Upcoming Events
Aug 12 | 9:00am - 4:00pm
Syllabus (Re)Design
The syllabus is a foundational document that is typically the first form of interaction that instructors have with their students. Research indicates that it plays a significant role in engaging students and motivating learning. Please join the Poorvu Center for an in-person, interactive workshop in which participants will have an opportunity to consider the overall course design process through the lens of their syllabus: backward design, learning outcomes, assessments, the role of generative AI in your course, and activities in and beyond class. Yale-specific syllabus templates will be shared, and participants will have the opportunity to work in small groups and individually on their own syllabus for a fall ‘26 course or a future course. Based on the principles of the Course (Re)Design Institute, questions the workshop will consider include: What do I want my students to know and be able to do by the end of this course? What types of assessment will best demonstrate what students have learned? What combination of in- and out-of-class activities will create a rigorous, engaging, inclusive and transformative learning experience? This full day workshop from 9-4 p.m. will be in person at the Poorvu Center, 301 York Street. We are committed to hosting inclusive and accessible events that allow all participants to fully engage. Please contact faculty.teaching@yale.edu if there are ways we can support accommodations, be aware of any dietary restrictions, or for questions about inclusion.
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Aug 12 | 12:00pm - 1:00pm
What’s new in Canvas? Pilots, AI, and Upcoming Workshops
Join us for an overview of what is new and coming soon in Canvas at Yale. We will highlight new Canvas features, Fall 2026 pilot opportunities, upcoming workshops, and instructional tools that can support teaching and learning. The session will include an introduction to AI tools available through Canvas, including the Gemini LTI, BoodleBox, Speakology AI, and Ed Discussions with Bots++. We will also discuss Harmonize and other instructional technologies available to Yale instructors. Participants will learn what each tool offers, how it can be used in a course, and any important Fall 2026 request deadlines. Whether you are preparing a new course or exploring new ways to support student engagement, collaboration, and learning, this session will help you understand the latest Canvas resources available at Yale. We will have a repeat session on 8/14/2026.
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Aug 14 | 12:00pm - 1:00pm
What’s new in Canvas? Pilots, AI, and Upcoming Workshops
Join us for an overview of what is new and coming soon in Canvas at Yale. We will highlight new Canvas features, Fall 2026 pilot opportunities, upcoming workshops, and instructional tools that can support teaching and learning. The session will include an introduction to AI tools available through Canvas, including the Gemini LTI, BoodleBox, Speakology AI, and Ed Discussions with Bots++. We will also discuss Harmonize and other instructional technologies available to Yale instructors. Participants will learn what each tool offers, how it can be used in a course, and any important Fall 2026 request deadlines. Whether you are preparing a new course or exploring new ways to support student engagement, collaboration, and learning, this session will help you understand the latest Canvas resources available at Yale. This is a repeat session from 8/12/2026
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Aug 17 | 12:00pm - 12:45pm
Getting Started with Canvas (Canvas 101 Session 1): Your First Steps to Success
Join us for a dynamic and hands-on training session designed for instructors, instructional support staff, and academic leaders who are new to Canvas or looking to refresh their foundational skills. This workshop will equip participants with the confidence and strategies needed to navigate Canvas effectively, set up courses with clarity, and utilize essential tools that enhance teaching and learning. Participants will: Explore the Canvas interface and personalize their dashboard Learn how to structure a course using modules, pages, and assignments Review best practices for publishing and maintaining a course throughout the term Canvas is designed to support flexible, student-centered learning environments. This session will empower educators to build intuitive, accessible, and well-organized courses that foster meaningful interactions and academic success. A recording will be shared with all registrants. The Poorvu Center is committed to hosting inclusive and accessible events that enable all individuals, including those with disabilities, to engage fully. If you have questions about access or anticipate needing an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact us at askpoorvucenter@yale.edu. Advance notice may be necessary to accommodate some accessibility needs.
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Aug 18 | 12:00pm - 12:45pm
Assignment Tool Kit (Canvas 101 Session 2): Creating, Customize, Collect
Join us for a dynamic and training session designed for instructors, instructional support staff, and academic leaders who are new to Canvas or looking to refresh their skills in creating effective assignments. This workshop will empower participants with the confidence and strategies to: Navigate the Canvas interface and personalize their dashboard Design and structure assignments using modules, pages, and assignment settings Apply best practices for publishing, grading, and maintaining assignments throughout the term Canvas is built to support flexible, student-centered learning environments, and this session will help educators build intuitive, accessible, and well-organized courses that foster meaningful interactions and academic success. A recording will be shared with all registrants. The Poorvu Center is dedicated to hosting inclusive and accessible events. If you have questions about access or anticipate needing accommodations, please contact askpoorvucenter@yale.edu. Advance notice may be necessary to meet some accessibility needs.
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Aug 19 | 12:00pm - 12:45pm
Gradebook Essentials (Canvas 101 Session 3): Setup, Tips and Troubleshooting
Join us for a practical and interactive training session designed for instructors, instructional support staff, and academic leaders who want to gain confidence in using the Canvas Gradebook. Whether you're new to Canvas or looking to refine your grading workflow, this session will provide essential strategies for managing grades effectively and troubleshooting common issues. Participants will: Learn how to set up the Gradebook to align with course structure and grading policies Explore tips for streamlining grade entry, feedback, and student visibility Troubleshoot common Gradebook challenges and discover solutions that save time Canvas Gradebook is a powerful tool for supporting transparent and efficient grading practices. This session will help educators build a grading system that is clear, consistent, and supportive of student success. A recording will be shared with all registrants. The Poorvu Center is committed to hosting inclusive and accessible events. If you have questions about access or anticipate needing accommodations, please contact askpoorvucenter@yale.edu. Advance notice may be necessary to meet some accessibility needs.
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Aug 20 | 12:00pm - 12:45pm
Quizzes in Canvas (Canvas 101 Session 4): Classic vs New – What You Need to Know
Join us for a focused and practical session designed for instructors, instructional support staff, and academic leaders who want to make informed decisions about which quiz tool best fits their teaching needs. This session will help participants: Understand the key differences between Classic and New Quizzes Explore the strengths and limitations of each tool Learn how to create, manage, and troubleshoot quizzes effectively Get guidance on transitioning from Classic to New Quizzes Whether you're building your first quiz or planning a migration, this session will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to use Canvas quizzes strategically and successfully. A recording will be shared with all registrants. The Poorvu Center is committed to hosting inclusive and accessible events. If you have questions about access or anticipate needing accommodations, please contact askpoorvucenter@yale.edu. Advance notice may be necessary to meet some accessibility needs.
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Aug 21 | 9:00am - 3:00pm
Canvas 102: Next steps to building your course site.
Formally known as Blank Canvas, this one-day, hands-on workshop will discuss and showcase the effective use of Canvas for course organization, accessibility, and assessment. Canvas Course Templates will be available for import, and sessions will encompass working open lab/ drop-in hours for faculty to work directly in their course sites. Friday, August 21st 9am-3pm (in person, food provided). The Poorvu Center is committed to hosting inclusive and accessible events that enable all individuals, including those with disabilities, to engage fully. If you have questions about access or anticipate needing an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact us at askpoorvucenter@yale.edu. Advance notice may be necessary to accommodate some accessibility needs.
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Sep 1 | 10:00am - 11:30am
AI-Resilient Assessments: Reworking a Vulnerable Assignment
This ninety-minute hands-on workshop invites instructors to (re)design assignments to be more responsive to generative AI. There is no silver bullet for learning loss, and no easy way to know where AI can support learning. We can however focus on best practices: simulating AI responses; clearly defining AI policies; establishing AI literacy and citation; foregrounding and assessing process rather than product; integrating the right AI tools selectively where relevant. We will devote some of the agenda to how Yale Library and Poorvu CTL resources can promote AI-resilience. We recommend bringing a draft or previous assignment if possible. Graduate and postdoctoral instructors welcome. Learning Objectives: Experience how AI responds to your assignment and each of its components Learn best practices for creating good “friction” and cognitive challenges Discover how students are using AI (sanctioned and not) in their learning, and determine whether this aligns with your pedagogical goals Assess your assessment: are you grading what you want to grade? Audience: instructional faculty and librarians; graduate and professional student instructors
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Sep 2 | 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Yale AI Updates + Community Chat: Teaching & Learning
Join us for a live online session focused on how AI is shaping teaching and learning at Yale. We’ll share the latest AI tools and updates, demo helpful features, and talk through classroom policy considerations. This is also your chance to ask questions, explore use cases, and connect with others thinking about AI in education. Agenda: 30 Mins - AI Tools and Updates 10 Mins - Classroom AI Policies 20 Mins - Community Questions & Answers
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