What Happens in Vegas...Goes back to PA! Instructional Tech Con Day 1

by Beth Ritter-Guth (Associate Dean of Online Learning and Educational Technology)

I am in Las Vegas at the Instructional Technology Council Conference. This is one of my favorite conferences because it helps me think about technology, the role of faculty and the impact both have on students. Yesterday, I ran a four hour pre-con session on innovation, and will be presenting it again at both CTLTs if Jeff and Randy approve (and we break it into smaller sessions). I am also presenting Wednesday on the use of Robots and AI in higher ed. In the scope of the offerings, these two sessions are on the high end of technology integration (Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Artificial Intelligence). But, many sessions are much more down to Earth and practical for all levels of users. Next year's conference will be on the East Coast, and I would love to get a group together to present and/or attend! Yesterday and today, I've been so inspired by the faculty I've met that have said, I sooooo want to do what you are doing, but my school doesn't support that, and it really made me appreciate Northampton (and my former employer, Union)'s commitment to innovation and development in teaching and learning. We really have the dream at NCC with the creation of both CTLTs, the CIE and the Fab Lab. We have so many resources, we aren't sure quite how to use them all, and most schools have no resources and are trying to get base level stuff. We are truly blessed. I will be bringing back some ideas, resources, and tools and hope that they inspire you as they have me.