Tennessee Tech showcased software and other teaching tools during the month of October, demonstrating new technology for faculty.
The Center for Innovation in Teaching started the program to expose faculty to a variety of new educational technology. Director Jason Beach said he has tried to incorporate technology faculty has requested throughout the year.
“I look at these technologies through how the college of education would best utilize these, but through this process its opening it up to the whole campus, you know,” Beach said. “I get to hear perspectives from physics professors, mathematics professors, chemistry professors, engineering professors. And so you really have a different take on how some of these technologies could be helpful for their students and their class.”
Beach said representatives demonstrate the product, then open the floor for questions. Beach said the program helps the center better address technology needs for the University. Beach
Beach said popular technology is not guaranteed to be green-lit, as exposing faculty to a variety of technology is the true purpose.
“We always get new people reaching out wanting to try new technologies, so we listen to the faculty about certain technologies, about certain capabilities they would like to see,” Beach said.
Beach said surveys are a valuable part of the process, helping other staff understand the impact technology has on students in the classroom.
Beach said some AI is built into many modern educational tech programs. Beach said exposing the faculty to new tech is looking toward the future.
“I really wanted to see what the faculty thoughts were,” Beach said. “That kinda helps us drive in the future, strategic planning on what type of technologies or tools we like to implement in the classroom.”
