IT information for instructors - Fall 2025 | Information Systems & Technology

About this communication

A term-based communication highlighting IT-related information that may be relevant to you as you prepare for the upcoming teaching term. The communication may identify IT-related news, changes, availability of tools and services, etc. that may impact, support, and/or enhance teaching and learning activities at Waterloo.

Return Grades feature in Crowdmark

Once grades are returned via Crowdmark, access cannot be revoked. Please see the updated information and considerations page before using.

Mathematical content in LEARN

See a new resource that aims to highlight some common situations for users who create and edit mathematical content within LEARN.

Educational technology (EdTech)

NEW! The EdTech Forum is a space on Microsoft Teams to collaborate and share knowledge and information with other instructors and staff about educational technologies at Waterloo. How to join the EdTech Forum.
Visit the EdTech Hub to see steps for requesting or renewing an EdTech tool and teaching and learning related projects/initiatives. The EdTech Hub 'Get support' page has also been refreshed!
EdTech Sandbox, set to open in September, is a physical and virtual space for collaboration, safe testing, and experimentation of different educational technologies and software for use in courses and for innovation in education. Operated by the Teaching Innovation Incubator.

Don't take the bait!

Phishing scams are getting smarter. Learn how to better protect yourself and your data.

Responsible use and development of AI tools

Guidance on AI use

IST supports the innovative use of technologies to solve problems and optimize processes which support the mission and business operations of the University of Waterloo. Modern technologies which fall under the umbrella of Artificial Intelligence (AI) are becoming more accessible to a wider audience and due to the nature in which they work, require extra caution to be used responsibly.

While the University works on developing its policy on Artificial Intelligence, IST urges proceeding with caution and due diligence while using University data to train, prompt, or interact with AI systems that are not yet licensed or vetted.

All existing University policies still apply to the usage of AI, in the same way they do to all information systems. Ensure an understanding of the following policies:

Available tools

While the University does not currently provide licenses for any enterprise Generative AI tools, Microsoft Copilot is available for use through your UWaterloo account. Use your University username and password to log in to Microsoft Copilot, which can be used for experimentation and to boost productivity. Accessing this service with your UWaterloo account will automatically provide you with personal and company data protection.

Non-UWaterloo accounts should never be used in conjunction with University data.

Learn more

Consult the Associate Vice-President, Academic, website for resources supporting use of AI at Waterloo.

View IST's Guideline on Artificial Intelligence use to learn more about the responsible use and development of AI tools.

Self-service options for start of term

Instructional Technologies and Media Services (ITMS) offers the following self-service options to help you prepare for the start of a new term:

Find additional LEARN Help resources in the IST Knowledge Base.

Electronic classrooms (E-classrooms) | Fobs, testing, room views

Podium fobs

Podium fobs will not be required for the Fall 2025 term.

Testing technology in centrally supported classrooms complete for this term

Complete system tests in all the centrally supported classrooms have been completed. The week before classes start, there will be a second set of tests done on randomly selected classrooms, for as many rooms as possible.

Please note, many of the rooms are in use between the time that ITMS performs any system tests and the start of term; ITMS can only ensure that the systems are completely functional as of the time they are tested.

E-classroom information and training resources, including a 360° view of rooms

Did you know? We have an online e-classroom information page that includes information about the e-classroom spaces available, training resources, podium instructions, and a 360° view of the rooms? Have a look today!

Additional classroom technology resources

Everything you always wanted to know about Classroom Technology

EdTech Hub

Educational technologies, or EdTech, are digital technology tools used to deliver and facilitate learning, learning activities, and aid in creating or disseminating content.

Visit the EdTech Hub for information about:

centrally supported educational technology tools (list tool by Category or A-Z), projects and more
steps for requesting or renewing a tool
status of existing tool requests and/or pilots
teaching and learning related projects/initiatives

New faculty orientation

Our New faculty orientation page provides valuable information regarding IT services and support to help you prepare for start of term. Information and support resources are available, including:

the Educational Technology (EdTech) tools available to deliver and facilitate teaching and learning
General IT help and support options
Collaboration tools, event, and Waterloo studio support
wireless network (Eduroam)
exam scheduling and marking tools

Training course available via LEARN

This information, as well as other key resources like the new faculty orientation site on LEARN, is available via the Faculty Association website.

LinkedIn Learning

Did you know? LinkedIn Learning is available to all University employees and students. Learn more about the service and how you can integrate content into your teaching and learning initiatives.

LEARN

LEARN training opportunities

Getting Started in LEARN - in person, Thur Aug 28, 1:00-3:00pm ET - details and registration
Getting Started in LEARN - Online, Tue, Sept 2, 1:00-3:00pm ET - details and registration
LEARN for TAs - Online, Mon, Sept 15, 10:30-12:00 ET - details and registration

GenAI

GenAI (Artificial Intelligence) training opportunities

Integrating GenAI in Assessments - in person, Mon, Sept 22, 11:30am-1:30pm ET - details and registration
GenAI in Teaching Material Development - in person, Fri, Sept 26, 11:00am-12:30pm ET - details and registration
Using GenAI to Enhance Student Learning - in person, Mon, Sept 29, 12:00-1:30pm ET - details and registration
Cheating Myths and Realities - online, Wed, Oct 29, 1:00-2:30pm ET - details and registration

Akindi exam processing

Instructor training

Akindi will be hosting Instructor Training sessions throughout the Fall.

These sessions are designed to provide instructors with the basics of Akindi and will cover a step-by-step guide on how to get up and running with Akindi Paper assessments, perfect for new Akindi users, or those looking for a refresher! Keep an eye on their website for the most up-to-date webinar sessions - they will be updating these throughout the Fall.

Here are the first two webinars - please feel free to share with your faculty:

Thursday, 28 August - 12PM ET, Register here
Thursday, 4 September - 2PM ET, Register here

Custom training sessions

Akindi is happy to offer custom instructor training sessions. Please feel free to reach out, and they’ll schedule a time and date that works best for your faculty.