Announcements
Tiffany Gurley-Nettles, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and Program Director,
Speech-Language Pathology
College of Art and Sciences (CAS)
Dr. Gurley-Nettles introduced Ovation VR to students in the Medical SLP (Level 3 Clinical Practicum) Extension course. This cutting-edge VR application blends the immersive power of virtual reality with AI, offering a truly unique training experience that goes beyond traditional classroom learning. “Ovation Software serves as an exceptional instructional resource for students to practice educating and counseling patients and their family caregivers.” By using this tool, students gain hands-on experience with technology that enhances their communication, collaboration, and research capabilities—preparing them for success in real-world healthcare environments.” Click here to read the full article.
Join Dr. Gurley-Nettles for a hands-on experience to try the Ovation VR application and discuss how you can use it in your class.
Friday, Nov. 8, Noon – 1 p.m. | CLICK HERE to register
For more information on the VR initiative, email william.trotman@udc.edu
First QM-Recognized Course
for College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability & Environmental Sciences (CAUSES)
Elizabeth Gearin, Ph.D., AICP
Assistant Professor,
CAUSES
Dr. Gearin worked on the redesign and obtained certification for her course, ENSC 510 – Urban Land Use Planning. “With CAL and QM’s expert input, the course now provides a seamless, accessible experience that supports varied learning styles and enhances student interaction, making the hybrid format both flexible and dynamic.”
Click here to read the full reflection.
To read more about the UDC Quality Distance Learning initiative and participate, click here.
To access the full list of UDC-certified courses, click here.
For questions, email julian.king@udc.edu
Meet CAL’s Newest Team Member
Kayla Kelly, M.S. Ed.
Instructional Consultant and Professional Development Coordinator
We’re excited to welcome Kayla to UDC! She brings a diverse expertise in economics, mathematics, and education, holding a B.S. in Economics with Honors from Georgia Tech and an M.S. in Education from Johns Hopkins University, specializing in Secondary Mathematics and Special Education. With six years of experience teaching math in D.C. Public Schools, Kayla has also made a significant impact in our community, serving on advisory boards and mentoring young professionals.
A passionate advocate for educational technology, Kayla believes in its power to enhance learning outcomes and is thrilled to collaborate with UDC faculty and students to make learning both innovative and engaging!
Join the CAL team in welcoming Ms. Kayla Kelly!
You can reach out to her via email at Kayla.Kelly@udc.edu
Professional Development Offerings
Copilot Basics
With Amy Bandy-Taylor, Microsoft Technical Specialist
Wednesday, November 6th at 1:00 – 1:45 p.m. | CLICK HERE to register
Lunch and Learn: Networking: Turning Research Contacts into Research Contracts
With Victor McCrary, VP for Research UDC
Tuesday, November 12th at Noon – 1:00 p.m. | CLICK HERE to register
Lunch and Learn: Intellectual Property
With Orin Herskowitz, Columbia University
Tuesday, November 19th at Noon – 1:00 p.m. | CLICK HERE to register
Past Issues
Location | Bldg. 38 – B Level – Academic Commons
Email | calhelpdesk@udc.edu
Walk-in / Virtual Office Hours Click here
Faculty Spotlight
Visionary Leaders
Firebird Immersive Innovation Laboratory
“Design of the Future”
College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Sciences (CAUSES)
Associate Dean Dr. Anna Franz and Dr. Golnar Ahmadi have shown remarkable dedication and leadership in co-founding UDC’s Firebird Immersive Innovation Lab in collaboration with the Center for the Advancement of Learning (CAL). This pioneering Lab marks an exciting step forward for immersive technology at UDC.
Anna Franz, PhD, FAIA, NAC, LEED AP
Associate Dean, CAUSES
Golnar Ahmadi, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Urban Architecture and Community Planning, CAUSES
Together, Dr. Franz and Dr. Ahmadi are setting an inspiring example of academic leadership at UDC. They are committed to One UDC by bringing collaboration to the heart of innovation and focusing on the future, mobilizing resources to ensure immersive learning and advancement. We look forward to the impact the Firebird Immersive Innovation Lab will bring to students, faculty, and the broader community!
EdTech Corner
Enhancing Math Instruction using
Smart Boards and iPads
Shurron Farmer, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Mathematics Program Coordinator
Science and Mathematics Division,
College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
“Using the Smart Board as a digital whiteboard combined with the iPad allows me to deliver math instruction in a more interactive and flexible way,” says Dr. Shurron Farmer. “I can switch seamlessly between writing directly on the board and sharing additional resources from the iPad, giving students clear, step-by-step guidance on complex concepts.”
By combining these tools, Dr. Farmer creates an engaging and adaptable learning environment that supports diverse student needs in math education. Join Dr. Farmer for an insightful webinar:
Friday, December 6, 1:30 – 2:00 p.m. | Click here to register
Need training on Smart Boards? Email Patrick Kittrell at Patrick.Kittrel@udc.edu