Continue your journey. We’ll help.
We support you! Providing faculty and staff with teaching and technology help is what we do. Please explore our site for tools and resources to help you in your professional development. If you find you still have questions, contact us at cci@potsdam.edu to open a support ticket. We’ll do our best to respond promptly and even schedule a follow-up meeting with you if needed. If you’re interested in collaborative discussion, join the Creative Instructors Community team and post your thoughts and questions in the Professional Development and Brightspace channels (watch Joining a Microsoft Teams with a code – 01:16, code n9v5whd).
Come by each week and check out our Featured section. We’ll post on important CCI news and highlight new functionality available on your favorite program or app. (Week 14 – 04/21/25)
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Through the YouTube tutorial ecosystem, thousands of creators produce app tutorial videos that teach everything from Adobe to Zoom. In fact, finding and sharing quality tutorials has been one of my weekly tasks. However, new AI tools can virtually place a guide right over your shoulder, providing real-time step-by-step instructions to learn any app. Discover how “Google AI Studio” can be your personal guide to help you master technology effortlessly!
What do AI tools mean for Educators?
This week's featured video on Google AI Studio offers a glimpse into the future of teaching and learning. Across higher education, faculty and administrators are discussing the implications of these tools for the future of education. While they promise incredible potential for individualized instruction, there are concerns about whether they might make true learning more difficult. Former physicist and YouTuber Derek Muller, creator of Veritasium, offers a solution. Watch What Everyone Gets Wrong About AI and Learning – 46:30 for insights on the importance of true learning and the role AI tools can and cannot play in education.
Posted on Week 13
Copilot Chat
This week's videos highlight how using Copilot can make your work easier. Although we don't have full access to the Copilot app, I've been regularly using the Chat function available in the Edge browser for research and writing. Previously, I dedicated a lot of time searching for and reviewing YouTube tutorials, and occasionally web articles, to find the information I needed. Now, my “conversations” with Copilot provide those answers and solutions almost immediately, drastically reducing my research time. Similarly, using Copilot for drafting instructions, posts, and text for our website—yes, including this message!—has resulted in faster and better content. Watch Copilot Prompts Tutorial – 09:49 for quick tips to get you started.
Where is Copilot?
From the campus-installed Edge browser on your computer, select the Copilot icon located at the top-right corner. This will open a limited Chat window. Alternatively, when you open a new tab, you can select the Copilot icon in the middle of the screen. Both methods provide access to the Chat function but do not offer full access to Copilot. For additional features, you can create a personal Microsoft account on your personal computer and use your personal profile to access Copilot. Watch How to Sign In or Create a New Profile in Microsoft Edge – 02:15.
More Copilot?
To dive deeper into Copilot, watch How to Use Microsoft Copilot – 15:29 for a comprehensive beginner's guide. Additionally, check out Copilot & AI Prompts That Actually Work – 15:12 for tips on how to effectively communicate with Copilot to achieve your desired text content.
Posted on Week 12
Line Spacing in Word
This week, we're focusing on Microsoft Word. While it may not be the flashiest app, it's essential for the tasks our campus users perform daily. Whether you're creating a departmental report, a research paper, or any other document, many users have yet to uncover the powerful features in Word that can simplify their work. Take a few minutes to learn How To Adjust Line Spacing in Word – 08:11 to perfect the look of your document.
Headings in Word
When sharing content, it's crucial to ensure it's accessible to all users. Adding section headings is an important first step when creating Word documents. This simple practice not only makes your document more ADA compliant but also offers numerous other benefits that make it well worth learning. Watch How to Create and Customize Headings in Microsoft Word – 06:02.
Word Basics
There are thousands of excellent YouTube videos that cover the basics of using Word. Please watch and share Microsoft Word Tutorial for Beginners – 20:11 with anyone who needs a concise overview of the core features. For more help with this app, visit the Word section of Tech Tools. You'll find a wealth of videos organized by category and specific tasks.
Posted on Week 11
To Do
The We all need a little help managing our tasks. Microsoft To Do is an easy-to-use app that helps you organize tasks, set deadlines, and prioritize your workload, ensuring nothing is overlooked. Full integration with other Microsoft 365 apps streamlines your workflow, making it easier to manage academic responsibilities and stay on top of your commitments. Watch How to Use Microsoft To Do – 08:28.
Student-led Learning?
Is it time for students to take more direct ownership of their learning in the classroom? Dr. Catlin Tucker believes that students should be given the chance to direct their own learning with the help of emerging technologies. This strategy would not only reduce the pressures that contribute to instructor burnout but also create opportunities for more personalized interactions and small group work. Watch Education Reimagined: Student-led Learning – 14:34.
Research Assistants
AI tools like Elicit, SciSpace, and Jenni AI offer significant benefits to students and faculty by streamlining academic research. Watch Best AI Tools for Academia in 2025 – 13:32 for detailed insights. Elicit aids in thorough literature reviews, saving time and ensuring comprehensive research coverage. SciSpace enhances writing and editing, helping students produce high-quality papers and theses. Jenni AI supports idea generation and work structuring, boosting creativity and productivity.
Posted on Week 10
Notifications for Forms
The "Get email notification..." feature in Microsoft Forms allows you to receive alerts for new submissions. Previously, this feature had limitations: you couldn't notify other team members, and it didn't work for "group" forms. Now, the feature has been enhanced to include additional recipients, making it functional for both "personal" and "group" forms (watch Get instant notifications for Microsoft Forms – 03:47). NOTE: The CCI recommends always using group forms (see "Use Group Forms" below to find out why).
Use Group Forms
If you are working in a department, office, or committee, creating a “group” form (one associated with a Team) is likely the best option. Team members need access to the collected data, and using a “group” form ensures that the group will always have access, even if the form was created by someone who later leaves the campus (as the form is associated with the group instead of the individual’s account). While the recently updated “Get email notification of each response” feature can now notify team members, consider creating a Power Automate flow instead. This flow allows for notifications to Teams and may make managing form notifications and access easier than remembering to remove form recipients. For more information on group forms and flows, please watch the following videos:
How to create a Group MS Form – 00:45
Form Response Restrictions
While you’ve always been able to add restrictions to MS Forms responses (e.g., response require, long answer, number; etc.), there are some great new options, including Email and URL. Watch New validation / restrictions in Microsoft Forms – 06:31 to learn more.
Posted on Week 9
Control your Outlook Inbox
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the constant flood of emails in your Outlook inbox? In our latest video, we reveal seven simple yet powerful strategies to help you take control of your email chaos. From smart filtering techniques to time-saving tips, these methods will transform your email management and boost your productivity. Watch 7 Outlook Tips to Save Stress! – 14:40.
Posted on Week 8
AI as Partner in Education
AI tools and platforms are poised to transform the future of education and work. For years, Khan Academy has offered free online learning through its extensive library of videos and lessons. Now, it is harnessing the power of AI, specifically Large Language Models, to revolutionize personal tutoring and teaching assistance. Rather than replacing human instructors, this technology aims to empower them, enabling more meaningful and engaging interactions with their students. Watch How AI Could Save (Not Destroy) Education – 15:36.
Extra
As a special treat for Spring Recess, here are two fascinating TED Talks that you might enjoy. Both videos offer intriguing insights and thought-provoking ideas.
- Want to Give a Great Presentation? Use Ugly Sketches – 10:36
- How to make students (and teachers) want to go to school – 15:56
Posted on Week 7
Brightspace – Class Progress
Explore the Class Progress Tool! Easily review student progress across multiple metrics in one convenient dashboard. With this tool, you can access individual student data, select specific progress indicators for detailed insights, and organize and customize the metrics displayed on your dashboard (watch Monitor Class Progress – 01:30).
Brightspace – Monitor Class Progress
The featured video is part of a D2L Brightspace Community page. For more information, please visit the Track course progress with the Class Progress tool page.
Need help with Brightspace?
The SUNY Online Help Desk is here for you! They provide extensive support hours, including evenings and weekends. Just select the Brightspace Support option from the Brightspace menu to:
- Access the support knowledge base
- Call for support
- Create a request ticket
Posted on Week 6
Loop Explained
The Loop feature has been gradually integrating into the M365 environment over the past few years. Although powerful, Loop components overlap with existing M365 apps and features, making their incorporation into your workflow less intuitive. However, this tool is likely here to stay, so it’s worth investing time to learn how to leverage it effectively. This week, watch Microsoft Loop Explained – 13:10 to begin exploring how to utilize this powerful feature.
Need to edit a PDF but don’t have the full version of Adobe? Watch How to EASILY convert PDF to Word – 03:34, which works on both PCs and Macs. Remember, you can easily convert it back to PDF after editing the document (see below).
Loop – Now and Later
Understanding how and when to use Loop components can be challenging. Watch When to Use Microsoft Loop - Now or Later? – 06:34 for tips on effectively utilizing this feature.
More Loop Videos
Truly understanding how to use Loop is going to take some time. If you’re interested, check out these videos as you discover some of the benefits of Loop.
Posted on Week 5
Convert PDF to Word
Need to edit a PDF but don’t have the full version of Adobe? Watch How to EASILY convert PDF to Word – 03:34, which works on both PCs and Macs. Remember, you can easily convert it back to PDF after editing the document (see below).
Issues Converting
When you convert a Word document to PDF, the conversion might not be perfect. However, it will be significantly better than using the cut-and-paste method. Depending on the document, you might need to add or remove text boxes, tables, pictures, and captions. Indentation and line formatting can also be an issue. Be patient, and remember that once you make the necessary changes, you’ll have a document you can easily update in the future.
Covert Word into PDF
The easiest way to covert a Word document is to use the “Print” function. Select File, Print, the Print to PDF printer, and Print. For a few more options, watch Convert Word To PDF (3 Easy Methods!) – 02:17.
Reduce File Size
You have to upload a document or image, but your file size is too big. Watch the videos below for some tips how to deal with this issue. Reminder: Instead of sending a file by email, it is normally best to create a Share link to your OneDrive file (Share with OneDrive – 02:09).
On a PC:
How to Create ZIP file – 01:03
How To Resize Photo – 01:50
How To Compress Word File Size – 01:38
On a Mac:
Posted on Week 4
Reading Scholarly Articles
As you prepare to assign research projects to your students, it’s essential they learn how to efficiently read scholarly articles. Bryan Kvet from the College Libraries has created a concise guide on how to approach article reviews. This guide outlines key steps and considerations for your students, helping them effectively sift through, analyze, and understand the academic literature they encounter during their research. Watch How to Read a Scholarly Article – 09:47.
Library HELP with Research
Our friends at the College Libraries are eager to assist you and your students with your next research paper. Whether you need help with campus books, journals, academic databases, or AI research tools, visit the library’s Help page for more information on the available resources and services.
Posted on Week 3
Video Editor
Need to shorten a lecture recorded in Teams or Zoom, or edit a video created with Stream or PowerPoint? Use Clipchamp to craft a fully edited video with seamless integration of video clips, images, music, transitions, and effects. Once you’re done, easily save and share your new video via OneDrive. Watch How to edit videos like a Pro – 04:35.
Clipchamp in Tech Tools
Explore the new Clipchamp section of Tech Tools. The site is packed with the latest and most helpful videos to make learning Clipchamp a breeze. You'll not only find general overview videos but a collection of direct links to specific topics and features.
Posted on Week 2
Bookings in Outlook
Need students to sign up for office hours, advising, coaching, or project meetings? With Outlook, you can offer appointment slots that are easy to book. Simply share your personal Bookings page, and students or colleagues can schedule in-person or virtual meetings. You control your availability, and once a meeting is booked, it’s automatically added to both calendars! Watch Create A Personal Bookings Page – 09:21 for a complete overview of this great Microsoft app.
Scheduling Poll
Outlook makes scheduling your next meeting a breeze! Use the “Scheduling Poll” feature to propose meeting times to attendees, whether they’re on or off campus (watch How to use Scheduling Poll – 03:18). This feature even shows you when campus participants are busy, helping you choose times that are more likely to work. Say goodbye to the back-and-forth of scheduling by email and take advantage of this fantastic M365 tool.
Posted on Week 1
Teams Upgrades
Happy New Year! There are some great new changes to Teams we’ll see this semester. Some have already been added to are instance of Teams. Take a look (watch 10 new features in Microsoft Teams – 10:09).
Fun Teams Changes
Throughout each semester, functionality is added to Teams and our other M365 applications. Some are “game-changers” and some are just fun. Check out the Create Custom Images with Microsoft Designer and Add Custom Emojis to Teams sections of the 7 Exciting NEW Updates in Microsoft Teams – 10:23 video.
Brightspace- Find How-to guides and resources on Brightspace (used to deliver course content and instruction).
Record in M365: Find a complete guide to recording in Teams, Stream, and PowerPoint and sharing with OneDrive.
Base Camp- Find step-by-step guidance on what to learn first if you’re just starting to use technology.
Accessibility- Find resources and tools to help you create accessible content and courses.
Professional Development Form- Select a PD session (from a list of offerings) for your department’s next meet.
Mission & Goals
The mission and goals of each administrative unit have been compiled into one document. View Mission & Goals (PDF).