EdTech experimentation to improve student experience
Instructional Technologies and Media Services (ITMS) has partnered with the Teaching Innovation Incubator (TII) to support experimentation in bold teaching and learning ideas, focusing on the student learning experience. A new Educational Technologies (EdTech) Sandbox safely combines and trials technology with pedagogy. Innovative teaching projects involve IT much earlier, saving time and effort.
While the first phase of the physical space won’t open until winter 2025, the virtual space is currently active with pilots exploring LEARN add-ons, accessibility software, and polling tools.
LEARN add-ons
In response to Learning Management Systems (LMS) Review feedback (PDF), pilots are in progress exploring the D2L add-ons Creator+, to create interactive course content, and Performance+, for insights into LEARN data. These tools will be evaluated on how they could better support instructors, staff, and students.
Polling tools
Digital polling tool usage has increased since the pandemic. To provide consistency for students and to amalgamate costs and support, a one-year Vevox pilot license was purchased for assessment. iClicker is temporarily offered free of charge, as part of the polling tools pilot to compare the two solutions.
Accessibility
The TII’s Accessible Education project is working to create an environment that supports accessible education practices at the University of Waterloo. Sandbox licences for accessible learning technologies including Glean, NaturalReader, and Perpetual Fusion Pro were purchased. Additional technological solutions to support accessibility will be investigated.
198 participants total in the pilots (118 faculty, 69 staff, and 11 students)
Creator+: 102 participants (67 faculty, 35 staff)
Performance+: 51 participants (17 faculty, 34 staff)
Vevox/iClicker: 45 participants (34 faculty, 11 students)
1,523 sessions
101,885 participants
8,594 polls
3,837 Q&A
127 surveys
208 current active users running sessions
91 courses
62 instructors
8,214 unique students
Other 2024 accomplishments
Some of the other great work from the past year
Presentation Technologies
The new active learning classroom, PHYS 235, and MC 2065/2066 renovations and technology upgrades are ready for winter term classes. Large upgrades to presentation technologies in the President’s private boardroom, the NH Board of Governors room, NH3308 and NH3318 completed.
Classroom Technology Renewal Project
31 Registrar-owned classrooms now have collaborative presentation technology systems that enable lecture capture and synchronous hybrid sessions for instructors, students, and guests regardless of locale. Many classrooms now have height adjustable podiums.
EdTech support, transparency and inclusivity
Evolving the EdTech Ecosystem initiatives are almost complete. A new EdTech intake process and renewal rubric have been published to the EdTech Hub. Ideal future state for IST support ticket workflows and processes for the EdTech support model are drafted and being vetted. Initial terms of reference for EdTech governance groups have been published.
LEARN improvements
Solutions identified for improvements to LEARN account creation and WatSPEED email to external learners. Email configuration updated to meet University standards.
Peer Review and Group Evaluation solution
After a multi-year review that included faculty, students, and staff of peer review and group evaluation software, peerScholar was chosen and implemented to replace PEAR.
Upcoming 2025 initiatives
A look at what we'll be working on in 2025
EdTech support, transparency, and inclusivity
Add non-centrally supported technology to EdTech Hub and other improvements. Implement EdTech support improvements. Launch an EdTech forum for instructors.
EdTech sandbox
Prepare to open sandbox in its temporary location, MC 1078. Decisions on Vevox and Creator+ pilots. Further roll out of Performance+ pilot use cases.
EdTech software
Decommission central support for Webex. Consultations on potential central video storage and management solution.
Classroom technology
Continue upgrades to height adjustable podiums in Registrar-owned classrooms. Upgrade to collaborative presentation technology systems in more medium-sized classrooms. Implement the next generation of fob technology for podiums. Review classroom technology and support, in consideration of teaching and learning pedagogical directions and digital learning strategy.
LEARN improvements
Additional LEARN access improvements. Implement solution for LEARN account creation and Quest final grades integration. Begin work to address recommendations from Accessible Education Project.