CELT Glossary

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A

• Accessible

  Content and/or materials that are functional and usable to individuals with disabilities. With respect to this document, “accessible” and “accessibility” do not relate to the availability of the materials, but rather if it is functional/usable to individuals with disabilities.

• Active Learning

  Inspired by learning theories such as Social Constructivist Theory and theoretical frameworks such as the ICAP framework, active learning differs from passive learning in the way that students are actively engaged in the learning process. Active Learning classrooms are available to support student engagement through the collaboration and innovation made possible by the flexible furniture and technology options.

• Active Learning Classrooms (ALCs)

  Specially designed spaces at SBU with flexible furniture, advanced technology, collaborative tools, and tiered rectangular tables to support student engagement in classrooms. SBU has multiple ALCs, including Frey Hall 119, which offers 32 workstations that can accommodate 6 students each. The Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) at Stony Brook University provides training programs and workshops on utilizing ALCs.

• Adoption and Insights Portal (AIP)

  A course material adoption tool used at Stony Brook University (SBU) for managing and submitting course material adoptions each term.

• Ally

  An integration in Brightspace that checks course content for accessibility.

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

  A civil rights law enacted in 1990. It prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in various areas of public life, including employment, education, transportation, and access to public and private spaces that are open to the general public.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

  "Generative AI" refers to a type of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that can generate new data based on the underlying pattens and structures in the data it has been trained on. Generative AI includes large language models (LLMs) that can generate new and eloquent text, and other generative AI applications can create realistic images, sounds, music, and videos based on user prompts. Generative AI models are typically based on machine learning techniques such as deep learning, and they learn patterns in the input data to create outputs that appear creative or realistic. 

  Generative AI is not an absolute source of truth. It is not unbiased, not guaranteed to be accurate and its output should not be used without proper attribution or used in any way that one wishes -- it must be used responsibly. 

• Assistive Computer Technology

  Computer applications that improve the experience for individuals with disabilities to use, maintain, interact, or develop computer-based content. Assistive computer technologies compose a broad spectrum of applications that can include speech recognition, screen-enlargement/magnification, screen-readers, etc.

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B

• Blackboard

  A web-based virtual learning management system (LMS) that was utilized at SBU prior to Brightspace.

• Brightspace

  The university’s Learning Management System (LMS) that is used for all online course delivery. 

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C

• Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CELT)

  Encourages inclusivity, experimentation, innovation, and evidence-based practices in all learning environments, and our staff expertise informs and supports this work leading to success in teaching and the student learning experience. 

• Center for Inclusive Education (CIE)

  Committed to advancing diversity in graduate education, academia, and the scientific workforce. The CIE works to recruit, retain, and graduate underrepresented minority and otherwise disadvantaged scholars, as well as those scholars who advance the mission of increasing diversity of their respective fields. 

• ChatGPT

  An artificial intelligence chatbot developed by OpenAI that uses natural language processing (NLP) to generate human-like text responses. 

• Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL)

  Connects students and professors in different countries for collaborative projects and discussions as part of their coursework. 

• College of Arts & Sciences (CAS)

  The liberal arts college at the university. It offers a wide range of programs across different disciplines, including sciences, mathematics, humanities, social sciences, and fine arts.

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D

• DEI

  DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. It is an organizational framework aimed at creating a fair and supportive environment for everyone, particularly those who have been historically underrepresented or marginalized. 

• Digital Learning Environment (DLE)

  Brightspace is the new Digital Learning Environment (DLE) for SBU and all SUNY schools. It has replaced the previous Learning Management System (LMS), Blackboard, to enhance the learning and teaching experience at SBU.

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E

• Echo360

  A system that automatically captures lectures and screen recordings, and converts voice, video, and visual aids into media files.

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F

• Faculty Commons

  A space with modular and collaborative workspaces that employees can reserve for teaching related events and scheduled meetings.

• Frey Hall

  A state-of-the-art classroom building at SBU. It is located between Harriman Hall and the Frank Melville Jr. Memorial Library on the Academic Mall of SBU’s West Campus. 

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H

• Harriman Hall

  A building at SBU located on the Academic Mall of SBU’s campus, serving as the primary location for business and philosophy classes and hosts meetings for various business-related clubs and organizations.

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I

• IAFOR Journal of Education

  A peer-reviewed, open-access academic journal focused on education, learning, and teaching. It’s published by The International Academic Forum (IAFOR) based in Japan.

• ICAP Framework

  A science of learning and evidence-based theory. It offers heuristics to differentiate between various types of active learning activities regarding their effectiveness in enhancing learning. ICAP stands for “Interactive, Constructive, Active, and Passive.”

• Inclusive Pedagogy

  An inclusive approach to course development and classroom management helps to create an environment where students feel validated and that they have a voice. This encourages them to take a lead role in their own learning, connect the content to their own lives, and reflect on their experiences as well as the experiences of others.

• Inclusive Pedagogy Course (IPC)

  A course offered by CELT to promote inclusive teaching. The course offers a safe space to explore the fundamental concepts of inclusive pedagogy with fellow colleagues and peers and critical pedagogies and frameworks that disrupt traditional learning models. 

• Instructional Designers

  Professionals who work within the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) at SBU. They apply learning theories to create effective training programs and materials, focusing on designing engaging and measurable learning experiences, and assessing the effectiveness of the training.

• International Center for Academic Integrity (ICAI)

  A consortium of colleges, universities, and other institutions that promotes academic integrity in educational settings. The ICAI was founded in 1992. Its mission is guided by six fundamental values, viz., honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility, and courage.

• International Journal of Transformative Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (IJTTL)

  An international peer-reviewed, open-access, and interdisciplinary journal committed to the advancement of higher education teaching and learning. IJTTL is the official journal of the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching at SBU, State University of New York.

• ITEC Points

  ITEC points can be used by SBU employees to pay for professional development events and training.

• ITHAKA+R GAI Product Tracker

  A tool that catalogs Generative AI tools (GAI) applications designed for teaching, learning, and research in higher education.

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J

• Javits Lecture Center

  The Jacob K. Javits Lecture Center, also known as the Javits Center or simply Javits, is the main lecture venue at SBU. It is situated on the west campus, south of the main Academic Mall.

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L

• Large Language Models (LLMs)

  Advanced artificial intelligence systems designed to understand, process, and generate human-like text responses.

• Learning Management System (LMS)

  A software application or web-based technology used to plan, implement, and assess learning processes. The LMS that is used by the SUNY system is Brightspace.

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M

• Melville Library

  The main library at SBU. It’s located on the Academic Mall of SBU’s west campus.

• Mobile apps

  Software applications that are downloaded and designed to run on mobile devices (e.g. smartphones and tablets).

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O

• Online Course Quality Rubric (OSCQR)

  A research-based review instrument for revising and guiding the design quality of courses in addition to conducting internal peer reviews. This rubric is also endorsed by the Online Learning Cons

• Office of Faculty Affairs

  An administrative office at Stony Brook University that is dedicated to supporting and advancing the careers of faculty members.

• Online Teaching Course (OTC)

  An introduction to teaching online. This training is designed to give you the experience of an online student while learning about evidence based strategies for effective and engaging online learning environments. Each training is facilitated by a member of the CELT team and is held in Brightspace.

• Online Teaching Milestone

  The Teaching Milestone Program is a CELT initiative that offers a diverse range of workshops, courses, and experiences that provide teaching development for faculty and instructional staff. Topics include: active learning, assessment, college teaching basics, inclusive pedagogy, and online teaching.  

• OpScan

  The OpScan office rovides test-scanning services for multiple-choice exams and tests using bubble sheets for any course offered through the Registrar on East or West Campus.  

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P

• POD Network annual conference

  A conference event in the field of educational development, which provides a space for professionals who engage in faculty development, teaching practice, and instructional design to explore innovative pedagogy. 

• Required Syllabi Statement

  Required syllabi statements that must be added to all teaching syllabi for both graduate and undergraduate courses on the Stony Brook Campus. The statements are issued by the University Senate Undergraduate and Graduate Councils.

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Q

• Quality Matters (QM)

  A framework described as a leader in quality assurance for online education to ensure and improve the quality of online education. 

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R

• Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI)

  A key requirement for distance education courses to ensure that online courses provide meaningful engagement between instructors and students. RSI is a federal mandate that applies to all institutions offering online courses eligible for financial aid. 

• Required Syllabi Statement

  Required syllabi statements that must should be added to all teaching syllabi for both graduate and undergraduate courses on the Stony Brook Campus. The statements are issued by the University Senate Undergraduate and Graduate Councils. The following link directs to the specifics of the statements: https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/faculty-pathways/pages/syllabus.php 

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S

• Stony Brook Curriculum (SBC)

  A comprehensive general education program at SBU. Students can fulfill SBC requirements through various means, including multiple-certified courses, course clusters, and themed paths.

• Screen-reader

  A screen-reader is a type of assistive computer technology used by individuals who are blind or visually-impaired. A screen-reader “reads” the information on the screen to the user, who can control the on-screen focus by various keyboard commands.

• Speech Recognition

  Speech recognition is a type of assistive computer technology commonly used by individuals who have a mobility impairment or repetitive stress injury. The individual speaks commands or dictation into a microphone, whereby the speech recognition system carries out the command or enters the spoken text.

• Shop Red Campus Stores

  The official campus stores of SBU. They offer logo apparel, merchandise, school supplies, and course materials for SBU students.

• Southampton Hospital

  Known as Stony Brook Southampton Hospital located in Southampton, New York. It is part of the Stony Brook Medicine healthcare system and offers a wide range of medical services and specialties.

• STEM

  An acronym that stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. STEM education prepares develop critical thinking and analytical skills that are essential for future careers that require technical expertise. 

• Student Accessibility Support Center (SASC)

  The designated support service center at SBU to help enable students with disabilities to develop their academic potential, by making their academic experience accessible. In addition to arranging accommodations, a major part of the mission of SASC is to encourage students with disabilities to achieve a high level of autonomy at Stony Brook and far beyond. 

• Success Criteria

  The levels of conformance for the WCAG Guidelines to determine if web content is accessible. There are three levels of conformance: Level A, Level AA, and Level AAA. 

• SUNY Conference on Instructional Technology (CIT)

  SUNY’s annual event centered on instructional technology in education. The conference was established in 1992, providing a forum for faculty, policymakers, and instructional support professionals to present and discuss innovative ways to integrate technology into teaching and learning environments. 

• SUNY Center for Professional Development (CPD)

  A cooperative, voluntary organization established in 1989 that provides professional development programs and services for the State University of New York (SUNY) system. To see upcoming opportunities, see their Program and Events Calendar.CPD Points are available to SBU employees to pay for the cost of registration to SUNY CPD-sponsored events. 

• Syllabus Toolkit

  Digitally accessible syllabus templates for in-person, online, hybrid courses created by CELT for instructors to use and adapt to fit their needs. These include versions with guiding comments and sample statements and versions without these comments. There are also links to resources such as provost statements, general education requirements, sample syllabus statements, and the university bookstore.  

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T

• Teaching and Learning Symposium

  The CELT Teaching and Learning Symposium aims to bring together educators throughout campus to engage in meaningful discussions about innovative teaching and learning practices. This event is held every spring semester and features a distinguished keynote speaker and several breakout sessions throughout the day. 

• TESOL annual conference

  Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is a major event in the field of English language teaching that provides educators, researchers, and professionals with the opportunity to share insights, network, and stay updated on the latest developments in English language teaching.

• Text-to-speech

  Text-to-speech technology allows for the communication of text-based information into audible speech. Text-to-speech technology is a core element within screen-reader applications, but may also be used separately by non-disabled individuals who wish to listen as opposed to visually interacting with content.

• Title II

  A section of the Americans with Disabilities Act that applies to public entities (state and local governments, libraries, school districts, community colleges). SBU complies with Title II of the ADA. 

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V

• Virtual Reality (VR)

  Technology that creates a simulated environment, allowing users to interact with a 3D world that feels immersive and real. SBU has a VR Studio available for use. 

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W

• WebAIM’s Color Contrast Checker

  A tool to check color contrast of foreground and background colors on a web page or document. 

• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

  An international standard for making web content more accessible for people with disabilities. It is based around four principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable. Robust (P.O.U.R.). Each version of the guidelines contains several Success Criteria that outline specific metrics used to determine whether a site satisfies the guidelines.

• World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)

  Organization that develops standards for web content.

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