OVERVIEW

During the last few years, the University has been investing in transformative academic technologies, including Active Learning Classrooms (ALC) in support of active learning instruction (ALI), an up-to-date Blackboard (Canvas since June 2023) platform and upgraded infrastructure in general purpose classrooms. University investments in academic technologies are driven by the continued prioritization of online learning, the proliferation of the use of personal technology among students, and embracing technologies that promote ALI by faculty.

The Provost’s Office and academic departments are incubators of innovation in academic technologies. UIT sees its role to be facilitating the adoption of best practices developed by the academic experts. This is accomplished by working with departments to identify key technologies and establishing strategies for campus or systemwide implementation, empowering all academic units to benefit from these technologies and the instructional framework established by their peers.

ALIGNMENT

• With the University — National Competitiveness: UIT, in collaboration with Academic Affairs and UH colleges, has been upgrading and maintaining the technology infrastructure in academic spaces throughout our campus. In addition, UIT continues to partner with colleges to provide technical support to faculty in all general-purpose classrooms.
• With the University — Student Success: UIT is collaborating with Faculty and Departmental Instructional Support (FDIS) to enhance academic spaces and implement ALC to increase student success.

CURRENT STATE

• Support over 150 UH general purpose classrooms located in 18 buildings. Classroom educational technologies require ongoing maintenance, which includes the projectors, computers, smart podiums, videoconferencing technology and all other technologies utilized in the classroom.
• Basic HyFlex technologies added to over 300 classrooms including all general purpose classrooms.
• Published Audiovisual Design Standards to provide consistent learning spaces throughout the campus.

PATH TO SUCCESS

• Collaborate with academic leaders at the individual, departmental, institutional and system level to identify critical technologies.
• Collaborate with Facilities over the next six to eight years as part of the Classroom Refresh initiative to renovate classrooms with the latest technologies.
• Create 27 advanced HyFlex classrooms that will promote distance learning instruction.

FY2022 INITIATIVES

• Promote new technologies in support of Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
• Engage faculty members and key instructional partners to collaborate and guide the development of new learning spaces.
• Transform general purpose classrooms by implementing technology enhancements.