Digital Learning Blog

Ed-cological Discoveries at Instructurecon 2024

August 05, 2024  / Jenna Fedewa  / Tag: Elearning

InstructureCon in Las Vegas was an event brimming with sneak peeks into the future of educational technology. Three Florida Gulf Coast University staff members attended the event: Kinti Conroy and I from Digital Learning, along with I'Riel Williams from Innovative Education and Partnerships. We delved into the latest advancements and shared our collective knowledge. I had the opportunity to co-present "Creating Successful Digital Badges with Campus Collaboration" with I'Riel Williams, where we discussed how a collaborative approach can enhance learning experiences and create a thriving micro-credential program.

The conference was packed with various sessions, and we made the most of it by attending ad many as possible. Each session provided valuable insights and practical tips we are excited to implement in our respective positions. The collaboration and exchange of ideas with fellow attendees reinforced the importance of continuous learning and innovation in our field. One of the conference's highlights was the launch of three new Canvas features, each promising to significantly enhance the experiences of students and faculty.

1. Selective Release of Modules
   Canvas now allows for the selective release of modules, enabling educators to assign modules to specific students or groups of students. This feature can be incredibly helpful in personalizing learning experiences and catering to the diverse needs of students. For instance, advanced students can be given more challenging modules, while those how need extra support can receive additional resources and practice. This level of customization ensures that all students are engaged and progressing at their own pace.
2. Enhanced Canvas Inbox
   The Canvas inbox has been upgraded with new features that streamline communication. You can now add a signature and away message, ensuring that students and colleagues are aware of your availability and can expect timely responses. Additionally, the inbox now supports the translation of messages into hundreds of languages, breaking down language barriers and fostering better communication in diverse educational settings. This is particularly beneficial in multicultural classrooms, where students and educators can communicate more effectively and inclusively.
3. AI-Powered Discussion Summaries
   The most exciting new feature is the AI-powered summaries of student discussion threads. This tool allows educators to get a summary of the entire thread or ask the AI (Artificial Intelligence) to summarize specific themes. This feature is a meaningful change for managing and evaluating discussions, saving time while still providing valuable insights into student interactions. It enables educators to quickly grasp the essence of discussions, identify key points, and address any issues or themes that arise, all while ensuring that every student's voice is heard, (This feature is coming soon; we will keep you updated when we know more.)

InstructureCon 2024 was a remarkable event, filled with learning, networking, and innovation. The new Canvas features unveiled at the conference are set to transform the way we teach and engage with students, making the educational experience more personalized, efficient, and inclusive. There are many exciting launches coming down the pipeline and we cannot wait to share them with the faculty and staff here at FGCU.