Instruction And Technology:The Two Pillars Of Our Success

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.