Page 20 - ADU Smart Learning Center Issue 1

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Faculty Spotlight

How has collaboration with the SMART Learning Center impacted your college’s teaching and learning
environment?

The workshops offered by the SMART Learning Center centered on innovative teaching strategies, including
those on AI for academic content creation, have significantly supported our faculty’s ability to design and deliver
interactive learning experiences. These sessions provided weekly covered a range of topics, from enhancing
teaching and learning through assessment to implementing flipped classroom models and supporting students
who struggle in inclusive environments. As a result, our faculty members have developed a more dynamic and
engaging teaching approach. This positive transformation is echoed in the feedback from clinical preceptors in
the industry, who have observed the students’ robust knowledge base – a direct testament to the continually
evolving teaching skills of our faculty, enhanced through their participation in these enriching workshops.

What are some of the challenges you face in coordinating PD needs and how do you address them?

The scheduling of the sessions presents a bit of a challenge, as they are all scheduled on Friday evenings,
which may not be convenient for all attendees. To overcome this issue, we record all the sessions, allowing
participants to access them at a more suitable time.

How do you envision the evolution of professional development in higher education, particularly in the
context of your role?

I anticipate that professional development in higher education will incorporate more effective use of technology,
emphasizing the need to use creative teaching strategies as well as proficiency in digital skills. There is a
change towards individual learning pathways that will empower educators to match professional development
with their needs and interests. There is significantly more focus on interdisciplinary and collaborative learning,
which supports an integrated approach and learning of a complete curriculum. To implement these changes
and improve the learning outcomes of students in such an environment, educators should keep up with
current trends, strive to look for new opportunities for learning on their initiative, and effortlessly integrate
these developments into their teaching strategy.

What advice would you give to new educators regarding professional development?

In terms of professional development, new educators would need to engage and focus on workshops that
correspond to their teaching goals and areas of personal growth. Develop a relationship with other instructors
for sharing knowledge and experiences. Networking with other instructors and sharing knowledge and
experiences. Consider ways in which you can use this new learning to improve your instruction after each
session. Keep in mind that professional development is a continuous process that enhances your skills and
raises the teaching profession.

Looking back at your journey as college coordinator, what reflections or learnings would you like to share?

Reflecting on my journey as the Smart Learning Centre’s college coordinator, a few key points come to
consideration:

The Significance of Being Flexible
Educational approaches are dynamic. For instance, the significance of technology compels educators to be
flexible in its implementation during workshops for professionals.

The relevance of technology
Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital platforms have made educational methods more adaptable and
approachable.

Abu Dhabi University | SMART Learning Center Newsletter Issue 1