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The UM3D Podcast

The UM3D Podcast

by UM3D

Season 2

The Checklist You Didn't Know You Needed

The Canvas Course Checklist "This is probably the easiest win you can give yourself." Ever logged into Canvas the day before the semester starts and wondered, did I update everything? You're not alone. In this episode, UM3D instructional designers Trish Lange and Sarah Marshall pull back the curtain on one of their most valuable — and underused — resources: the Canvas Course Checklist. From unpublished content and broken links to wrong due dates and accessibility compliance, updating a Canvas course isn't just one task — it's dozens of small ones. Trish and Sarah walk you through the checklist step by step, sharing practical tips on batch editing dates, checking links, making your course accessible, and using Student View to make sure everything is ready before your students arrive. Whether you're a seasoned Canvas user or just trying to survive the start of the semester, this episode is your roadmap to a confident, student-ready course from day one. Resources: Canvas Course Checklist Canvas Accessibility Canvas at the UofM Batch Edit Due Dates Canvas Link Validator Student View Canvas Studio: Embed Media Canvas Studio: Captions Canvas Digital Accessibility Guidance *Note: Since the recording of this episode, the Department of Justice has extended the compliance deadline for web accessibility from April 24, 2026 to April 24, 2027.

Season 1

Building a Culture of Academic Integrity in the Age of AI

In this episode of the UM3D Podcast, host Trish Lange sits down with Dr. Barrett Schwarz, Director of Academic Teaching and Learning Support at UM3D. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of academic integrity in higher education and how both faculty and students can navigate the gray areas created by new technologies like generative AI. From scaffolding assignments and designing authentic assessments to ethical concerns around surveillance tools, Dr. Schwarz offers practical strategies for building a culture of trust, responsibility, and student success. Resources: Generative AI: Sample Gen AI statement to include in your course syllabus Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy Academic Integrity: Academic Integrity Strategies Keep Integrity High

Raising the Bar on Accessibility: Sensus Access in Action

Sensus Access takes center stage in this episode as UM3D’s Dr. Sarah Kathryn Marshall and Dr. Lavonnie Perry Claybon unpack how this powerful self‑service tool is transforming digital accessibility at the University of Memphis. From converting scanned PDFs into searchable text to generating audiobooks, braille, e‑books, large‑print files, and even translated versions, the conversation highlights how Sensus Access removes barriers for students with disabilities andsupports diverse learning preferences across campus. With practical insights on how it works in Canvas, real‑world use cases, and a deeper look at its role in universal design for learning, this episode offers a compelling look at how one tool can make course materials more inclusive, flexible, and student‑centered. *Note: Since the recording of this episode, the Department of Justice has extended the compliance deadline for web accessibility from April 24, 2026 to April 24, 2027. Resource Links: SensusAccess Web Form (University of Memphis) https://sensusaccess.com/web3/memphisUpload course files and instantly convert them into accessible alternative formats. UM3D: Instructional Design & Accessibility Support https://www.memphis.edu/um3dConsultations, workshops, and resources for creating accessible, high‑quality learning materials. SensusAccess Main Website https://www.sensusaccess.comLearn more about the tool’s capabilities, supported formats, and documentation. CAST: Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Guidelines https://udlguidelines.cast.orgExplore the UDL framework that supports flexible, inclusive learning design. University of Memphis Accessibility Resources https://www.memphis.edu/accessibilityCampus-wide guidance on digital accessibility, compliance, and best practices.

Access for All: Designing Accessible Courses from Day One

In this episode of the UM3D Podcast, host Lavonnie Perry-Claybon sits down with Jaafar Al-Azaawi, Access Coordinator for Disability Resources for Students (DRS) at the University of Memphis, to unpack the critical difference between accessibility and accommodations in higher education. Jaafar walks faculty through the student accommodation request process, highlights key tools and resources available through DRS — including Sensus Access — and addresses common faculty concerns around workload and fairness. The conversation wraps up with practical, actionable strategies for designing accessible courses from day one. Whether you are new to accessibility or looking to strengthen your current practice, this episode reminds us that accessibility is smart design — and that faculty, DRS, and UM3D are all partners in making it happen. Resource Links: UofM Disability Resources for Students (DRS): https://memphis.edu/drs UM3D: https://memphis.edu/um3d Canvas Commons | M50 Template: https://lor.instructure.com/resources/37015d72712c4c3b94bf0abd1df81d73?shared Sensus Access: https://www.sensusaccess.com Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Guidelines: https://udlguidelines.cast.org *Note: Since the recording of this episode, the Department of Justice has extended the compliance deadline for web accessibility from April 24, 2026 to April 24, 2027.

Elevating Student Engagement: The Power of Perusall's Interactive Annotations

In "Elevating Student Engagement: The Power of Perusall's Interactive Annotations," we dive into the innovative world of social learning platforms with Dr. Steve Zanskas, Associate Dean and counseling professor at the University of Memphis. Tired of unopened textbooks and lifeless discussion boards? This episode reveals how Perusall revolutionizes student engagement through interactive annotation features that connect students with course content, peers, and instructors simultaneously. Dr. Zanskas shares his journey from Perusall novice to advocate, offering candid insights about implementation challenges, effective assignment design, and leveraging automated grading. Whether you're teaching asynchronous online courses or looking to enhance in-person instruction, you'll discover practical strategies for using Perusall's commenting, highlighting, and analytics tools to create meaningful learning experiences. This 20-minute conversation provides both the inspiration and practical know-how faculty need to transform passive reading into dynamic collaborative learning. Resource Links: UM3D - https://memphis.edu/um3d Perusall Official Website - https://www.perusall.com/ Perusall Knowledge Base - https://support.perusall.com/hc/en-us Perusall Support - https://app.perusall.com/support Perusall Community - https://www.perusall.com/perushall-community Perusall Academy – Webinar Training - https://www.perusall.com/academy Perusall YouTube Playlists - https://www.youtube.com/@perusallapp/playlists

Beyond the Blueprint: Transforming Course Design with the UM3D M50 Template

In this illuminating episode of the UM3D Podcast, host Lavonnie Perry Claybon sits down with Dr. Jason Sasser, clinical professor and Director of the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at the Loewenberg College of Nursing, who adapted UM3D’s M50 course design template specifically for the MSN program. The conversation explores how standardized course templates can be customized to meet discipline-specific needs while maintaining consistency across a program. Jason shares valuable insights about faculty adoption strategies, the importance of student feedback in the customization process, and the tangible improvements in student engagement and learning outcomes. This practical discussion offers key takeaways for instructional designers and faculty considering similar template adaptations, emphasizing consistency, structure, and student satisfaction as critical elements of successful online course design in higher education. Resource Links: UM3D: https://memphis.edu/um3d UM3D Course Design Resources: https://www.memphis.edu/um3d/coursedesign Loewenberg College of Nursing: https://memphis.edu/nursing Canvas Commons | M50 Template: https://lor.instructure.com/resources/37015d72712c4c3b94bf0abd1df81d73?shared 5E Model of Instruction: https://www.sdcoe.net/ngss/evidence-based-practices/5e-model-of-instruction

Countdown to Compliance: What Faculty Need to Know Before April 2026

"Countdown to Compliance: What Faculty Need to Know Before April 2026" In this essential episode of the UM3D podcast, host Lavonnie Perry Claybon and guest Amanda Rodino break down the upcoming digital accessibility requirements for higher education faculty before the April 2026 deadline. The conversation centers on practical implementation of the POUR principles—Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust—that guide digital accessibility standards. Faculty will learn actionable solutions including using built-in accessibility checkers in Canvas, creating proper alternative text for images, utilizing sans serif fonts, structuring documents with appropriate headings, and ensuring descriptive hyperlinks. The episode highlights three immediate action steps: running videos through Canvas Studio for captioning, using the Canvas accessibility checker, and reaching out to campus resources like DRS and UM3D for support. With tools like Sensus Access for PDF remediation and expert campus assistance available, faculty have everything they need to create accessible courses that benefit all students while meeting compliance requirements. *Note: Since the recording of this episode, the Department of Justice has extended the compliance deadline for web accessibility from April 24, 2026 to April 24, 2027. Resource Links: University of Memphis UM3D: https://memphis.edu/um3d University of Memphis DRS: https://www.memphis.edu/drs University of Memphis Office of Civil Rights Compliance: https://www.memphis.edu/ocrctix University of Memphis Libraries Accessibility: https://www.memphis.edu/libraries/accessibility CAST - UDL: https://www.cast.org University of Wasington DO-IT: https://doit.uw.edu National Center for Education Statistics: https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/cgg/students-with-disabilities

Creative, Collaborative Workspaces in the University: Meet McWherter's Makerspace

In this episode of the UM3D Podcast, we look into the world of creatorspaces and the hands-on innovation happening inside them. Our guest is Benjamin Clanton, head of the Sandbox creatorspace in the McWherter Library. Ben describes how tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines, audio/video studios, and vinyl cutters are empowering makers of all skill levels. Together, we discuss how faculty can integrate these technologies into their courses, giving students opportunities to design, experiment, and bring their ideas to life. Whether you’re faculty, a student, or just curious about the future of experiential learning, this conversation opens the door to what’s possible in a modern makerspace. The Sandbox https://www.memphis.edu/libraries/technology/ Sandbox Orientations & Workshops https://www.memphis.edu/libraries/technology/workshops.php

Demystifying LTI's in Canvas

In this engaging episode of the UM3D podcast, host Lavonnie Perry Claybon interviews Derek Hardaway, UM3D's assistant director of Academic Learning Support, to explore the often misunderstood world of Learning Tool Interoperability (LTI) tools in Canvas. Beyond just textbook integrations, Derek reveals how LTIs serve as powerful gateways to enhance online teaching and learning experiences at the University of Memphis. The conversation unpacks what LTIs actually are—external tools that connect directly to Canvas—and highlights versatile options beyond publishers' content, including Packback for AI-assisted discussions, Lucid for creating flowcharts, and Studio for video content. Derek emphasizes that university-vetted LTIs provide security benefits while saving faculty time through automated processes like gradebook setup. For faculty interested in exploring these tools, Derek directs listeners to memphis.edu/canvas where they can find approved LTIs and submit requests for new integrations through a formal vetting process that ensures tools are secure and beneficial for student learning. Resources o Canvas Integrations at UofM: https://www.memphis.edu/um3d/canvas/canvas_integrations.php o YouTube - Canvas Integrations: https://youtu.be/TLLSTzqcY1I?si=iAHbgWF5Ibco89-b o UM3D: https://memphis.edu/um3d

Design Thinking in the Age of Generative AI

In this episode of the UM3D Podcast, we explore how educators are using generative AI, not just behind the scenes, but as an active part of student learning. Dr. Andrew Tawfik, Assistant Professor of Instructional Design and Technology at the University of Memphis, shares how he designs assignments that challenge students to create, critique, and refine visuals using AI tools such as Adobe Firefly, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot. We discuss how AI can serve as a metacognitive partner in problem-solving, the evolving skill sets students need—like prompt engineering—and how to balance innovation with meaningful learning outcomes. UM3D AI Resources - Generative AI Resources for UofM Faculty Adobe Firefly – https://www.adobe.com/products/firefly.html Google Gemini – https://gemini.google.com Microsoft Copilot – https://copilot.microsoft.com Tawfik, A. A. – Faculty Page: University of Memphis, Instructional Design and Technology

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