UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Teaching and Learning with Technology and Penn State IT are partnering with Penn State enterprise platform vendors to host a weeklong event to explore educational tools that shape learning experiences. Learning Tools for Teaching: Explore, Engage, Elevate is designed for faculty and staff who want to deepen their knowledge of campus-supported tools, gain hands-on experience, and discover new ways to develop professional skills and/or enhance classroom learning and engagement.
Scheduled for Sept. 29 to Oct. 3 at the Dreamery, located on the ground floor of the Shields Building, the event will spotlight one Penn State-supported enterprise learning platform each day. Representatives from each platform will provide an overview of the platform and highlight how its features support teaching and learning. Presentations will be followed by interactive workshops to explore the tools in action.
During each day, participants will:
- Learn directly from platform experts about core features and practical applications.
- Participate in hands-on workshops to practice using tools or explore new ones in a guided setting.
- Hear from faculty and staff to learn best practices and tips on how to use the tools to support professional and instructional needs.
- Discover how each platform can support professional learning and growth, classroom engagement, personalized learning and more.
Event schedule and featured platforms
Monday, Sept. 29 – Top Hat
Top Hat is Penn State’s student response and learning engagement system. Faculty can use Top Hat to create interactive course materials, conduct real-time polls and quizzes, and encourage active learning both in and out of the classroom.
- 9:30–10 a.m.: Open office time for Q&A; breakfast sponsored by Top Hat
- 10:05–11 a.m.: Engaging Distracted Learners
- 11:05 a.m.–12:15 p.m.: Introduction to Top Hat — Live Lecturing with Top Hat
- 12:15–1:15 p.m.: Lunch and faculty and staff panel
- 1:30–3 p.m.: The End of Reading — Extending Engagement Beyond the Classroom
- 3–4 p.m.: Office hours and product feedback
Tuesday, Sept. 30 – LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning provides a wide range of tools for learners to develop professional skills, enhance learning experiences, and explore career opportunities.
- 9 a.m.–noon: Advancing Professional Growth and Digital Fluency (staff focused)
- Noon–1 p.m.: Faculty and staff panel discussion and lunch (morning and afternoon attendees are welcome)
- 1–4 p.m.: Empowering Digital Teaching and Learning (faculty focused)
Wednesday, Oct. 1 – VoiceThread
VoiceThread is a multimedia discussion tool that enables asynchronous conversations through video, audio and text.
- 9:30–10:45 a.m.: Pedagogical Overview: How VoiceThread Can Humanize Your Course
- 11 a.m.–noon: Instructor Spotlight: How Faculty Use VoiceThread
- Noon–1 p.m.: Lunch
- 1–2 p.m.: Hands-On Workshop 1: Getting Started with VoiceThread
- 2:15 –3:30 p.m.: Hands-On Workshop 2: Level Up Your VoiceThread: Pro Tips and Open Q&A
Thursday, Oct. 2 – Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 offers a suite of tools to enhance teaching, foster collaboration, and support student engagement. Educators can create flexible, engaging learning environments and streamline workflows.
- 9–11 a.m.: Unlocking Productivity with Microsoft Copilot
- Noon–12:45 p.m.: Microsoft 365 LTI for Canvas
- 12:45–1:45 p.m.: Lunch
- 2–3:30 p.m.: Building Intelligent Agents with Microsoft Copilot
Friday, Oct. 3 – Open Virtual 'Office Hours'
- 10 a.m.–noon: Participants will have the opportunity to drop in virtually to ask questions related to content presented during Learning Tools for Teaching Week. Attendees may also use this time to continue developing artifacts with support from Penn State professionals.
Faculty and staff are encouraged to attend any or all sessions that align with their interests. In-person attendance at the Dreamery is encouraged. A virtual option will be available to those located across the commonwealth.
Whether for teaching or exploring opportunities for personal or professional growth, each session will offer attendees opportunities to connect with peers, learn practical strategies, and unlock the full potential of Penn State’s learning technologies.
To learn more and to register, visit the Learning Tools for Teaching page in the Learning Resource Network.