Category: Instructional Design News
We Heard You! Services and Support You Requested
Posted January 20, 2026
Thank you to everyone who responded to our recent campus survey about what you need from us! We can’t do our work without hearing from you. We received some great ideas, which are being funneled into the appropriate channels for […]
Create Your Own Open Course Materials
Posted January 14, 2026
Join this virtual workshop to learn about Pressbooks, a platform for publishing ebooks, textbooks, white papers, reports and openly licensed materials. […]
Get Help Converting Files into Accessible Formats in Canvas
Posted January 13, 2026
It’s now easier to convert PDFs and other files into more accessible formats—directly in Canvas! We’ve integrated SensusAccess into Canvas to support the digital accessibility of course materials as JMU works toward meeting its Title II goals. What is SensusAccess? SensusAccess is a document conversion tool that transforms files into alternative formats. For example, it can […]
JMU Instructional Designers Contribute to Award-Winning Book
Posted December 10, 2025
Nicole Wilson and Elaine Kaye, instructional designers in JMU Libraries, recently received international recognition for their work. They co-authored a chapter in a book that has earned an award for excellence in open education. The book, Pedagogy Opened: Innovative Theory […]
Gradescope & Bubble Sheet Info Sessions for JMU Faculty
Posted December 8, 2025
Join one of our info sessions for a comprehensive introduction to using Gradescope and Bubble Sheet at JMU. Gradescope is a powerful assessment platform available to JMU instructors, and Bubble Sheet is one aspect of this platform. Gradescope can improve feedback quality and […]
Office Hours and Workshops on Digital Accessibility
Posted December 4, 2025
We’re offering personalized office hours and interactive workshops to help JMU faculty improve the digital accessibility of their course materials: Can’t attend? You can also: Why does digital accessibility matter? Recent updates to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act […]
6 Ways We Can Help Faculty Prepare for Spring Semester
Posted December 4, 2025
Looking ahead to spring? We’re here to help you start strong. Here are six ways we can help you get ready for next semester: 1. Improve the accessibility of your Canvas courses: We can help you optimize student access to […]
Workshop for Faculty: Reflective Learning with GoReact
Posted December 3, 2025
In this workshop from JMU Libraries, you’ll get hands-on experience with GoReact, JMU’s video feedback tool integrated into Canvas. Sign up for the date that works best for you: Join us to explore GoReact from both the student and instructor perspectives—and learn how […]
JMU Faculty: Incorporate Digital Assignments in Your Courses
Posted December 1, 2025
Digital assignments are a great way to promote engaged learning in your classroom. Digital projects can include creating websites, podcasts, oral histories, timelines, maps, data visualizations, and more. We are here to support these projects. Our digital projects team has supported hundreds of exciting collaborations with JMU faculty and students. Get started: If you would like help […]
Join Our Self-Paced Course to Make Your Courses More Accessible
Posted October 29, 2025
Learn how to apply the fundamental principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in this self-paced, award-winning Canvas course. Engaging with the course should take approximately 2-4 hours. Instructional designers will be ready to meet with you for additional support. […]
