The Division of Academic Innovation (DAI) has launched and is recruiting members for the new HSC Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Collective (HSC SoTL Collective), a cohort-based, peer-led professional development program for educational research. The Collective is composed of four Communities of Practice (CoPs), each focusing on emerging topics in educational research: Artificial Intelligence, High-Impact Practices, HyFlex, and Project Management. Registration is open now. To learn more and sign up, please complete this interest form here by Sept 26.
Faculty and staff are also invited to attend the kick-off event for the SoTL Collective Cohort 2024-2025 from 1-3 p.m., Sept. 26 in LIB 400 or on Zoom. That will also be the last day for CoP registration. RSVP via the DAI Events Calendar here.
Kick-off event agenda
- 1 – 1:15 PM: Welcome and Program Overview by Dr. Jiaqi Yu, Assistant Director, Educational Development, DAI
- 1:15 – 2:00 PM: Educational Research Basics by Dr. Amber Heck, Associate Professor, Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences
- 2 – 3 PM: Breakout Conversations with CoP Leaders
“We welcome all levels of participation and expertise.” said Dr. Jiaqi Yu, Assistant Director, DAI Instructional Innovation and Project Management. “This is an opportunity to engage with peers, explore innovative educational research topics, turn plans into reality, and become an integral part of our scholarly community. We are fostering a culture that values SoTL in health science education and creates an innovative ecosystem to cultivate professional growth and meaningful collaboration.”
Each CoP will be led jointly by instructional designers, faculty and staff members, and will meet monthly from October 2024 to April 2025. All participants will have the opportunity to present their deliverables at the SoTL Conference that is tentatively planned for May 2025.
About the CoPs
AI CoP
Led by Marcus D. Taylor, MBA, Instructional Designer, DAI / Dr. Jin Liu, PhD, Assistant Professor, College of Pharmacy
The Artificial Intelligence Community of Practice (AICoP) brings together faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds to explore and integrate AI tools into teaching, research, and healthcare delivery. The program offers workshops, resources, and a network of passionate colleagues dedicated to the ethical use of AI, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence in health science education. By joining this community, participants can enhance their professional growth and contribute to meaningful advancements in their fields.
High-Impact Practices CoP
Led by Reagan Laborde, M.S., Instructional Designer, DAI / Darla Gruben, EdD(c), MSN, RN, CHSE, CNE, Assistant Professor, Founding Faculty, Prelicensure BSN Program Coordinator, College of Nursing
The High Impact Practices Community of Practice (HIPCoP) focuses on enhancing educational experiences through active and project-based learning. HIPCoP fosters a collaborative environment where educators can share and develop high-impact teaching practices, participate in virtual meetings, and work towards creating meaningful deliverables such as conference proposals, grant proposals, white papers, or other research deliverables. The community values inclusivity, providing resources, support, and inspiration to all members, from experienced educators to newcomers, to advance health science education.
HyFlex CoP
Led by Leila Mahmoudi, M.Ed., Senior Instructional Designer, DAI / Dr. Robert Haight, PhD, MPA, Vice Provost for University Assessment and Accreditation, Associate Professor of Pharmacotherapy, College of Pharmacy
The HyFlex Community of Practice (HFCoP) invites educators to co-create a transformative teaching model that offers unparalleled flexibility. HyFlex, which stands for hybrid-flexible, allows students to choose how they attend lectures—whether in person or remotely—based on their personal preferences and circumstances each day. This CoP is an opportunity to learn from other institutions’ experiences, develop individual goals for incorporating HyFlex into courses or programs, and contribute to shaping the future of HyFlex practices at HSC. By joining, participants will explore the unique aspects of HyFlex, distinguish it from online and hybrid learning, and discover its potential to enhance student engagement and recruitment.
Project Management CoP
Led by Dr. Jiaqi Yu, PhD, Assistant Director, Instructional Innovation and Project Management / Dr. Cindy Edwards, Ed.D., Instructional Technology Specialist, DAI
The Project Management Community of Practice (PMCoP) is a vibrant, collaborative group launched and piloted by the Division of Academic Innovation in January 2023. With over 50 dedicated members, PMCoP aims to develop and optimize project management solutions and communication strategies across the university. Monthly meetings feature enriching discussions, book chapter analyses, project updates, and best practices showcase. Starting in September 2024, PMCoP will join the larger HSC SoTL Collective, further expanding its reach and impact.