Fostering belonging with AI Presented by Erika Martinez Creating an inclusive classroom is more important than ever, and AI tools can help make it easier. This session explores how to foster a sense of belonging for every student, with practical tips for designing activities, assignments, and communication strategies that support diverse learners. Learn how AI can streamline tasks like creating personalized materials or facilitating peer engagement, freeing up time to focus on what matters most: building connections and making every student feel seen and supported. Walk away with ready-to-use strategies and a new confidence in using AI to enhance your teaching.   Watch the recording ... View more

Taking AI Integration to the Next Level Presented by Ellen Moore and Jill Bonds Ready to go beyond the basics of AI in the classroom? This advanced session will explore practical strategies for gaining buy-in from reluctant colleagues, integrating AI tools into your syllabus, and managing classroom dynamics with ethical, accessible AI practices. Learn how to support students, streamline tasks, and foster inclusivity while preparing for the future of AI in education.   Watch the recording ... View more

Discover the transformative power of authentic assessment with the enlightening video, "Unlocking Potential: Achieve and Authentic Assessment." Join educational experts as they delve into dynamic strategies that revolutionize student learning. Erika Martinez from the University of South Florida reveals the innovative use of in-class response systems like iClicker, which not only capture real-time insights but fundamentally elevate students' learning experiences. Christin Monroe of Landmark College presents an intriguing argument for unlimited assessment attempts, inviting students to dive deeply into the material and refine their understanding in a supportive environment. Additionally, Matthew Ingram of Dakota State University discusses the flexible nature of learning curve quizzes that tailor progress tracking and inspire tailored instructional changes. Tune in to witness how Macmillan Learning tools champion engaging and effective assessments, empowering educators to unlock every student's potential. Click below to watch! ... View more

From Theory to Practice: AI's Influence on Teaching Economics Presented by Justin Wolfers and Joshua Hill Join renowned economist Justin Wolfers and AI technologist Joshua Hill for an insightful session on the revolutionary impact of AI on economics education. Discover how AI is reshaping student engagement with course material and how educators can leverage this technology to enhance their teaching methods. In this session, Justin and Joshua cover practical strategies for integrating AI into your courses. They address key challenges and showcase cutting-edge tools designed to elevate your teaching experience. Highlights include a demonstration of our proprietary AI Tutor, an innovative question generator, and a sneak peek at future AI developments from Macmillan.   Watch the recording ... View more

Your comprehensive student organization leader guide for running effective, powerful, and engaging meetings and events. Photo credit: Drazen Running a student organization is all about making sure everyone’s voice is heard and that no one feels left out. But let’s be real—keeping people engaged and tracking attendance can be tricky. This guide is here to help you boost participation and spark real conversations that matter. Inside, you’ll find tips that make it easier to get everyone involved, keep discussions lively, and stay on top of attendance without the hassle. These strategies are all about keeping your group active, energized, and connected. Meet your members where they are by asking the right questions, and creating a safe space for feedback. Whether you’re running an academic club, a community service group, or any other student-led organization, it’s crucial to create a space where everyone feels comfortable being honest. Let’s be real—some topics are tough to talk about in front of a crowd. That’s where anonymous polling comes in. It gives everyone a chance to share what they’re really thinking without worrying about what others might say. This helps ensure that everyone’s voice is heard, leading to more genuine and useful insights for your organization. Sample Question #1: How comfortable do you feel discussing mental health challenges with your peers? Very comfortable—I often share my experiences. Somewhat comfortable, but I only discuss with close friends. I struggle to talk about it, even with people I trust. I prefer to keep my mental health private. Sample Question #2: How comfortable are you speaking up in group discussions or meetings? I’m very comfortable—I actively participate. I’m somewhat comfortable, but I only speak up when I feel confident. I’m usually quiet and prefer to listen. I find it difficult to speak up in group settings. Another great advantage of anonymous polling is the ability to get real-time feedback, which allows you to adjust your approach on the spot. If you notice that certain responses indicate discomfort or confusion, you can shift the tone of the conversation, address concerns immediately, or dive deeper into areas that need more attention. This kind of flexibility ensures that your meetings are not just productive, but also responsive to the needs of your group in the moment. Photo credit: Africa Studio Plan campus events easily and use the feedback to make things happen. Make Your Events Interactive: Keeping your audience engaged can be tough, but getting everyone involved in decisions—like choosing the next trivia category—keeps the vibe fun and lively. By actively involving everyone, you ensure that all voices are heard and make everyone feel like they’re part of the event’s success. Drive Productive Discussions: Real-time feedback lets you quickly gather and analyze data from your event. This helps you see what people liked and where improvements are needed. For example, if feedback reveals which activities were a hit or where you can improve, you can make instant changes or plan more effectively for your next event. This way, you stay on top of things and make sure each event hits the mark. Keep It Inclusive: Make sure everyone can participate by using simple tech and offering different ways to get involved, like through written responses or spoken feedback. Providing clear instructions and support helps everyone, no matter their tech skills or needs. By focusing on inclusivity, you make sure everyone feels valued and engaged, turning accessibility into a natural part of your events and building a more supportive community. Beyond the Basics: The Hidden Benefits of Inclusivity in Your Organization Inclusivity isn't just about making everyone feel welcome—it brings some amazing, less obvious benefits to your organization. Enhancing group dynamics is a big one; when everyone’s voices are heard, you get a richer mix of ideas and avoid the pitfalls of groupthink, leading to smarter decisions.  It also boosts resilience and adaptability. With diverse perspectives in play, your group can handle changes and challenges with more creativity and flexibility. Plus, inclusivity encourages diverse leadership styles. It supports different approaches and ways of communicating, so everyone gets a chance to lead in their own style. Embracing inclusivity makes your organization stronger, more dynamic, and ready to tackle whatever comes next. Just as inclusivity strengthens your organization, having the right tools can amplify your efforts and support your goals. Here’s how to justify iClicker’s investment to your university. When it comes to finding the perfect tool for your campus, it’s essential to choose one that fits seamlessly into both academic and student life. You need something that’s not only effective but also easy to use and adaptable to various needs. Here’s why iClicker stands out as the ideal solution: It’s user-friendly. iClicker’s intuitive interfaces make it easy for anyone to use, without needing advanced tech skills. Getting started is quick and hassle-free, ensuring that both faculty and students can seamlessly integrate it into their routines. It’s scalable and flexible. iClicker offers flexibility that meets diverse needs across various departments. Its robust features are designed to support different academic and student affairs requirements without being overwhelming or costly. It’s proven and reliable. With a foundation in research-based development and a strong track record of success, iClicker provides clear, actionable analytics. This helps faculty and administrators make informed decisions backed by solid data. Learn More About iClicker Check Out iClicker Events ... View more

Read about iClicker's impact in first-year experience courses at Boise State University below. ... View more

Welcome to "Try This!", a weekly blog series where we share valuable insights and practical ideas on various educational topics. Our goal is to provide educators with fresh perspectives and innovative approaches that can be implemented in classrooms and institutions. This week, we’ve rounded up five resources on the importance of Authentic Assessment. Check them out below: 1. Why You Should Care About Authentic Assessments Authentic assessments involve the application of knowledge and skills in real-world situations, scenarios, or problems. This guide by UIC's Center for the Advancement of Teaching Excellence highlights several elements that make an assessment more "authentic," including accuracy, demonstration of learning, and collaboration. Read the full guide 2. Authentic Assessment's Long Term Impact on Student Learning Indiana University's Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning provides a comprehensive explanation of authentic assessments. These assignments require students to apply what they've learned to new situations, making judgments on what information and skills are relevant. Explore the resource 3. Alternative Authentic Assessment Methods UConn's Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning offers a detailed overview of authentic assessments and alternative methods. This resource emphasizes the practical application of knowledge and skills by performing real-world tasks. Discover the methods 4. Macmillan Learning's Approach to Authentic Assessments This article from Macmillan Learning explores the relevance and challenges of authentic assessments. It highlights the importance of assessing higher-order critical thinking and self-regulated learning skills, with a focus on real-world contexts. Read the full article 5. Re-Imagining Authentic Assessment in the Age of Open AI A webinar on re-imagining authentic assessment amidst widespread AI usage. This session offers insights into preserving assessment integrity while leveraging AI for fair and meaningful evaluations. Access the recording We'd love to hear your thoughts on implementing authentic assessments in education. How do you create real-world assessment opportunities in your own classrooms? Share your experiences and ideas in the comments below. Don't miss out on the upcoming webinar, "Authentic Assessment in the Age of AI" on October 30th to explore innovative assessment strategies further. Register today! ... View more

In higher education, fostering a sense of belonging can transform classrooms into dynamic communities focused on learning and growth. The video below delves into this pivotal theme, offering insights from three educators who reveal their strategies for promoting connection and inclusivity. Through methods such as interactive introductions with GoReact and guided peer instruction using iClicker, these educators illustrate how building relationships among students not only enhances learning but also boosts retention and engagement. Watch the video to understand why a sense of belonging is crucial and discover tips to nurture it. ... View more

Welcome to "Try This!", a weekly blog series where we share valuable insights and practical ideas on various educational topics. Our goal is to provide educators with fresh perspectives and innovative approaches that can be implemented in your classrooms. This week, we’ve rounded up five resources on Student Preparedness. Check them out below: 1. How To Identify Gaps in Student Preparedness and Address Them Conversations around student preparedness are becoming increasingly critical and challenging to have. While varying levels of student preparedness have long been an issue, many educators feel that it has only worsened in recent years. This blog aims to shine a light on the gaps in student preparedness and offers actionable steps for addressing these issues. Read the full blog 2. Assessing the Impact of Remote Learning on Students’ Preparedness & Progress The pandemic has influenced students' learning contexts and contributed to uncertainties related to the knowledge, skills, and experiences students have acquired. This resource from Northwestern University includes feasible practices for diagnosing gaps in preparation and making informed decisions about course design and instruction. Read the full article 3. Supporting Students with Diverse Levels of Student Preparedness This whitepaper explores how Achieve empowers each student to excel and equips them for academic and social-emotional readiness in their courses. It offers educators practical tips for supporting students at different readiness levels and strategies for fostering inclusive learning environments. Access the whitepaper 4. Student Readiness Challenges are Here to Stay. Is Your Institution Prepared to Tackle Them? EAB research identified four dimensions of student readiness that institutions must prepare to address both today and across the next decade. This blog explores the readiness challenge and provides insights and recommendations for addressing this crisis on your campus and beyond. Read the full article 5. Secondary Transition Toolkit: College Assessments The Maryland State Department of Education provides a toolkit to help students identify their learning styles, examine their study skills, and assess their college readiness. This toolkit includes an observation form and a planning tool to compare different educational options. Explore the toolkit We'd love to hear your thoughts on student preparedness. How do you address gaps in your own classrooms? Share your experiences and ideas in the comments below. Don't miss out on the upcoming webinar, "Beginning with the End in Mind: Evidence-based Course Design Practices to Improve Student Engagement and Learning Outcomes". on October 10th. Register today! ... View more

Midterms are a critical point in the academic calendar, and helping students prepare effectively can make a significant difference in their performance. It can be challenging to ensure that your students are not only ready but confident when exam day arrives. Achieve's resources—including Adaptive Quizzing, iClicker Study Tools, Multi-Take and Unpenalized Assessments, and Diagnostics—were created with your students in mind, offering personalized, interactive tools that meet their unique needs and study habits. We encourage you to explore and assign these resources in Achieve, so your students can truly reap their benefits. By doing so, you will provide your students with the best possible opportunities for self-study and success.     Adaptive Quizzing   Learning Curve Adaptive Quizzing in Achieve tailors the difficulty of questions based on what students know and helps them practice what they don’t yet understand. This feature ensures that students are constantly challenged at an appropriate level, making their study sessions more effective. How It Benefits Students Adaptive Quizzing helps students focus on areas where they need the most improvement. By adjusting the difficulty of questions, it keeps students engaged and motivated to learn. How Students Use It Students complete the adaptive quizzes by answering questions until they reach the target score. Along the way, they receive clear feedback based on their correct and incorrect answers—offering an easy way for students to review and assess their understanding of key concepts. The e-book is integrated into every question and there is no penalty for accessing it, encouraging students to read and boosting their preparedness. As students answer questions correctly, the questions get harder. Students receive more questions on the topics they struggle with. If they get stuck, they can see a hint (which reduces the point value of the question), or they can give up and move to the next question (resulting in zero points). During or after each LearningCurve activity, students can access a Personalized Study Plan, which breaks down their performance on each topic and presents them with suggestions for further practice.   How Instructors Assign It You can assign adaptive quizzes in the same way you assign other activities in Achieve. Learning Curve allows you to hide topics that aren't needed and adjust the target scores students need to complete each quiz. You can view LearningCurve results by class, topic, or by individual student. Learn more.   iClicker Study Tools   Included at no extra cost in most Achieve courses, iClicker includes a Study Tools feature that creates interactive and engaging study aids via the iClicker student mobile and web apps.  How It Benefits Students iClicker Study Tools transform classroom interactions into valuable at-home study resources, enhancing student retention and understanding. By creating flashcards and practice tests from in-class questions, students can review and reinforce their learning outside of class. How Students Use It Students can bookmark questions you've already asked in class and convert them into study tools within the iClicker app. They can create flashcards, take practice tests, and review material at their convenience. Learn more. How Instructors Enable It You can enable iClicker Study Tools by integrating iClicker activities into your course. Students will automatically have access to Study Tools, making study sessions more interactive and productive.    Multi-Take and Unpenalized Assessments   Multi-Take Quizzes provide students with multiple attempts to complete an exam or quiz. Unpenalized assessments offer students unlimited attempts at each question without penalties for incorrect answers, allowing them to use supplemental resources and view solutions afterward.  How It Benefits Students By offering multiple attempts, students can review their errors, understand where they went wrong, and try again. This iterative process boosts confidence and encourages mastery of the material by allowing students to learn from their mistakes and improve their scores. How Students Use It Students can complete the same Multi-Take Quiz up to five times, with each attempt providing insights into their performance. After each attempt, they can review the correct answers and explanations to better understand the material. The Unpenalized setting allows students unlimited attempts to complete each question with no penalty for wrong answers. They can use resources like the e-book (if available) to help them answer questions, and they can see the solution for each question after they complete it or give up. Regardless of which grading policy you select, students will see clear guidelines upon opening each assessment in Achieve. How Instructors Assign It Open up an assessment in your Achieve course, and select the Grading Settings tab. Select your preferred pre-built grading policy or create a new custom policy to fit the needs of your course.   Diagnostics   Diagnostics in Achieve courses for English and General Chemistry help identify students' strengths and weaknesses through initial assessments. These diagnostics create personalized study plans, ensuring that each student focuses on areas that need the most attention. How It Benefits Students Diagnostic assessments provide a clear picture of where students stand academically. The personalized study plans that follow help them concentrate on improving their weak spots, making their study time more efficient. How Students Use It Students begin with a diagnostic test that evaluates their understanding of key concepts. Based on their performance, Achieve generates a customized study plan with targeted resources and practice exercises. How Instructors Assign It Instructors can assign diagnostic tests at the beginning of the term or before midterms to gauge student readiness. The results help tailor instruction and support to meet the needs of each student. Grades for study plan assignments are based on how much of the study plan a student completes by the assigned due date or the end of the term. You can view Diagnostics results by class, topic, or by individual student.  ... View more

Welcome to "Try This!", a weekly blog series where we share valuable insights and practical ideas on various educational topics. Our goal is to provide educators with fresh perspectives and innovative approaches that can be implemented your classrooms. This week, we’ve rounded up five resources on Sense of Belonging in Education. Check them out below: 1. 5 Components of Student Belonging Students' sense of belonging on campus is crucial for their retention and persistence. EAB has identified five specific components of student belonging, each backed by best practices that leaders can implement. These components help foster connections and engagement, ensuring students feel integrated into the university community. Access the infographic 2. Unlocking Historically Marginalized College Student Success This whitepaper identifies interventions that foster a sense of belonging and build metacognition among historically marginalized college students. The findings offer practical recommendations for educators to design inclusive educational products and services that improve postsecondary success outcomes for these students. Read the full whitepaper 3. Enhancing a Sense of Belonging in Your Classroom Indiana University's Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning provides a comprehensive guide on fostering a sense of belonging in classes, particularly in online learning environments. This resource offers actionable strategies for creating opportunities for student-instructor communication, facilitating student success, and building a virtual community. Read the full article 4. Sense of Belonging in College Settings Explore how students understand their role and social fit within college environments. It emphasizes the importance of both social and academic interactions in enhancing students' sense of belonging. Key strategies include fostering diverse peer interactions, offering strong faculty support, and creating an inclusive campus environment. Access the full one-pager 5. The Science of Belonging and Connection Stanford psychologist Geoffrey Cohen discusses the science behind belonging and connection in educational settings. This article explores research-backed strategies that educators can deploy to enhance students' sense of belonging and improve academic success. Read the full article We'd love to hear your thoughts on fostering a sense of belonging in education. How do you create inclusive environments in your own classrooms? Share your experiences and ideas in the comments below. Don't miss out on the upcoming webinar, "Not as Soft as You Think: The Hard Facts about the Impact of Student Sense of Belonging and Concrete Tools You Can Use Now" on September 17th to delve deeper into cultivating a sense of belonging in education. Register today! ... View more

Not as Soft as You Think: The Hard Facts about the Impact of Student Sense of Belonging and Concrete Tools You Can Use Now: Tuesday, September 17 at 2:00 PM ET Presented by Marcy Baughman and Tiffany Sayles Unlock the power of belonging to boost student learning outcomes. Marcy Baughman, VP of Learning Science Research, and Tiffany Sayles, webinar, where we delve into groundbreaking empirical data revealing the positive impact of a strong sense of belonging on academic achievement. Discover how fostering an inclusive classroom environment can elevate student engagement, motivation, and success. This session will equip you with evidence-based teaching tips and practical strategies to create a welcoming atmosphere that supports every student and improves student learning outcomes.   Watch the recording ... View more

As part of iClicker’s ongoing mission to make active learning more accessible to every educator, the team is always brainstorming features that make it easier to engage students and deepen their learning. You may have noticed iClicker’s newest feature, the Pre-Created Quiz. These are quizzes that you set up in advance for students to take during class within the iClicker Student App. Unlike Quick Start quizzes, a Pre-Created Quiz allows you to add an answer key and feedback ahead of time, randomize questions, and include a short-answer format. With these new in-class options, we wanted to share some ways that Pre-Created Quizzes can enhance learning in your course: 1. Checking for Understanding As an educator, you can kickstart your class with a Pre-Created Quiz to assess students’ understanding of assigned readings or homework – or quiz them at the beginning and end of class on the same topic to gauge what they’ve learned that day. These in-class quizzes will introduce students to your testing style in a low-stakes environment and help identify areas that may need further attention. 2. Flexible Learning Pace Pre-Created Quizzes give students the ability to navigate between questions and respond at their own pace. With this flexibility, you can promote individualized learning experiences and accommodate diverse learning speeds.  3. Efficient Grading and Immediate Feedback When you create your quiz before class, you can upload a pre-set answer key and feedback for each question. When students complete the quiz, their responses are instantly graded, and they can see your feedback and the correct answers for each question. Educators save time on grading responses, and students get immediate feedback that reinforces the concepts they’re learning.  4. Customization With Question Variety iClicker’s Pre-Created Quizzes support both multiple-choice and short-answer question formats. Customize your quiz questions with a variety of question types to keep quizzes engaging, promote critical thinking, and cater to your students’ different learning styles. 5. Encouraging Academic Integrity Pre-Created Quizzes give educators the ability to randomize question order for each student as they take their quiz in the iClicker Student App. Differing the question sequence from student to student helps mitigate the risk of cheating during quizzes, ensuring a fair and secure assessment environment. 6. Digital Transition Pre-Created Quizzes are an easy way to start replacing traditional paper quizzes with digital alternatives. The digital format lets students work in the environment they are most accustomed to, and it helps you make the transition to a more digital classroom. It also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing the need for physical materials in the classroom. A Pre-Created Quiz may require a little more work up-front to create, but it offers so many advantages when it comes to streamlining your grading and feedback process and engaging students in new ways. As the expert on your own course, you’re sure to uncover even more ideas for making the most of this quiz format. How do you plan to use Pre-Created Quizzes with your students? ... View more

Welcome to "Try This!", a weekly blog series where we dive into the ever-evolving world of generative AI and share valuable insights and practical teaching ideas. Discover how educators are leveraging AI, gain fresh perspectives, and explore innovative approaches to education that you can try out yourself. This week, we’ve rounded up five resources on Ethics and Academic Integrity in the Age of AI. Check them out below: An article on the importance of understanding, evaluating, and ethically engaging with generative AI tools in education, addressing concerns such as biases, privacy, and equity, and offering guidance for instructors and students on responsible use. A blog post addressing the inevitability of students using generative AI tools for cheating purposes while advocating to educate students on ethical AI practices to navigate them responsibly, offering ten key strategies for educators to implement in the classroom. An article about a high school teacher's shift from doubting AI use due to plagiarism fears to embracing it as an educational tool. It discusses practical assignments, responsible AI integration in the classroom, and the importance of ongoing teacher development in AI literacy. A study highlighting gender-based differences among educators' ethical evaluations of AI in classrooms, and emphasizing the need for critical thinking and ethical frameworks to navigate the adoption of generative AI tools in education. A toolkit for implementing AI in education, focusing on responsible use, compliance with regulations, promoting AI literacy, maintaining academic integrity, and preserving human decision-making.  Let us know your thoughts on ethics and academic integrity in the age of AI in the comments below the post. Don't miss out on the upcoming webinar, "Threading the Needle: Cultivating Ethical and Inclusive Teaching in an AI Era" on April 16th to delve deeper into AI in education. Register today! ... View more

Welcome to "Try This!", a weekly blog series where we dive into the ever-evolving world of generative AI and share valuable insights and practical teaching ideas. Discover how educators are leveraging AI, gain fresh perspectives, and explore innovative approaches to education that you can try out yourself. This week, we’ve rounded up five resources on AI and DEI: Bridging Gaps and Fostering Understanding. Check them out below: A LinkedIn article with essential tips for AI professionals to effectively collaborate with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, cultural sensitivity, adaptable communication, conflict resolution skills, embracing diversity, and seeking continuous feedback to foster inclusive and successful cross-cultural collaborations. A research article on the increasing prominence of AI in mainstream society, emphasizes the need for improved AI education and cultural adaptivity to address potential challenges and ensure responsible deployment of AI technologies. An on-demand webinar on using AI to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education by improving accessibility, creating inclusive classes, equitable admissions processes, and enriching the overall student experience. An article discussing a research study, exploring the role of machine learning in understanding and potentially addressing gender and racial disparities in STEM education, utilizing a dataset from middle school students to uncover factors contributing to biases and examining the risks and benefits of machine learning applications in educational settings. A list of six AI tools designed to foster inclusivity in classrooms, including interest-based learning, visual teaching strategies, differentiation, social scripts, age-appropriate explanations, and task analysis. Let us know your thoughts on AI and DEI in education in the comments below the post. Don't miss out on the upcoming webinar, "Threading the Needle: Cultivating Ethical and Inclusive Teaching in an AI Era" on April 16th to delve deeper into AI in education. Register today! ... View more