We support UBC Science faculty members in their efforts to create and sustain innovative teaching and learning practices using learning technologies.
Learning technology pilots
Introducing a new learning technology into an educational environment requires careful consideration and evaluation. In order to pilot a new tool with students in a real pedagogical context, procedures are implemented to ensure that all aspects of the pilot have been researched, analyzed, and documented appropriately.
Pilot guidelines
Our eight guiding principles for piloting a learning technology at UBC Science are meant to ensure that the technology provides an evidence-informed student experience, and a cost-effective, sustainable investment to support teaching and learning.
- Pedagogically sound and promising
Is there research evidence indicating that the proposed learning technology pilot holds pedagogical promise to enhance students’ learning experiences? - Adaptable
Can the tool be used in multiple ways, reflecting different teaching and learning contexts at UBC Science? - Sustainable
If the tool was not built at UBC, what is the development roadmap for the tool and the potential change in its future functionality and technology stack? - Intuitive
Is the tool and its functionality easy to learn and use? Are there barriers to greater uptake by learners? How can these be mitigated? - Scalable
Can the tool be deployed at scale? Are there (additional) integration requirements? - Cost-effective
Is this an open source or commercial tool? What are the cost implications for support and sustainability beyond the pilot phase? - Innovative
Does the tool duplicate existing functionality offered by other learning technology tools in our existing Science or UBC learning technology ecosystem? What new functionality does this tool possess that is currently absent from our learning technology ecosystem? - Privacy concerns
Is the tool FIPPA compliant? Are there privacy concerns/issues to anticipate and address?
Research and development projects
Our team provides a wide range of services to faculty experimenting with new and innovative learning technologies at UBC Science. These services include consulting on design, testing, analysis, research and development, and more. We often work in collaboration with CTLT and LT Hub to ensure the best possible service for faculty.
Alchemy
A learning technology that was designed to support scenario-based pedagogies that develop critical thinking and decision making skills. Student learning paths and decision making steps are tracked, then visualized back to students to deepen their understanding of the topic or problem.
eChirp
A learning technology designed, in partnership with Skylight, Chemistry department, and CTLT to offer students the opportunity to learn through in-video interactivity. The core concept of eChirp is that students can experience with different modes of interactive learning within a single video and without the need to login and logout of many learning technologies. For example, students can experiment with Chemistry simulations, and do quizzes, while watching the video. Depending on students’ responses, they can be taken to different parts of the video.
Orchard
A recommendation system and learning technology that supports students in learning calculus through changing their mindsets and habits.
StatSpace
A platform that supports faculty members in sharing pedagogical content to enable the teaching of statistics across many disciplines.
LT resources and grant opportunities
TLEF Grant
Funding for sustainable projects that enhance teaching and learning.
Skylight Development Grants
Funding for teaching and learning projects across UBC Science.
Science Academic Equipment Fund
Funding for academic equipment that supports teaching and learning.
SoTL Grants
Funding for faculty members to conduct research in the scholarship of teaching and learning.
BC Campus
Support for initiatives that benefit BC students, with a focus on open education.
Cloud Innovation Centre
Provides UBC students, staff, and faculty access to cloud technology to advance projects.
