Recent Examples of LTC Projects

Here are some examples of recent projects that the LTC has been involved with, to foster student, faculty and staff learning:

Student Notebook Computer Initiative
Since 1999 the University of Dayton has required incoming undergraduates to own a university-provided computer. As of fall 2003 all first year students were equipped with notebook computers and many classrooms have wireless connectivity. A crucial element in the Student Notebook Initiative is the professional development of faculty to utilize and take advantage of notebooks in traditional classrooms. Our aim is to help faculty create innovative pedagogical approaches for enhanced learning.

LTC Innovation Grants
Full-time faculty are able to request support from a newly updated competitively awarded grant program called the LTC Innovation Grants. The LTC Innovation Grant exists to support proposals that promise to design, implement, and evaluate new modes of teaching and learning that are more effective and productive, and to support individuals as they work on projects to enhance the Learning Village.

Support of General and Graduation Competencies
The LTC is integrally involved in the implementation of the university’s competencies initiatives. Some examples include: The e-Learning Lab and the Office of Computing Ethics has played a strong collaborative role in the development of the information technology competency and in the use of WebCT for tutoring and testing in the quantitative reasoning competencies. Faculty Development continues to play a strong role with respect to shaping initiatives in support of the reading and writing competencies at both the general and graduation levels. And LEAD is a critical player in the implementation of services and support for students with respect to the reading and writing competency, the quantitative reasoning competency, and, on the drawing board, in providing an oral communications lab and tutors for the communications competency.

Reading Groups
Each semester the LTC offers a reading group to a cohort of faculty and staff to read and discuss important issues in higher education. In most cases the LTC funds the purchase of reading materials and provides space for regular group meetings. Check the LTC Newsletter for the current reading group. Recent examples include “Learning about Learning”, “Learning and Teaching Online” and “Creating Effective Academic Advising Programs.”

WebCT Online Course Management System
The e-Learning Lab now supports the WebCT course management system. Faculty interested in using WebCT to host course materials on the Web and foster student-student and student-teacher interaction online are welcome to contact the e-Learning Lab for training in the use of WebCT.

E-Learning Seminar Series
The LTC now offers a new seminar series on the use of technology in enhancing the academic experience. Staff of the e-Learning and e-Media Lab’s and faculty pioneering new applications of technology in teaching are welcomed to present on a wide variety of topics. The schedule of seminars for this semester is listed in the LTC Newsletter.

ArtStreet and Marianist Hall
The University of Dayton is positioned to gain national exposure on two learning living projects scheduled to open in 2004. Nationally, living learning projects are being promoted as a strong mechanism for building community. Typically they involve a residential setting in which one or a few classrooms are located, with programming linking living to learning. For instance, students living in the residence hall take classes there, or professors meet informally with students in common meeting spaces. Our two learning living projects attempt to redefine the integration of living and learning.

The LTC acts as an incubator for innovative teaching and learning that impacts the entire campus. These initiatives continue to embrace the key characteristics that distinguish UD as a Catholic Marianist school and a leader in higher education.