Academic Technology News & Updates D-Term 2026

Department(s):

Academic Technology Center

Believe it or not, D-Term is on its way! Our Academic Technology team is here to support you with technology consultations, training, and technical assistance for the tech tools you use every day in your classroom. Schedule a consultation with us by emailing: atc-ttl@wpi.edu 

Request Forms: Canvas, Echo360, and Wireless Microphones 

Use the forms below to request administrative tasks for Canvas, Lecture Capture, and wireless microphones. 

*We are continuing to improve our form automation to better support you. If you have any issues using the forms, please email us at atc-ttl@wpi.edu. 

What's New This Term 

Canvas News 

March Release Notes - Coming soon 3/21/26 

Highlights below:  

  • New Quizzes Feature Update: Survey results will be able to be exported to .csv
  • Improved drag & drop functionality in Navigation 

Accessibility Updates 

  • Improved Gradebook Accessibility: additional visual indicator for colorblindness added
  • New Course Accessibility tool: Check and fix accessibility issues in your course site
  • Enable it under Settings > Feature Options (will be enabled by default in Fall 2026) 

 

Canvas: AI & Emerging Technologies Group  

AI productivity tools in Canvas are disabled by default. If you would like to try out new Canvas features without impact on your active courses, the ATC has an AI Canvas group where all AI features are enabled.  

 

 

Workshops 

 

AI-Powered Accessibility in Course Design 

March 19th, 2026 

1:00pm – 2:00pm 

Please register to attend 

Join us in this online workshop as we demonstrate ways you can use Copilot and other AI tools to make your course accessible for all learners. AI can transform this process by making it easier to make your course content inclusive, accessible, and enable students to become more engaged in coursework. 

 

EdTech Open House 

March 31st, 2026 
11:00am – 12:30pm (drop-in) 

Anderson Lab, Gordon Library  

Try out new technology tools in a low-pressure environment. Looking for ways to engage your class or increase attendance? Curious about AI productivity tools and emerging technologies? The ATC-TTL team will be here to guide you as you explore tech tools hands-on and will be able to answer all your burning questions. Drop-in to Anderson Lab anytime between 11am-12:30pm. 

 

Journaling & Reflections in Canvas – New Feature Demo 

April 3rd, 2026  

11:00am – 12:00pm 

Please register to attend 

The ATC has designed a new feature in Canvas to allow students to submit journal entries or self-reflections throughout the term. Come join us for a demo of how it works! We'll be collecting feedback for future iterations of this tool, so we’d love to know how you design and grade reflective assignments in your class. 

 

EdTech Office Hours – Book a Time with us! 

Have a specific question about using technology to enhance teaching and learning at WPI? The ATC-TTL team is always here to help you! Email us to book a consultation at a time that is convenient for you: atc-ttl@wpi.edu  

 

Need Help With a Specific Tool? 

 

Learn at Your Own Pace 

The TTL team offers many asynchronous training opportunities:  

 

Questions? Email atc-ttl@wpi.edu | Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm