A comprehensive resource by Instructional Design, Engagement and Support team designed to inspire, inform, and elevate your educational practices. Updated monthly, the EdTech IDEAS Digest brings together the latest in technology, strategy, and thought leadership to help you stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of education.
The Digest features three core categories: Trends, Best Practices & Tools, and Point of View.
Featured article
Five-Minute Fixes for Accessibility: Heading Structure
Well-structured headings make course content easier to navigate—for everyone. They help students quickly find what they need, reduce confusion, and make documents and Canvas pages more accessible to screen reader users. And there are benefits for instructors and writers, too!
Trends
Stay informed with data-driven insights into global trends in education and skills development. Dive into charts, graphs, and key findings to gain a broader perspective and shape your own strategies with confidence.
What Faculty Should Do: Encourage AI Dialogue and Accessibility in the Classroom
In our second article on the EDUCAUSE 2025 Students and Technology Report, we analyze the trends in Gen AI use in Higher Education and issues with Accessibility.
May 30, 2025
Tech-Savvy, Flex-Hungry: What Today’s Students Really Want
The first of two articles analyzing the EDUCAUSE 2025 Students and Technology Report summarizing current sentiments and experiences related to the current student experience with a focus on technology use and how institutions can adapt to meet students needs and enhance learning experiences.
May 29, 2025
The AI Wake-Up Call for Universities: Key Insights from the 2025 EDUCAUSE Survey
An EDUCAUSE survey summarizes current sentiments and experiences related to strategy and leadership, policies and guidelines, use cases, the higher education workforce, and the institutional digital divide.
April 28, 2025
Best Practices and Tools
Explore in-depth reviews of advanced educational technologies and real-world applications of EdTech solutions. Gain practical advice through checklists, frameworks, and actionable recommendations to make learning more engaging and effective.
Five-Minute Fixes for Accessibility: Heading Structure
Well-structured headings make course content easier to navigate—for everyone. They help students quickly find what they need, reduce confusion, and make documents and Canvas pages more accessible to screen reader users. And there are benefits for instructors and writers, too!
February 12, 2026
Five-Minute Fixes for Accessibility: Descriptive Links
How many times have you seen "click here," "read more," or a full URL as a link on a webpage? While common, these links create unnecessary barriers for students.
February 12, 2026
Educational Videos to Inspire Your Creations Or, A Love Letter to Video Essays: Part 1
Ever wonder why some educational videos keep students glued to the screen? The first installment of this three-part series explores the art of the video essay and showcases practical techniques instructors can use to make traditional educational videos more engaging and memorable.
January 20, 2026
Point of View
Gain fresh perspectives from thought leaders in the educational industry, including voices from UMass and beyond.
Teaching Across Silos: Real-World Lessons from a Public Health × Marketing Classroom
This past semester, Public Health and Marketing students stepped out of their silos and into a collaborative project that felt more like a professional agency than a classroom. Led by UMass Amherst Lecturer Ann‑Marie Sylvia, the experience helped students turn theory into action while learning to communicate across disciplines. Discover how breaking down silos can transform learning—and teaching.
January 20, 2026
Fine Art + Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Fine Arts Education
The role of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education classrooms has been the subject of debate and research in the past five years. AI sparks conversations about, but not limited to, plagiarism, workforce competencies, ethics, and course chatbots. Bo Kim, an instructor and graduate student in Studio Arts with the Department of Art, shares her thoughts.
September 18, 2025
Engaging Minds: The Power of Active Learning in the Classroom
Student engagement can be tricky whether you're in a traditional face-to-face class or teaching online. It is one of the most pressing challenges in online learning. Even with physical presence, many instructors struggle to create meaningful interactions and encourage active participation. So, how can learners stay engaged?
April 28, 2025
Special Edition
EdTech IDEAS Digest: What Students Want from Classroom Technology
The classroom is evolving, and so are student expectations for technology. This special Fall 2025 edition of the Digest features practical strategies and expert insights to help you stay ahead.
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