CfLT Newsletter

The posts below are from the CfLT newsletter which includes curated, research-based digital resources to support ongoing faculty development and pedagogical engagement. As of August 2025, CfLT Director Karen Spierling oversees the content. Posts from July 2020-May 2025 were compiled by previous Director Lew Ludwig.

Down the AI Rabbit Hole: Writing with AI and Fostering a Playful Mindset

Posted on by dalkej

In this week’s ‘Down the AI Rabbit Hole,’ I share insights from Dr. Dominic Ashby’s recent Denison session, “Writing with AI: Building a Constructive Culture.” Plus, I tackle a curious enigma in generative AI: Why do 60% of faculty steer clear of using it?

Listen to Down the AI Rabbit Hole Part 1: Tips on Writing with AI
Listen to Down the AI Rabbit Hole Part 2: Fostering a Playful Mindset

This week’s tips:
During his recent presentation, “Writing with AI: Building a Constructive Culture,” Dr.

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Tidbit: How’s your class attendance?

Posted on by dalkej
For more than a year, the issue of attendance has come up in various conversations in the Center. Students take self-described mental health days or they just don’t show up. Last year, I was on sabbatical from teaching. This year, my fall class was fine, just one chronic attendance issue who was on numerous radar screens.

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Tech: Timely Advising Tip- Use Google Appointment Schedule for Fall Registration Advising

Posted on by dalkej

Spring Break is in the past, and registration is upon us. How to manage the many student meetings? Google appointment schedule provides an excellent solution.

Appointment schedule will allow you to:

  • create a customized schedule where students can sign up for appointment times and durations set by you;
  • send automated reminder emails (one or several) to your advisee the day before, 5 minutes before, and/or any other custom option you choose;
  • select how and where to meet; and
  • include a note about how you would like students to prepare.

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Teaching: Finish the Semester Strong

Posted on by dalkej
Congratulations! We’ve passed the halfway mark—specifically, we’re at the 8/14 point, counting full weeks of instruction. How do we ensure our students maintain their momentum and finish the semester strong? A helpful page from Georgia State University offers ten insightful tips for students. Among these is the Pomodoro technique. A time management strategy developed in the late 1980s, this approach breaks work into focused intervals, separated by short breaks, enhancing productivity and focus.

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Down the AI Rabbit Hole: Embracing AI- Beyond Fear to Academic Innovation

Posted on by dalkej

In this week’s edition of ‘Down the AI Rabbit Hole,’ I share an insightful piece from John Orlando that tackles the pressing issues of plagiarism and AI-induced biases. I also discuss the importance of moving beyond merely trying to catch up with AI to strategically planning for the upcoming technological advancements. 

This week’s tip:
This week’s teaching professor features a thought-provoking piece by John Orlando titled “Getting Past AI Fears: Student Success Demands It,” which encourages us to reconsider our stance on plagiarism and bias in the context of AI.

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Tidbit: Teaching Information Literacy in an Age of Misinformation

Posted on by dalkej

In the digital age, where misinformation abounds, empowering our students with robust information literacy skills has never been more critical. Dr. Krista Black’s recent article, “Teaching Information Literacy in an Age of Misinformation,” offers a compelling look into the challenges and strategies for integrating these essential skills into our curriculum. From evaluating source credibility to understanding perspectives and leveraging primary data, Dr.

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Teaching: Burnout mitigation strategies

Posted on by dalkej

With midterm grades on the horizon and the promise of spring break just around the corner, this is a perfect opportunity to embrace some self-care and introspection. This short, thoughtful piece from the Chronicle offers valuable advice on safeguarding your personal time and space, while also encouraging a mindful approach to your mental well-being. Wishing you a break that is both restful and rejuvenating.

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Down the AI Rabbit Hole: The Problem with Free AI and The Power of Words

Posted on by dalkej

In this week’s edition of ‘Down the AI Rabbit Hole,’ I share an important piece from Marc Watkins that warns us about being lulled into complacency by ChatGPT 3.5 unimpressive writing. I also take on one of my professional development heroes, James Lang, and the importance of nailing the title. 

Listen to Down the AI Rabbit Hole (3:55)

This week’s tip:
Marc Watkins is the Director of the Mississippi AI Institute, recognized for their pioneering efforts to incorporate generative AI into college curriculums.

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Tidbit: Midterm Course Evaluations

Posted on by dalkej
Yes, it’s that time of the semester already! Time to get that feedback from students to gently adjust things or reinforce with them why things are done a certain way. You probably already have a form you use. If not, you can find a variety of them in this post from the TTT archive.

Above all, please remember to go over your findings with your students as soon as possible, like the next class.

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