Showcase Recognizes Instructional Technologists
DIIA's Center for Instructional Technologies hosted a campus-wide IT Showcase in April to recognize the contributions of instructional technologists at UT Austin. The event was a unique opportunity for IT staff from many departments and centers to demonstrate new projects, share news, and discuss new tools and techniques while enjoying the camaraderie of their peers.
Judy Ashcroft, the associate vice president and director of the DIIA, was a major proponent for the gathering. "Instructional technologists are the individuals at the forefront of new technology for the University," she said. "We wanted to recognize their dedication, curiosity, and creativity-vital contributions to instructional innovation within the University."
Nine different IT groups demonstrated their projects. Each team that presented at the showcase was given a plaque, a mug, and a red Swingline stapler that was prominently featured in the cubicle cult favorite film "Office Space." Over 75 instructional technologists attended the gathering, which ended with a celebratory pizza party replete with clips from "Office Space."
Presenting were:
Quinn Stewart: School of Information Technology Tutorials
Joe TenBarge: Texas Politics Online Multimedia Textbook
Paul Williams: Journalism Online Tool
Kathy Schmidt and staff: Faculty Innovation Center projects
Ken Tothero: College of Education Laptop Initiative for Student Teachers
David Diers: College of Fine Arts new database-driven events calendar
Diane Gierisch: Video User Group Guidelines
Joe Sanchez: Examples of Learning Objects
Denise Ketcham: ~FAST Tex Administration Tool