Page 6 - OIT Progress Report: 2023 Edition

Using a consistent, simplified new syllabus management platform: Replacing an aging syllabus collection website, Academic Technology Services has activated the new
Simple Syllabus cloud management platform
to help reinforce a streamlined, inclusive, and consistent syllabus tool that ensures all Mustangs can be equally and quickly made aware of course expectations and course objectives from the
start of each course. By having a clear, easy-to- locate, and accessible syllabus available for every SMU course, our students can effectively plan their academic careers and stay on track. Simple Syllabus also helps faculty save time related to syllabus management.
Helping faculty create accessible course materials: By identifying tools like Canvas’ built- in Accessibility Checker, we are building a culture mindful of the accessibility of all course files and multimedia. We are helping to equip faculty with the tools and the awareness that functions, such
as closed captioning, transcription, and adjustable playback speeds, are necessary so that SMU videos and files can be converted to accessible formats for the success of students with hearing impairments, visual impairments, or those for whom English is a second language.
Offering universal course technology templates and design: We have built
Canvas course templates based on universal design standards. By fostering the principles of open course design with SMU’s instructional technologies, we are working with SEI faculty to encourage the construction of inclusive, accessible, and engaging learning environments. OIT’s consultations with faculty interested in adopting
more universal design standards have helped
grow collaboration, creativity, and diversity by undertaking the challenge of rethinking and often rebuilding faculty course materials with inclusivity and all students’ needs in mind.
Adopting technologies that promote equity and inclusion: Finally, by advocating for the adoption of inclusive technologies in technology in teaching and learning, we are helping to advance the SEI’s goals toward embracing digital inclusion and equity. Through various initiatives, such as outlining how individuals can specify personal pronouns in our services and ensuring all materials are accessible, we are helping to ensure that every Mustang— without exception—has access to necessary technological resources and opportunities to learn, providing equal opportunities for success.
Dr. Paige Ware, Associate Provost for Faculty Success recently shared, “Our academic technology partners do an extraordinary job convening stakeholders from many different
areas. The tremendous outreach that academic
IT engages in has been a force of positive and constructive change. In the future, I’d like to see
a continuation of the ways in which they bring students to talk with faculty, faculty to talk with administrators, administrators to talk to students, and every possible constellation of conversations in between. The outgrowth of these conversations almost always results in a project, a product, an idea furthered, or a decision made.” We are grateful for the collaboration and partnership with our faculty and recognize that there is still so much more we can do together.
4 OIT PROGRESS REPORT 2023