The mission of the Instructional Design Center is to guide and support faculty and staff to integrate technology to help improve teaching and learning, or enhancing professional development. The IDC lab is available for faculty and staff use. We are located in the Learning Commons, 2nd floor, Room 201.
The IDC offers online support for all your learning technology queries. Log a ticket through the and we will reply within a few hours on weekdays. Alternatively, you can email helpdesk@ramapo.edu. Updates will go straight to your email inbox for added convenience.
New at Ramapo? Be sure to review the Checklist for Academic Items for New Faculty.
Join us on August 24 for a full day of voluntary workshops designed to help you prepare for the fall semester. Attend in person (LC201) or online.
Getting Started with Canvas
10:00–10:50 AM
Presenter: Danielle Howarth
Looking for a step-by-step introduction to the foundational layout of Canvas? In this workshop, we’ll dive into Canvas essentials as we explore the dashboard, account and course settings, modules, and announcements. This session is perfect for new faculty or anyone needing a quick, hands-on refresher to kickstart their course setup.
Gamify Your Course with Kahoot!
11:00–11:50 AM
Presenter: Lauren Burbank
Discover how Kahoot! can make learning more interactive, engaging, and fun. In this workshop, participants will learn how to create and set up a Kahoot! account, navigate the platform dashboard, and explore key features for building and delivering effective quizzes, surveys, and interactive learning activities. We’ll also discuss best practices for designing engaging Kahoots, using reports and analytics, and incorporating game-based learning into both in-person and online teaching environments. Whether you’re new to Kahoot! or looking to enhance your existing skills, this session will provide practical tips and strategies to help you get the most out of the platform.
Ways to Embrace and Prevent AI: Faculty Panel Discussion
12:00–12:50 PM
Presenter: Dr. MIchael Bitz
Faculty members share and discuss ways they are balancing the power of AI and minimizing the risks of cheating within classroom projects and assignments. Each faculty member will highlight specific assignments and demonstrate how they can be adapted across different course modalities, subject areas, and learning environments. Panelists are Zachary Peck (Philosophy) and Michael Bitz (Teacher Education).Â
Canvas Assignments, Quizzes, and Gradebook
1:00–1:50 PM
Presenter: Danielle Howarth
Want a quick introduction to grading and assessment tools in Canvas? In this workshop, you’ll get a high-level overview of how to create assignments and quizzes, organize your Gradebook, and use SpeedGrader to provide student feedback. This fast-paced session is ideal for instructors looking for a streamlined introduction to Canvas grading tools.
Canvas Templates and Master Courses
2:00–2:50 PM
Presenter: Lauren Burbank
Join us for a hands-on workshop exploring Ramapo’s Canvas LMS template and the role of master courses in creating consistent, high-quality learning experiences. Designed with student success in mind, the Ramapo-branded Canvas template streamlines course navigation, promotes accessibility, and provides a consistent structure across courses. Participants will learn how to apply the template, customize key components, and take advantage of its built-in features to create a clean, user-friendly course environment.
The session will also introduce the purpose and potential of master courses as a tool for maintaining consistency, quality, and efficiency across sections and instructors. We’ll discuss how master courses are structured, strategies for adapting shared content, and best practices for collaboration. Whether you’re building a new course, updating an existing one, or working within a shared course model, this workshop will provide practical guidance to help you create effective and engaging Canvas courses.
ADA Accessibility for Digital Course Material
3:00–3:50 PM
Presenter: Dr. MIchael Bitz
With taking effect April, 2027, now is the time to ensure your syllabi, Canvas content, presentation slides, and PDFs are compliant. The workshop will highlight resources from Ramapo’s new Digital Accessibility Website and the IDC’s We’ll walk you through the essential steps to redesign your course materials in compliance with the new rules.
IDC On-Campus Hours (LC201)
- Danielle Howarth, LMS Administrator: Wednesday: 9:00am-4:00pm
- Lauren Burbank, Instructional Designer: Monday & Tuesday: 11:30am-5:30pm
IDC Remote Hours
- Danielle Howarth, LMS Administrator: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday: 8:00-5:15pm
- Lauren Burbank, Instructional Designer: Wednesday & Thursday: 9:00am-7:00pm
Dr. Michael Bitz
Director, IDC
Office: E-230
Phone: (201) 684-7369
mbitz@ramapo.edu
Danielle Howarth
LMS Training Administrator
Office: LC-201B
Phone: (201) 684-7103
dhowarth@ramapo.edu
Lauren Burbank
Instructional Designer / Trainer
Office: LC-201B
Phone: (201) 684-7526
lburbank@ramapo.edu
