Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply or enter?
You can submit an entry if you have built or adapted innovative instructional technologies for use in UT Austin courses. You must have been using the technology for at least one semester, and you must have collected evidence concerning outcomes and student impact.
How do I enter ?
You must first e-mail us at IITAP@www.utexas.edu to tell us that you want to enter. We will then make arrangements to help you prepare your entry.
What are the entry deadlines?
By December 4, 2009, you must send us an e-mail stating your intent to enter. The deadline for submitting all your materials (entry, demo video, etc) is January 25, 2010.
What kind of help can I expect from DIIA on my entry?
DIIA staff will advise you about your eligibility and readiness, how best to present and organize your entry information and materials, and—most importantly—assist you with preparing your demonstration video. We want to help you make your entry as strong as possible.
What information do I need to prepare?
You should be prepared to address three subjects:
- how you used, built, or adapted technology to benefit teaching and student learning
- how the technology is innovative, and fosters innovative teaching
- how you know—through evidence and documented outcomes—that the technology has positively impacted you and your students
How much time will it take to create the demonstration video?
DIIA staff will work with you on recording a simple screen cast or video of your technology in action. Depending on the approach you’ve taken with the technology, this should not take more than an hour of your time, and DIIA staff will do the rest. The purpose of producing a screen cast or video is to show the judges the most innovative and effective features of your entry, which a text description may not adequately convey.
I just finished developing my innovative instructional technology, but I don’t yet have a lot of experience using it in class. Should I enter this year?
We will offer guidance on whether you are ready to enter. We can help you prepare what you can before the entry deadline or prepare you for next year.
What are some examples of evidence and outcomes that I should document and collect?
Typical methods for assessing technology use include focus groups, interviews, observations, surveys, and course assessment surveys. For more details and self-help on how best to assess your instructional technology, see http://www.utexas.edu/academic/diia/assessment/iar/tech/. You may also contact Stephanie Corliss, instructional technology assessment specialist, at stephanie.corliss@austin.utexas.edu, 232-1506.
I entered IITAP a few years ago. Can I enter again?
If you did not receive an award, you may enter again. If you received an award, you cannot enter again, unless your present project is new or significantly different from the one you entered before.
How tough is the competition?
Browse the gallery of past winners to get an idea of the quality of winning entries. Browse the judging considerations to see what the judges are looking for.
