Brainshare Sessions

Dr. Brittnee Fisher delivered a comprehensive presentation on AI ethics in academia, covering the basics of AI technology, its limitations, and appropriate use guidelines for students. The presentation included discussions on AI-generated content, plagiarism concerns, and the importance of critical thinking when using AI tools for research and assignments. The session concluded with plans to create an online version of the presentation and discussions about scaling the content for future courses while maintaining currency with evolving technology. [Zoom AI Generated Summary] Recorded September 11, 2025.

[Zoom AI generated summary] "Heather conducted a comprehensive training session on optimizing the Canvas Gradebook, covering setup and customization of assignments, grading methods, and various grading tools. She demonstrated key features including filtering, sorting, and feedback tools like SpeedGrader and rubrics, while explaining how instructors can use these tools to manage assignments and provide feedback to students. The session concluded with discussions about viewing student submissions and grades, along with practical tips for instructors to improve their grading processes and student understanding of grading systems." Presented by Heather Jones. Recorded August 20, 2025

[Zoom AI generated summary] "Eric presented three citation style tutorials developed by the library for online and hybrid courses, which include video lessons, interactive content, and mandatory quizzes. Rebecca, who teaches in the Teacher Ed Department, expressed interest in using the APA tutorial for her hybrid courses and learned that faculty could use the modules for course credit. The tutorials, which take about an hour to complete, can be accessed via Canvas, and Eric agreed to send Rebecca a link to share with her students." Presented by Eric Biggs, Recorded August 20, 2025

[Zoom AI generated summary] "Brittnee presented library outreach opportunities available at all three campus libraries, including a weekly book blog, the Vikings Read More book club, and the Readers Guild. She introduced a new service called Pop-Up Librarian, which allows librarians to visit classrooms or buildings to connect with students. Brittnee also announced upcoming academic workshops on research basics, citation basics, and the ethical use of AI for students. She encouraged faculty and staff to contact their campus librarians for further outreach suggestions and questions." Presented by Dr. Brittnee Fisher, Recorded August 20, 2025

[Zoom AI generated summary] "Royce, the Dean of Learning Resources, introduced and demonstrated the library's digital collections including audio books, e-books, and streaming films through various platforms like Libby and Kanopy. He provided detailed instructions on how to access and use these digital resources, including account creation, search functionality, and borrowing processes, while highlighting specific features like read-alongs and film categories. Royce encouraged faculty and staff to explore the library's offerings and provided support information for embedding videos and creating playlists through the various platforms." Presented by Royce Bass. Recorded August 20, 2025

[Zoom AI generated summary] "The webinar introduced Brainfuse, an online tutoring platform with various features including Live Help and Writing Lab, and discussed the Tutor Match system for connecting students with writing tutors across campuses. The team showcased new faculty dashboard features and interactive writing tutorials, along with updates to the college's website resources and library tools. The session concluded with demonstrations of math tutorials, student feedback systems, and various test preparation resources, with an invitation for questions and reminder of available campus assistance." Presented by the SJR State Tutoring team. Recorded August 19, 2025

[Zoom AI generated summary] "TMisty and Misel, the QEP co-directors, presented on the benefits of incorporating experiential learning into courses at SJR State, highlighting how it enhances student engagement and academic outcomes while developing career-related skills. They provided updates on the Experiential Learning initiative, including available stipends for faculty participation and positive impacts on student club participation and career services satisfaction. The QEP team outlined the implementation process for experiential learning activities in general education courses, emphasizing the use of digital badges and ePortfolios for student documentation and encouraging faculty to connect with EL leads for spring semester applications." Presented by Dr. Misty Sutton and Misel Soto. Recorded August 19, 2025

[Zoom AI generated summary] "In this webinar, Adam provided updates on contact information, organizational structure, and upcoming initiatives while encouraging questions and interaction from attendees. He covered various IT services including help desk operations, ticket submission processes, and web filtering policies, while explaining how students and employees can access support through the MySJRstate portal. The conversation ended with discussions about phone system standardization across campuses and future technology improvements, including classroom upgrades and potential changes to multi-factor authentication methods." Presented by Adam Brazzeal. Recorded August 19, 2025

[Zoom AI generated summary] "In this workshop, Heather Jones, Steven Tomasovich, and Dr. Will demonstrated how to effectively set up and utilize Canvas Gradebook features, including organizing assignments into weighted groups, configuring gradebook settings, and using tools like the notes column and status indicators. They explained how to provide individualized feedback using annotation tools, stickers, and comments, while showing students how to access this feedback and use features like the "what-if" grade calculator. The presenters also covered advanced features such as the message tool for contacting specific student groups, gradebook filtering options, and rubrics for grading assignments, noting that significant improvements to the rubrics tool are forthcoming." Recorded August 19, 2025

[Zoom AI generated summary] "The meeting focused on new features and functionality of Lockdown Browser, including Excel spreadsheet capabilities and publisher integrations with various platforms like Cengage and Hawks. Stephen provided detailed instructions on how to integrate Pearson MyLab, Alek, Cengage, and Hawks with the Lockdown Browser, emphasizing the importance of institutional codes and correct browser versions for students. The session concluded with a demonstration of Respondus Monitor's proctoring capabilities and best practices for online exam settings, including guidance on browser settings, webcam requirements, and troubleshooting tips for instructors and students." Presented by SJR State Instructional Design Tech, Stephen Tomasovitch. Recorded August 18, 2025.

[Zoom AI generated summary] "Andrew presented a new online information literacy tutorial developed by the SJR State Library, which offers a self-paced, student-led module designed to orient students to the college's online library resources and information literacy concepts. The tutorial includes various interactive elements, videos, and assessment tools to measure student learning, and can be accessed through different platforms or integrated into Canvas courses. Andrew explained that the tutorial is intended to complement live library instruction sessions, with librarians available to provide additional support through various means, and participants receive a certificate of completion upon finishing the approximately 15-20 minute module." Presented by SJR State Librarian, Andrew Macfarlane. Recorded August 18, 2025.

[Zoom AI generated summary] "Victoria Slaughter, a librarian at St. John's University College, presented on assignment-based library instruction and its benefits for both students and faculty, including improved research skills and source quality. She detailed the process of collaborating with librarians through assignment sharing, creating Canvas pages, and providing various forms of student engagement. The session concluded with information about collecting student data and offering library support, with Ruffalo joining late to express appreciation for the team's assistance." Recorded August 18, 2025.

[Zoom AI generated summary] "Stephen presented various Canvas updates including improved content import interface, redesigned file pages, accessibility features like Dyslexia Friendly Font, and enhancements to discussions such as reply permalinks and group checkpoints. He demonstrated new quiz features including multiple sessions detection, text blocks, multiple hotspot questions, and quiz moderation improvements, along with updates to the media player and SpeedGrader. Stephen also provided guidance on setting up Turnitin assignments, troubleshooting imported assignments with external tools, and addressing known issues with Concourse syllabi." Recorded August 18, 2025.