SDDS 2024: Innovative Technology Microcredential

Description:

The SDDS 2024:Innovative Technology micro-credential will embark you on a transformative journey designed to introduce you to diverse technologies and foster a community of forward-thinkers in higher education. This microcredential is not just a learning experience—it’s a stepping stone towards cultivating a tech-empowered campus culture that thrives on innovation. 

The Innovative Technology training path will empower you with an e-portfolio to enhance personal branding. You’ll engage with the critical topic of ethics in generative AI within the context of higher education. Experience the combination of creativity and technology through sessions on AI-enhanced creative processes, including AI tools in Adobe Express and strategies for chat GPT prompting. The practical workshops will cover 3D printing and laser cutting with Glowforge, offering a blend of design and innovation. The series also includes a virtual reality stress relief experience and the thrill of drone flying, the perfect launching pad for discussions of diverse applications of innovative technology on campus.

**If you haven't already, learn how to set up your Folio account and earn microcredentials before enrolling.  

 

 

Complete 6 of the 9 classes and their requirements below by August 16, 2024. 

 

Class 1: Showcase your Digital Skills with E-Portfolio | May 16

Description: Join our E-Portfolios class to unlock the power of digital storytelling in showcasing your professional journey. Gain insights into creating compelling e-portfolios that highlight your achievements, reflect your growth, and capture the essence of your work. This class will guide you through the process of selecting, organizing, and presenting your best work in a format that speaks volumes to your audience. Take the first step towards building a dynamic and engaging e-portfolio that stands out. 

Watch the Showcase your Digital Skills with E-Portfolio recording

Requirements:

  1. Attend live virtually  or view recording.
  2. Complete your Folio profile set up. Include your photo, education, career experience and any other applicable information. 
  3. Link your Folio account to your LinkedIn profile. 
  4. Take a screenshot of the main profile page on your Folio account.
  5. Upload your screenshot to the microcredential SDDS 2024: Innovative Technology.

Class 2: Ascend Above: Discover the Delight of Drone Flying | May 28

Description: This hands-on course will give learners the experience of flying a DJI drone equipped with 4K video capabilities. Learners will also learn the rules and regulations associated with drone flying. Come discover the delight of drone flying! 

Requirements:

  1. Attend live or complete LinkedIn Learning Intro to Drone Flying learning path
  2. Take picture of yourself flying drone during class. If you didn't attend live, please contact ittraining@weber.edu to schedule an appointment to fly a drone. 
  3. Record aerial footage while flying the drone.
  4. Upload both photo and video to the microcredential SDDS 2024: Innovative Technology. If you didn't attend live, also upload screenshot from finished LinkedIn learning path. 

Class 3: Find Creative Success with Adobe Express** | May 29

Description: Adobe Express has seen some major improvements in the last year. We will explore the interface of Express and how to create: graphics, photos, videos, webpages, and then explore the many AI tools now available in Adobe Express. Adobe Express is a great starting tool for non-creatives and creatives alike. Pairs with SDDS 2024: Creative-Design micro-credential. 

Watch the Find Creative Success with Adobe Express recording

Requirements:

  1. Attend live or view recording.
  2. Use Adobe Express to generate a template, an image, and text using the generative AI feature. Include all 3 into one design.
  3. Upload final image including all 3 different AI generated assets to the micro-credential SDDS 2024: Innovative Technology.

** This class also counts towards the SDDS 2024: Creative Design microcredential.


Class 4: Say the Magic Word: Smart Prompting Secrets for Chat GPT | June 11

Description: Ready to learn the art of AI communication? In this class learn how to craft compelling prompts that maximize AI's capabilities. Whether your goal is to enhance academic research, improve teaching materials, or explore new creative avenues, this class will provide the essential skills to effectively direct AI tools. Discover practical tips and strategies to turn nebulous ideas into precise, actionable AI responses. No prior AI experience is needed.

Watch the Say the Magic Word: Smart Prompting Secrets for Chat GPT recording

Requirements:

  1. Attend live or view recording.
  2. Experiment with AI prompting by testing out the sample prompts collected during the session. 
  3. Write up any adjustments you made to your original prompts and why.
  4. Document your process by creating a record of the outcomes including a comparison between your intended outcomes and the actual results
  5. Upload a document containing your outcomes and explanations to the microcredential SDDS 2024 - Innovative Technology.

Class 5: Stress Relief Exercise Through Virtual Reality | June 12

Description:  This class is designed to introduce you to the innovative approach of using virtual reality (VR) as a tool for stress relief. You will gain insights into the importance of managing stress in the workplace and how VR can be utilized to create immersive experiences that promote relaxation and mindfulness. The highlight of the class is a hands-on VR experience, where attendees will engage in a guided stress relief exercise. Join us for an immersive session that will leave you refreshed and focused.

Requirements:

  1. Attend live or complete the Dealing with Stress, Pressure and Burnout Bridge course.
  2. Participate in the VR meditation experience. Contact wellness@weber.edu to schedule a VR meditation experience if you didn't attend live. 
  3. Write a reflective journal entry detailing your personal experience with stress relief through VR, including what worked and what didn't. 
  4. Upload your journal entry to the microcredential SDDS 2024 - Innovative Technology. If you completed the Bridge course instead of attending live, upload certificate of completion from Bridge.

Class 6: From Design to Reality- The Basics of 3D Printing** | June 13

Description: 3D design and printing can seem daunting. This basics course will show you just how easy and manageable it can be. Come learn the basics of 3D design by using TinkerCAD to design an object. You will then learn the basics of 3D printers and print your design. Come make a creation you can display in your office for all your coworkers to see!

Watch the From Design to Reality - The Basics of 3D Printing recording

Requirements:

  1. Attend live or view recording.
  2. Take a screenshot of your 3D design in the software
  3. Take a picture of your finished 3D object* with your phone
  4. Upload both the screenshot and photo to the microcredential SDDS 2024 - Innovative Technology.

*Note: If you didn't attend live, please schedule time with ittraining@weber.edu to help with the 3D printers to print your object.

** This class also counts towards the SDDS 2024: Creative Design microcredential. 


Class 7: Adopt or Avoid? Gen AI in Education | July 23

Description: Embark on a thought-provoking journey with our "Generative AI in Education" class, tailored to enrich higher education perspectives. Engage with the pivotal debate on embracing or eschewing AI technologies, and explore the transformative potential they hold for academic environments. Delve into the ethical, practical, and technological considerations that shape the future of learning and teaching. Join us to contribute to the pivotal discourse on integrating Generative AI into the educational landscape.

Watch the Adopt or Avoid? Gen AI in Education recording 

Requirements:

  1. Attend live or view recording.
  2. You will receive different tasks that represent projects in the workplace and will research what AI platform to use. Part of the process will be to decide what benefits and/or potential issues exist when using the selected AI tool.
  3. Submit your completed tasks to the microcredential SDDS 2024: Innovative Technology.

Class 8: Vectors and Lasers - Learn to Design for Laser Cutting with Illustrator and Glowforge** | July 9

Description: This class explores art creation using a Glowforge laser cutter. First, learners will learn how to create a vector drawing using Adobe Illustrator. Then they will learn how to use the Glowforge to engrave their design onto a drink coaster.

Watch the Vectors and Lasers recording

Requirements:

  1. Attend live or view recording.
  2. Take a screenshot of your design.
  3. Take a picture of your finished coaster* with your phone.
  4. Upload both the screenshot and photo to the microcredential SDDS 2024 - Innovative Technology.

*Note: If you didn't attend live, please schedule time with ittraining@weber.edu to help with the Glowforge to engrave your coaster.

** This class also counts towards the SDDS 2024: Creative Design microcredential. 


Class 9: Explore Generative AI with Adobe Tools** | August 1

Description: Artificial Intelligence is the buzzword of 2024. Every tech company seems to be introducing some kind of AI tool to the world. Adobe is no different! This class will allow learners to explore the generative AI capabilities within Adobe Firefly, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. Come play with generative AI.

Watch the Explore Generative AI with Adobe Tools recording  

Requirements:

  1. Attend live or view recording.
  2. Generate 3 different images using Adobe Tools:

    • Use Adobe Firefly to generate an image. In your submission, include the prompt you used and show the different iterations to get to your final product. 
    • Use Photoshop’s generative fill feature on an image. In your submission, include the original photo, your prompt (including different iterations), and your final product. 
    • Use Illustrator to generate a Vector file. In your submission, include the prompt you used (including different iterations) and your final product.
     
  3. Upload your images and prompts to the microcredential SDDS 2024 - Innovative Technology.

** This class also counts towards the SDDS 2024: Creative Design microcredential. 


Need Help?

If you have any questions or problems with completing these, please contact IT Training at ittraining@weber.edu.