December 2025 technology updates
26 November 2025Image by Mohamed Hassan on Pxhere
In our technology updates we announce the latest developments in UoA supported tools for teaching and learning.
Sneak peek: new tools being piloted and previewed for 2026
All UoA staff are welcome to join us for a special end-of-year in-person combined session of the Learning Futures Community of Interest (CoI) and TEL monthly forum. Connect with colleagues, celebrate the year’s achievements, and get hands-on with new and upcoming learning technologies for 2026.
Date: Thursday 11 December 2025
Time: 2–4pm
Location: 201-440, 10 Symonds St (map)
Light refreshments will be offered so please let us know that you are coming.
* Sign in to MS Forms with your UoA Microsoft account (username@uoa.auckland.ac.nz).
Canvas training: preparing for 2026
Start the new teaching year with confidence with a range of Canvas training sessions that will run through January–April 2026. These repeat sessions are offered across multiple dates and times to fit your schedule. Whether you’re getting started, refreshing the basics, or refining your course design, do come along; there’s something for everyone.
Introduction to Canvas Baseline Practices
This session is ideal for teachers and teaching support staff looking to create more consistent, accessible, and inclusive course designs across their programmes.
Next session: Thursday 15 January 2026, 1–2pm
Canvas Essentials
This session is aimed at teachers who are new to Canvas, or anyone who wants a refresher.
Multiple sessions are held throughout January, February, and March 2026
Canvas Design Blocks
This hands-on workshop will demonstrate Design Blocks for Canvas and is tailored towards anyone involved in developing course content at our University.
Multiple sessions are held through January – April 2026.
Monthly forums
Be part of the conversation on technology-led innovations in teaching and learning. Our TEL monthly forum is for finding out what’s new and on the horizon within our university’s suite of enterprise tools for teaching, and the Learning Futures CoI is an network of enthusiastic practitioners who meet regularly via Zoom to share best practice in course and assessment design and delivery.
Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL) monthly forum
All staff at the University are invited to this monthly Zoom meeting to learn about the latest installments and ideas for improvements to our suite of enterprise tools for teaching and learning.
Next session: Monday 2 February 2026.
Learning Futures Community of Interest
We welcome all staff at the University to join the discussion and share experiences, expertise, and ideas about learning and teaching.
Next session: Thursday 19 March 2026.
As always, should you have any questions or require assistance, seek support from IT Connect and Ranga Auaha Ako, Learning and Teaching Design Team. We’re here to help.