Affinity Groups
Affinity groups offer a welcoming space to connect with colleagues across Harvard who are passionate about teaching and learning. Members share ideas, challenges, and effective practices—often sparking new insights and inspiration. Whether you're looking to explore innovative approaches, learn what others are trying in their classrooms, or find collaborators working on similar issues, these groups help break down silos and build a vibrant, cross-disciplinary teaching community.
GenAI in Teaching & Learning
The Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in Teaching and Learning Affinity Group is open to Harvard affiliates who are interested in attending regular meetings for sharing resources, success, and challenges around the integration of GenAI into teaching and learning.
Led by co-chairs: Anastasia Tolu, Associate Director, Instructional Technology (HLS); Lee LaFleur, Associate Librarian for Research, Teaching and Learning Services (FAS); Mae Klinger, Associate Director of Teaching and Learning Innovation (HKS).
Learning Data & Analytics
Curious about how learning data can improve education? Join Harvard community members from all backgrounds—whether you're analyzing dashboards daily or just discovering datasets. Our welcoming meetups are a low-stakes space to explore course evaluations, learning analytics tools, data policies, and everything in between. Come to share ideas, ask questions, and help shape the future of teaching and learning.
Led by co-chairs: Allain Williams, Product Manager (VPAL); Alyshia Keys-Harris, Learning Designer (HGSE); Kama Lord, Manager of Academic Technology (HDS).
Learning Design
We're a fun and friendly community of Harvard staff and faculty who are passionate about learning design. Build your Harvard network through our socials, gain new skills in our panels and learning sessions, and showcase your work by sharing in our lightning talks and other programs.
Led by co-chairs: Gabe Abrams, Principal Software Engineer and EdTech Innovator (DCE); Karina Lin-Murphy, Associate Director, Course Design & Pedagogical Innovation (HBS); Neil Patch, Online Learning Manager (HKS).
Learning Spaces
Organizes events throughout the year to highlight newly renovated spaces around campus and explore how well-designed learning spaces promote student learning. Additionally, the HILT Affinity Group for Learning Spaces will work toward developing shared resources and networks to support effective local decision-making.
Led by co-chairs: John Kenny, Manager of Technology Services (DCE); Claudia Stumpf, Senior Instructional Technologist (HKS); Pete Viccione, Senior Instructional Technologist (HSPH).
A Harvard email address is required to sign up for the mailing list below.
Research-Informed Teaching & Learning
Through in-person and online events, the HILT Affinity Group for Research-Informed Teaching and Learning (RITL) aims to support, promote, and innovate evidence-based teaching and learning across the Harvard network. Our cross-disciplinary community of practice engages with foundational and emerging research in the learning sciences, shares our own work on learning in higher education, and reflects on applying research findings in our specific contexts. Topics may be drawn from SoTL, DBER, or research in related fields such as education, cognitive psychology or sociology. We welcome instructors, researchers, and academic professionals from across the University community.
Led by co-chairs: David Ginnings, Associate Director of Learning Design (HSPH); Odile Harter, Head of Library Engagement and Experience (FAS); Rachel Gordon, Case Writer and Research Associate (HLS).