Our first speaker at this DOLCE event, Dr. Ted Geier, currently teaches Humanities, Writing, and Social Science courses at UC Davis, Sacramento State, and Chico State, where he is also an active faculty governance presence. Geier has been mentoring and reviewing faculty instructors at these different universities, as well as teaching and designing online courses in Canvas and other learning management systems since the initial debut of Canvas at UC Davis. Geier has also taught on campus or remotely at Rice University, San José State University, and The School of The Art Institute of Chicago.

Dr. Geier’s talk was entitled, “Service With a Smile: Effectively and Affirmatively Supporting Learner Control in Canvas.” He discussed strategies for preparing in advance with a strong course plan and full-term Canvas set up that maximizes learner control. Such an approach lessens student and instructor anxiety and clarifies the pathway to success. Dr. Geier discussed the inclusive principles of Universal Design, instructor-presence, course content access points, and independent student engagement with course content – all strategies that will save the instructor time and energy. The presentation and discussion addressed strategies for teaching General Education, Writing Experience, and subject-specific courses with UC Davis Canvas.

Dr. Geier's talk was followed by a formal response from Dr. Joe Anistranski, an Assistant Professor of Teaching in Human Development & Family Studies. One of our more thoughtful participants in ATS faculty forums such as this one, Anistranski provided new and welcome perspectives on the Ted talk, as well as on other important pedagogical concerns and opportunities.