Welcome to the 2023 Spring Semester

Top Hat is an interactive platform that leverages students’ mobile devices to increase in-class engagement and get real-time feedback. Following a test pilot in the fall of 2022, the existing Top Hat connection in Canvas was replaced with a more robust integration. Instructors using Top Hat should enable the “Top Hat 1.3” link in their Canvas course navigation. With this change comes several benefits for instructors

and students:

• No risk of external users joining via the join code.

• The student roster is automatically synced each day.

• Individual Top Hat items can be linked to a Canvas module.

• Top Hat assignments can be directed to Canvas Assignments page, enabling due dates to show on the Canvas calendar.

• Scores are automatically synced to Canvas after Top Hat assignments’ grades are published.

If you need help with the new integration, please contact celt-help@iastate.edu.

As we prepare for the spring 2023 semester, we wanted to remind you of the work we accomplished this past fall with the ISU Annual Inclusive Classroom Training (AY22-23) focus, “Supporting our students through a mindful and learner-centered syllabus.” One activity from the training was how to “make your syllabus matter,” where we discussed in small groups what was new, what works overall, and what works from page 2 in CELT’s Mindful and learner-centered syllabus toolkit (PDF). The overarching takeaway is not only to talk about the syllabus on the first day but continually refer to it as a guide for students to succeed in your course. You can find the recap here.

One faculty member shared this insight, “To make the syllabus a living document,” in their post-workshop reflection.

As a reminder, CELT is offering the online synchronous version of the Annual Inclusive Classroom Training (AY22-23) for: 

• Faculty who could not attend one of the scheduled departmental training sessions in F2022

• Faculty and staff who would like to extend their learning by discussing a different scenario from their departmental training

Our remaining online synchronous CELT-facilitated program will feature one AY22-23 Student-Centered Scenario to be discussed during small-group work. To attend, select and sign up using one of the corresponding Zoom forms below:

Scenario 4: Supporting Neurodivergent Students

January 25, 2:10 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Register for Scenario 4