The pervasiveness of AI-centered conversations has led us to more intentionally consider the role of emerging technologies in higher ed and in our classrooms. In this workshop, you’ll (re)discover the well-documented benefits that technology-enhanced education has on our students’ understanding of themselves as researchers and scholars, as well as the power of hands-on learning. The Open Lab @ Hillman, which houses VR Headsets, 3D Printers, and other cutting-edge tools, provides all Pitt instructors with the infrastructure and guidance they need to confidently integrate these tools as part of active-learning opportunities. In this session, Open Lab staff will showcase available equipment, discuss the value of aligning student-centered learning objectives with activities and/assessments supported by emerging technologies, and guide attendees through the process of planning a makerspace-enhanced lesson.

Workshop participants are expected to enroll in the Open Lab @ Canvas course before attending this session. Once enrolled, please complete the OL 101 Orientation Module (approximate time commitment ~15-30 minutes).

This workshop may be counted toward the Educational Technology concentration of the Achievement in Pedagogy Badge, offered through the Graduate Student Teaching Initiative. For more information, visit the Achievement in Pedagogy Badge website or contact tahelp@pitt.edu.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Assess the fit of emergent technologies in their course(s) curriculum
• Adopt a Maker Mindset as a way to frame challenges as opportunities for growth for their students
• Select an available tool and/or technology to support hands-on course-level learning objectives