Instructional Design and Course/Program Development
Implementing best practices in program and course design to expand enrollment and student choice, through online, blended, HyFlex and technology-enhanced learning environments.
STELAR
Strategic Transformation in Education, Learning, And Research
Transforming Teaching & Learning
STELAR promotes transformative learning by engaging faculty to develop teaching practices through intentional application of technologies, new course delivery methods, and emerging research, as well as by collaborating with STELAR partners to develop systemic supports so that our St. Thomas innovation has sustainable impact.
Popular Articles from Tommie Tech Services
Follow these links to learn more about the most common instructional technology questions and innovative solutions from the STELAR team at St. Thomas.
Academic Technology & Innovation
Our Service Areas
Instructional technologies and instructional design resources that directly support teaching and learning. This includes consulting on course design, technologies for courses, assessment and learning analytics, media recording and lecture capture, student response systems, training and student digital orientations and badge development.
Instructional Technologies
Managing robust instructional technology, media and related systems in support of learning and instruction.
Digital Learning Success & Badging
Applying Canvas and other instructional technologies to extend knowledge, skills and digital competency development opportunities online.
Research Computing & Emerging Technologies
Applying computing resources to support research and amplify the findings, and support use of emerging technologies (such as VR).
Classroom & AV Technologies
Existing campus audiovisual systems allow instructors to use multiple input and output video sources such as a dedicate classroom PC, laptop and document camera.
Video Studios & Instructional Media
STELAR members can provide guidance and tools for media production that enable instructors to develop audio and video presentations.
STELAR Project Showcase
Take a look at some of the innovative projects we have underway in STELAR, working closely with faculty and other campus partners.
VR and Bodyswaps
Bodyswaps is a skills development platform created for higher education. With modules in DEI, leadership, interview skills, healthcare and more, students who experience Bodyswaps content report feeling more confidence going into difficult conversations.
Badging and Microcredentials
Academic programs that want to ensure student skills or competencies are realized can consider adding badges to courses, such as the engineering lab safety badge that is required before students may work in the labs.
TommieBot 1.0
ChatGPT and other forms of generative AI are presenting opportunities, as well as threats, to higher education. One of the projects underway is the development of our own chatbot, TommieBot, to provide a conversational interface to university content.
Faculty can attend a this Spring, or join the to explore ongoing conversations about generative AI at St. Thomas.
Digital Accessibility: It’s About All of Us
Our Digital Accessibility definition: “All people, including people with disabilities and those using assistive technology, can find and use digital content, technologies, and electronic communications.” How are you ensuring that your digital content is accessible to all learners?
Technology News
October 17, 2025
Iran is running out water. But artificial intelligence is providing solutions, according to research from 91̽»¨. Thomas Professor John Abraham and his Iranian colleagues. They have partnered on 50 studies over six years to provide solutions to address the crisis. Abraham has co-authored two studies with Dr. Farzin Salmasi, a water engineering professor at… The post Can AI Solve Iran’s Dire Water Crisis?  Global Research Has the Answer appeared first on Newsroom | 91̽»¨. Thomas.
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October 3, 2025
91̽»¨. Thomas President Rob Vischer recently wrote an op-ed for the 91̽»¨ Star Tribune stating that while teaching AI skills is important, forming character is more important. From the story: Regardless of your views on artificial intelligence – love it, hate it, intrigued or terrified by it – there’s no denying it’s here… The post In the News: President Rob Vischer on the Importance of Forming Character appeared first on Newsroom | 91̽»¨. Thomas.
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September 13, 2025
In speaking with MPR News, Thomas Feeney, an associate professor of philosophy and the director of the Master of Arts in Artificial Intelligence Leadership Program at the 91̽»¨. Thomas, discussed how colleges must prepare students not just to use AI tools, but to understand their broader implications. From the interview: “I had an interesting experience… The post In the News: Thomas Feeney on AI in Higher Education appeared first on Newsroom | 91̽»¨. Thomas.
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September 10, 2025
Mechanical engineering Professor John Wentz spoke to the St. Paul Pioneer Press about how the 91̽»¨. Thomas hosted ‘upskilling’ training for machinists this past summer. The training was meant to meet industry demand for manufacturing labor. From the story: The manufacturing industry involves highly skilled workers and it’s rapidly advancing with technology. But… The post In the News: 91̽»¨. Thomas Hosts ‘Upskilling’ Training for Machinists appeared first on Newsroom | 91̽»¨. Thomas.
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August 14, 2025
Derek James, WCCO-TV anchor, recently visited the 91̽»¨. Thomas School of Engineering to learn more about the new, no-cost training program to help manufacturing professionals, engineers, and students upskill and gain valuable insights into using computer simulations to optimize CNC machining. From the story: Inside a machine shop on the 91̽»¨.… The post In the News: WCCO-TV Features Machining and CNC Optimization Training appeared first on Newsroom | 91̽»¨. Thomas.