Learning Stories and TechStars
Instructional Technology Services is showcasing faculty efforts in the use of technologies for teaching and has begun to collect Learning Stories from faculty regarding their experiences with the use of technologies to support learning. These Learning Stories may be helpful to other faculty interested in successfully integrating technology into their teaching practice.
The TechStars program has the dual goal of recognizing particularly innovative and effective practices and supporting the sharing of Learning Stories among faculty. TechStars facilitate active learning, often using technologies to promote increased student interaction with the instructor, peers, and instructional materials. TechStars do not necessarily have highly specialized skills and knowledge; their practices can be emulated by any faculty member with a desire to employ technology in the service of student learning.
The 2005 TechStars were recognized for their creative and effective use of the Blackboard Learning Management System. Flexibility, increased communication, and the ability to integrate teaching and research were hallmarks of the 2005 TechStars.
The TechStars of 2006 were recognized for their use of Smart Classroom technologies to facilitate student learning. These TechStars found ways to increase student interest and engagement, even in large classes, by using multimedia and interactive technologies in conjunction with effective teaching techniques.
A luncheon on March 12, 2007, hosted by the Provost and cosponsored by ITS and the Center for Teaching and Learning, will give faculty and staff the chance to meet the 2006 TechStars and to preview the new TechStars/ Learning Stories website.
Want to nominate a TechStar?
ITS is looking for faculty who enable their students to use technologies as an integral part of their learning process. We'd like to hear about faculty who assign projects to students which enable them to not only demonstrate content-area skills and knowledge, but also to use 21st century tools in creative, collaborative, and "real-world" ways. If you know someone who's engaging students in projects which have a significant technological component, please let us know. For example, students may be creating multimedia projects or presentations, developing online content, or using technology to conduct research with collaborators from outside SDSU. Nominate yourself or someone else now!
What do I get for being a TechStar?
Award winners get a congratulatory letter from the Provost, a $50 gift certificate to Aztec Shops, a certificate of recognition, a chance to win a video iPod, and the respect and admiration that comes with being featured as a TechStar on the ITS web site!
Who decides if I am a TechStar?
A panel including representatives from Instructional Technology Services, the Center for Teaching and Learning, the People, Information and Communication Technologies (pICT) program, and previous faculty TechStars.
Why do we need the TechStars program?
Because the University values and rewards effective instructional practices and innovative uses of instructional technology.