UNMC’s inaugural InnovatED Symposium, held Thursday, Sept. 28, featured more than 10 presentations by faculty, staff and students on key educational innovations being done across UNMC.
Topics included AI usage in education, inclusive classroom strategies, improving assessments and learner outcomes, techniques to improve engagement and learning, and incorporating simulation into curriculum.
The advancements highlighted at the symposium by UNMC educators align with topics being discussed among the broader academic community and help highlight how UNMC is at the forefront of educational innovation, said Dele Davies, MD, senior vice chancellor for academic affairs.
“The InnovatED Symposium was a testament to UNMC’s dedication to advancing health professions education,” Dr. Davies said. “Due to its interprofessional approach, the symposium offered a forum for individuals across campuses to share educational insights and breakthroughs.
“I strongly believe that the true power of the symposium lies in the creativity that was unleashed as the unique group of faculty, staff and students with their own individual talents came together to exchange ideas and knowledge.”
The InnovatED Symposium featured a keynote presentation on generative AI by Victor Winter, PhD, professor of computer science at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. During his presentation, Dr. Winter explained how generative AI, particularly ChatGPT, can assist educators enhance and expedite the activities they already are doing and the perils of delaying its use.
“Experts predict the impact of AI adoption could be greater than the inventions of the internet, mobile broadband and the smartphone — combined,” Dr. Winter said. “Time is already running out to adopt this technology, and we can’t afford to wait. A dismissive perception of AI is detrimental to the people who hold it because you miss out on helping it grow, so it can help you do what you do better.”
Attendees praised the event for the breadth of innovation featured and the ability to connect with fellow educators.
“The InnovatED Symposium was a fantastic opportunity to hear about some of the latest technological advances and how they can be applied to teaching in the health sciences,” said Matt Vilburn, DC, assistant professor of genetics, cell biology and anatomy in the UNMC College of Medicine. “There were so many great session choices that it was hard to decide which to attend. I look forward to future events like this that equip educators with tools for creating more engaging content for their learners.”
“The InnovatED Symposium provided the ideal setting to network with experts and innovators in educational best practices,” said Tammy Webster, PhD, professor and assistant dean for academic affairs in the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions. “The tools and strategies discussed offered practical approaches to enhance learning outcomes and experiences. Presenters shared valuable lessons learned and inspired audience members to think creatively about how new tools and strategies could be leveraged within their own teaching applications.”
The InnovatED Symposium was a collaboration between the Interprofessional Academy of Educators and UNMC Distance Education, who created the symposium after recognizing a gap in opportunities for educators to present and disseminate their work on a local level. The event was sponsored by Academic Affairs, College of Allied Health Professions, College of Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Public Health and Interactive E-Learning.
See the full list of presenters and presentation descriptions on the event website.
Was Dr. Winter’s presentation recorded and is the recording available for viewing?
Dr. Winter and all the presenters were absolutely phenomenal at the symposium!