The educational technologies (edtech) in use as part of the Waterloo online learning environment arrive through various channels, and for different reasons.
Popular edtech offerings at Waterloo
LEARN (D2L Brightspace) was adopted as the campus-wide host for online materials and a common set of learning activities, such as quizzes, discussion forums, dropboxes, gradebooks.
However, systems like LEARN typically are not strong in specialized STEM tools, so through the Faculty of Math, Mobius (formerly Maple TA) was added as a rich environment for symbolic and numerical work.
Turnitin is used to check papers for content created by others, and was purchased through a project in the Office of Academic Integrity.
Adobe Connect was used in Management of Technology (in Engineering) before expanding as a campus system.
In renewing D2L Brightspace at the end of October 2018, we secured a system called Bongo (formerly YouSeeU) for video assignments within LEARN, to be rolled out soon.
In a recent survey, Waterloo instructors were asked what other edtech they use. The results revealed about 60 other applications, although some applications were only being used by one or two instructors.
Selecting edtech solutions
Requests come forward to adopt, license, support, or otherwise help with new technologies. How do we decide what we can take on, both financially and with a level of staff support and expertise?
A small group from IST, the Centre for Extended Learning (CEL), and the Centre for Teaching Excellence (CTE) have started talking about this, progressing a discussion started at the 2018 Learning Environment Retreat. A draft of a vision, mission, and overarching goals for this work will be shared with the Waterloo community.
We will also ask the community for input on directions for edtech at Waterloo, such as for governance (e.g. how to prioritize new technologies, avenues for community input), support models (e.g. possible tiered support for different technologies), and other aspects of adopting new technologies.
