Communities of Practice

COIL + Global in the Classroom Community of Practice

Are you interested in learning more about how to integrate global learning into your students’ class experience – or even where to start? Are you currently incorporating global learning into your course but want to explore new ideas and strategies?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, this Community of Practice (CoP) is for you! Co-hosted by the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) and the Global Education Office (GEO), the COIL + Global in the Classroom CoP will bring together colleagues from across the university for discussions focused on integrating global learning into the classroom (whether on-campus or online) through Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL; i.e., collaborative learning experiences and projects with students and faculty members from institutions in different countries), project-based learning, and other teaching strategies.

Each of this semester’s three CoP meetings will focus on a different topic, and CoP members will have the opportunity to learn from guest speakers and each other as they discuss opportunities and best practices for designing courses with global learning.

Sign-up for COIL + Global in the Classroom CoP and you will receive the meeting link before the first CoP meeting. All meetings will be held Fridays on Zoom

September 1, 2023, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
November 3, 2023, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
December 1, 2023, 12:00-1:00 p.m.

GTA Faculty Community of Practice

During the 2023-24 academic year, the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning will continue to facilitate the GTA Faculty Community of Practice (CoP) for faculty members who lead/co-lead GTA training. Specifically, the CoP will provide an opportunity to gather with and learn from others across the university who provide teaching-related support to GTAs.

Each of this semester’s three CoP meetings will focus on a different topic, and CoP members will have the opportunity to learn from guest speakers and each other as they discuss opportunities and best practices for teaching-related GTA training and professional development.

Sign-up for GTA Faculty CoP and you will receive the meeting link before the first CoP meeting. All meetings will be held Fridays on Zoom

September 1, 2023, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
November 3, 2023, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
December 1, 2023, 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Community of Practice for Large Courses

Virginia Tech is known for excellent teaching and learning in large classes. The large course community of practice (CoP) invites all faculty to engage in a faculty community focused on concerns and passions for student learning in large courses. The structure of the community reflects the fundamental social nature of human learning and the teaching excellence which exists in the Virginia Tech community.

The community meets monthly and addresses a topic of concern with faculty discussion and faculty demonstrations of how they address these concerns in their courses. Community meetings are open to the Virginia Tech campus community. If you teach, you are welcome! Attend as many, or as few, community meetings to meet your teaching needs.

Sign-up for the Large Course CoP and you will receive the meeting link before the first CoP meeting. All meetings will be held Fridays on Zoom

September 8, 2023, 1:00–2:00 p.m.
October 13, 2023, 1:00–2:00 p.m.
November 10, 2023, 1:00–2:00 p.m.

Adjunct/Contingent Faculty Community of Practice

As adjunct/contingent faculty, we may experience limited interaction with other faculty. This community of practice (CoP) is designed to provide a platform to connect with other faculty members who share similar experiences within Virginia Tech. During each meeting, a brief presentation related to relevant topics and resources will be provided and members may engage in open discussion surrounding common questions or needs.

Attend any, or all, of the meetings based on your own schedule. All meetings will be held Fridays on Zoom. Enjoying your lunch during meetings is highly encouraged. Our first meeting will include a brief overview of Canvas Tips and Tricks to support faculty-student communication and time management.

Sign up for the Adjunct/Contingent Faculty CoP and you will receive the link for the first CoP meeting.

November 17, 2023, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
December 1, 2023, 12:00-1:00 p.m.