{"id":1119,"date":"2026-07-10T11:45:40","date_gmt":"2026-07-10T18:45:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/rankang\/?p=1119"},"modified":"2026-07-23T11:53:29","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T18:53:29","slug":"practicum-proposal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/rankang\/practicum-proposal\/","title":{"rendered":"Practicum Proposal"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As I near the end of the MET (Master of Educational Technology) program, I will be working on a practicum project with the<strong> UBC LDDI<\/strong> (Learning Design &amp; Digital Innovation) team. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My goal for this term (Spring 2026) is to dig deeper into AI tools and explore practical strategies for integrating them to enhance the teaching and learning experience. In particular, I am interested in reimagining the <em>course syllabus<\/em>\u2014one of the most essential documents in higher education, yet one whose purpose and opportunities for teaching and learning are often overlooked. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-30f0caf0 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#fff8d6;padding-top:24px;padding-right:24px;padding-bottom:24px;padding-left:24px\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Research Questions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How can AI support the design of visual course syllabi that are engaging, accessible, inclusive, and learner-centered, and what tools and workflows are most effective for this process?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What limitations of traditional course syllabi can be addressed through AI-supported design?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How can AI support the creation of visual, engaging, accessible, and learner-centered syllabi through effective tools and workflows?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What pedagogical, accessibility, and practical considerations should guide the integration of AI into syllabus design?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Below you can find my initial proposal for my practicum project: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-1&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-1-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" id=\"accordion-item-1\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-accent-2-color\">Project Purpose and Objectives <\/mark><\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-1\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"state.isHidden\" data-wp-on--beforematch=\"actions.handleBeforeMatch\" id=\"accordion-item-1-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reimagining the Syllabus: AI-Assisted Visual Syllabus Design<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This project aims to revisit the pedagogical values of the syllabus and their impact on learner engagement, and to explore how AI can help transform it into a more accessible and inclusive design, informed by principles such as Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and web accessibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Drawing from academic research and critical evaluation of AI tools, this project offers an opportunity to reclaim the meaningful role of the syllabus in teaching and learning. Moving beyond a static administrative document overwhelmed with information, it envisions what the future syllabus could look like \u2014 one that makes a meaningful impact on teaching and learning \u2014 while providing practical toolkits with examples for faculty to apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finally, the project includes two case studies that critically evaluate UBC syllabi currently in use and demonstrate how they can be reimagined through AI-assisted design tools.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-2&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-2-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" id=\"accordion-item-2\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-accent-2-color\">Student Learning Objectives&nbsp;<\/mark><\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-2\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"state.isHidden\" data-wp-on--beforematch=\"actions.handleBeforeMatch\" id=\"accordion-item-2-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Investigate the roles and values of the syllabus in teaching and learning through academic research.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Critically evaluate traditional syllabi against design principles such as Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and web accessibility, and identify areas for improvement toward a more inclusive and accessible design.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Assess current AI tools for their benefits and limitations in transforming traditional syllabi.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Develop practical toolkits of AI-assisted design tools organized by content, design, and accessibility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Demonstrate through case studies how AI-assisted design tools can be applied, and draw implications for teaching and learning practice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-3&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-3-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" id=\"accordion-item-3\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-accent-2-color\">Expected Outcomes and Outputs <\/mark><\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-3\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"state.isHidden\" data-wp-on--beforematch=\"actions.handleBeforeMatch\" id=\"accordion-item-3-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Practicum Proposal | Completed PDF form | by May 29, 2026<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Deliverable 1 &#8211; Research on the Pedagogical Values of Syllabi and the Opportunities of&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visual Syllabi | PDF or Web-hosted Site | Week 6<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Deliverable 2 &#8211; Critical Analysis of AI Tools in Creating a Visual Syllabus and the Development of a Practical Toolkit | PDF or Web-hosted Site | Week 10<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Deliverable 3 &#8211; Case Studies in AI-Assisted Visual Syllabus Design | PDF or Web-hosted Site | Week 14<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bi-weekly Personal Reflections | 150\u2013200-word blog post | Weeks 4, 6, 8, 10, 12<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Final Reflection Report | Synchronous 5\u201310-minute presentation | Week 14<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-4&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-4-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" id=\"accordion-item-4\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-accent-2-color\">Project Outline (Draft)<\/mark><\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-4\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"state.isHidden\" data-wp-on--beforematch=\"actions.handleBeforeMatch\" id=\"accordion-item-4-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Reimagining the Syllabus: AI-Assisted Visual Syllabus Design<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Why the Syllabus Matters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Role of the Syllabus in Teaching and Learning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Syllabus Design and Learning Engagement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Limitations of Traditional Syllabi<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Critical Perspectives on Syllabus Design &#8211; UDL, WCAG<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. The Rise of the Visual Syllabus<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What Is a Visual Syllabus?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Emerging Models of Visual Syllabi<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Benefits of Visual Syllabus Design<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Challenges and Limitations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Opportunities and Pitfalls of AI-Assisted Visual Syllabus Design<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Opportunities for AI Integration &#8211; Content Transformation; Visual and Multimedia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Support; Accessibility and UDL Support<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Challenges and Critical Concerns &#8211; The Density Trap; The Accessibility Gap<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. Human\u2013AI Collaborative Workflows and Practical Toolkits<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Text Engineering and UDL Alignment: Designing the Content; Example Prompt Library<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Structural Scaffolding: Designing the Visual Strategy; Semantic Visual Design; Example Prompt Library<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Accessibility and Refinement; Example Prompt Library (Alt-text generator; Accessibility and design review prompts)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5. Case Studies: Reimagining UBC Syllabi<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Case Study 1: Reimagining a UBC Business Syllabus<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Case Study 2: Reimagining a UBC Engineering Syllabus<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As I near the end of the MET (Master of Educational Technology) program, I will be working on a practicum project with the UBC LDDI (Learning Design &amp; Digital Innovation) team. My goal for this term (Spring 2026) is to dig deeper into AI tools and explore practical strategies for integrating them to enhance the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":101268,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[26],"class_list":["post-1119","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog-posts","tag-etec-581"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/rankang\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1119","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/rankang\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/rankang\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/rankang\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/101268"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/rankang\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1119"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/rankang\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1119\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1306,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/rankang\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1119\/revisions\/1306"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/rankang\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1119"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/rankang\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1119"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/rankang\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1119"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}