The Winter Conference 2024 at Seminole State College is poised to be an enriching experience for faculty, staff, and education professionals, offering a blend of professional development, innovative teaching methods, and valuable networking opportunities. This year’s event, packed with insightful workshops and cultural sessions, aims to equip educators with cutting-edge tools and strategies to improve their teaching practices and enhance student success.

The conference will take place at Seminole State College’s main campus, welcoming attendees from various institutions to foster collaboration, learning, and engagement.

II.   Conference Schedule

The conference is designed to be engaging from start to finish, with a variety of sessions in both the morning and afternoon that cater to diverse interests.

1. Morning Sessions
2. 8:15 - 8:55 a.m.: Registration and Check-in

   Attendees will start their day by picking up conference materials and networking with fellow educators.

2. 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.: Opening Session

This session will set the tone for the day, featuring keynote speakers who will introduce the themes of the conference and address the critical importance of faculty development in today's rapidly changing educational landscape.

3. 10:10 - 11:05 a.m.: Session A - Faculty Center Professional Development Workshops  

Attendees can choose from various development workshops aimed at enhancing teaching strategies and improving classroom engagement.

4. 11:15 a.m. - 12:10 p.m.: Session B - Faculty Center Professional Development

Workshops  

   Another set of workshops will provide an opportunity to dive deeper into innovative teaching techniques and practices.

1. Afternoon Sessions
2. 12:10 - 1:00 p.m.: Grab and Go Lunch

   A chance to refuel with a healthy lunch while continuing to network with colleagues.

2. 1:10 - 2:05 p.m.: Session C - Faculty Center Professional Development Workshops More options for workshops that offer practical takeaways to improve classroom experiences.
3. 2:15 - 2:30 p.m.: Raffle and Wrap-Up: George Kuh - High Impact Practices Attendees can participate in a raffle while George Kuh, a well-known scholar in the field of student success, wraps up the session with insights on High Impact Practices (HIPs).
4. 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.: Afternoon Coffee and Cookie Reception

   Enjoy coffee and cookies while mingling with peers and engaging in casual conversations.

5. 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.: Faculty Senate/UFF Update

   Learn about the latest developments in faculty governance and union updates, providing key insights into issues affecting faculty at Seminole State College.

III.    Featured Workshops and Sessions

The conference will feature a variety of workshops and sessions tailored to address current trends and challenges in education.

1. High Impact Practices (HIPs)

These workshops will explore effective educational strategies that foster student success, including:  

• Diving Deeper into HIPs – A closer look at HIPs in the first year of college, focusing on fostering student engagement early.
• Getting Students Engaged - We have invited teen expert Sam Miller of the Parenting Teenagers Academy to lead a breakout session on how to keep students engaged. - Course-based Service Learning – Highlighting service-learning projects and how they enhance academic experiences.
• Undergraduate Research – A session on integrating research opportunities for students to build critical thinking skills.

1. AI in Education

With the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, these sessions focus on the future of education and responsible AI usage, including:  

• Preparing Students for an AI Future – A discussion on the skills students need to navigate an AI-driven world.
• AI with Integrity: Crafting Assignments to Engage ChatGPT Responsibly – Creating assignments that incorporate AI tools ethically.
• Mastering AI: Prompting Techniques, Custom Instructions, and Multimodal Learning – Hands-on tips to effectively use AI tools in classroom settings.

1. Canvas and Educational Technology

These sessions provide practical strategies for educators using Canvas and other tech tools, including:  

• Canvas Unleashed: 10 Hacks for Time-Saving Teaching
• Exploring Canvas Data – Utilizing analytics to improve student outcomes.
• Tips for Canvas Workflow to Improve the Student's Experience – Streamlining course management for better student engagement.

1. Accessibility and Inclusivity

Sessions designed to ensure all students, regardless of ability, have access to learning materials, including:   - Making PDFs Accessible  

- Advanced Panorama – A deep dive into accessibility tools that ensure compliance and inclusivity in digital learning environments.

IV.   Special Topics and Cultural Sessions

A series of workshops led by guest speakers from the Keynote Speaker Agency will be exploring various cultural and topical areas to broaden educators’ understanding of their students and colleagues. Sessions include:   - What Makes an Honors Class Honors?  

• Teaching & Living in the Pacific Islands
• Southern Culture & Heritage: Exploring Gullah Geechee Roots – A look at the rich history and influence of this unique culture in the American South.
• Understanding the Military Student – Focusing on the specific needs of veterans and active-duty students.

V.  Professional Development

These sessions are aimed at career growth and understanding the current educational landscape, including:  

• 2023 Legislative Session: New Laws Impacting SSC, the FCS, and Public Education - Listening to Learn: Faculty Training – Enhancing listening skills to improve teaching and student relationships.  
• Navigating EAB Navigate: Cultivating Student Success – Using data and technology to boost student engagement and retention.

VI.   Innovative Teaching Methods

Workshops focused on enhancing classroom techniques and motivating students to promote active learning and engagement wil be led by speakers from the Motivational Speaker Agency:  

• Perusall and You – Encouraging students to engage with course materials through interactive reading and discussions.
• Guided Notes – Easy Way to Improve Efficiency for Students
• Metacognition Sessions (Parts 2 and 3) – Helping students become aware of their learning processes for better retention and success.

VII.    Library and Research Resources

Faculty will have the opportunity to learn about the latest library resources that enhance student engagement and research skills:  

• Library x Lunchbrary x Nightbrary
• New Film Collections for Class Use
• Plant-Based Information Literacy: Research Your Health – Introducing students to health-related research through digital resources.

VIII.    Open Educational Resources (OER)

With the rising cost of textbooks, Seminole State College is committed to OER, offering sessions on:  

• Beyond the Textbook: Seminole State’s New OER Program
• A Faculty Round Table on OER – Discussing the benefits and challenges of integrating OER into the curriculum.

IX.    Wellness and Health

To support the well-being of faculty and staff, the conference includes:  

- Walk Your Way to Health – A session focused on the importance of physical activity for mental and physical well-being.

X.    Networking Opportunities

The Winter Conference is also an excellent opportunity for educators to network and collaborate. There will be multiple opportunities to connect, including:  

• Afternoon Coffee and Cookie Reception
• Faculty Senate/UFF Update

Join Us

The Winter Conference 2024 at Seminole State College offers a well-rounded program of workshops, professional development, and networking opportunities that are essential for educators seeking to advance their skills, stay current on educational trends, and foster student success. Whether you're looking to enhance your teaching strategies, integrate AI into your classroom, or learn about innovative technologies, this conference provides a comprehensive platform to inspire and empower all attendees.