Learning Communities

Are you curious about using artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT but haven’t had the time to explore them? This beginner-friendly learning community is designed to introduce you to AI-based tools, including the new university tool, Terp AI. You’ll learn how to use these tools and discover practical ways to enhance your course design and assignments with AI. No prior experience with AI is needed – this is the perfect space to start your journey, ask questions, and build confidence in using these technologies.

By actively participating in this learning community, you will earn the GenAI-Informed Pedagogy Practitioner meta-credential from the TLTC Teaching Academy. All UMD instructors are welcome.

We will meet every other Tuesday (9/23, 10/7, 10/21, 11/4, 11/18, 12/2) from 1:00-2:15pm in ESJ 1103. Meetings will be in-person with the option to join virtually as needed.

Coordinated by Louisa Nkrumah, TLTC

Questions or accessibility needs? Contact Louisa at lnkrumah@umd.edu.  

Are you interested in better supporting first-generation college students in your courses but unsure where to start? The University of Maryland considers any student who indicates neither of their guardians have completed a bachelor's degree to be a first-generation college student. About 20% of students on our campus identify as first-generation. This learning community is designed to help you explore the experiences of first-gen students at UMD and identify practical ways to foster their success in your classroom. We’ll cover topics like who first-gen students are, how the ‘hidden curriculum’ can impact their experience, and what teaching strategies can make a difference.

You’ll leave with new insights, concrete teaching ideas, and a stronger sense of how to create a classroom environment where all students feel seen and supported. All UMD instructors are welcome. 

We will meet every third Monday (9/15, 10/6, 10/27, 11/17, 12/8) from 1:00-2:30pm in ESJ 1103. Meetings will be in-person with the option to join virtually as needed.

Coordinated by:

• Dawn Simounet, TLTC
• Sharon Carmen Vanwright, Academic Achievement Programs
• Kaci Thompson, College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences
• Migdalia Maldonado, Honors College
• Yanira Pacheco, Thrive Center for Essential Needs, Dean of Students Office

Questions or accessibility needs? Contact Dawn at simounet@umd.edu.  

Are you dedicated to increasing access, equity, and success for all of your students? Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an accessibility framework that values different identities, neurotypes, abilities, and interests. Join us to learn about, share, and reflect on best practices in accessibility, inclusive course design, and UDL.

By actively participating in this learning community, you will earn the Universal Design for Learning Practitioner meta-credential from the TLTC Teaching Academy. All UMD instructors are welcome.

Did you receive a Teaching and Learning Innovation Grant? This community meets all of the inclusive and accessible teaching training requirements.

We will meet every other Thursday (9/25, 10/9, 10/23, 11/6, & 11/20) from 2:00-3:00 in ESJ 1103. Meetings will be in-person with the option to call in virtually as needed.

Coordinated by Jackelyn López Roshwalb, TLTC

Questions or accessibility needs? Contact Jackelyn at roshwalb@umd.edu.  

Are you interested in incorporating AI into your research methods courses for undergraduate students? Or do you mentor undergraduate students engaged in hands-on research projects? This learning community is designed for instructors who teach research skills to undergraduates and who are either already incorporating AI into their teaching or are actively interested in incorporating it. As a group, we will share tools, ideas, and insights with each other around guiding students to effectively and responsibly use AI in all stages of the research process.

We will meet in person in ESJ 1103 on Thursdays (9/11, 9/18, 10/2, 10/16, 10/30, 11/13) from 2:00-3:00pm. If you cannot make an occasional in-person session, there will be an option to call in virtually.

This learning community will be a great fit for you if you:

• Either are a course instructor who teaches research skills to undergraduate students, in an official research methods course or a course with large research components…
• … or are a faculty member who involves undergraduate students in your research group.
• Either have already played around with AI-based tools for research and are willing to share about your experiences…
• … or have not yet experimented with these tools in your teaching but are curious about them, open-minded, and excited to learn from your peers.
• Are available to meet in-person for our meetings.

By actively participating in this learning community, you will earn the GenAI-Informed Pedagogy Practitioner meta-credential from the TLTC Teaching Academy.

Please register in Workday to express interest in this session, and we will send you a short Google form to confirm that this group is a good fit for you and your teaching experiences and interests. Registration is limited, so please register early to guarantee your spot.

Coordinated by Mona Thompson, TLTC & Dr. Carinna Ferguson, Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR)

Questions or accessibility needs? Contact Mona Thompson at mona1@umd.edu.