Week two’s topics include AI, the transition away from Zoom, and accessibility when using PowerPoint, and a workshop on Brightspace Essentials geared towards intermediate/advanced level users. Each session is designed to offer practical examples and allow you to find those opportunities to make small changes or improvements in your own classes.
June 24
9 AM: Will AI Change How or What We Teach?
Panel Discussion: Chris Zarpentine, Jennifer Thomas, Mona Pearl, Bobby Karimi
As educators in the midst of a disruptive change, how do we respond? Artificial intelligence has the power to be both useful and detrimental to the teaching and learning process. AI is here to stay, but how and in what ways do we integrate it into our teaching, or don’t we? Join this panel of faculty to hear different perspectives and explore the various questions around will AI change how or what we teach.
10:30 AM: Synchronous Class Sessions: Make the Move from Zoom to Bongo
Demonstration by Kathy Lewis
Have you used Zoom for your live, synchronous class sessions? Be prepared for when Zoom rides off into the sunset! Bongo Virtual Classroom is built into D2L/LIVE which makes it easy to schedule sessions and share recordings. You can also share your screen and presentations, use breakout rooms, polling, the whiteboard and chat too. Bongo sessions and recordings appear on the LIVE calendar which streamlines everything for you and your students. We will cover all the steps you need to schedule and facilitate a Bongo session.
11:30 AM: Efficient & Inclusive: Using Templates for Better PowerPoint Design
Demonstration by Rachael Roth
Discover how using templates in Microsoft PowerPoint can streamline the slide creation process while helping you design presentations that are visually engaging, well-organized, and accessible to all learners. This session will explore how thoughtfully designed templates can save time, maintain consistency, and support accessibility best practices such as readable fonts, strong color contrast, logical layouts, and built-in structure for screen readers. Participants will learn practical strategies for customizing templates efficiently, reducing repetitive formatting tasks, and creating polished presentations with less effort.
12:30 PM: Open Office Hours with OTTL
Drop in with any questions you have.
June 25
9 AM: Brightspace Instructor Essentials – Intermediate/Advanced (2 hours)
Workshop led by D2L Trainer
This session is geared towards users who will be working in the Brightspace to develop courses, teach / facilitate, or support instructors who use Brightspace. The focus will be on intermediate to advanced level use of the tools and features. Technical Support staff are also encouraged to attend to gain a better understanding of how different users will be utilizing the tools.
New this year are Open Office Hours where at the end of each program day, you can drop in to ask additional questions about that day’s sessions or bring any question pertaining to D2L or our other supported tools.
Get all of the details and register for sessions by visiting the TWT website.
Don’t forget you can earn the TWT 2026 Attendee Badge by attending at least three complete sessions over the course of the event.
Your colleagues and the OTTL staff look forward to seeing you! Any questions, email us at ottl@wilkes.edu.