Learning Technologies & Innovation
Learning Technologies & Innovation
Welcome to Learning Technologies & Innovation! We’re dedicated to keeping Loyola at the forefront of technology for teaching and learning. Whether you need help with a specific tool, course innovation, survey design, or simply want to explore new ideas—our team of experienced professionals is here to help. Visit our Meet With Us page to browse areas of expertise and book an appointment that fits your schedule. For technical issues or quick service requests, contact the ITS Service Desk at (773) 508-4487 or ITSServiceDesk@luc.edu.
Training
Introduction to Brightspace for Faculty
All-faculty training Thursday, December 3rd, 12-2pm CT! This session will be facilitated by D2L staff and will provide Loyola faculty with an overview of essential Brightspace tools and workflows to support effective communication with learners, organization of course content, and management of course assessments. By the end of the training, instructors will be better equipped to navigate Brightspace, apply these tools in their courses, and create a more organized and engaging learning experience for students.
The Learning Curve Blog
From “Hard Times” to “The Breaks”: How Old-School Hip-Hop Evolved into a Powerful Influence on Higher Education
From “Rapper’s Delight” to “Fight the Power”, old-school hip-hop did more than transform popular music. It created new ways to tell stories, challenge inequality, build community, and make knowledge accessible. This article traces how landmark recordings by the Sugarhill Gang, Kurtis Blow, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Run-D.M.C., Public Enemy, N.W.A., Afrika Bambaataa, and Slick Rick connect to teaching and learning in higher education. Drawing on research in hip-hop pedagogy, it explores how rhythm, remixing, storytelling, critical literacy, technology, and public argument can strengthen student engagement, academic voice, collaborative learning, and culturally responsive instruction across college classrooms today nationwide.
Communication
Stay Connected with Learning Technologies & Innovation
Keep current with Learning Technologies & Innovation through the latest teaching resources, educational technology updates, and campus announcements. Browse the extensive newsletter archive to revisit past insights, tips, and best practices, and follow LTI on social media and The Learning Curve blog for fresh ideas, upcoming opportunities, and the latest trends shaping teaching and learning at Loyola University Chicago.
- Technology Innovation
- Request a Technology Innovation Project (Requires LUC Authentication)
- Humanize Your Online Course with VoiceThread - 8/13/26
- Introducing Elai: Using AI for Video Production - 8/12/26
- Get Started with Zoom AI Companion - 8/6/26
- Smarter Class Conversations: Using Piazza to Save Time & Boost Engagement - 3/11/26
- Empower Your Students with Virtual Labs: A Labster Quick Start - 2/3/26
- What's New in Sakai 25: Student Webinar - 1/8/26
- What's New in Sakai 25: Faculty Webinar - 12/2/25
- Introduction to Sakai for Students - 8/19/25
- Introduction to Sakai for Faculty - 8/11/25
- Teaching with Tech: Gradescope for Streamlining Grading & Providing Consistent Feedback - 8/7/25
- Survey Smarts: Getting Started with Qualtrics - 8/6/25
- Interactive Learning with Top Hat - 8/5/25
- Qualtrics Tips Part 3: Turn Survey Data into Stories with Qualtrics Reports
- Qualtrics Tips Part 2: Emailing a Survey within Qualtrics
- Qualtrics Tips Part 1: Branding
- Seamless Success: Assignments Made Easy with Integrated Tools - 4/8/25
- Talk It Out: Enhance Learning with Asynchronous Dialogue Tools in Sakai - 3/20/25
- From Detection to Guidance: Addressing AI Use in Student Assignments at Loyola - 10/23/24
- Collaborative Learning with the New and Improved VoiceThread - 8/13/24
- Simple Syllabus: Student
- Simple Syllabus: Administrator Reports
- Simple Syllabus: Upload Process
- Spring into Gradescope: Integrate Assessment in Sakai - 3/21/24
- Data Collection for Research: Exploring Qualtrics and REDCap - 2/29/24
- Assessing Written Work in Sakai: Turnitin Feedback Studio - 11/15/23
- Overview of Qualtrics at Loyola - 10/18/23
- Installing and Using Respondus LockDown Browser
- How to use Sakai's Roster Tool
- Rubrics in Sakai
New LMS
Get Ready for Brightspace!
Stay up to date on Loyola's transition from Sakai to D2L Brightspace. This page will serve as a central hub for the latest information, including key transition dates, training opportunities, frequently asked questions, and additional resources. Content is tailored for faculty, staff, and students to help ensure a smooth and informed migration to the new learning management system.
Consultations
Schedule an Appointment
We offer consultations for Loyola’s teaching, learning, and research tools, as well as course-related technology innovation. Hours are subject to change throughout the year.
Technology Innovation
Request a Project
We provide project support for course tools, technology-enhanced solutions, digital content development, instructional design, and online surveys. Project requests are reviewed and approved on a first-come basis and contingent on resource availability.