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Instruction and Technology: The Two Pillars of Our Success Mary Crawford, Kathy J. Schmidt The University of Texas at Austin

Abstract

Improving the quality of instruction is a key strategic goal of the College of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin. The Faculty Innovation Center (FIC) plays a crucial role in realizing that goal. Many colleges of engineering provide teaching effectiveness support, and some provide instructional technology services, but the linkage of these two services is not always found in a single organization. The FIC offers a distinctive combination of technical and instructional expertise. As such, the FIC is ideally positioned to support faculty in adapting to the increasingly technology-driven teaching environment and to assist the College as it makes strides in instructional innovation.

In this paper, we will explore the spectrum of FIC enterprises. Engineering faculty come to the FIC for a range of services, from technology assistance to pedagogical exploration. Sometimes, faculty members need help evaluating the appropriate use of instructional technology. They may also need ongoing training and support for integrating technologies into their teaching. The FIC works with faculty to create a video presentation or a media-rich Web site. Whether putting an entire course online or simply enhancing the classroom experience, working with the FIC requires minimal technical expertise on the part of the faculty member.

The FIC inspires instructional innovation and excellence. By providing technical and instructional expertise, the FIC allows faculty to stay focused on their area of expertise – engineering.

The Possibilities

Gone are the days when faculty could go to their classes, shut the door and teach. Today’s faculty are expected to be aware of new developments in learning theory, assessment and instructional technologies. “Since a professor's time is limited, if he is left on his own to manage all of these new tasks, his knowledge of course content must necessarily suffer. The only solution is not to leave him on his own.”1. In the College of Engineering at UT Austin, the FIC provides a solution by offering faculty instructional resources and encouragement.

What type of assistance do faculty request? Sometimes technology is part of the solution and other times, pedagogy alone is the answer. Let us share with you some of the ways faculty have partnered with the FIC.

Proceedings of the 2003 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright © 2003, American Society for Engineering Education

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Crawford, M., & Schmidt, K. (2003, June), Instruction And Technology:The Two Pillars Of Our Success Paper presented at 2003 Annual Conference, Nashville, Tennessee. 10.18260/1-2--11465