The topic of Summer Institute 2025 is "Empowering Teaching with Artificial Intelligence & Universal Design for Learning." Over two days, attendees will explore practical strategies for using artificial intelligence to support student learning, discuss ways to design courses and assessments with UDL in mind, and participate in hands-on workshops and resource-building activities.
This year's event will take place Monday, July 14th, and Tuesday, July 15th. This is a hybrid event—we encourage participants to join us in the Galliot Center (5th Floor, University Commons), but also welcome those who wish to join us online! See the itineraries below to view the schedule of events for both days. Links to individual breakout sessions will be included in the schedule the week of the event.
We will be joined this year by two dynamic speakers: Tracie Yorke and Thomas Tobin.
Tracie Yorke is a nationally recognized expert in inclusive teaching, AI ethics in education, and human-centered pedagogy. She will deliver a keynote address and lead a workshop at the Summer Institute on Monday, July 14th. Tracie is a technologist, educator, and researcher specializing in public interest technology, community engagement, and education. With two decades of experience spanning PreK to higher education, she has held leadership roles in education focusing on curriculum design, workforce development, and technology-driven learning. Her expertise also includes AI adoption strategies and leading the implementation of technology solutions that enhance educational outcomes. She is a fellow at the Gardner Institute and holds a B.A. from Amherst College, an M.S. from Carnegie Mellon University, and is currently a Ph.D. candidate at Point Park University.
Thomas Tobin will join us on Tuesday, July 15th. Tom is an internationally recognized speaker and author on quality in technology-mediated education, academic integrity, and Universal Design for Learning. His work focuses on using technology to extend the reach of higher education beyond its traditional audience. He advocates for the educational rights of people with disabilities and people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Tom holds a B.A. and Ph.D. in English literature, a M.S. in Information Science, a master online teacher certification, and the Quality Matters reviewer certification.
Download a copy of the itinerary:
All sessions except for the Fundamentals of Instructional Design session at 2:15pm will use THIS LINK. You can click the link at any time to join the main group.
Coffee & Registration
Galliot Center
Welcome
Galliot Center
Opening remarks and reflection. During this time, we will outline the goals of the Summer Institute and UDL framing based on MSCHE recommendations.
Keynote: Tracie Yorke
Galliot Center
Tracie will speak on "Ethical Considerations of AI in Teaching and Learning." During this time, she will explore topics of equality, bias, transparency, and accountability in using artificial intelligence for teaching and learning. Time will be given for Q&A.
Reimagining Learning: The AI Shift in Design & Delivery with Brightspace
Galliot Center
A team from D2L's Brightspace Learning Management System will lead a discussion on leveraging Brightspace tools to enhance learner engagement. Learn how to make the most of tools like LUMI and Creator+.
Short Break
Working Lunch Session & Q&A with Brightspace Team
Galliot Center
Workshop with Tracie Yorke
Galliot Center
Explore the potential of AI to create equitable and personalized learning experiences with Tracie. Gain practical strategies for integrating AI tools responsibly, fostering innovation and preparing for the evolving landscape.
Short Break
Galliot Center
Galliot Center
This workshop uses the main Exploring the Landscape meeting link.
Discover how Brightspace supports Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and AI-enhanced teaching. This workshop will offer an overview of tools like Creator+, Intelligent Agents, and LUMI—showcasing how they streamline course design, personalize learning, and boost student engagement.
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Fundamentals of Instructional Design
Online Only
This session has its own meeting link. To join this session, click on the title.
Learn about the core principles of effective instructional design, focusing on aligning learning objectives, assessments, and activities. Explore proven design models and gain practical tips for creating clear, engaging, and learner-driven instruction to guide your work.
Day One Reflections
Galliot Center
All sessions except for the afternoon workshops at 1:30pm and 3pm will use THIS LINK. You can click the link at any time to join the main group.
Coffee & Registration
Galliot Center
Morning Grounding & Overview
Galliot Center
Start the day with some chair yoga/stretching (optional!) and a brief recap of takeaways from Day One.
Keynote & Workshop: Tom Tobin
Galliot Center
Tom Tobin will discuss enhancing course design, teaching flexibility, and student engagement with UDL. This keynote will be followed by discussion, Q&A, and a hands-on workshop.
Lunch & Learning Pods
Galliot Center
Breakout Session #1
Various Locations
Each Workshop has its own meeting link. To join a Workshop, click on the title.
Workshop 1: UDL & AI Tools for Syllabus Design
Build or revise a syllabus using tools like ChatGPT to support UDL guidelines. Create policy language for AI in courses using UDL guidelines.
Workshop 2: UDL & AI for Assignment Design
Use AI to generate, evaluate, and revise assignments that align with UDL guidelines. Focus on transparency, academic integrity, and inclusive grading.
Workshop 3: AI for Digital Content Design
Practice using AI to generate digital content that aligns with UDL guidelines. Focus on transparency, academic integrity, and inclusive grading.
Workshop 4: UDL & AI for Assignment Design (Online Only, not Brightspace focused)
Use AI to generate, evaluate, and revise assignments that align with UDL guidelines. Focus on transparency, academic integrity, and inclusive grading.
Short Break
Breakout Session #2
Various Locations
Each Workshop has its own meeting link. To join a Workshop, click on the title.
Workshop 1: UDL & AI Tools for Syllabus Design
Build or revise a syllabus using tools like ChatGPT to support UDL guidelines. Create policy language for AI in courses using UDL guidelines.
Workshop 2: UDL & AI for Assignment Design
Use AI to generate, evaluate, and revise assignments that align with UDL guidelines. Focus on transparency, academic integrity, and inclusive grading.
Workshop 3: AI for Digital Content Design
Practice using AI to generate digital content that aligns with UDL guidelines. Focus on transparency, academic integrity, and inclusive grading.
Workshop 4: AI & Information Literacy (Online Only, not Brightspace focused)
Examine AI through the lens of critical information literacy. Develop strategies for addressing, navigating, and responding to AI in the classroom. Learn ways to recognize when AI gives inaccurate or misleading information.
Capstone Session: My AI-Ready Course Plan
Galliot Center
Come back together to end the day by exploring takeaways and sharing ideas of what you learned over the course of the Institute that you will implement into your teaching practice.