June 2026 EdTech Tips

In this Issue

This month we're sharing three lessons from conference season: what we learned, what we presented, and what we facilitated. Read the entire newsletter or jump to the tip you're interested in:

1. Discover what we learned during the 2026 U of T conference season

2. Take a look inside our TechKnowFile session: From Concept to Course

3. Learn how we planned and facilitated the closing plenary for the TLS 2026

Don't miss our regular features: Quick tech tip | Faculty questions of the week | Worthwhile clicks from the web | Through our lens

Welcome!

What's happening in the world of FASE EdTech this month? With two big U of T conferences wrapped up, the Education Technology Office (ETO) is looking forward to sharing our key takeaways (see Tip 01) and applying some of what we've learned, and facilitated (see Tip 03), in our upcoming projects. Similar to other online modules that we've worked on (see Tip 02) we’re now in the planning stage of a new module for Climate Science and Engineering, and we’ll be ready to record videos and start building the online module later this month.

What's happening over the next few months? Along with a few new projects that we’re in early discussions about, production is well underway for a new series of lightboard videos featuring Prof. Fatemeh Jazinizadeh that are being recorded in the ETO Studio and will continue over the summer.

If you do one thing after reading this newsletter, step outside and enjoy a walk through St. George campus while we still have this nice weather (check out some photos our staff took on campus).

1. Discover what we learned during the 2026 U of T conference season

On May 6th, Anna and Inga presented at TechKnowFile 2026. The session was a behind-the-scenes look at how the ETO develops online learning modules, from the first instructor conversation to final review before launch.

On May 14th, in collaboration with CTSI, Anna and Inga facilitated The Encore, the closing plenary for TLS 2026: Signal to Noise. The session was held in Rotman's Desautels Hall with close to 150 participants.

Quick tech tip

Use Copilot to Improve Document Accessibility and Structure  

Well-organized, accessible documents and presentations help students navigate content more easily and support a wider range of learning needs. Microsoft Copilot can provide suggestions to improve structure, readability, and accessibility, including heading organization, colour contrast, fonts, and layout.

Try it:

1. Open the U of T–protected version of Microsoft Copilot.  

2. Upload or paste your syllabus, handout, presentation, or other course document to the Copilot chat (only upload documents you have permission to use and share).

3. Use a clear prompt, such as:

   • Review this document for accessibility and identify specific improvements related to headings, structure, readability, colour contrast, link text, tables, images, and screen reader navigation.

4. Review and refine the suggestions to ensure they support the organization and instructional goals of the document. Copilot may suggest improvements such as:

   • Adding or reorganizing headings

   • Improving document structure and navigation

   • Increasing colour contrast

   • Using more accessible fonts

   • Simplifying language

5. Apply the recommended changes using the MS 365 built-in accessibility features, such as heading styles in Word or slide layouts in PowerPoint.

Tip:

Use the Accessibility Checker in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint to identify additional accessibility issues and receive suggestions for improvement before sharing your document or presentation.

Learn more:

Explore additional guidance on creating accessible materials on CTSI's UDL in Practice page, Designing Materials.

Faculty questions of the week

Each week we answer a real question that we've received about Quercus and other Academic Toolbox and media tools, keeping the questions timely and relevant to you. Select a question to read the full inquiry and response, or browse all previous faculty questions of the week.

Read the faculty question of the week

Can I delete or replace a scanned booklet in Crowdmark after uploading it? (May 14, 2026)
My course has an in-person exam using Crowdmark. I accidentally uploaded a booklet with poor image quality, then uploaded a rescanned version. Will this create a duplicate, and can the original upload be removed? (Read the full answer)

Worthwhile clicks from the web

Looking for something to read/watch/listen to? Each month we round up things that we've interacted with that we think are worth sharing:

• Should We Integrate AI into Our Teaching?: Evidence-Based Guidelines for Deciding When AI Belongs | Faculty Focus From the blog: “Given what the research tells us, faculty should adopt a default of “offline pedagogy”—designing instruction around the conditions known to produce durable learning—and integrate AI only when it can be shown to genuinely support, rather than substitute for, those conditions.” This blog presents four questions that instructors should ask themselves when considering using AI in the classroom.

• Podcast Interviews on Scenarios, ID Careers, AI, and More | Experience Elearning From the blog: “I’ve had the opportunity to be interviewed on some wonderful podcasts. Most of the time, our discussions related to scenario-based learning. I have also recorded several conversations about AI, instructional design careers, freelancing, and other topics.” Christy Tucker provides a list of podcasts she has been featured on, including our very own MADE for U of T.

• Griddy Icons | Need an icon for a presentation or handout? European-based graphic designer, Filip Gres, has created over a thousand free open-source icons that have a “unique utilitarian vibe” and can be accessed directly on the website.

Through our lens

A picture is worth a thousand words, or at least whatever we can fit in the description! Here are a few photos taken by the ETO team during the past month:

Inga and Anna present

at TechKnowFile 2026

Marisa and Yun attend

TLS 2026: Signal to Noise

Family of geese tour UTSG

(Inga Breede)

Lisbon’s famous Tram 28

(James Zhan)

Wisteria blooms on campus

(Yun Wu)

Copyright (C) 2026 U of T Engineering. All rights reserved.

Quick ETO Information
Email: fase.edtech@utoronto.ca
ETO Studio Space: Bahen 3116
ETO Office Space: 256 McCaul, Rms. 204a to 207