Effective July 1, 2021, Teaching & Learning Technologies, previously under University Libraries, and 365 Learning (online classes), previously part of Extended Studies, have been combined under the Provost’s Office into a newly named Office of Digital Learning.
“Experience and lessons learned in the pandemic have helped shape online, remote and traditional classes,” Ed Huffman, executive director of the newly named Office of Digital Learning, said. “Together, we now offer streamlined academic tech support, faculty training, and course design & delivery support functions to the University campus.”
The new office comprehensively combines the Instructional Design Team and the Online Learning team (formerly of 365 Learning). The new team will be called “Instructional Design & Educational Technology.”
The Classroom Technology team is responsible for designing, installing and maintaining the technology in all of the classrooms, lecture halls and seminar rooms on campus. The Classroom Technology team will also provide user training for any of these spaces.
The Instructional Design & Educational Technology group provides support, training, resources and consultation for course design and development (across all modalities), effective instruction, faculty development, instructional technology, accessibility and the University's WebCampus Learning Management System. The combined unit will provide guidance and support for all delivery modalities, bringing support for face-to-face courses together with support for online courses. As new delivery modalities are explored, having a central point for faculty support and guidance will be essential for future success.
“Working more closely with our deans and faculty, the combined units of the Office of Digital Learning will further develop and deliver on the University’s teaching mission through a faculty-driven course development model,” Interim Executive Vice President and Provost Jeff Thompson said.
Faculty and staff of each unit currently remain working in their existing offices. Additional updates are forthcoming.
In fall 2021, it is expected that faculty will be teaching courses face-to-face in the classroom. Faculty can contact Instructional Design & Educational Technology to schedule a consultation with an Instructional Designer to discuss their course, development strategies and ideas for engagement. Faculty are also asked to contact their department for additional course guidance.
For more information or questions, please contact provost@unr.edu.
