Tech Talk - IT Newsletter for Faculty & Staff (Jan 2024) No images? Click here Avoiding Techno-Bias in EducationUniversities play a crucial role in shaping future leaders, including ensuring that students graduate with strong IT skills. But technology is not immune to the challenges posed by bias and inequality. Awareness of techno-bias is critical for ensuring that teaching with tech doesn’t place an undue burden on marginalized groups. What Is Techno-Bias?Techno-bias refers to inherent biases that are unwittingly encoded into technological systems or how they are used. This bias can take numerous forms, such as using data collected from exclusionary practices or lack of access to tech resources. Techno-Bias Challenges in EducationPitt uses many technology tools for assignments, assessments, grading, collaboration, and other purposes. However, these tools may inadvertently favor certain groups over others, leading to disparities in educational experiences and academic outcomes. It is important to be aware of the following forms of techno-bias.
By prioritizing inclusivity, providing alternatives, challenging assumptions, and regularly assessing technology tools, instructors play an important role in ensuring a more equitable learning environment for all students. Achieving Survey Success with QualtricsWhether you are performing advanced research, want customer feedback, or need an event registration form, Qualtrics is the perfect tool. It's also ideal for students doing research surveys. ELN Webinars Just for PittJoin LabArchives and your Pitt colleagues for two special webinars offered just for Pitt faculty and researchers: Intro to LabArchives Electronic Lab Notebook and Inventory Intro to LabArchives Scheduler Academic Integrity in the Age of AIJoin Top Hat for on Thursday, Feb. 1, at 2 p.m. ET for a webinar where James Lang, educator and author of Cheating Lessons, will share course design practices that improve student learning while reducing the incentives to cheat. Register now. ![]() New Year's Tech Resolutions That Are Actually Fun to KeepIt's not too late to make a resolution for 2024. While many people have already abandoned the difficult, life-changing resolutions they made as the ball dropped, there are some resolutions that are actually pretty fun and easy to keep. Here are a few to consider:
See our tips and tricks for achieving these fun tech resolutions. New Semester, New Phishing ScamsStudents weren't the only ones eagerly awaiting your return to campus for the spring term. Scammers were also eager to flood your email with offers that are just too good to be true. Some recent examples include an offer to get free stuff from an estate, a great job opportunity, and a fake incident notification. Look for phishing warning signs before you click and forward scam emails as an attachment to phish@pitt.edu. LinkedIn Learning's Newest OfferingsAs a working adult, your time for personal growth and development can be limited. Fortunately, with LinkedIn Learning, you can grow your skills and pursue your interests in under two hours. Here are some of LinkedIn Learning's newest classes:
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