Texas CanvasConnect at the University of Houston - Downtown

Speakers: Joanna Ray, Hossein Shahrokhi, Associate Vice President, Information Technology and Chief Information Officer, University of Houston-Downtown

John P. Lane, Director, Technology Learning Services, University of Houston-Downtown

Speaker: Zach Pendleton, Chief Architect, Instructure 

Explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing higher education, enhancing learning experiences, optimizing administrative processes, and driving innovation in academic research.

Breakout Session 1 - AI Faculty Empowerment: Learning Through Play

Speakers: Scott Dillingham, Executive Director, University of Texas-Tyler 
Brittany Folden, LMS Administrator, University of Texas-Tyler 
Steve Myers, Instructional Designer, University of Texas-Tyler 

Are you facing challenges with faculty members who are apprehensive or uncertain about integrating AI? In this presentation, we will share our strategies for helping faculty and staff embrace the advantages of AI. We'll also discuss the diverse learning methods we employed to engage instructors on our campus.

Breakout Session 2 - Revolutionizing Education with Intelligent Insights

Speaker: Jason Gilbert, Director, Solutions Engineer

Discover Intelligent Insights, Instructure's new AI-powered tool. Beta testers like Oxford and Cornell praise its ability to personalize learning and provide real-time data interaction, transforming educational experiences and outcomes.

Breakout Session 3 - Reimagining Assessment in the Age of AI

Speaker: Colleen Halupa, East Texas Baptist University 

Artificial intelligence (AI) has changed the landscape of higher education, particularly regarding assessment.  Traditional assessment methods can often be easily completed on generative AI programs.  AI detection programs have been unable to keep up with the sheer number of AI programs and the advances which has resulted in some universities turning off the AI detection feature.  The purpose of this session is to discuss assessment types that can be facilitated by Canvas that use theories of emerging pedagogies and are more AI resistant. 

Breakout Session 4 - Leading by Design: Modeling Best Practices in AI 

Speaker: Sara Baber, University of North Texas at Dallas

In an era where artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming industries, higher education must adapt to prepare students for this evolving landscape. This session will explore our initiative to support faculty in embracing AI tools and integrating them into their courses to best support students throughout their journey in the classroom, and into their careers

Breakout Session 1 - Enhancing Lifelong Learning: The Future of Microcredentials

Speaker: Morgan Ginther, Project Manager, University of Texas at Austin
Natalie Murray

Discover how microcredentials are shaping the future of education by providing flexible, specialized learning opportunities that support continuous skill development and career advancement.

Breakout Session 2 - Archiving Canvas Data and Developing a Retention Plan

Speakers: Pamela Darling-Facio, Director eLearning, Center, Collin College
Heather Webb-Losh, Director, Web Services, Collin College

Discover how Collin College tackled the challenges of data retention, compliance, and ensuring their digital learning environment remains secure and efficient. With thousands of students utilizing the platform, courses began accumulating year over year, making it difficult to maintain an organized environment for faculty. This session will explore a modern and strategic approach to archiving data using a Canvas-integrated solution that not only improves system performance but also enhances student data protection and allows for easy synchronization of archived content back into Canvas when needed.

Breakout Session 3 - TBD

Breakout Session 4 - Pushing Canvas to its Limits (Texas A&M) 

Speakers: C.J. Shields, Manager, Digital Learning Support, Texas A&M University
Martin Quinn, Ed User Support Specialist IV, Texas A&M University   

Explore how, in nine weeks, Texas A&M brought together stakeholders from across the university and utilized innovative project management concepts to create and deploy a Canvas course with students that could fill Madison Square Garden. The final product saved a flagship institution thousands of dollars, ensuring compliance with Title IX regulations.

Breakout Session 1 - Why Become a Canvas Certified Technical Administrator (CCTA)
Speakers: Heather Webb-Losh, Director, Web Services

Let's explore the comprehensive benefits of the Certified Canvas Technical Administrator (CCTA) course for Canvas Administrators, regardless of their experience level—from novice to expert. This presentation will delve into the two core courses that cover fundamental architecture, design, permissions, and security. Additionally, we'll discuss the elective options that provide an in-depth understanding of the Canvas API and strategies for enhancing Canvas through effective training, planning, and communication.

Breakout Session 2 - Numbers Don’t Lie: Taking Action with Canvas New Analytics

Speakers: Jobin Varughese, Educational Consultant, Texas A&M University
C.J. Shield, Manager, Digital Learning Team, Texas A&M University

This presentation offers a conversational demonstration of New Analytics, guiding participants through its various sections and features. We will brainstorm together on how faculty and instructional designers can use the various features of New Analytics to generate questions, provide insights, and take action on student persistence.  Whether you're new to Canvas or an experienced user, you'll gain valuable insights and practical tips for making data-driven decisions that positively impact teaching, learning, and overall student success. Enhance your understanding of data-driven education within Canvas and transform your teaching practices.

Breakout Session 3 - Instructure Unplugged: Open Q&A

Speakers: Zach Pendleton, Chief Architect,
Jace Gilbert, Manager, Solutions Engineers,
Elizabeth Miller, Global Product Lead for Lifelong Learning 

Session Description: Join us for an interactive Q&A session where our Instructure team will answer your burning questions and provide insights into our latest initiatives, product developments, and strategic vision. Whether you're curious about upcoming features or have specific challenges, this is your chance to get answers directly from the experts.

Breakout Session 4 - TBD

Enjoy a delicious lunch and take advantage of this opportunity to network with your Texas peers and industry leaders. Exchange ideas, build connections, and discuss the latest trends and innovations in education technology

Speaker: Clayton Coyne, Director, Partnerships, Class

Session Description: Class is the next generation virtual classroom - built upon the audio and video capabilities of Zoom and Microsoft Teams. With Class, Canvas customers can bring the best of synchronous and asynchronous learning together by accessing and deploying Canvas content, capturing completion, grades, and much more.

Speakers: UT-Austin, Collin College, University of North Texas - Dallas, 
Natalie Murray, UT Austin
Justin Dellinger, Texas A&M
Ann Blackman, Collin College
Sara Baber, University of North Texas Dallas

Join a panel of esteemed leaders in higher education as they share their strategic roadmaps for the future. Learn about their innovative approaches, upcoming initiatives, and how they plan to navigate the evolving educational landscape to drive success and growth.

UHD's dynamic campus is located at One Main Street in downtown Houston, easily accessed from all major freeways. Scroll down for directions on how to get to UHD by freeway.

For a closer view of UHD's campus in relationship to the streets of downtown Houston, including parking lots and vehicle entrances, check the interactive map. The Parking Office in room N117 (One Main Building) is responsible for UHD Parking permits and tokens.

METRO operates a light rail line that stops on Main Street in front of UHD's campus. A number of bus routes also serve UHD's campus. METRO Bus Passes and Schedules are available, along with tokens, at the Information Center, located on the third floor of the One Main Building.

• Driving Directions can be found here

• Visitor Parking Lot:
  UHD Visitor Parking Lot
  201 Girard Street
  Houston, TX 77002

Visitor Parking Lot:

UHD Visitor Parking Lot
201 Girard Street
Houston, TX 77002

• The entrance into the Visitor Garage must be made off Girard Street, the northwest corner of the campus. The visitor parking lot is located beneath the Welcome Center. Upon entering the visitor parking location, press the button to receive an entry ticket. (see images attached). 
• Once you are on Travis Street, we are the very last right turn before entering onto I45 North.
• Visitors may park anywhere on the first level as long as the parking space does not say “Reserved.”
• Once parked, attendees can take the nearest elevator to the 3rd floor.
• Visitor Garage parking is a flat fee of $10 per entry. 
• There are two payment options: an automated pay station (cash or credit card) located to the right of the elevators or payment at the exit gate (credit card only).
• Interactive map of Visitor Parking: https://maps.uhd.edu/?id=1133#!ce/26561?ct/25343?m/262517?s/
• Visitor Parking is reserved for Canvas Connect attendees on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.
• There are 50 spaces in this lot. If this lot is full, please use the city-metered parking across from the UHD Visitor Parking.

Other Parking Options:

• There is city-metered parking across from UHD Visitor Parking, underneath the freeway. We think it’s about $1.45/hour.  (see image attached). 
• There is city-metered parking on Main Street under the freeway (or across from Wood Street parking).
• There is also the option to park and ride and come in on the Metro Rail, which stops right in front of the university on the 3rd floor.