Looking for the entire Professional Learning Calendar?
Visit https://apply.nscc.edu/portal/ProLearning.
Tuesday, March 25
2 pm
Community College Consortium for OER (CCCOER) presents: Defying Gravity or Flying Monkeys? A Librarian Panel About the Challenges and Opportunities of AI in OER
AI is transforming Open Education, but is it leading us toward progress or chaos? This librarian-led panel will question the opportunities, challenges, and impact AI presents for the Open community, tackling the overarching question, where does AI fit into OER? Join us for a discussion on the evolving role of AI in Open Education and what it means for the future of teaching and learning.
Moderator: Kathy Essmiller, Ph.D., Coordinator of OKState and OER Librarian, Oklahoma State University, Edmond, OK
Panelists: Frances Alvarado Albertorio, Ph.D. – Graduate Initiatives and Engagement Librarian, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK; Cristina Colquhoun, MS – Instructional Design and Online Learning Librarian, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK; Melissa Mallon, MLIS – Associate University Librarian for Teaching and Learning, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN; and Matthew Pierce, MLS – Lead Instruction Librarian, Germanna Community College, Fredericksburg, VA
Zoom Registration Link
Thursday, March 27
11 am
The Power of Collaboration: Integrating On-ground and Online Techniques
Webinar
Join Sage Publications for an insightful webinar where we delve into the essence of collaboration. We will explore the motivations behind why we collaborate, identify common obstacles, and highlight the numerous benefits of working together. Additionally, we will showcase real-world examples of classroom collaboration and discuss strategies to effectively replicate in-person collaboration in an online environment.
Presenters: Dr. Charlie Gonzalez and Dr. Regina Durante, Sage Faculty Partners
Register for this free webinar
Friday, March 28
9 am – 9:50 am
Teaching in 7-week Terms – Strategies for Success
Panel Discussion
Panelists: Doug Godwin, Jesmin Akther, Zach Mills, Michelle Bowen
Register for this panel discussion
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, March 28
9 am
TBR Accessibility Training Series
Effective Alternate Text
Presenter: Amie Nephew, TBR Director of Accessibility
Teams
Friday, March 28
10:30 am – 12 pm
From Blank Page to Masterpiece: AI-Powered Creative Exploration (writing, research, and creativity) – Zoom
AI is transforming the way we approach writing, research, and creative projects. This session dives deep into the world of AI writing assistants, research tools, and creative generators to support and supplement writing skills. You’ll learn how AI can enhance your writing, accelerate research, and spark new artistic ideas. Prepare to experiment with popular platforms and unleash your creativity with AI-powered tools.
Register to attend this session virtually
Zoom Passcode: AISession4
Friday, March 28
12 pm – 12:50 pm
The Importance of Mental Health (L,E,S,CRTP)
Presentation
This workshop is designed to spread awareness or mental health issues out students experience. The workshop also includes steps for supporting students’ mental health.
Presenter: Courtney Woodard, Student Resource Coordinator
Register for this presentation
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, March 28
1 – 1:50 pm
Hidden Potential: Brainwriting Workshop (L,E,S)
Workshop
This workshop explores how structured brainwriting can enhance student engagement, creativity, and assignment participation. Educators will learn to apply this technique in discussions, project planning, and essay development to encourage diverse thinking and reduce conformity bias in idea generation.
Presenters: Kurstin Bush, Asst. Prof. of Education and Teaching Center Fellow, and Robert Ladd, Asst. Professor and Teaching Center Fellow
Register for this workshop
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, April 4
9 am
TBR Accessibility Office Hours for TCATS and Community Colleges
Presenter: Amie Nephews, TBR Director of Accessibility
Teams
Friday, April 4
11:30 am
Unleash Panorama: How to Recognize and Remediate Accessibility Issues in D2L
Workshop
Improve the accessibility scores and design engaging content for all students by unlocking the powerful accessibility tools in your D2L Prime Courses. This workshop will review best practices for accessibility related to Microsoft products, as well as how to access Yuja Panorama in D2L, review your course accessibility score, identify how to use the alternative formats menu to enhance your options, and walk you through the common errors and quick fixes. With the guidance of our instructional designers, we will help you address the lowest rated documents in your course during this session to improve your overall accessibility score.
Who should attend? Course Leads, Maintainers, Faculty Leadership, and anyone motivated to learn more about accessibility in D2L.
Presenters: Dr. Jamie Edwards, Maryellen Nash, and Hannah Hurdle
Register for this workshop
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, April 4
12 pm
ATD Spring Webinar Series: Harnessing AI & OER for Authentic Learning – Webinar 1
Foundations: Exploring the Illusion of Learning with AI and Open Education as Pedagogy
Join your Tennessee colleagues as we kick off the webinar series by uncovering the critical role Generative AI tools and Open Educational Resources (OER) can play in promoting authentic student engagement and how to avoid common pitfalls such as superficial “illusions of learning.” In this foundational session, you’ll discover core capabilities (and limitations) of tools like ChatGPT and explore ways AI and OER can complement each other in meaningful ways. Together with peers, you’ll exchange practical insights, share real-world examples, and discuss how best to guide students beyond simply accessing information to truly processing and internalizing their learning.
Registration Link: https://achievingthedream-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oRri0UQNTi-ZshXW9Q-iw
Friday, April 4
1 – 1:50 pm
Hidden Potential: Using a Decision Matrix (L,S)
Workshop
This session introduces decision matrices to improve student problem-solving and critical thinking. Participants will explore traditional point-based matrices and interactive H5P branching scenarios, helping students make more informed choices in assignments such as thesis selection and project planning.
Presenters: Kurstin Bush, Asst. Prof. of Education and Teaching Center Fellow, and Robert Ladd, Asst. Professor and Teaching Center Fellow
Register for this workshop
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Tuesday, April 8
11 am
TBR High Impact Practices Connection Call
HIPs 501: Communicating About HIPs to Students, Staff, and External Partners
Presenters: Stuart Lenig (CoSCC), Sergei Markov (APSU), Angie Wood (ChSCC), Sharon Grigsby (CoSCC), and Iris Johnson (TSU)
Zoom
Friday, April 11
9 am -9:25 am
Follow-up Session for Implementing Old School Techniques into the Classroom
Open Forum
In this follow-up session, we will share our experiences implementing these strategies, discuss challenges, and explore ways to enhance effectiveness.
Moderators: Jessica Rabb, PhD, Professor of Biology and Piper Sesnan, OTD, OTR, Assistant Professor and NSCC OTA Program Director, Fellow Teaching Center
Register for this open forum
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, April 11
9 am
TBR Accessibility Office Hours for TCATS and Community Colleges
Presenter: Amie Nephews, TBR Director of Accessibility
Teams
Friday, April 11
10 am – 10:50 am
How We CARE for Our Students (L,S,CRTP)
Presentation
The workshop will cover the CARE referral process and provide examples of when to put in a referral.
Presenter: Courtney Woodard-Student Resource CoordinatorRegister for this presentation
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, April 11
11 am
TBR High Impact Practices Connection Call
HIPs 601: Implementing Technology Tools Across the Curriculum
Presenters: Parish Akin (SWTCC), Maria Smith (TCAT Dickson), and Brooks Ziegler (PSTCC)
Teams
Friday, April 11
12 – 12:50 pm
Hidden Potential: Imperfections and Discomfort Workshop (L,E,S)
Workshop
This workshop focuses on designing assignments that push students to embrace failure, take risks, and move beyond their comfort zones. Educators will learn how to integrate “productive discomfort” into coursework, fostering resilience and confidence in students’ learning processes.
Presenters: Kurstin Bush, Asst. Prof. of Education and Teaching Center Fellow, and Robert Ladd, Asst. Professor and Teaching Center Fellow
Register for this workshop
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, April 18
9 am – 10:15 am
It Might Get Better: Supporting LGBTQIA+ Students (L,E,A,D,S,CRTP)
Presentation
The intended audience for this presentation would be faculty and staff who are interested in learning more about how to support LGBTQIA+ students in their classrooms. Given the impact of anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation in Tennessee (and throughout the U.S.), it is imperative for allies of LGBTQIA+ students to understand the impact of a hostile political environment. Through the lens of trauma-informed principles, I offer faculty and staff a utilitarian framework for assisting LGBTQIA+ students both within and outside their classrooms.
Presenter: Dr. Shane A. McCoy, Instructor of English
Register for this presentation
Zoom Passcode Spring2025
Friday, April 18
9 am
TBR Accessibility Office Hours for TCATS and Community Colleges
Presenter: Amie Nephews, TBR Director of Accessibility
Teams
Friday, April 18
10:30 am – 12 pm
AI and Accessibility: Ensuring Inclusive Education in the AI Era – Zoom
AI has the potential to revolutionize education, but ensuring accessibility is paramount. This session explores how AI can empower all learners while identifying potential biases and barriers. We’ll delve into accessible design principles and frameworks, empowering you to ensure no student is left behind in the AI era. Engage in hands-on exercises, group discussions, and connect with peers to build a network for accessible and inclusive AI implementation.
Register to attend this session virtually
Zoom Passcode: AISession5
Friday, April 18
12 pm
ATD Spring Webinar Series: Harnessing AI & OER for Authentic Learning – Webinar 2
Practical Integration: Designing AI-Enhanced OER Assignments
In this interactive session, you’ll work alongside other Tennessee educators to dive deeply into designing assignments that thoughtfully integrate Generative AI into OER-based curricula and discover concrete strategies for developing learning activities that move students beyond passive consumption toward deeper critical thinking and reflection. Through hands-on activities and collaborative discussion, participants will explore innovative assignment ideas, address ethical considerations and academic integrity, and exchange practical approaches for ensuring access to AI tools. Participants will leave equipped with ready-to-use ideas and creative strategies for integrating AI meaningfully into learning environments.
Registration Link: https://achievingthedream-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_W1aJorpTSGWV73UHxilWg
Friday, April 18
1-1:50 pm
“I am what happens when you try to carve God out of the wood of your own hunger,” an Open Forum on AI and the Future of the Classroom. (L,S)
Open Forum
Is AI an inevitable extension of learning, a tool for innovation, or a force that threatens the foundations of critical thinking and creativity? Let’s discuss!
Moderators: Kurstin Bush, Asst. Prof. of Education and Teaching Center Fellow, and Robert Ladd, Asst. Professor and Teaching Center Fellow
Register for this open forum
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, April 25
9 am
TBR Accessibility Training Series
Accessibility in Math and Science
Presenter: Amie Nephew, TBR Director of Accessibility
Teams
Friday, April 25
10:30 am
Unleash Panorama: How to Recognize and Remediate Accessibility Issues in D2L
Workshop
Improve the accessibility scores and design engaging content for all students by unlocking the powerful accessibility tools in your D2L Prime Courses. This workshop will review best practices for accessibility related to Microsoft products, as well as how to access Yuja Panorama in D2L, review your course accessibility score, identify how to use the alternative formats menu to enhance your options, and walk you through the common errors and quick fixes. With the guidance of our instructional designers, we will help you address the lowest rated documents in your course during this session to improve your overall accessibility score.
Who should attend? Course Leads, Maintainers, Faculty Leadership, and anyone motivated to learn more about accessibility in D2L.
Presenters: Dr. Jamie Edwards, Maryellen Nash, and Hannah Hurdle
Register for this workshop
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, April 25
11 am
Engage, Empower, Educate: Revolutionizing Online Learning with Personalization & Interactive Assessments (L, S)
Presentation
This session is for educators of all levels.
Presenter: Roslyn Mize
Register for this presentation
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, May 2
9 am
TBR Accessibility Office Hours for TCATS and Community Colleges
Presenter: Amie Nephews, TBR Director of Accessibility
Teams
Friday, May 9
9 am
TBR Accessibility Office Hours for TCATS and Community Colleges
Presenter: Amie Nephews, TBR Director of Accessibility
Teams
Friday, May 2
12 pm
ATD Spring Webinar Series: Harnessing AI & OER for Authentic Learning – Webinar 3
Ensuring Authentic Learning in Open Education in an AI Era
Participants will conclude the series by collaborating with Tennessee colleagues to develop effective assessment and reflexive practices in AI-enabled learning environments. This session emphasizes authentic assessments designed to capture genuine student understanding—moving beyond surfacelevel AI outputs to true synthesis of knowledge and learning. Attendees will explore tools like e-portfolios and reflective journals, discuss strategies for fostering productive struggle and student agency, and brainstorm sustainable practices to continually refine OER and AI-enabled activities. By the end of this webinar, you will have engaged with assessment frameworks and actionable reflection techniques, while strengthened your network of peer educators committed to meaningful, authentic student learning.
Registration Link: https://achievingthedreamorg.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CN1zOwE_SjGXprQr9vQTfg
Friday, May 16
9 am
TBR Accessibility Office Hours for TCATS and Community Colleges
Presenter: Amie Nephews, TBR Director of Accessibility
Teams
Friday, May 23
9 am
TBR Accessibility Office Hours for TCATS and Community Colleges
Presenter: Amie Nephews, TBR Director of Accessibility
Teams
Friday, May 30
9 am
TBR Accessibility Training Series
OER Accessibility
Presenter: Amie Nephew, TBR Director of Accessibility
Teams
Friday, June 6
9 am
TBR Accessibility Office Hours for TCATS and Community Colleges
Presenter: Amie Nephews, TBR Director of Accessibility
Teams
Friday, June 13
9 am
TBR Accessibility Office Hours for TCATS and Community Colleges
Presenter: Amie Nephews, TBR Director of Accessibility
Teams
Friday, June 20
9 am
TBR Accessibility Office Hours for TCATS and Community Colleges
Presenter: Amie Nephews, TBR Director of Accessibility
Teams
Friday, June 27
9 am
TBR Accessibility Training Series
Social Media
Presenter: Amie Nephew, TBR Director of Accessibility
Teams
Friday, July 11
9 am
TBR Accessibility Office Hours for TCATS and Community Colleges
Presenter: Amie Nephews, TBR Director of Accessibility
Teams
Friday, July 18
9 am
TBR Accessibility Office Hours for TCATS and Community Colleges
Presenter: Amie Nephews, TBR Director of Accessibility
Teams
Friday, July 25
9 am
TBR Accessibility Office Hours for TCATS and Community Colleges
Presenter: Amie Nephews, TBR Director of Accessibility
Teams
Friday, August 1
9 am
TBR Accessibility Training Series
AI and Accessibility
Presenter: Amie Nephew, TBR Director of Accessibility
Teams