University of Iowa faculty members have a chance to pursue funding for technology projects through the Innovations in Teaching with Technology Award program. Proposals will be accepted through Oct. 17, and a total of $100,000 will be awarded.

The program aims to raise the level of teaching and learning at the UI by supporting significant and innovative instructional technology projects that impact student success and retention. The Academic Technologies Advisory Council looks for proposals that use collaborative learning strategies and emerging technologies that are new to the UI.

Priority will be given to proposals with potential for replication across the university. Cross-disciplinary projects are encouraged, though not required. Proposals geared toward the instruction of undergraduates are also encouraged, though the program is not limited to undergraduate education.

The number of awards will be determined by the quality of applications. Applications can be made to support the costs of hardware, software, and personnel. Funding is not available for faculty salaries or for projects that are technologically sophisticated but not oriented toward participatory learning. The advisory council will select applicants to interview, and will request a detailed budget, project timeline, and milestones for the second round of reviews.

In addition to funding support, recipients receive resources and consultation time with instructional services staff members from Information Technology Services (ITS). For pilot projects with potential for a “Phase II” follow-up project, instructors have an opportunity to compete for a second award.

Award winners must assess the impact of technology on student learning in a particular course and make two presentations about the award to UI campus audiences. They are expected to contribute to a culture of teaching excellence by disseminating the results of their efforts through workshops, publications, demonstrations, mentorships, wikis, or other peer-to-peer learning opportunities.

Winning proposals from previous years can be viewed here, and a summary of proposals submitted and awarded since the program is available here. Additional details are available in the application guidelines.