LEDstudio Blog

Imagine two students in your crowded lecture hall. One views a difficult problem as a signal that they lack the talent to succeed, quickly turning to external shortcuts to find the answer. The second student sees that same struggle as fuel for their brain, understanding that mental effort is the physical process of building new […]

The Date & The Mindset Let’s start with a reality check: VCU must meet the Department of Justice’s updated ADA Title II accessibility regulations by April 24, 2026. As noted in the VCU Provost Blog Post: Resources for faculty: Federal accessibility requirements mandated by April 2026, this mandate  “applies to all digital content provided to […]

Math and STEM content can present unique accessibility challenges; from equations and symbols to PDFs, slides, and videos. Accessibility matters not just for equity, but recent Department of Justice (DOJ) accessibility updates underscore the need for accessible digital content. To help with making your course materials accessible, LEDstudio created the Math and STEM Accessibility Resource […]

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how learners’ access, interpret, and create information. In higher education, where critical thinking is a central learning outcome, AI presents both an opportunity and a challenge. When used intentionally, AI tools can help students analyze complex problems, interrogate assumptions, explore diverse perspectives, and refine their reasoning. The key is how […]

Accessibility and inclusive design ensure your content has the ability to be understood by all learners. When planning a course, accessibility should not be an afterthought. The ability to provide inclusive content begins when you start the planning process and should be included at every stage, from writing the script to recording and uploading. Here are […]

Ever designed a quiz with a countdown timer, or added a color-coded badge system to your course? It probably felt engaging, even fun. But what if those same features became barriers for some students? Gamification is a powerful way to boost learning and motivation. But if it isn’t designed with accessibility in mind, it can […]

In classrooms worldwide, we often confuse busyness with learning, novelty with effectiveness, and engagement with deep understanding. In Instructional Illusions, Kirschner, Hendrick and Heal (2025) pull back the curtain on ten pervasive but misleading assumptions about teaching and learning—what look like good practices on the surface, but which cognitive science shows are often counterproductive. This […]

The LEDstudio Media Team has helped many faculty record and share guest speaker sessions, both in person and online. Whether you are inviting an expert to join your class on Zoom or hosting them in person, a little preparation can make the recording look and sound its best. Start by thinking through the logistics. Will […]

One of the greatest strengths in any classroom lies in the students themselves. While instructors often feel pressure to provide all the answers, authentic engagement frequently emerges when learners connect with and learn from each other. Peer-to-peer learning allows students to be co-creators of knowledge, drawing on their collective insights, diverse perspectives, and lived experiences. […]

Looking to incorporate peer review and optimize feedback among students in your course? Check out Peerceptiv, a VCU-supported tool that integrates seamlessly into Canvas for both instructors and students. Peerceptiv promotes collaborative learning through peer review assignments, live group presentations, team member evaluations, and individual presentations. To help you get started, LEDstudio has created a […]