFs for accessibility as well as resources to address the most common errors. Register
Tuesday, December 2, 1:15pm - 1:45pm - Webinar
Captioning and transcripts make video content more engaging, flexible, and accessible. Learn how to use USC’s supported video platform, Panopto, to easily add and manage captions for lectures and other recorded materials. Register
Thursday, December 4, 1:00pm - 2:30pm - In-Person
The Generative Artificial Intelligence Community of Practice (GenAI CoP) at the University of South Carolina is a collaborative initiative designed to explore and discuss the implications of GenAI in higher education. This community brings together faculty, staff, and graduate students to share insights, strategies, and experiences related to the integration of GenAI across administration, research, teaching, and learning. Register
Wednesday, December 10, 12:00pm - 1:00pm - Webinar
Blackboard Learn Ultra Course View (UCV) is the newest version of the Blackboard Learning Management System. With new improvements being made monthly to Ultra Course View there are exciting changes which instructors may not have seen. This is a short presentation about the most recent updates that have occurred in Blackboard Learn Ultra Course View and will include information on how to stay up to date on future improvements. Register
Thursday, January 8, 9:00am - 10:00am - Webinar
This workshop familiarizes attendees with Blackboard Learn’s Ultra Course View. eLearning Services will demonstrate how instructors can navigate a UCV course, communicate with students, add content, find and utilize Blackboard tools, and grade assignments. Register
Thursday, January 8, 10:15am - 11:15am - Webinar
This workshop is designed for Blackboard users who are familiar with the new Ultra Course View but want a more intensive look at the UCV Gradebook. In this 60-minute session, a consultant from eLearning Services will share best practices and tips & tricks for setting up a Gradebook that works for you, present a live demonstration, and answer questions. Register
Thursday, January 8, 1:00pm - 2:00pm - Webinar
Blackboard Learn Ultra Course View (UCV) is the newest version of the Blackboard Learning Management System. With new improvements being made monthly to Ultra Course View there are exciting changes which instructors may not have seen. This is a short presentation about the most recent updates that have occurred in Blackboard Learn Ultra Course View and will include information on how to stay up to date on future improvements. Register
Thursday, January 8, 2:30pm - 3:15pm - Webinar
In this workshop, you will learn how to enhance your courses in Blackboard's Ultra Course View. This session will guide you through setting accommodations for students, making your content more accessible, and applying universal design best practices. By the end of the workshop, you’ll be equipped with practical strategies to create a more inclusive and effective learning environment for all students. Don't miss this opportunity to make your courses better for everyone! Register
Friday, January 9, 9:00am - 10:15am - Webinar
This comprehensive training session is designed to help educators effectively use Zoom and Blackboard together to enhance their online teaching experience. Whether you are new to Zoom or looking to optimize your use of these tools, this training covers everything you need to know. Participants will learn how to set up and use Zoom and its features right from their Blackboard course; how to schedule and manage Zoom meetings; how to manage recordings after your Zoom sessions, and more! Register
Friday, January 9, 11:30am - 12:30pm - Webinar
Blackboard’s inline grading feature just got a lot easier to use. New Box View has been replaced with Blackboard Annotate. When you go to grade an assignment or a discussion forum, you will see the new Blackboard Annotate feature. You will be able to draw comments, make edit marks, type comments and more with this new feature. Participants will learn about the many new options to provide meaningful feedback to your students. Register
Friday, January 9, 1:00pm - 2:00pm - Webinar
Panopto is an all-in-one video management platform built into Blackboard Learn. In this session, attendees will learn how to create and manage video learning content in Panopto that can be easily integrated into Blackboard courses. Register
Thursday, January 15, 2:00pm - 3:00pm - Webinar
This workshop familiarizes attendees with Blackboard Learn’s Ultra Course View. eLearning Services will demonstrate how instructors can navigate a UCV course, communicate with students, add content, find and utilize Blackboard tools, and grade assignments. Register
Tuesday, January 20, 10:00am - 11:15am - Webinar
This comprehensive training session is designed to help educators effectively use Zoom and Blackboard together to enhance their online teaching experience. Whether you are new to Zoom or looking to optimize your use of these tools, this training covers everything you need to know. Participants will learn how to set up and use Zoom and its features right from their Blackboard course; how to schedule and manage Zoom meetings; how to manage recordings after your Zoom sessions, and more! Register
Friday, January 23, 1:00pm - 2:00pm - Webinar
Panopto is an all-in-one video management platform built into Blackboard Learn. In this session, attendees will learn how to create and manage video learning content in Panopto that can be easily integrated into Blackboard courses. Register
Monday, January 26, 2:00pm - 3:00pm - Webinar
Extrinsic motivators, such as praise or tangible incentives, can be an effective way to motivate students to engage and perform well in your courses. Recognizing their accomplishments demonstrates your appreciation for their efforts. Using Achievements allows you to foster motivation and celebrate student participation in a meaningful way. In this workshop, participants will learn how to use Achievements in Blackboard to incentivize increased student engagement. Register
Wednesday, January 28, 3:30 - 4:20 pm - Webinar
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming an integral part of our world. However, it's crucial to understand that AI complements human innovation and creativity rather than replacing it. In this webinar, we'll explore how Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) can empower learners and educators alike, fostering responsible and innovative use across disciplines.
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
This is a required session for the Teaching and Learning with Generative Artificial Intelligence digital badge. Register
Thursday, January 29, 10:00am - 11:00am - Webinar
Blackboard Learn Ultra Course View (UCV) is the newest version of the Blackboard Learning Management System. With new improvements being made monthly to Ultra Course View there are exciting changes which instructors may not have seen. This is a short presentation about the most recent updates that have occurred in Blackboard Learn Ultra Course View and will include information on how to stay up to date on future improvements. Register
Monday, February 2, 1:00pm - 2:00pm - Webinar
This workshop is designed for Blackboard users who are familiar with the new Ultra Course View but want a more intensive look at the UCV Gradebook. In this 60-minute session, a consultant from eLearning Services will share best practices and tips & tricks for setting up a Gradebook that works for you, present a live demonstration, and answer questions. Register
Thursday, February 5, 11:40 - 12:55 pm - Webinar
Discover the potential of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) to support your
teaching and enhance student learning. This session explores practical strategies
for experimenting with GenAI tools, such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Copilot.
Examine how foundational prompt-writing techniques and hands-on exploration can build
your AI literacy and inform the teaching and learning content you design.
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
This is a required session for the Teaching and Learning with Generative Artificial Intelligence digital badge. Register
Wednesday, February 11, 2:00pm - 3:00pm - Webinar
In this session you'll learn how to transform your Blackboard Learn Ultra course from ordinary to extraordinary! Discover how best to organize your content to make your course visually engaging and user-friendly and then take it a step further with customization to add some pizazz. Whether you're looking to streamline your course structure, add some creative touches, or both, this session will give you the tools to make your course stand out. Register
Thursday, February 19, 10:00am - 11:00am - Webinar
This workshop familiarizes attendees with Blackboard Learn’s Ultra Course View. eLearning Services will demonstrate how instructors can navigate a UCV course, communicate with students, add content, find and utilize Blackboard tools, and grade assignments. Register
Tuesday, February 24, 1:00pm - 1:45pm - Webinar
In this workshop, you will learn how to enhance your courses in Blackboard's Ultra Course View. This session will guide you through setting accommodations for students, making your content more accessible, and applying universal design best practices. By the end of the workshop, you’ll be equipped with practical strategies to create a more inclusive and effective learning environment for all students. Don't miss this opportunity to make your courses better for everyone! Register
Wednesday, February 25, 1:10 - 2:00 pm - Webinar
Examine how Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) can enhance the clarity, accessibility, and engagement of your course materials. This session explores practical strategies for using GenAI tools—such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Copilot—to support course content creation and strengthen course design. Examine how GenAI aligns with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to promote flexibility, inclusivity, and deeper learning experiences.
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
This is a required session for the Teaching and Learning with Generative Artificial Intelligence digital badge. Register
Tuesday, March 3, 1:00pm - 2:15pm - Webinar
This comprehensive training session is designed to help educators effectively use Zoom and Blackboard together to enhance their online teaching experience. Whether you are new to Zoom or looking to optimize your use of these tools, this training covers everything you need to know. Participants will learn how to set up and use Zoom and its features right from their Blackboard course; how to schedule and manage Zoom meetings; how to manage recordings after your Zoom sessions, and more! Register
Wednesday, March 11, 2:00pm - 3:00pm - Webinar
Panopto is an all-in-one video management platform built into Blackboard Learn. In this session, attendees will learn how to create and manage video learning content in Panopto that can be easily integrated into Blackboard courses. Register
Thursday, March 19, 10:30am - 11:30am - Webinar
Extrinsic motivators, such as praise or tangible incentives, can be an effective way to motivate students to engage and perform well in your courses. Recognizing their accomplishments demonstrates your appreciation for their efforts. Using Achievements allows you to foster motivation and celebrate student participation in a meaningful way. In this workshop, participants will learn how to use Achievements in Blackboard to incentivize increased student engagement. Register
Tuesday, March 24, 10:00am - 11:00am - Webinar
Blackboard Learn Ultra Course View (UCV) is the newest version of the Blackboard Learning Management System. With new improvements being made monthly to Ultra Course View there are exciting changes which instructors may not have seen. This is a short presentation about the most recent updates that have occurred in Blackboard Learn Ultra Course View and will include information on how to stay up to date on future improvements. Register
Wednesday, April 1, 1:10 - 2:00 pm - Webinar
Explore how Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) can support the design of interactive, student-centered learning activities. This session explores practical strategies for using GenAI tools—such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Copilot—to design discussions, case studies, and simulations that enhance engagement and deepen learning. Examine how prompt-writing techniques and intentional use of GenAI can strengthen active learning, promote critical thinking, and create more meaningful learning experiences for your students.
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
This is a required session for the Teaching and Learning with Generative Artificial Intelligence digital badge. Register
Tuesday, April 7, 1:00pm - 2:00pm - Webinar
This workshop is designed for Blackboard users who are familiar with the new Ultra Course View but want a more intensive look at the UCV Gradebook. In this 60-minute session, a consultant from eLearning Services will share best practices and tips & tricks for setting up a Gradebook that works for you, present a live demonstration, and answer questions. Register
Wednesday, April 8, 12:00 - 12:50 pm - Webinar
Enhance the authenticity, clarity, and meaningfulness of your assessments with Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI). This session explores practical strategies for using GenAI tools—such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Copilot—to design assessment tasks, generate formative feedback, and support student reflection. Examine how intentional prompting and transparent use of GenAI can strengthen assessment for learning, promote critical thinking, and support deeper student learning.
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
This is a required session for the Teaching and Learning with Generative Artificial Intelligence digital badge. Register
Tuesday, April 21, 11:40 am - 12:55 pm - Webinar
A teaching philosophy statement provides a concise description of an instructor's perspective on teaching, student learning, methodologies, and implementation, and institutions typically request a teaching philosophy statement from applicants for faculty positions and as part of the tenure and promotion process.
What, then, is your teaching philosophy? What aspects should you reflect upon, write, or include? And importantly, how has the writing of this document changed as a result of ChatGPT, both in your perspective on this fundamental shift in higher education as well as document construction assistance? This will be a working webinar, where we will discuss strategies for composing the statement, incorporating time for personalized theme development, and tips for using ChatGPT prompts in writing it. Participants will leave with a thematic outline and components of their statement, and guidelines to continue crafting it.
NOTE: For you and other participants to benefit the most in the time available, this webinar requires that you do some reflective writing in advance of the session.
This is a required session for the Teaching and Learning with Generative Artificial Intelligence digital badge. Register
Address digital accessibility needs and requirement in your courses by attending short, practical workshops offering just-in-time support.
Blackboard Learn Ultra Course View (UCV) is the latest version of Blackboard Learn. If you need assistance with UCV, attend webinars and presentations hosted by CTE Instructional Designers and eLearning Services Consultants.
CTE's professional development sessions empower educators to innovate and inspire. We record many of these workshops and post them on our YouTube Channel Video Archives.