April 2024

As the field of higher education faces numerous stressors and challenges in an evolving landscape of learner and employer needs, we look to newly established institutions to inspire us as we ask: How can established and respected institutions such as Duke evolve and innovate based on strong foundations? This series – which is free and open to all – will highlight some of the ways that innovation can and is happening in higher ed — at the university scale (macro innovation), program scale (mezzo innovation), and individual course scale (micro innovation).

Join us for an interactive workshop showing practical techniques for utilizing generative AI for daily work, such as writing emails, scheduling, creating graphics, organization, and more.

If you were unable to join us for our workshop on "Talking to Students About Gen AI: Leaning Into AI Literacy" on March 8, the recording is now available.

Courses in the Duke Graduate Academy cover topics not typically included in a graduate curriculum, or they provide an intensive introduction for graduate students and postdocs who might not have the time or inclination to pursue a full course in a subject. Learn more & see the Summer 2024 courses now > 

All events are virtual and in Eastern time unless otherwise noted.

Canvas Workshops

Spring 2024 is the last term instructors may use Sakai at Duke. Join one of our upcoming live, virtual workshops for guided instruction on how to use Canvas:

Introduction to Canvas

Tue, April 9, 10 - 11:30 am >  |  Tue, May 7, 12 - 1:30 pm >

Recommended for anyone who has not used Canvas as an instructor before or those who would like a refresher on Canvas. It will cover basic “getting started” and Canvas configuration information. 

Designing Your Canvas Site for Student Success

Wed, April 10, 10 - 11:30 am >  |  Wed, May 8, 12 - 1:30 pm >

Strongly recommended for all instructors. This session will focus on the core of Canvas – the Modules tool – and how to use it and several other key Canvas tools to best organize your site. 

Assessing Student Learning in Canvas

Thur, April 11, 10 - 11:30 am >  |  Thur, May 9, 12 - 1:30 pm >

This session will cover assessing student learning in Canvas using quizzes, graded discussions, assignment submissions, and the gradebook.

Accessibility in Canvas

Fri, April 12, 10 - 11 am >  |  Fri, May 10, 12 - 1 pm >

This workshop will cover the principles of accessibility and how to apply them when designing your course sites in Canvas. We will also review tools within Canvas you can use to improve the accessibility of your course. 

Inventing with AI: Technology, Patent, and Venture Considerations

Provided by Duke Translation & Commercialization

Thursday, April 11  |  10:30 - 11:30 am  |  Rubenstein Library, Room 153

AI is everywhere, including in research and technology commercialization. AI systems are being used to design experiments, conduct complex research tasks, even draft intellectual property claims. As the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office revs up its guidance around AI inventions, our expert panel of patent professionals, a researcher, and a venture capitalist discuss considerations around AI and the technology transfer process. Learn more >

Pedagogies of Care Lunch & Learn series: Climate Care and the Black Freedom Struggle

Thursday, April 11  |  12 - 1 pm

Dr. Adriane Lentz-Smith, an Associate Professor of History and a senior fellow at the Kenan Institute for Ethics will discuss how everything is connected to care and justice. How do conversations around Black freedom connect to environmental and climate justice? And how do we bring these important topics into our classrooms? The format of this session will be an hour-long virtual lunch and learn, with about 30 minutes of presentation and 30 minutes of discussion/Q&A.  Register Now >

Listen and Learn: Podcasts Featuring LILE

A monumental shift towards lifelong learning is reshaping higher education. Hilary Culbertson, LILE's Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, discusses the rebranding process of LILE and the smooth transition required to embrace lifelong learning. Listen now >

Intellectual wellness is a key component to what we refer to as well-centered fitness and aging well. In this episode, Dr. Jeff Armstrong is joined by Chris McLeod, director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Duke University, to discuss OLLI, lifelong learning, and the role they play in aging well. Listen now >

New Equipment and Upgrades at Bryan Center Studios

The Bryan Center Studios, the university’s central multimedia production facility, has recently added new equipment and upgrades to its four studios and digital production workspace. 

The studios provide Duke students, faculty, and staff with the opportunity to create professional-quality media projects for academic or business purposes. Learn more >

Nominate an Excellent Instructor for the Judith Deckers Prize
Deadline: April 30

The university community is invited to submit nominations for the Judith Deckers Prize. Nominators will be asked to speak on their candidate’s learning environment design, teaching, community, and student outcomes. Learn more >

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Duke University develops a new curriculum for adult learners every Winter, Spring and Fall. The Spring 2024 catalog is now available. We invite you to peruse the course descriptions and consider registering for one, simply for "the love of learning!" 

Registration opens on April 9 for Monday & Tuesday classes and April 10 for Wednesday and Thursday classes.

Meet Ying Xiong – Assistant Vice Provost for Learning Innovation & Assessment >

Summit Reflection: Learning for the 100-Year Life >

Learning Experience Design: Stress First Aid for Healthcare Workers >

Every month we share the latest adventures of Lile the crocodile, LILE's unofficial mascot.

Lile traveled to Boston to attend the annual UPCEA conference where they learned about emerging trends in professional, continuing and online (PCO) education. They also stopped by Harvard Business School to learn about the PCO initiatives there.