(y3) Distance Education Advisory Group (DEAG) — Participation & Next Steps

Overview

The Distance Education Advisory Group (DEAG) operates under the Ventura College Academic Senate to make recommendations on instructional technology, distance-education delivery, and online-teaching certification or recertification in alignment with Title 5, ADA, and the AFT 1828 agreement.
All professional-development recommendations are forwarded to the Academic Senate Council for approval.

I began attending DEAG meetings in Spring 2025 and continued through Fall 2025. This experience provided a clear view of how accessibility, academic integrity, and instructional technology intersect—and where a STEM perspective can add value to campus-wide discussions on AI and online learning.

Timeline of Participation

Apr 10 2025

Meeting Highlights

Opening introductions; Academic Senate & DEETAC updates; discussion on AI integration, accessibility, and Respondus pilot with MFA issues; Grade Sync progress.

My Role / Takeaways

Observed workflow among Senate → DEAG → DEETAC; learned practical implementation issues that affect student testing.

May 8 2025

Meeting Highlights

Review of Academic Senate by-laws; creation of AI-cheating sub-workgroup; discussion on camera policy for synchronous online classes; Grade Sync and prompt-engineering workshops announced.

My Role / Takeaways

Understood DEAG’s mediating role between district policy and classroom practice; noted expanding focus on AI ethics.

Sept 11 2025

Meeting Highlights

Review and edit of DEAG charge and annual goals; ACMM baseline report updates; accessibility integration in DE trainings; brainstorming AI Maker Spaces.

My Role / Takeaways

Recognized how ACMM results translate into accessible Canvas templates and captioning practices.

Oct 9 2025

Meeting Highlights

Continued charge revision; update on Tri-Chair positions; announcement of DE Faculty Liaison (.20 load); AI updates on Play Lab and Academic Integrity workgroup.

My Role / Takeaways

Identified leadership pathways linking DEAG, DEETAC, and Liaison roles; clarified how faculty participation scales into governance.

Focus Areas & Learning Outcomes

1. AI & Academic Integrity — balancing academic honesty and usability
Discussions addressed Respondus LockDown Browser, MFA interruptions, and WebAssign compatibility.
Application: I will design structured, AI-assisted pre-labs and reflection prompts that preserve integrity.

2. Accessibility (ACMM & Title 5) — translating accessibility policy into course design
Committee reviewed baseline scores for media captioning, web content, and procurement.
Application: Chemistry Canvas modules and lab videos will adopt accessible templates and captioning standards.

3. Technology Pilots & Support — improving workflow through practical tools
Canvas–Banner Grade Sync, Pronto, and captioned DE Summit videos were highlighted.
Application: I plan to apply these tools to streamline grading and share practices with the Science Division.

Next Steps

  • Bring a STEM/Lab perspective to AI and accessibility conversations, especially in designing transparent AI-assisted lab activities.

  • Translate ACMM findings into practice by collaborating with ITDs on accessible Canvas templates and captioned video assets.

  • Participate in DEETAC and PD workshops to expand instructional-technology expertise and share takeaways with Chemistry faculty.

  • Explore the DE Faculty Liaison role as a next stage of service, connecting classroom design with college-wide DE policy and faculty support.