TOP HAT ON CAMPUS: TULANE UNIVERSITY
Bridging the Equity Gap with Evidence-Based Teaching
Feb. 28 | 2:00–4:30 PM
CELT-ILC Suite
7001 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70118
Join Tulane University’s Innovative Learning Center and Top Hat as we explore the role of educational technology in creating equitable, engaging learning experiences that help all students thrive. Plus, learn how to take advantage of free access to Top Hat for you and your students!
Agenda
Fireside Chat: The Nexus of Technology, Pedagogy, and Equitable Learning
2:00 to 3:00 PM
Blaine Fisher, Instructional Technologist, Innovative Learning Center, Tulane University
Dr. Bradley Cohen, Chief Academic Officer, Top Hat
When grounded in evidence-based teaching practices, effective courses foster a greater sense of belonging, create more opportunities for feedback and encouragement, and increase student confidence in their ability to graduate. They also lead to better academic outcomes! In this discussion, we’ll explore how educational technology and the rise of AI are creating new opportunities to transform engaging and equitable learning in even the largest classrooms. Come ready to share and learn proven strategies to support the success of your students.
Top Hat Application Workshop & Faculty Spotlight
3:15 to 4:00 PM
Sumi Voora, Course Implementation Specialist, Top Hat
Professor Jolene Pinder, Strategy, Leadership & Analytics, Tulane University
Increase your efficiency and student impact with Top Hat, which is available to Tulane faculty and students free of charge. This workshop will provide an overview of Top Hat and showcase how you can apply key concepts from the fireside chat to create engaging and equitable learning experiences for your students. Plus, hear about a fellow instructor’s experience with Top Hat and learn how our dedicated support services set you and your students up for success.
Top Hat Office Hours
4:00 to 4:30PM
Spencer Cheng, Senior Customer Success Manager, Top Hat
Sumi Voora, Course Implementation Specialist, Top Hat
Office hours are open! Get answers to any and all questions about the Top Hat platform, the support available to you and to better understand how we can drive value in your classes. No question is too big or too small!
About Our Speakers
Blaine Fisher, Tulane University
During his tenure at Tulane, Blaine has launched several campus-wide programs, such as learning management systems and various instructional technologies. He currently works for Tulane’s Innovative Learning Center (ILC), a sub-branch of central IT. At the ILC, Blaine works as Canvas Learning Management System Administrator (ILC), instructional technologist, and faculty professional development trainer on the use of technology in higher education. Blaine is also an adjunct professor with Tulane’s School of Professional Advancement where he teaches courses in Emergency & Security Studies and Information Technology.
Prof. Jolene Pinder, Tulane University
Jolene Pinder is a documentary producer and veteran arts administrator with 15 years of experience in the independent film space. As a member of the Strategy, Leadership & Analytics Minor faculty, she teaches the gateway SLAM course along with courses in leadership, fundraising and sponsorship—as well as a film festivals course that inspired the inaugural Tulane Student Film Festival in 2022.
Dr. Bradley Cohen, Top Hat
Prior to joining Top Hat as Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Bradley Cohen served as the Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at Ohio University. Under his leadership, Ohio University made great strides to improve student learning outcomes, saved students millions of dollars through textbook and course redesign initiatives, and successfully executed ambitious growth strategies in online and blended learning. Before that, Cohen advanced instructional innovation and technology for 15 years at the University of Minnesota as the head of the Center for Educational Innovation and the Associate CIO for Academic Technology.
Sumi Voora, Top Hat
Sumi Voora is a Course Implementation Specialist, working directly with faculty and Centers for Teaching and Learning on course set up, instructional design best practices and optimization using the Top Hat platform. Prior to this, Voora worked as a research and teaching assistant at McMaster University where she also earned her MA in Communications and New Media.
Spencer Cheng, Top Hat
Spencer Cheng is a Senior Customer Success Manager at Top Hat and is responsible for helping faculty and administrators at Tulane University grow the usage and impact of Top Hat. Prior to this, Cheng worked in a variety of roles, including business development, management and marketing. He holds an MBA from the Ivey Business School at Western University.