Week of August 2, 2023

Faculty & Central Updates

Call for Proposals – Forestry Teaching Innovation Fund

We are pleased to announce the reviving of the Forestry Teaching Innovation Fund (FTIF). The FTIF aims to support innovative teaching practices, experimentation with pedagogical approaches, and applications of emerging learning technologies to improve accessibility and inclusion while maintaining academic integrity in the Faculty of Forestry.

Applications from full-time lecturers and tenure-stream faculty in Forestry are welcome, with a deadline of Friday, Sept 29, 2023. Please submit the application form to Michelle Zeng, Senior Manager, Education Strategies (michelle.zeng@ubc.ca).

For questions, please also email Michelle.

UBC Learning Technology (LT) Incubator

UBC LT Hub is launching a new initiative, LT Incubator, to support UBC instructors who develop learning technologies. This initiative aims to collaborate with instructors with funded learning technology projects, and provide dedicated technical and project management support.

This additional support can help you focus on bringing your project to life, rather than getting bogged down in administrative details. Learn more about the LT Incubator.

We encourage you to react out to the
Forestry Teaching & Learning Support Team and discuss your ideas, and seek support and consultation if required.

If instructors plan to use generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) in teaching, please check out the guidelines from UBC Academic Integrity:
(1) The use of ChatGPT or other generative AI tools does not automatically equate to academic misconduct at UBC.
(2) The use of generative AI tools is a course-level decision and there is no overall ban in teaching and learning.
(3) If using generative AI tools on coursework has been prohibited by the instructor, then using these tools would be considered to be academic misconduct.
(4) If using generative AI tools has been permitted by the instructor, then instructors should make sure to convey the limitations of use and how it should be acknowledged and use should stay within those bounds.
(5) If using generative AI tools has not been discussed or specified by the instructor, then it is likely to be considered as prohibited.
(6) Students should not assume that all available technologies are permitted.

In addition, note that generative AI tools have not passed UBC Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA), and may cause privacy and security concerns.

The Forestry Teaching & Learning Support Team is currently working with UBC Information Security Office on the PIA of ChatGPT and other AI tools. We recommend instructors consider the privacy implications before using them in teaching.

For questions and support, please contact forestry.tls@ubc.ca.

Professional Development Events

To welcome all new faculty members, including those new to teaching or new to UBC, CTLT is currently offering a variety of programs and events to help streamline the onboarding process.

New Faculty Teaching Orientation

Time: Aug 17 (10 am — 12:30pm) | Online & In-person
This orientation is designed to welcome and support new instructors as they navigate their roles and responsibilities at the institution. Register here.

Teaching Development Program for New Faculty

Time: Aug 2023 — April 2024 | Online & In-person
This cohort program supports faculty members across UBC campuses in their professional growth as educators. Apply by Aug 18.

Workshops & Events

Forestry Teaching & Learning Drop-in Sessions

Time: Fridays (11 am – 12 pm) | Online
We host weekly drop-in session to answer teaching related questions. Instructors and TAs are welcome to join the Zoom meeting.

CTLT Workshop: Integrating Generative AI in Assignment Design

Time: Aug 14 (12 – 2 pm) | Online
This workshop aims to explore the integration of generative AI into the assignment and assessment design, and discuss effective prompting to refine the outputs from generative AI. Register here.

CTLT Indigenous Initiatives Drop-in

Time: Aug 15 (11 am – 12 pm) | Online
Drop in to get to know the CTLT Indigenous Initiatives team, ask questions about their programs, and connect with others on the same learning path. Register here.