Empowering Faculty: Professional Development and Removing Unintentional Barriers

In today's educational landscape, fostering student success requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond traditional teaching methods. Institutions are increasingly recognizing the importance of equipping faculty with the tools and resources they need to create inclusive and engaging learning environments. This blog post delves into the innovative strategies employed by Empire State University, focusing on their commitment to extensive professional development for faculty and their proactive efforts to remove unintentional barriers to student success. By prioritizing these initiatives, Empire State University cultivates authentic student engagement and significantly reduces the likelihood of academic integrity violations.

This post expands on the discussion from our latest podcast episode, Will Universal Design for Learning Save Higher Education? - with Dr. Melissa Beck Wells, Associate Professor, Director of Teaching, Learning, and Faculty Development, Empire State University. In that episode, Dr. Wells shared invaluable insights into Empire State University's approach to creating a supportive and accessible learning environment. This post will provide a deeper dive into the key strategies and philosophies discussed in the episode, offering a comprehensive understanding of how institutions can empower faculty and enhance student success.

Empire State University's Innovative Approach to Education

Empire State University stands out as a leader in innovative educational practices. With a diverse student body of approximately 20,000 students, ranging in age from 19 to 89, and a predominantly online learning environment (98%), the university faces unique challenges and opportunities. To cater to this diverse population, Empire State University has embraced a student-centered approach that emphasizes flexibility, accessibility, and personalized learning experiences.

The university’s commitment to innovation is evident in its strategic adoption of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles. UDL, as we will explore in more detail, provides a framework for creating learning environments that are accessible and engaging for all students, regardless of their learning styles, abilities, or backgrounds. By integrating UDL into its curriculum and pedagogy, Empire State University ensures that every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) at Empire State University

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a crucial component of Empire State University’s educational philosophy. UDL is an educational framework based on research in the learning sciences, including cognitive neuroscience, that guides the development of flexible learning environments that can accommodate individual learning differences. Recognizing that students learn in different ways, UDL promotes the design of curricula that are flexible, adaptable, and inclusive.

The UDL framework is built upon three main principles:

• Multiple Means of Representation: Providing students with various ways to access and understand information. This might include offering content in different formats (e.g., text, audio, video), providing captions or transcripts, and using visual aids.
• Multiple Means of Action and Expression: Allowing students to demonstrate their learning in different ways. This could involve offering a choice of assessment methods (e.g., written exams, presentations, projects), providing assistive technologies, and allowing students to use their preferred mode of communication.
• Multiple Means of Engagement: Stimulating students’ interest and motivation for learning. This might include offering choice and autonomy, providing relevant and authentic learning experiences, and fostering a sense of community and belonging.

By implementing UDL principles, Empire State University aims to create learning environments that are accessible and engaging for all students. This proactive approach not only promotes student success but also helps to minimize barriers that could potentially lead to academic integrity violations.

Minimizing Barriers and Reducing Temptation to Cheat

One of the key benefits of implementing UDL is its ability to minimize barriers to learning. When students encounter obstacles that hinder their ability to access or understand course material, they may feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and tempted to seek unauthorized assistance. By proactively addressing these barriers, Empire State University reduces the likelihood of students resorting to cheating or plagiarism.

This is achieved through a variety of strategies, including:

• Multimodal Content Delivery: Offering content in multiple formats to cater to different learning styles and preferences.
• Flexible Assessment Options: Allowing students to demonstrate their learning in different ways, such as through presentations, projects, or portfolios, in addition to traditional exams.
• Comprehensive Support Systems: Providing students with a range of resources and support services, including tutoring, academic advising, and technical assistance.

By removing these unintentional barriers, Empire State University creates a more equitable and supportive learning environment, where students feel empowered to succeed without compromising their academic integrity.

The Role of Multimodal Content Delivery

Multimodal content delivery is a cornerstone of Empire State University’s UDL implementation. Recognizing that students have diverse learning styles and preferences, the university ensures that course materials are available in a variety of formats. This includes text, audio, video, and interactive simulations.

For example, a lecture might be presented as a video recording, accompanied by a written transcript and a set of downloadable slides. Students can choose the format that best suits their learning style and needs. Students who are visual learners may prefer to watch the video, while those who are auditory learners may prefer to listen to the audio recording. The transcript provides a written record for students who prefer to read and highlight key information.

By offering content in multiple formats, Empire State University makes learning more accessible and engaging for all students. This reduces the likelihood of students feeling overwhelmed or struggling to understand the material, which, in turn, decreases the temptation to cheat.

Flexible Assessment Options

Traditional assessment methods, such as written exams, may not accurately reflect a student's understanding of the material. They can also create unnecessary stress and anxiety, which can increase the likelihood of academic integrity violations. To address these concerns, Empire State University offers flexible assessment options that allow students to demonstrate their learning in different ways.

These options might include:

• Presentations: Students can present their research or analysis in a formal presentation, either in person or online.
• Projects: Students can work on individual or group projects that require them to apply their knowledge to real-world problems.
• Portfolios: Students can compile a portfolio of their work throughout the semester, showcasing their progress and achievements.
• Essays: Students can write essays that demonstrate their understanding of key concepts and theories.

By offering a variety of assessment options, Empire State University allows students to choose the method that best suits their strengths and learning styles. This not only promotes student success but also reduces the pressure and anxiety associated with traditional exams, which can contribute to academic dishonesty.

Comprehensive Support Systems (24/7)

Empire State University understands that students need access to comprehensive support systems to succeed in their academic endeavors. To meet this need, the university provides a range of resources and support services, including:

• Tutoring: Students can access tutoring services in a variety of subjects, both online and in person.
• Academic Advising: Students can meet with academic advisors to discuss their academic goals, plan their course of study, and access other support services.
• Technical Assistance: Students can receive technical assistance with their computers, software, and online learning platforms.
• Virtual Food Pantry: Recognizing that basic needs can impact academic performance, Empire State University offers a virtual food pantry to students facing food insecurity.
• 24/7 Support: Many of the university's support services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ensuring that students can get the help they need whenever they need it.

By providing comprehensive support systems, Empire State University ensures that students have the resources they need to overcome challenges and succeed in their studies. This proactive approach not only promotes student success but also reduces the likelihood of students resorting to cheating or plagiarism out of desperation or frustration.

Why Empire State University Refuses AI Tracker Tools

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of AI tracker tools to detect academic dishonesty. However, Empire State University has chosen not to use these tools, citing concerns about their accuracy and potential for false positives. The university believes that these tools can create a climate of mistrust and suspicion, which can be detrimental to the learning environment.

Instead of relying on AI tracker tools, Empire State University focuses on creating a culture of academic integrity through education, prevention, and support. The university emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior and provides students with clear guidelines on what constitutes academic dishonesty. It also encourages faculty to design assessments that are authentic, engaging, and difficult to cheat on.

Focus on Transparency and Proactive Conversations

Transparency and open communication are essential to fostering a culture of academic integrity. To promote transparency, Empire State University requires all instructors to include an AI statement in their syllabi. This statement allows instructors to permit, prohibit, or require citation of AI in their courses.

By clearly outlining their expectations regarding the use of AI, instructors create transparency and help students understand the boundaries of academic integrity. This proactive approach encourages open and honest conversations about the ethical use of AI in academic work, rather than relying on punitive measures to address academic dishonesty.

This approach allows for a nuanced discussion about AI's role in education. Instead of outright banning the technology, faculty can guide students on how to use it ethically and effectively, promoting critical thinking and responsible technology use.

Extensive Professional Development for Faculty

Empire State University recognizes that faculty play a crucial role in promoting academic integrity and student success. To support faculty in this role, the university provides extensive professional development opportunities. Faculty members are encouraged to participate in workshops, seminars, and training sessions on topics such as UDL, inclusive teaching practices, and academic integrity.

The university offers 200 plus hours of monthly professional development opportunities for faculty. This demonstrates a significant investment in faculty growth and development, ensuring they are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to support student learning.

By investing in faculty development, Empire State University empowers its faculty to create engaging and inclusive learning environments, which, in turn, promotes student success and reduces the likelihood of academic integrity violations.

Removing Unintentional Barriers

As discussed earlier, removing unintentional barriers is a critical component of Empire State University’s approach to promoting academic integrity and student success. By identifying and addressing obstacles that hinder students’ ability to access or understand course material, the university creates a more equitable and supportive learning environment.

These barriers can take many forms, including:

• Lack of Access to Technology: Ensuring that students have access to the technology they need to succeed, such as computers, internet access, and software.
• Unclear Instructions: Providing clear and concise instructions for assignments and assessments.
• Culturally Biased Content: Using content that is inclusive and representative of diverse perspectives.
• Inaccessible Materials: Providing course materials in accessible formats, such as captions for videos and alternative text for images.

By proactively addressing these barriers, Empire State University creates a learning environment where all students have the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Authentic Student Engagement

When students are genuinely engaged in their learning, they are less likely to cheat or plagiarize. Empire State University fosters authentic student engagement by providing relevant and meaningful learning experiences that connect to students’ lives and interests.

This is achieved through a variety of strategies, including:

• Real-World Applications: Connecting course content to real-world problems and issues.
• Collaborative Projects: Encouraging students to work together on projects and assignments.
• Personalized Learning: Allowing students to choose their own topics and projects, based on their interests and goals.
• Feedback and Support: Providing students with regular feedback and support to help them stay on track and succeed.

By fostering authentic student engagement, Empire State University creates a learning environment where students are motivated to learn and succeed, without compromising their academic integrity.

Reducing Academic Integrity Violations

The comprehensive strategies implemented by Empire State University have resulted in a significant reduction in academic integrity violations. By focusing on prevention, education, and support, the university has created a culture of academic integrity that promotes ethical behavior and reduces the temptation to cheat or plagiarize.

When students feel supported and can demonstrate learning in ways that are meaningful to them, they are less likely to violate academic integrity. Empire State University’s commitment to UDL, flexible assessment options, and comprehensive support systems creates a learning environment where students feel empowered to succeed without compromising their values.

Conclusion: Supporting Students for Success

Empire State University's commitment to empowering faculty through extensive professional development and removing unintentional barriers for students sets a high standard for other institutions to follow. By implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, providing comprehensive support systems, and fostering authentic student engagement, the university creates a learning environment where all students have the opportunity to succeed.

The strategies outlined in this blog post and discussed in more detail in our podcast episode, Will Universal Design for Learning Save Higher Education? - with Dr. Melissa Beck Wells, Associate Professor, Director of Teaching, Learning, and Faculty Development, Empire State University, demonstrate that prioritizing faculty development and student support is essential for fostering a culture of academic integrity and promoting student success. By focusing on prevention, education, and support, institutions can empower students to learn and succeed without compromising their values.