Week of January 17, 2024

Academic Integrity, Privacy, & AI Tools

For academic integrity cautions, or guidelines for generative AI tool use in your class, please visit the Academic Integrity at UBC Chat GPT FAQ page. For further instructional guidance around optional use for students, please visit the FAQ item on whether you can require GenAI in your course.
Please note that a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) is required for tools involving personal information at the university. Instructors can check out this page for the current state of PIA and any recommendations with regards to teaching and learning uses of generative AI. Please contact forestry.tls@ubc.ca for consultation and support.

Consider Adding a Statement to Your Syllabus on Generative AI

There is no overall ban in using AI tools in teaching and learning at UBC. As a result, this leaves it as a course-level decision. UBC (see here) states that students should not assume that all available technologies are permitted, but it also states that the use of ChatGPT or other generative AI tools does not automatically equate to academic misconduct at UBC. Refer to the Generative AI Syllabus for additional resources and sample statements.

Exam Formats & Planning

Instructors are encouraged to consider proactive rather than reactive/punitive ways to prevent and discourage inappropriate use of online web resources or AI in the classrooms. There are different exam formats (in-person paper, in-person computer, online Canvas, etc.) that instructors can consider. Please refer to the following tip-sheets:
– Navigating the Choice: Online or In-Person Assessments.
– UBC Exam Policies, Procedures, and Reminders.
– Technical Tips for Exam Logistics.

Faculty Resources

Available Software in Forestry

See the latest IT One Pager for a current listing for IT and related contact info. The updated Forestry Software List summarizes commonly used or requested software. This list does not represent what is currently installed in the UG labs nor CBM laptops.
For questions and general IT needs, please contact forestry.ithelp@ubc.ca.

To request remote UG lab access for teaching and learning, please email
forestry.ithelp@ubc.ca and copy forestry.tls@ubc.ca.

Forestry Trimble Technology Lab Resource Guide

This guide offers a wealth of resources to support the delivery of forestry courses with practical applications. It includes a range of software tools for 3D modelling, structural analysis, and geospatial data processing. It also features hardware solutions like integrated smartphone data collectors, mixed reality viewers, and high accuracy GNSS positioning devices.

To subscribe to the software, please email forestry.licensing@ubc.ca.

To access the hardware, please reach out to ht.li@ubc.ca. For teaching support, contact forestry.tls@ubc.ca.

Technology Borrowing from UBC Library

UBC Library offers students and faculty members options to borrow technology items, including laptops, chargers, headphones, microphones, and more.

Visit this page to explore your available options and access these resources.

Workshops & Events

Forestry Teaching & Learning Seminar Series

Time: Jan 23 (12 – 1 pm) | Online & In-person
This TLSS seminar spotlights UBC’s field school in South Africa, exploring innovative conservation practices and student involvement in indigenous management, anti-poaching efforts, and NASA-directed research. This free event will be held virtually, and in person in CAWP 2916.
Lunch will be provided to the first 50 in-person attendees on a first-come, first-served basis. Please bring your own
drink. Register here.

Forestry Teaching & Learning Drop-in Sessions

Time: Fridays, 2024 (12 – 1 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: Teaching with CoPilot (Bing Chat): Practical Applications of GenAI in Education

Time: Jan 25 (12 – 1 pm) | Online
Join us to explore the integration of MS Copilot (formerly Bing Chat), a type of generative AI, into teaching and learning.
Register here.

CTLT Workshop: Inclusive Teaching Practices

Time: Jan 24 (1 – 3 pm) | In-person
Take the opportunity to deepen your awareness of your own teaching practice as it relates to inclusive teaching. Register here.

Awards

Jordan L. Burke Memorial Award in Forestry & Killam Graduate Teaching Assistant Award

The Jordan L. Burke Memorial Award in Forestry competition runs parallel to the Killam Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) Award.

Only 1 TA nomination submission is required to be considered for both competitions. The top-ranked candidate will be considered the first-place winner of the Jordan Burke Award*,
and will be forwarded as our nominee to the Office of the Provost for the Killam GTA Award.

*Only Forestry students are eligible for the Jordan Burke Award.

Jordan L. Burke Memorial Award Prizes:

First Prize | $4,200 (and forwarded as the UBC Forestry Killam Award designate)
Second Prize | $2,700

Killam Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) Award Prize:

Killam Award Certificate | $1,000

Consolidated Deadline:

Friday, March 1, 2024 (11:59 PM).

Full information about the eligibility and nomination procedures can be found here.

Submit nominations here.

Contact forestry.grad-awards@ubc.ca if you have any questions.