Rhode Island Governor’s AI Task Force has completed its work and has released a detailed report that highlights the recommended actions the state should take to leverage the advances in AI and protect against the potential downsides.

The RI Current has a summary: https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/28/rhode-island-releases-its-roadmap-for-ai-some-boundaries-have-yet-to-be-drawn/

Here is the whole 75-page document: https://etss.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur466/files/2026-01/Final-Rhode-Island-AI-Action-Plan-Report-2026-01-26.pdf

Introduction: Open Educational Resources in Higher Education

Open Educational Resources (OER) represent a transformative approach to educational content that prioritizes accessibility, affordability, and adaptability. These freely available, openly licensed materials include textbooks, course modules, videos, assessments, and entire courses that educators can use, modify, and share without restrictions on copyright. As textbook costs continue to burden students, OER provides a viable alternative that maintains academic quality while eliminating financial barriers to learning.

This blog post highlights five high-quality OER platforms that URI faculty can integrate into their courses. These resources require no special software, are completely free to access and use, and offer content across virtually every academic discipline.

TOP 5 OER PLATFORMS

1. LibreTexts – Website: https://libretexts.org/

LibreTexts is one of the world’s largest OER platforms, providing free, openly licensed textbooks across multiple disciplines, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Humanities, and Social Sciences. All materials are peer-reviewed, regularly updated, and designed to replace expensive commercial textbooks while maintaining academic rigor. Faculty can adopt existing textbooks, remix content from multiple sources to create custom materials, or build entirely new resources using the platform’s authoring tools. LibreTexts integrates with learning management systems and includes built-in assessment tools and analytics, making it an excellent resource for reducing textbook costs while delivering high-quality, customizable educational content.

2. OpenStax – Website: https://openstax.org/

OpenStax is  a nonprofit initiative based at Rice University that provides free, peer-reviewed textbooks for high-enrollment college courses. The platform offers over 50 textbooks covering introductory courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math, Economics, History, Psychology, and Sociology. Each textbook undergoes rigorous peer review by faculty experts and is available in web view, PDF download, and low-cost print editions. OpenStax also provides supplementary resources such as instructor presentations and LMS integration packages. With over 6 million students using OpenStax materials and documented savings exceeding $1.5 billion in textbook costs, this platform offers a proven solution for zero-cost course materials.

3. OER Commons – Website: https://www.oercommons.org/

OER Commons is a comprehensive digital library providing access to over 500,000 open educational resources from around the world. OER Commons aggregates diverse content types, including full courses, modules, lesson plans, videos, simulations, and assessments across all disciplines. The platform offers advanced search capabilities, user reviews, ratings, and usage statistics. Faculty can create personal collections, align resources to learning standards, and remix existing materials using built-in authoring tools. The platform’s social networking features enable educators to connect, collaborate, and share best practices, making it both a resource repository and a professional community for OER implementation.

4. MIT OpenCourseWare – Website: https://ocw.mit.edu/

MIT OpenCourseWare provides free access to course materials from over 2,500 MIT courses spanning undergraduate and graduate levels. The platform publishes actual course content, including syllabi, lecture notes, assignments, exams, videos, and interactive simulations from MIT’s Engineering, Science, Mathematics, Business, and Humanities departments. While not designed as a degree substitute, OCW provides valuable supplementary materials and teaching resources that faculty can adapt for their own courses. Video lectures are particularly valuable for flipped classroom models, and problem sets and exams make excellent practice materials. All materials are openly licensed for adaptation and redistribution.

5. Open Textbook Library – Website: https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/

The Open Textbook Library, managed by the University of Minnesota, provides a curated collection of over 900 openly-licensed textbooks organized by academic discipline. Each textbook includes detailed faculty reviews evaluating accuracy, relevance, clarity, and pedagogical effectiveness, helping instructors make informed adoption decisions. The library covers Arts, Business, Education, Humanities, Mathematics, Medicine, Science, and Social Sciences. All textbooks are available for free PDF download, with many offering editable formats for customization and low-cost print options. The platform includes Pressbooks, an authoring tool that enables faculty to create, edit, or remix their own open textbooks, making it a comprehensive solution for both OER adoption and content development.

Technology is one of the many challenges that many higher education institutions face today. Providing reliable access to computing resources, storing vast amounts of data securely, and scaling systems to meet demand are essential components of a modern academic environment. Cloud computing offers solutions that can transform how colleges and universities support their missions of teaching, learning, and research.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides on-demand access to computing power, storage, databases, and other IT resources. Rather than maintaining expensive physical servers and data centers, institutions can access these resources through the cloud, paying only for what they use. AWS has become a cornerstone of digital transformation in higher education.

AWS can serve as a flexible technology foundation for academic institutions. It can help universities scale resources during peak registration periods, support computationally intensive research projects, and provide students with hands-on experience using industry-standard tools. At URI, AWS infrastructure could support various teaching and learning needs by providing secure, scalable, and cost-effective technology solutions. For example, AWS can:

  • Enable virtual labs and development environments where students can practice real-world technical skills
  • Host learning management systems and student applications such as Brightspace that need to scale during high-traffic periods for example around final exams.
  • Provide computing power for research projects requiring data analysis, machine learning, or simulation
  • Offer secure storage solutions for institutional data, research materials, and digital archives

Imagine a faculty member teaching a data science course. Students need access to powerful computing resources to analyze large datasets and build machine learning models, but the university’s physical computer labs have limited capacity. Using AWS, the instructor sets up virtual environments where each student has their own workspace with the necessary tools and computing power. Students can access these resources anytime, from anywhere, completing assignments on their own schedules. This flexible approach highlights an important benefit for teaching and learning: it removes barriers to access, enables hands-on practice with industry tools, and prepares students for careers where cloud computing skills are in high demand.

Visual for digital transformations

While AWS cannot replace the expertise of IT professionals and educators, it enhances institutional capabilities by providing enterprise-grade infrastructure without the capital investment of building and maintaining physical data centers. It allows universities to respond quickly to changing needs, experiment with new technologies, and focus resources on their core educational mission rather than infrastructure management.

AWS services, available through institutional partnerships and education programs, support teaching and learning by providing students with hands-on experience using the same tools employed by leading organizations worldwide. Programs like AWS Educate and AWS Academy offer free resources, training, and credits specifically designed for educational institutions. By combining cloud infrastructure with thoughtful pedagogical design, educators can create more dynamic, accessible, and career-relevant learning experiences. At the same time, AWS is just one option among many cloud providers, and institutions can decide whether it aligns with their strategic priorities and technical requirements.

AWS is a partner in innovation. It helps institutions modernize their technology infrastructure, expand access to powerful computing resources, and prepare students for a workforce increasingly built on cloud technologies. By supporting flexibility, scalability, and experimentation, AWS makes advanced technology more accessible and cost-effective for both students and educators.

Originally published summer 2025 – Updated enabled in all courses August 28, 2026.

D2L is implementing a New Content Experience in Brightspace here at URI. It is a change in your content screen, where the content already developed takes a more intuitive and efficient process for delivering materials and improves the student digital learning experience. Creating new courses and content will be easier and involve less screens and passthroughs. This will affect both Brightspace and Engage.
When: The New Content Experience will be enabled in all courses starting August 2026.
Transition Period: This began in late August 2025. You can easily switch between Classic and New Content Experience as you explore the interface at your own pace. We encourage you to try NCE in advance, so it feels familiar by the time it becomes the default. At present, faculty may ‘opt in’ to try it out for you and your students.

Helpful Videos

Bright Ideas: Discover the New content experience by D2L
New content experience and Current (classic) experience

No action is required on your part—your existing content will remain in place, and you’ll see the updated interface the next time you access the Content tool. This upgrade will make it easier for you to build and organize content while helping your learners to stay engaged and on track with their learning.

Highlights include:

icon for new content design concept

Modern and Streamline Design

  • Clean, visual layout with color-coded modules for better organization
  • Simplified workflows that reduce time spent on course management
  • Intuitive navigation that helps learners find what they need quickly

Brightspace IntegrationSeamless Integration with Brightspace Tools

  • Direct access to Assignments, Quizzes, Discussion, and LTI links within the Content tool
  • Fewew clicks and no more switching between tabs
  • Frequent course activities you need in one centralized location

Device icon

Mobile-Friendly and Accessible

  • Purposely designed to support accessibility needs
  • Responsive design that works smoothly on mobile, tablet, or desktop

We’re excited for you to experience this improved interface and are here to help every step of the way.
TLS Team

Dr. Amanda Missimer

Amanda Missimer
Nutrition, Cooperative Extension

Dr. Amanda Missimer is a Clinical Assistant Professor and Registered Dietitian with a joint appointment in the Department of Nutrition and Cooperative Extension at the University of Rhode Island. She holds a Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Connecticut, where she specialized in biochemical nutrition with a focus on lipid and cholesterol metabolism. Her focus is on educating and applying science-based nutrition knowledge, serving as a reliable nutrition educator both in the classroom and throughout the state.

Introduction

Spotlight feature written by: Subek Acharya

Over 300 students from diverse majors like nursing and fashion enroll into Dr. Missimer’s NUT 207: General Nutrition class. Managing such a large and diverse group is challenging, but Dr. Missimer embraces this task with creativity and skill. Dr. Missimer has creatively harnessed Brightspace’s suite of tools and integrations to engage students effectively both in and out of the classroom. Her strategy skillfully balances content delivery with interactive engagement, ensuring every student receives a comprehensive and enriching educational experience.

Quote

“I could probably pick my favorite, but I literally use them all. I use Brightspace Assignments, Discussions, Quizzes, Rubric, and Checklists. This summer I am using voice notes which I am obsessed with.”
– Amanda Missimer

Usage

In NUT 207: General Nutrition, Dr. Missimer leverages Brightspace to enhance the learning experience through a variety of tools:

  • McGraw Hill Connect Integration: Utilized for a semester-long Dietary Assessment Project, where assignments are in McGraw Hill Connect integrated to Brightspace. Students complete tasks in multiple phases, with consistent grading recorded throughout the semester.
  • Quizzes Tool for Assignments: Dr. Missimer uses the Quizzes feature in Brightspace for assignments. She includes all student engagement content and grading rubrics, which help students submit assignments via quizzes. Dr. Missimar also utilizes auto-grading in her Brightspace Quizzes to effectively save time
  • Audio Feedback: Students had previously expressed their desire to have personalized feedback on their work. For this, Dr. Missimer uses the VoiceNote feature to offer personalized audio feedback on student assignments, enhancing feedback quality and accessibility.
  • Innovative Testing Methods: Online exams have posed a major challenge for professors due to the rise of AI. Paper-based exams for large numbers of students can also be troublesome due to manual work and the need to store answer copies safely for long periods. To maintain academic integrity and minimize AI-related issues, Dr. Missimer has implemented an innovative approach where online exams are conducted in-class. Students are given physical question papers with all questions, and they must use the Brightspace quiz section to fill in answers using options provided. This allows Brightspace to function as a digital scantron, helping her and her TAs to effectively evaluate grades for large numbers of students. Students must be present in class to take their exams, and having questions on paper makes using AI to find answers difficult because of time limits.
  • Discussion Boards: Dr. Missimer believes that collaborative feedback brings great value to some assignments. She has been using discussion boards for quite some time, employing them for assignments that require peer interaction. These boards enable students to view and critique each other’s work, fostering a collaborative learning atmosphere.
  • TikTok for extra credit: Dr. Missimer has implemented a unique and engaging extra credit assignment by integrating TikTok into her classroom activities. This approach not only enhances student engagement but also encourages critical thinking about the veracity of information encountered online. The use of a popular social media platform to explore contemporary nutrition topics has been well-received by students, making the learning process both relevant and dynamic

Q. You mentioned using TikTok for classroom activity. Could you elaborate on this?

A: Since nutritional misinformation is such a big deal, I started having students post TikTok about nutrition on discussion boards. Then, at the beginning of each class, I would pick 1 to 2 TikTok for us to watch, and we would discuss students’ opinions on them.

Student Experience & Feedback

Managing a large class of 300 students is a challenge for both students and professors. However, Dr. Missimer’s innovative approach to integrating technology to facilitate learning has been hugely appreciated by her students. They particularly value the interactive and comprehensive nature of Dr. Missimer’s courses, especially the use of multimedia elements and personalized feedback. The integration of VoiceNote is highlighted for providing accessible and personalized feedback, enhancing their learning experience. The flexibility offered by online assignments and resource availability has been crucial in accommodating diverse learning styles and preferences. The innovative use of TikTok for extra credit assignments has also been well-received, fostering a modern and engaging method for exploring real-world nutrition issues.

Resources:

Public speaking is a skill that challenges many students and educators alike.  Speaking clearly, engaging an audience, and organizing ideas effectively are essential components of successful communication.  Artificial intelligence (AI) offers tools that can support the development of these skills in the context of teaching and learning.

Image conveying AI and the Art of Effective CommunicationAI can serve as a digital rehearsal partner. It can help students and faculty draft outlines, refine language, and anticipate audience questions. At URI, AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot can support public speaking preparation by helping users draft outlines, generate ideas, and explore effective ways to engage an audience. For example, AI can:

  • Suggest compelling openings or introductions
  • Rephrase complex sentences for clarity
  • Identify repetitive words or awkward phrasing
  • Generate potential audience questions to practice answering

Imagine a student preparing for a class presentation.  They ask AI to suggest a few ways to open their talk.  The AI offers three different approaches: a surprising statistic, a thought-provoking question, and a short anecdote.  The student chooses one, refines it, and practices delivering it aloud.  This iterative process highlights an important lesson in teaching and learning: it allows students to experiment, gain confidence, and improve before presenting in front of their classmates, reinforcing the value of reflection, practice, and growth.

While AI cannot replace the human element of communication, it enhances learning by providing immediate feedback and encouraging experimentation with language and delivery.  It allows students to practice in a low-stakes environment and gain confidence before presenting in front of their peers.

Tools like these, available to URI students and faculty, support teaching and learning by helping students strengthen communication skills, improve clarity, and build confidence in public speaking.  By combining AI feedback with traditional instruction and practice, educators can create more engaging, effective learning experiences.  At the same time, AI is just one option among many, and faculty can decide whether it aligns with their teaching approach and course goals.

AI is a partner in preparation.  It helps learners refine their ideas, experiment with phrasing, and practice delivery so that when they do speak, they do so with clarity, confidence, and impact.  By supporting reflection, iteration, and revision, AI makes the process of becoming a stronger communicator more accessible and effective for both students and educators.Ready to take your next presentation to the next level?  Try using Microsoft Copilot or another supported AI tool for your upcoming talk, and discover how it can help you craft, refine, and deliver your ideas with confidence.

Respondus Logo

Respondus is a secure assessment tool designed to enhance online exam integrity at URI. The Respondus LockDown Browser (LDB) restricts students from printing, copying, accessing other sites, or switching applications during computer based exams. LDB is most effective for in-person computer based exams, since students could use other devices to bypass restrictions.

Executive Lead

Michelle Rogers

Technical Lead

Michelle Rogers
rogersmd@uri.edu

Support Team

ITS Teaching and Learning

About the Service:

Access

  • There is a Respondus lockdown browser (LDB) license for select departments on campus.
  • Respondus LockDown Browser (LDB) is currently approved for use on Nursing department computers. The approval does not extend to other campus departments. Other departments interested in purchasing a license may submit a Service Desk ticket to request more information.

Securing Exams

  • In-Person Exams: Lockdown Browser – LDB works to secure in-person exams only. LDB alone does not secure online remote exams. LDB requires that a client be installed on the laptop/computer for it to work with the Brightspace integration, and needs to be updated 2x per year. See below for departmental approvals.

Support

In the fast-paced world of technology, staying updated with the latest advancements is essential. At Tech Day 2025, we hosted a session focused on the evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within Apple’s ecosystem. Here’s a look at the key insights from the event.

Apple’s AI Toolset: A Look Into the Future

Apple has consistently pushed the boundaries of technology, and its suite of AI offerings is no exception. As we look ahead to 2026, Apple Intelligence will continue to evolve and add new tools and features to the Apple ecosystem. Here’s what we learned about Apple’s journey in AI:

  • Evolution: Most users will be familiar with Apple’s first big push into a public AI tool…Siri. Today, Apple has expanded Siri’s skillset and added other features, branding it’s comprehensive range of AI tools as Apple Intelligence. These tools are seamlessly integrated across (select) iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices. 

  • Integration: Apple Intelligence is designed to work across various Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs. While the core functionalities remain consistent, each device offers unique capabilities tailored to its specific hardware.

  • Compatibility: Apple Intelligence tools require Apple hardware to function but are increasingly compatible with non-Apple software. This makes them versatile and accessible to a broader audience without compromising on performance.

  • Ongoing Developments: It’s important to note that Apple still advertises Apple Intelligence as a BETA release, indicating ongoing enhancements and updates that users can look forward to.

Key Features of Apple’s AI Tools

Apple’s AI tools are packed with features designed to elevate the user experience across a wide range of applications:

  • Writing Tools: Enhance your writing process with AI features such as proofreading, rewriting, tone adjustment (professional, friendly, concise), summarization, composition, and the ability to create lists and tables effortlessly.

  • Safari Document Summarization: When using Reader View in Safari, easily condense lengthy documents into concise summaries.

  • Generative AI Image Creator: Explore creativity with the Image Playground, a generative AI tool for crafting unique images.

  • Personalized Enhancements: Enjoy features tailored for personal use, such as generative emojis, advanced photo editing and search capabilities, and smart replies and summarization in the Apple email client.

  • Audio Tools: Effortlessly transcribe and record audio with built-in transcription and recording features.

Apple Intelligence Security and Confidentiality

As we leverage the power of AI tools, it is crucial to remain vigilant about security and confidentiality. Here are some important considerations to keep in mind:

  • Data Privacy: Be mindful of the data you enter into AI tools. Once input, this data may contribute to training algorithms.

  • Copyright and Trademarks: Ensure that any content used with AI tools respects existing copyrights and trademarks.

  • Confidentiality: Exercise caution when handling sensitive or proprietary information within AI platforms, as unintended exposure could compromise data integrity.

  • Pairing with External Platforms: Many Apple AI features, such as those unlocked when paired with third-party platforms like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, require careful consideration of the associated security implications.

Brightspace Logo

Brightspace is URI’s learning management system (LMS). It is a web-based, mobile-friendly, hosted learning platform used for delivering course content and other online learning resources. Brightspace contains a flexible suite of tools for creating custom content for online delivery. Instructors can promote student engagement and successful learning outcomes through utilization of the many Brightspace tools and features.

Executive Lead

Michelle Rogers

Technical Lead

Kevin Gray
kevingray@uri.edu

Support Team

ITS Teaching and Learning

About the Service:

Access

Brightspace Pulse

A mobile app that helps students keep track of important updates. It brings news, deadlines, and grades together in one place so they can spend less time organizing and more time learning.

Learn How to Download and Use the Pulse App

Course Merging

Course shells are available in Brightspace 70 days prior to the start of a new term. Faculty wishing to design a course prior to shells being available can create a ‘development’ course in Brightspace.
Learn how to create a development course in Brightspace

Self-service Merges: faculty may choose to merge their sections of the same course. A merged course presents one set of content to all sections. Student rosters are also combined. The process may take 24 hours.

Complicated Merges : there are some cases in which the instructor cannot merge the necessary sections. In some cases it’s not possible – in other cases the TLS team can do it for you. Submit a service desk ticket to request a complicated merge.

See instructions for self service course merging for Brightspace courses
Attend training sessions to learn how to perform course merging
View YouTube tutorial to learn how to do self-service course merging
Read blog post on To Merge or Not to Merge Course Sections in Brightspace

Improvements AY25/26

  • A series of improvements to Brightspace and Engage will be implemented AY 25/26, all aimed at creating a more modern, intuitive, and engaging digital learning environment. These updates are designed to enhance usability, streamline access to learning resources, and provide a contemporary experience for the URI Community.|
    Refer to Brightspace Improvements AY25/26 to learn details.
  • Change management is the process of reviewing, testing, documenting, and implementing system edits, enhancements, and changes. For Brightspace request changes, we are required to follow the IT Change Management Process – which includes (but isn’t limited to) 1) a formal request from a department, and 2) processing it through the testing and then ETAC approval steps.
    Refer to How to Guide on Requesting Brightspace System or Setting Change

Integrations

  • IT provides robust connections in Brightspace with third-party Learning Tools Interoperability (LTIs) so your online and hybrid course can provide novel and engaging learning experiences.
  • In order to protect students, faculty, URI, and ensure system integrity, IT performs a standard review of all third party tools prior to approval for integration. URI must comply with laws and policy pertaining to faculty intellectual property rights, The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), financial risks, legal requirements, contractual policy, security compliance, and system limitations.
  • These external applications are not part of the base Brightspace software and require review prior to integration. In 2023 LTIs are being updated from version 1.1 to 1.3 and new LTI integrations require 1.3. The requestor submits an application that’s queued for committee review 3x a year: January, May, and August. The time between application to finalized integration depends on factors such as (but not limited to) tool complexity, vendor time, department availability, and the queue. Approved tools are subject to prioritization by the CIO and can take anywhere from 2-weeks to 6-months.
  • Refer to Brightspace Integrations page for to learn details.

Training & Support

24/7 Support – Live Chat
Look for the LiveChat icon on the home page as well as a bunch of other locations in the product – if you need help at any point, just click on the icon and get connected directly to Brightspace staff, even when the URI Service Desk is closed.

ATL Pedagogical Support
Get pedagogical support from the Office of Advancement of Teaching & Learning
Tyler Hall, 9 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881
Web: https://web.uri.edu/atl

IT Service Desk
Get support for all issues related to eCampus, email, internet connections, wireless, smartphones and tablets, laptops, desktops and more.
Submit Support Request to IT Service Portal: https://rhody.service-now.com/sp

Virtual Service Desk: Via Zoom Sessions

Web (Training & Office Hours): https://its.uri.edu

Walk-in Support: Kingston Library, Second Floor 227

Email: helpdesk@uri.edu

Phone: 401-874-HELP (4357)

Additional Information

Check out this page for latest announcement and additional information on course shell creation, course merging, Brightspace integration requests, Pulse app, and more topics.
Go to More Info About Brightspace

Turning is now part of “echo360, rebranded as PointSolutions“. PointSolutions is a versatile, full-featured, flexible tool that helps instructors engage and assess participation with interactive questions. Use the PointSolutions app to evaluate learning, gather valuable data, and give everyone a voice no matter how big the class, training session or event. For more information on logging in or getting help see KB0010175.

Executive Lead

Michelle Rogers

Technical Lead

Lisa Chen
lchen@uri.edu

Support Team

ITS Teaching and Learning

About the Service:

Cost

  • PointSolutions pricing for URI students:
  • 1 Year License – $24.99 || 1 Year License with Clicker – $46.98

    Access to PointSolutions is integrated into the University Single-Sign-on (SSO) solution via the Office 365 portal at https://web.uri.edu/its/office-365/. If you are having problems with your SSO credentials, please go to https://password.uri.edu to reset your password. This process will synchronize all of your passwords except eCampus.

Access

Access PointSolutions via O365 Portal

Navigate to URI Microsoft 365 Portal, and select tab on the top of All apps icon on the bottom right corner of the pae and select PointSolutions All apps.
Log on to Microsoft O365 Portal

Access PointSolutions in Brightspace

In Brightspace, select the course you are teaching, navigate to Content tab on the Nav bar, select Existing Activities–>External Learning Tools–>URI TurningPoint Poll System to access PointSolutions in Brightspace.
Log on to Brightspace

Support and Training