Group Work in Canvas (with AI agent coach for students)

This 90-minute workshop focuses on group assignments using Canvas. The workshop will cover the rationale for group work, a brief overview of options to scaffold group assignments to produce meaningful and productive collaborative learning. We will provide some basic technical help to set up Canvas for these purposes and to to support efficient administration of group work. We will also demonstrate the AI agent groupwork coach.

Getting Semester Ready on Canvas

This 1.5 -hour online workshop focuses on the basics of Canvas: navigation, building essential elements, organising content and site management.

Assessments and Canvas

This 90 minute introductory workshop focuses on setting up assessment groups and the basics of designing and building a Canvas assessment. The workshop includes an opportunity to work on your own assessment with support from an Educational Designer.  

Rubrics and Canvas (with Rubrics Assistant)

Join us for a 90 minute workshop which will reviewing and embedding your rubrics in Canvas so that you can take advantage of the efficiencies of SpeedGrader. We will look at the range of Canvas Rubric features for criteria weighting, setting up grade boundaries, providing feedback to students and how this translates to your Markbook. Introducing an AI rubric assistant!

Getting Semester Ready on Canvas

This 1.5 -hour online workshop focuses on the basics of Canvas: navigation, building essential elements, organising content and site management.

MPLF M01 - Principles of learning and teaching

This 2-hour session is part of Module 01 of the Modular Professional Learning Framework and will be delivered via Zoom.

The aim of this module is to explore factors that shape how students learn, and to think about how we might best facilitate this. The module covers a few key principles of learning drawn from the learning sciences and explores how these principles impact student learning. You'll then examine how these learning principles can be applied in the classroom and reflect on how your own experiences as a learner can help to better understand the principles and the perspectives of your students. 

For full module details visit: MPLF M01 - Principles of learning and teaching

To find out more about the Modular Professional Learning Framework and to enrol, visit the MPLF Canvas site.

MPLF M03 - Inclusivity and diversity

This 2-hour session is part of Module 03 of the Modular Professional Learning Framework and will be delivered via Zoom.

Inclusive teaching is about designing learning experiences that cater for all students, regardless of factors such ethnic background, social status, or gender. In this module, we will discuss the importance of inclusive teaching and some of the challenges we face as instructors when teaching the diverse student populations that make up our classes. We will cover examples of teaching practices and language that can isolate particular student populations and consider strategies we can use to avoid these practices in our own teaching context.

For full module details visit: MPLF M03 - Inclusivity and diversity

To find out more about the Modular Professional Learning Framework and to enrol, visit the MPLF Canvas site.

MPLF M04 - Curriculum design and constructive alignment

This 2-hour session is part of Module 04 of the Modular Professional Learning Framework and will be delivered via Zoom.

The aim of this module is to critically examine the design of our units and make sure that the assessments, teaching/learning activities, and learning outcomes are cohesively connected. We'll spend some time looking at the elements of 'constructive alignment' and the importance of making sure that we assess what we actually want students to learn, and design learning experiences in a way that helps students do this. We'll also lay out plans of our units so that we can see how to better align its various components.

For full module details visit: MPLF M04 - Curriculum design and constructive alignment

To find out more about the Modular Professional Learning Framework and to enrol, visit the MPLF Canvas site.

MPLF M05 - Assessment and feedback for learning (for unit coordinators)

This 2-hour session is part of Module 05 of the Modular Professional Learning Framework and will be delivered via Zoom. The aim of this module is to strengthen our approaches to understanding assessments and providing feedback to students. This version of M05 has been specifically designed for unit coordinators, lecturers, educational designers and anyone involved in the design and implementation of assessment and feedback for units of study. 

For full module details visit: MPLF M05 - Assessment and feedback for learning

To find out more about the Modular Professional Learning Framework and to enrol, visit the MPLF Canvas site.

MPLF M08 - Engaging students in lectures and large classes

This 2-hour session is part of Module 08 of the Modular Professional Learning Framework and will be run on Gadi (Camperdown/Darlington) campus, room to be confirmed.

In this module, you will investigate effective ways to construct your lectures, with a specific focus on how to design and incorporate active learning into your classroom. You will also explore how you can harness theories from the learning sciences to best facilitate the learning of your students in your context. You will even get a chance to put what you learn into practice by hacking some real lectures, transforming them into what you see as ideal learning experiences for your students.

For full module details visit: MPLF M08 - Engaging students in lectures and large classes

To find out more about the Modular Professional Learning Framework and to enrol, visit the MPLF Canvas site.

MPLF M18 - Career building

This 2-hour session is part of Module 18 of the Modular Professional Learning Framework and will be delivered via Zoom.

The aim of this module is to support academics in making strategic decisions and collecting impactful evidence to enhance the educational aspect of their careers and the educational quality of the institution. We will explore the pathways and choices that help to develop (and evidence!) educational excellence, hear tips from academics who have gone before us, and plan for our own development.

For full module details visit: MPLF M18 - Career building

To find out more about the Modular Professional Learning Framework and to enrol, visit the MPLF Canvas site.

MPLF M13 - Designing for blended and online learning

This 2-hour session is part of Module 13 of the Modular Professional Learning Framework and will be delivered via Zoom.

The aim of this module is to help us consider the design and use of online spaces, such as Canvas, in a more systematic and evidence-based way. We will consider the elements of good site design from our own, student, and evidence-based perspectives, and then formulate a design for effective online learning. On the way, we'll address ideas around structure and organisation, simple tools that can be used, as well as Universal Design for Learning principles to ensure that our learning designs will benefit all students.

For full module details visit: M13 - Designing for blended and online learning

To find out more about the Modular Professional Learning Framework and to enrol, visit the MPLF Canvas site.

MPLF M14 - Online tools for interactive and collaborative learning

This 2-hour session is part of Module 14 of the Modular Professional Learning Framework and will be delivered via Zoom.

This module aims to help you effectively seek out appropriate technology-based solutions to specific teaching and learning issues and apply them effectively in your context. You will explore how taking a considered approach to integrating online tools into your teaching and learning context lets you 1) draw on the capabilities that online tools can offer, 2) increase your chances of success and 3) build more opportunities for interactive and collaborative learning experiences into your teaching.

For full module details visit: M14 - Online tools for interactive and collaborative learning

To find out more about the Modular Professional Learning Framework and to enrol, visit the MPLF Canvas site.

MPLF M06 - Supporting student cohorts and teaching teams

This 2-hour session is part of Module 06 of the Modular Professional Learning Framework and will be delivered via Zoom.

The dual aims of this module are to develop your abilities to (i) support student cohorts (including larger cohorts, and those in transition to university study) and (ii) tutors, sessional staff, and other staff working with you.  We will cover a range of tools and resources that can help with understanding and supporting your cohort of learners, and plan achievable changes that can be made to improve their learning experience. We will also discuss key principles for supporting and managing staff, and consider how we can better communicate with and grow our teams. This module is useful for any unit coordinator, and particularly first year coordinators.

For full module details visit: MPLF M06 - Supporting student cohorts and teaching teams

To find out more about the Modular Professional Learning Framework and to enrol, visit the MPLF Canvas site.

MPLF M20 - Supporting diverse experiences in learning and teaching

This 2-hour session is part of Module 20 of the Modular Professional Learning Framework and will be delivered via Zoom.

The aim of this module is to equip educators with the skills to support learners to interact, collaborate and learn despite differences in cultural backgrounds, beliefs, ideologies, and opinions. This module will explore ways to build cultural awareness among teaching staff and students and examine how to ensure cultural differences become a source of richness in the classroom. You’ll explore case studies involving difficult conversations and plan for how to approach similar situations in your own learning and teaching context to transform them into important learning moments.

For full module details visit: MPLF M20 - Supporting diverse experiences in learning and teaching

To find out more about the Modular Professional Learning Framework and to enrol, visit the MPLF Canvas site.

MPLF M01 - Principles of learning and teaching

This 2-hour session is part of Module 01 of the Modular Professional Learning Framework and will be delivered via Zoom.

The aim of this module is to explore factors that shape how students learn, and to think about how we might best facilitate this. The module covers a few key principles of learning drawn from the learning sciences and explores how these principles impact student learning. You'll then examine how these learning principles can be applied in the classroom and reflect on how your own experiences as a learner can help to better understand the principles and the perspectives of your students. 

For full module details visit: MPLF M01 - Principles of learning and teaching

To find out more about the Modular Professional Learning Framework and to enrol, visit the MPLF Canvas site.

MPLF M03 - Inclusivity and diversity

This 2-hour session is part of Module 03 of the Modular Professional Learning Framework and will be delivered via Zoom.

Inclusive teaching is about designing learning experiences that cater for all students, regardless of factors such ethnic background, social status, or gender. In this module, we will discuss the importance of inclusive teaching and some of the challenges we face as instructors when teaching the diverse student populations that make up our classes. We will cover examples of teaching practices and language that can isolate particular student populations and consider strategies we can use to avoid these practices in our own teaching context.

For full module details visit: MPLF M03 - Inclusivity and diversity

To find out more about the Modular Professional Learning Framework and to enrol, visit the MPLF Canvas site.

MPLF M09 - Engaging students in small classes

This 2-hour session is part of Module 09 of the Modular Professional Learning Framework and will be delivered in person on Gadi (Camperdown/Darlington) campus - location to be confirmed.

In this practical and hands-on module, we'll look at the characteristics of an effective small class and run through practical approaches to encourage discussion, critical thought, and student engagement. A must for anyone teaching in tutorials, seminars, and other small-class environments.

For full module details visit: MPLF M09 - Engaging students in small classes

To find out more about the Modular Professional Learning Framework and to enrol, visit the MPLF Canvas site.

MPLF M05 - Assessment and feedback for learning (for tutors)

This 2-hour session is part of Module 05 of the Modular Professional Learning Framework and will be delivered via Zoom. The aim of this module is to strengthen our approaches to understanding assessments and providing feedback to students. This version of M05 has been specifically designed for tutors, demonstrators, and anyone involved in marking and providing feedback on student work. We will look at how and why we assess and give feedback to students, practice marking and giving feedback with rubrics, and explore what makes feedback most effective for students. 

For full module details visit: MPLF M05 - Assessment and feedback for learning

To find out more about the Modular Professional Learning Framework and to enrol, visit the MPLF Canvas site.

MPLF M17 - Designers' Community of Practice - Connections

Designers' Community of Practice - Connections is a community of practice for educational designers, educational support officers, and anyone interested in advancing learning design at the University. 

In this two-hour session, colleagues from across the University (please click through for more about our speakers) showcase their recent projects.

MPLF M17 - Designers' Community of Practice - Connections

Designers' Community of Practice - Connections is a community of practice for educational designers, educational support officers, and anyone interested in advancing learning design at the University. 

In this two-hour session, colleagues from across the University (please click through for more about our speakers) showcase their recent projects.

SEFP - Introductions to fellowship and transition to PSF 2023

Staff are supported to work through a process to identify the appropriate category of fellowship, and to start mapping their practice, experience and professional development (as well as any ‘gaps’ that need to be addressed) to the Professional Standards Framework 2023 (PSF 2023) at the appropriate descriptor.

SEFP - Introductions to fellowship and transition to PSF 2023

Staff are supported to work through a process to identify the appropriate category of fellowship, and to start mapping their practice, experience and professional development (as well as any ‘gaps’ that need to be addressed) to the Professional Standards Framework 2023 (PSF 2023) at the appropriate descriptor.

SEFP - Introductions to fellowship and transition to PSF 2023

Staff are supported to work through a process to identify the appropriate category of fellowship, and to start mapping their practice, experience and professional development (as well as any ‘gaps’ that need to be addressed) to the Professional Standards Framework 2023 (PSF 2023) at the appropriate descriptor.

SEFP - Introductions to fellowship and transition to PSF 2023

Staff are supported to work through a process to identify the appropriate category of fellowship, and to start mapping their practice, experience and professional development (as well as any ‘gaps’ that need to be addressed) to the Professional Standards Framework 2023 (PSF 2023) at the appropriate descriptor.

SEFP D1 & D2: Writing for Associate Fellowship and Fellowship (PSF 2023)

This workshop provides two hours of structured time for applicants submitting for AFHEA or FHEA recognition to work on their written application while asking questions on aspects related to writing, submission or assessment process.

SEFP D3: Writing for Senior Fellowship (PSF 2023)

This workshop provides two hours of structured time for applicants submitting for SFHEA recognition to work on their written application while asking questions on aspects related to writing, submission or assessment process.

SEFP D1 & D2: Writing for Associate Fellowship and Fellowship (PSF 2023)

This workshop provides two hours of structured time for applicants submitting for AFHEA or FHEA recognition to work on their written application while asking questions on aspects related to writing, submission or assessment process.

SEFP D3: Writing for Senior Fellowship (PSF 2023)

This workshop provides two hours of structured time for applicants submitting for SFHEA recognition to work on their written application while asking questions on aspects related to writing, submission or assessment process.

Group Work in Canvas (with AI agent coach for students)

This 90-minute workshop focuses on group assignments using Canvas. The workshop will cover the rationale for group work, a brief overview of options to scaffold group assignments to produce meaningful and productive collaborative learning. We will provide some basic technical help to set up Canvas for these purposes and to to support efficient administration of group work. We will also demonstrate the AI agent groupwork coach.

Early Feedback Task MCQs with AI MCQ assistant

Join us for a 1 hour workshop where we will review the purpose and nature of the Early Feedback Task. We will briefly examine Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) for learning and some guidelines for writing quality MCQs before we jump into using the Cogniti MCQ assistant. You will have time to practice using the agent to produce questions specifically for your teaching area.

Introduction to Cogniti - an AI that teachers can steer

Cogniti is a new generative AI tool that lets teachers build custom chatbot agents that can be given specific instructions, and specific resources, to assist student learning in context-sensitive ways. Developed here at the University of Sydney, Cogniti allows you to create steerable and accurate agents powered by generative AI. This workshop will introduce you to Cogniti and how it might help support your teaching and assessments. Through hands-on practice with the platform, you'll easily build a custom AI agent for teaching that can behave how you need it to.

Find out more about Cogniti at https://cogniti.ai/ 

[ALMOST FULL] 2025 AI in Higher Education Symposium

Over the last two years, more and more educators are incorporating generative AI productively and responsibly to support student learning. At this national symposium, we invite educators from higher education institutions across Australia and New Zealand to share their creative and authentic uses of generative AI to improve teaching, learning, assessment, and curriculum. By collaborating and sharing practice, we can respond and innovate more quickly to the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in higher education.

For more information, see https://educational-innovation.sydney.edu.au/teaching@sydney/2025-ai-in-higher-education-symposium/

Introduction to Cogniti - an AI that teachers can steer

Cogniti is a new generative AI tool that lets teachers build custom chatbot agents that can be given specific instructions, and specific resources, to assist student learning in context-sensitive ways. Developed here at the University of Sydney, Cogniti allows you to create steerable and accurate agents powered by generative AI. This workshop will introduce you to Cogniti and how it might help support your teaching and assessments. Through hands-on practice with the platform, you'll easily build a custom AI agent for teaching that can behave how you need it to.

Find out more about Cogniti at https://cogniti.ai/ 

Introduction to Cogniti - an AI that teachers can steer

Cogniti is a new generative AI tool that lets teachers build custom chatbot agents that can be given specific instructions, and specific resources, to assist student learning in context-sensitive ways. Developed here at the University of Sydney, Cogniti allows you to create steerable and accurate agents powered by generative AI. This workshop will introduce you to Cogniti and how it might help support your teaching and assessments. Through hands-on practice with the platform, you'll easily build a custom AI agent for teaching that can behave how you need it to.

Find out more about Cogniti at https://cogniti.ai/ 

Assessments and Canvas

This 90 minute introductory workshop focuses on setting up assessment groups and the basics of designing and building a Canvas assessment. The workshop includes an opportunity to work on your own assessment with support from an Educational Designer.  

Early Feedback Task MCQs with AI MCQ assistant

Join us for a 1 hour workshop where we will review the purpose and nature of the Early Feedback Task. We will briefly examine Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) for learning and some guidelines for writing quality MCQs before we jump into using the Cogniti MCQ assistant. You will have time to practice using the agent to produce questions specifically for your teaching area.

MPLF M05 - Assessment and feedback for learning (for unit coordinators)

This 2-hour session is part of Module 05 of the Modular Professional Learning Framework and will be delivered via Zoom. The aim of this module is to strengthen our approaches to understanding assessments and providing feedback to students. This version of M05 has been specifically designed for unit coordinators, lecturers, educational designers and anyone involved in the design and implementation of assessment and feedback for units of study. 

For full module details visit: MPLF M05 - Assessment and feedback for learning

To find out more about the Modular Professional Learning Framework and to enrol, visit the MPLF Canvas site.

SRES for Early Feedback Tasks (Support for Students Policy)

If you’re coordinating a 1000 or 2000-level unit in 2025, come along to this session to learn how to personalise and send communications using the Student Relationship Engagement System (SRES)  in line with the University’s Student Support Policy (2023).

SRES for Early Feedback Tasks (Support for Students Policy)

If you’re coordinating a 1000 or 2000-level unit in 2025, come along to this session to learn how to personalise and send communications using the Student Relationship Engagement System (SRES)  in line with the University’s Student Support Policy (2023).

SRES for Early Feedback Tasks (Support for Students Policy)

If you’re coordinating a 1000 or 2000-level unit in 2025, come along to this session to learn how to personalise and send communications using the Student Relationship Engagement System (SRES)  in line with the University’s Student Support Policy (2023).

MPLF M05 - Assessment and feedback for learning (for tutors)

This 2-hour session is part of Module 05 of the Modular Professional Learning Framework and will be delivered via Zoom. The aim of this module is to strengthen our approaches to understanding assessments and providing feedback to students. This version of M05 has been specifically designed for tutors, demonstrators, and anyone involved in marking and providing feedback on student work. We will look at how and why we assess and give feedback to students, practice marking and giving feedback with rubrics, and explore what makes feedback most effective for students. 

For full module details visit: MPLF M05 - Assessment and feedback for learning

To find out more about the Modular Professional Learning Framework and to enrol, visit the MPLF Canvas site.

SRES for intermediate users

The SRES is a system built by academics at the University of Sydney to help other academics personalise student learning and support. This workshop is for existing or intermediate users, and will show you creative and efficient ways to address common teaching and learning challenges using various SRES features. You will see practical examples of what colleagues have done to improve and personalise teaching, build better relationships, and improve engagement, and also have a chance to have guided hands-on experience in setting some of these up.

Read more about the SRES, or register here.

SRES for Early Feedback Tasks (Support for Students Policy)

If you’re coordinating a 1000 or 2000-level unit in 2025, come along to this session to learn how to personalise and send communications using the Student Relationship Engagement System (SRES)  in line with the University’s Student Support Policy (2023).

SRES for beginners - Getting started with personalisation

The SRES is a system built by academics at the University of Sydney to help other academics personalise student learning and support. This workshop is for new or beginner users of the tool, and will give you guided hands-on experience in setting it up and using it in your unit of study.

Read more about the SRES, or register here.

SRES for intermediate users

The SRES is a system built by academics at the University of Sydney to help other academics personalise student learning and support. This workshop is for existing or intermediate users, and will show you creative and efficient ways to address common teaching and learning challenges using various SRES features. You will see practical examples of what colleagues have done to improve and personalise teaching, build better relationships, and improve engagement, and also have a chance to have guided hands-on experience in setting some of these up.

Read more about the SRES, or register here.

SRES for Early Feedback Tasks (Support for Students Policy)

If you’re coordinating a 1000 or 2000-level unit in 2025, come along to this session to learn how to personalise and send communications using the Student Relationship Engagement System (SRES)  in line with the University’s Student Support Policy (2023).

SRES for Early Feedback Tasks (Support for Students Policy)

If you’re coordinating a 1000 or 2000-level unit in 2025, come along to this session to learn how to personalise and send communications using the Student Relationship Engagement System (SRES)  in line with the University’s Student Support Policy (2023).

Early Feedback Task MCQs with AI MCQ assistant

Join us for a 1 hour workshop where we will review the purpose and nature of the Early Feedback Task. We will briefly examine Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) for learning and some guidelines for writing quality MCQs before we jump into using the Cogniti MCQ assistant. You will have time to practice using the agent to produce questions specifically for your teaching area.

SRES for Early Feedback Tasks (Support for Students Policy)

If you’re coordinating a 1000 or 2000-level unit in 2025, come along to this session to learn how to personalise and send communications using the Student Relationship Engagement System (SRES)  in line with the University’s Student Support Policy (2023).

SRES for Early Feedback Tasks (Support for Students Policy)

If you’re coordinating a 1000 or 2000-level unit in 2025, come along to this session to learn how to personalise and send communications using the Student Relationship Engagement System (SRES)  in line with the University’s Student Support Policy (2023).

SRES for Early Feedback Tasks (Support for Students Policy)

If you’re coordinating a 1000 or 2000-level unit in 2025, come along to this session to learn how to personalise and send communications using the Student Relationship Engagement System (SRES)  in line with the University’s Student Support Policy (2023).

Introduction to Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Join us for a 70-minute workshop (with additional 20 minutes Q&A) where we explore the CAST Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework.

Introduction to Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Join us for a 70-minute workshop (with additional 20 minutes Q&A) where we explore the CAST Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework.

DIY Recording Booth Face to Face Orientation Session

The orientation is a 1.5-hour interactive workshop aimed at introducing you to recording, editing and publishing videos in the DIY Recording Booth.

DIY Recording Booth Face to Face Orientation Session

The orientation is a 1.5-hour interactive workshop aimed at introducing you to recording, editing and publishing videos in the DIY Recording Booth.

DIY Recording Booth Face to Face Orientation Session

The orientation is a 1.5-hour interactive workshop aimed at introducing you to recording, editing and publishing videos in the DIY Recording Booth.

SEAMS for professional staff

This workshop is for professional staff who use and/or support academic staff with SEAMS. You’ll look at how to use SEAMS with Faculty access role access

Introduction to Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Join us for a 70-minute workshop (with additional 20 minutes Q&A) where we explore the CAST Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework.

Group Work in Canvas (with AI agent coach for students)

This 90-minute workshop focuses on group assignments using Canvas. The workshop will cover the rationale for group work, a brief overview of options to scaffold group assignments to produce meaningful and productive collaborative learning. We will provide some basic technical help to set up Canvas for these purposes and to to support efficient administration of group work. We will also demonstrate the AI agent groupwork coach.

Getting Semester Ready on Canvas

This 1.5 -hour online workshop focuses on the basics of Canvas: navigation, building essential elements, organising content and site management.

Assessments and Canvas

This 90 minute introductory workshop focuses on setting up assessment groups and the basics of designing and building a Canvas assessment. The workshop includes an opportunity to work on your own assessment with support from an Educational Designer.  

Rubrics and Canvas (with Rubrics Assistant)

Join us for a 90 minute workshop which will reviewing and embedding your rubrics in Canvas so that you can take advantage of the efficiencies of SpeedGrader. We will look at the range of Canvas Rubric features for criteria weighting, setting up grade boundaries, providing feedback to students and how this translates to your Markbook. Introducing an AI rubric assistant!

Early Feedback Task MCQs with AI MCQ assistant

Join us for a 1 hour workshop where we will review the purpose and nature of the Early Feedback Task. We will briefly examine Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) for learning and some guidelines for writing quality MCQs before we jump into using the Cogniti MCQ assistant. You will have time to practice using the agent to produce questions specifically for your teaching area.

Introduction to Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Join us for a 70-minute workshop (with additional 20 minutes Q&A) where we explore the CAST Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework.

SEAMS for professional staff

This workshop is for professional staff who use and/or support academic staff with SEAMS. You’ll look at how to use SEAMS with Faculty access role access

Using lecterns effectively

This workshop is designed to take a closer look at the equipment available on a standard University of Sydney lectern. We will discuss how to use the lectern's setup and give you a chance to practice in a safe and supportive environment. We envisage the session will take 60 min but have an extra 30 min set aside to practice if you would like to stay on longer.  

Introduction to Cogniti - an AI that teachers can steer

Cogniti is a new generative AI tool that lets teachers build custom chatbot agents that can be given specific instructions, and specific resources, to assist student learning in context-sensitive ways. Developed here at the University of Sydney, Cogniti allows you to create steerable and accurate agents powered by generative AI. This workshop will introduce you to Cogniti and how it might help support your teaching and assessments. Through hands-on practice with the platform, you'll easily build a custom AI agent for teaching that can behave how you need it to.

Find out more about Cogniti at https://cogniti.ai/ 

[ALMOST FULL] 2025 AI in Higher Education Symposium

Over the last two years, more and more educators are incorporating generative AI productively and responsibly to support student learning. At this national symposium, we invite educators from higher education institutions across Australia and New Zealand to share their creative and authentic uses of generative AI to improve teaching, learning, assessment, and curriculum. By collaborating and sharing practice, we can respond and innovate more quickly to the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in higher education.

For more information, see https://educational-innovation.sydney.edu.au/teaching@sydney/2025-ai-in-higher-education-symposium/

MPLF M01 - Principles of learning and teaching

This 2-hour session is part of Module 01 of the Modular Professional Learning Framework and will be delivered via Zoom.

The aim of this module is to explore factors that shape how students learn, and to think about how we might best facilitate this. The module covers a few key principles of learning drawn from the learning sciences and explores how these principles impact student learning. You'll then examine how these learning principles can be applied in the classroom and reflect on how your own experiences as a learner can help to better understand the principles and the perspectives of your students. 

For full module details visit: MPLF M01 - Principles of learning and teaching

To find out more about the Modular Professional Learning Framework and to enrol, visit the MPLF Canvas site.

Introduction to Cogniti - an AI that teachers can steer

Cogniti is a new generative AI tool that lets teachers build custom chatbot agents that can be given specific instructions, and specific resources, to assist student learning in context-sensitive ways. Developed here at the University of Sydney, Cogniti allows you to create steerable and accurate agents powered by generative AI. This workshop will introduce you to Cogniti and how it might help support your teaching and assessments. Through hands-on practice with the platform, you'll easily build a custom AI agent for teaching that can behave how you need it to.

Find out more about Cogniti at https://cogniti.ai/ 

MPLF M03 - Inclusivity and diversity

This 2-hour session is part of Module 03 of the Modular Professional Learning Framework and will be delivered via Zoom.

Inclusive teaching is about designing learning experiences that cater for all students, regardless of factors such ethnic background, social status, or gender. In this module, we will discuss the importance of inclusive teaching and some of the challenges we face as instructors when teaching the diverse student populations that make up our classes. We will cover examples of teaching practices and language that can isolate particular student populations and consider strategies we can use to avoid these practices in our own teaching context.

For full module details visit: MPLF M03 - Inclusivity and diversity

To find out more about the Modular Professional Learning Framework and to enrol, visit the MPLF Canvas site.

MPLF M04 - Curriculum design and constructive alignment

This 2-hour session is part of Module 04 of the Modular Professional Learning Framework and will be delivered via Zoom.

The aim of this module is to critically examine the design of our units and make sure that the assessments, teaching/learning activities, and learning outcomes are cohesively connected. We'll spend some time looking at the elements of 'constructive alignment' and the importance of making sure that we assess what we actually want students to learn, and design learning experiences in a way that helps students do this. We'll also lay out plans of our units so that we can see how to better align its various components.

For full module details visit: MPLF M04 - Curriculum design and constructive alignment

To find out more about the Modular Professional Learning Framework and to enrol, visit the MPLF Canvas site.

DIY Recording Booth Face to Face Orientation Session

The orientation is a 1.5-hour interactive workshop aimed at introducing you to recording, editing and publishing videos in the DIY Recording Booth.

MPLF M05 - Assessment and feedback for learning (for unit coordinators)

This 2-hour session is part of Module 05 of the Modular Professional Learning Framework and will be delivered via Zoom. The aim of this module is to strengthen our approaches to understanding assessments and providing feedback to students. This version of M05 has been specifically designed for unit coordinators, lecturers, educational designers and anyone involved in the design and implementation of assessment and feedback for units of study. 

For full module details visit: MPLF M05 - Assessment and feedback for learning

To find out more about the Modular Professional Learning Framework and to enrol, visit the MPLF Canvas site.

MPLF M08 - Engaging students in lectures and large classes

This 2-hour session is part of Module 08 of the Modular Professional Learning Framework and will be run on Gadi (Camperdown/Darlington) campus, room to be confirmed.

In this module, you will investigate effective ways to construct your lectures, with a specific focus on how to design and incorporate active learning into your classroom. You will also explore how you can harness theories from the learning sciences to best facilitate the learning of your students in your context. You will even get a chance to put what you learn into practice by hacking some real lectures, transforming them into what you see as ideal learning experiences for your students.

For full module details visit: MPLF M08 - Engaging students in lectures and large classes

To find out more about the Modular Professional Learning Framework and to enrol, visit the MPLF Canvas site.

MPLF M18 - Career building

This 2-hour session is part of Module 18 of the Modular Professional Learning Framework and will be delivered via Zoom.

The aim of this module is to support academics in making strategic decisions and collecting impactful evidence to enhance the educational aspect of their careers and the educational quality of the institution. We will explore the pathways and choices that help to develop (and evidence!) educational excellence, hear tips from academics who have gone before us, and plan for our own development.

For full module details visit: MPLF M18 - Career building

To find out more about the Modular Professional Learning Framework and to enrol, visit the MPLF Canvas site.

Getting Semester Ready on Canvas

This 1.5 -hour online workshop focuses on the basics of Canvas: navigation, building essential elements, organising content and site management.

MPLF M13 - Designing for blended and online learning

This 2-hour session is part of Module 13 of the Modular Professional Learning Framework and will be delivered via Zoom.

The aim of this module is to help us consider the design and use of online spaces, such as Canvas, in a more systematic and evidence-based way. We will consider the elements of good site design from our own, student, and evidence-based perspectives, and then formulate a design for effective online learning. On the way, we'll address ideas around structure and organisation, simple tools that can be used, as well as Universal Design for Learning principles to ensure that our learning designs will benefit all students.

For full module details visit: M13 - Designing for blended and online learning

To find out more about the Modular Professional Learning Framework and to enrol, visit the MPLF Canvas site.

SRES for intermediate users

The SRES is a system built by academics at the University of Sydney to help other academics personalise student learning and support. This workshop is for existing or intermediate users, and will show you creative and efficient ways to address common teaching and learning challenges using various SRES features. You will see practical examples of what colleagues have done to improve and personalise teaching, build better relationships, and improve engagement, and also have a chance to have guided hands-on experience in setting some of these up.

Read more about the SRES, or register here.

MPLF M14 - Online tools for interactive and collaborative learning

This 2-hour session is part of Module 14 of the Modular Professional Learning Framework and will be delivered via Zoom.

This module aims to help you effectively seek out appropriate technology-based solutions to specific teaching and learning issues and apply them effectively in your context. You will explore how taking a considered approach to integrating online tools into your teaching and learning context lets you 1) draw on the capabilities that online tools can offer, 2) increase your chances of success and 3) build more opportunities for interactive and collaborative learning experiences into your teaching.

For full module details visit: M14 - Online tools for interactive and collaborative learning

To find out more about the Modular Professional Learning Framework and to enrol, visit the MPLF Canvas site.

MPLF M06 - Supporting student cohorts and teaching teams

This 2-hour session is part of Module 06 of the Modular Professional Learning Framework and will be delivered via Zoom.

The dual aims of this module are to develop your abilities to (i) support student cohorts (including larger cohorts, and those in transition to university study) and (ii) tutors, sessional staff, and other staff working with you.  We will cover a range of tools and resources that can help with understanding and supporting your cohort of learners, and plan achievable changes that can be made to improve their learning experience. We will also discuss key principles for supporting and managing staff, and consider how we can better communicate with and grow our teams. This module is useful for any unit coordinator, and particularly first year coordinators.

For full module details visit: MPLF M06 - Supporting student cohorts and teaching teams

To find out more about the Modular Professional Learning Framework and to enrol, visit the MPLF Canvas site.

SRES for Early Feedback Tasks (Support for Students Policy)

If you’re coordinating a 1000 or 2000-level unit in 2025, come along to this session to learn how to personalise and send communications using the Student Relationship Engagement System (SRES)  in line with the University’s Student Support Policy (2023).

Using lecterns effectively

This workshop is designed to take a closer look at the equipment available on a standard University of Sydney lectern. We will discuss how to use the lectern's setup and give you a chance to practice in a safe and supportive environment. We envisage the session will take 60 min but have an extra 30 min set aside to practice if you would like to stay on longer.  

MPLF M20 - Supporting diverse experiences in learning and teaching

This 2-hour session is part of Module 20 of the Modular Professional Learning Framework and will be delivered via Zoom.

The aim of this module is to equip educators with the skills to support learners to interact, collaborate and learn despite differences in cultural backgrounds, beliefs, ideologies, and opinions. This module will explore ways to build cultural awareness among teaching staff and students and examine how to ensure cultural differences become a source of richness in the classroom. You’ll explore case studies involving difficult conversations and plan for how to approach similar situations in your own learning and teaching context to transform them into important learning moments.

For full module details visit: MPLF M20 - Supporting diverse experiences in learning and teaching

To find out more about the Modular Professional Learning Framework and to enrol, visit the MPLF Canvas site.

SRES for beginners - Getting started with personalisation

The SRES is a system built by academics at the University of Sydney to help other academics personalise student learning and support. This workshop is for new or beginner users of the tool, and will give you guided hands-on experience in setting it up and using it in your unit of study.

Read more about the SRES, or register here.

Introduction to Cogniti - an AI that teachers can steer

Cogniti is a new generative AI tool that lets teachers build custom chatbot agents that can be given specific instructions, and specific resources, to assist student learning in context-sensitive ways. Developed here at the University of Sydney, Cogniti allows you to create steerable and accurate agents powered by generative AI. This workshop will introduce you to Cogniti and how it might help support your teaching and assessments. Through hands-on practice with the platform, you'll easily build a custom AI agent for teaching that can behave how you need it to.

Find out more about Cogniti at https://cogniti.ai/ 

SRES for intermediate users

The SRES is a system built by academics at the University of Sydney to help other academics personalise student learning and support. This workshop is for existing or intermediate users, and will show you creative and efficient ways to address common teaching and learning challenges using various SRES features. You will see practical examples of what colleagues have done to improve and personalise teaching, build better relationships, and improve engagement, and also have a chance to have guided hands-on experience in setting some of these up.

Read more about the SRES, or register here.

SRES for Early Feedback Tasks (Support for Students Policy)

If you’re coordinating a 1000 or 2000-level unit in 2025, come along to this session to learn how to personalise and send communications using the Student Relationship Engagement System (SRES)  in line with the University’s Student Support Policy (2023).

SEFP - Introductions to fellowship and transition to PSF 2023

Staff are supported to work through a process to identify the appropriate category of fellowship, and to start mapping their practice, experience and professional development (as well as any ‘gaps’ that need to be addressed) to the Professional Standards Framework 2023 (PSF 2023) at the appropriate descriptor.

SRES for Early Feedback Tasks (Support for Students Policy)

If you’re coordinating a 1000 or 2000-level unit in 2025, come along to this session to learn how to personalise and send communications using the Student Relationship Engagement System (SRES)  in line with the University’s Student Support Policy (2023).

MPLF M01 - Principles of learning and teaching

This 2-hour session is part of Module 01 of the Modular Professional Learning Framework and will be delivered via Zoom.

The aim of this module is to explore factors that shape how students learn, and to think about how we might best facilitate this. The module covers a few key principles of learning drawn from the learning sciences and explores how these principles impact student learning. You'll then examine how these learning principles can be applied in the classroom and reflect on how your own experiences as a learner can help to better understand the principles and the perspectives of your students. 

For full module details visit: MPLF M01 - Principles of learning and teaching

To find out more about the Modular Professional Learning Framework and to enrol, visit the MPLF Canvas site.

SEFP - Introductions to fellowship and transition to PSF 2023

Staff are supported to work through a process to identify the appropriate category of fellowship, and to start mapping their practice, experience and professional development (as well as any ‘gaps’ that need to be addressed) to the Professional Standards Framework 2023 (PSF 2023) at the appropriate descriptor.

MPLF M03 - Inclusivity and diversity

This 2-hour session is part of Module 03 of the Modular Professional Learning Framework and will be delivered via Zoom.

Inclusive teaching is about designing learning experiences that cater for all students, regardless of factors such ethnic background, social status, or gender. In this module, we will discuss the importance of inclusive teaching and some of the challenges we face as instructors when teaching the diverse student populations that make up our classes. We will cover examples of teaching practices and language that can isolate particular student populations and consider strategies we can use to avoid these practices in our own teaching context.

For full module details visit: MPLF M03 - Inclusivity and diversity

To find out more about the Modular Professional Learning Framework and to enrol, visit the MPLF Canvas site.

Using lecterns effectively

This workshop is designed to take a closer look at the equipment available on a standard University of Sydney lectern. We will discuss how to use the lectern's setup and give you a chance to practice in a safe and supportive environment. We envisage the session will take 60 min but have an extra 30 min set aside to practice if you would like to stay on longer.  

MPLF M09 - Engaging students in small classes

This 2-hour session is part of Module 09 of the Modular Professional Learning Framework and will be delivered in person on Gadi (Camperdown/Darlington) campus - location to be confirmed.

In this practical and hands-on module, we'll look at the characteristics of an effective small class and run through practical approaches to encourage discussion, critical thought, and student engagement. A must for anyone teaching in tutorials, seminars, and other small-class environments.

For full module details visit: MPLF M09 - Engaging students in small classes

To find out more about the Modular Professional Learning Framework and to enrol, visit the MPLF Canvas site.

SEFP - Introductions to fellowship and transition to PSF 2023

Staff are supported to work through a process to identify the appropriate category of fellowship, and to start mapping their practice, experience and professional development (as well as any ‘gaps’ that need to be addressed) to the Professional Standards Framework 2023 (PSF 2023) at the appropriate descriptor.

DIY Recording Booth Face to Face Orientation Session

The orientation is a 1.5-hour interactive workshop aimed at introducing you to recording, editing and publishing videos in the DIY Recording Booth.

DIY Recording Booth Face to Face Orientation Session

The orientation is a 1.5-hour interactive workshop aimed at introducing you to recording, editing and publishing videos in the DIY Recording Booth.

MPLF M05 - Assessment and feedback for learning (for tutors)

This 2-hour session is part of Module 05 of the Modular Professional Learning Framework and will be delivered via Zoom. The aim of this module is to strengthen our approaches to understanding assessments and providing feedback to students. This version of M05 has been specifically designed for tutors, demonstrators, and anyone involved in marking and providing feedback on student work. We will look at how and why we assess and give feedback to students, practice marking and giving feedback with rubrics, and explore what makes feedback most effective for students. 

For full module details visit: MPLF M05 - Assessment and feedback for learning

To find out more about the Modular Professional Learning Framework and to enrol, visit the MPLF Canvas site.

SEFP - Introductions to fellowship and transition to PSF 2023

Staff are supported to work through a process to identify the appropriate category of fellowship, and to start mapping their practice, experience and professional development (as well as any ‘gaps’ that need to be addressed) to the Professional Standards Framework 2023 (PSF 2023) at the appropriate descriptor.

MPLF M17 - Designers' Community of Practice - Connections

Designers' Community of Practice - Connections is a community of practice for educational designers, educational support officers, and anyone interested in advancing learning design at the University. 

In this two-hour session, colleagues from across the University (please click through for more about our speakers) showcase their recent projects.

SEFP D1 & D2: Writing for Associate Fellowship and Fellowship (PSF 2023)

This workshop provides two hours of structured time for applicants submitting for AFHEA or FHEA recognition to work on their written application while asking questions on aspects related to writing, submission or assessment process.

SEFP D3: Writing for Senior Fellowship (PSF 2023)

This workshop provides two hours of structured time for applicants submitting for SFHEA recognition to work on their written application while asking questions on aspects related to writing, submission or assessment process.

SEFP D1 & D2: Writing for Associate Fellowship and Fellowship (PSF 2023)

This workshop provides two hours of structured time for applicants submitting for AFHEA or FHEA recognition to work on their written application while asking questions on aspects related to writing, submission or assessment process.

SEFP D3: Writing for Senior Fellowship (PSF 2023)

This workshop provides two hours of structured time for applicants submitting for SFHEA recognition to work on their written application while asking questions on aspects related to writing, submission or assessment process.

MPLF M17 - Designers' Community of Practice - Connections

Designers' Community of Practice - Connections is a community of practice for educational designers, educational support officers, and anyone interested in advancing learning design at the University. 

In this two-hour session, colleagues from across the University (please click through for more about our speakers) showcase their recent projects.