Teaching, Learning, & Technology (ACT Support)

The Teaching, Learning & Technology team provides support for instructors using pedagogy-driven educational technology, including Quercus and integrated online tools, through consultations, webinars, and the development and redesign of resources to better serve the needs of our U of T community. The team was instrumental, working with other CTSI teams, in the development of the Course Design for Online modules and piloting the online teaching feedback services, both of which support and enable instructors teaching in an online/remote environment.

Teaching, Learning & Technology Team Highlights 2020-2021

Supporting improved online teaching and learning: The Quercus Course Review (QCR) and Synchronous Online Teaching Observation (SOTO) services were piloted and launched this past year. These services provide formative feedback to faculty with a view to shaping future course design processes and enhancements while improving pedagogical practices for teaching in online and blended learning environments. Ten courses were reviewed in the QCR pilot.

Faculty development and support for technology-enhanced teaching and learning: The Teaching, Learning & Technology (ACT Support) team offered drop-in sessions and online consultations for much needed skills in online teaching. Captioning clinics were offered to ensure adherence to accessibility standards for delivery of course materials, and just-in-time consultations provided targeted guidance on how to develop an online course using Quercus and U of T’s Academic Toolbox.

Improving campus and Divisional supports and communications: The Knowledge Base Renewal initiative, is a tri-campus, multi-divisional initiative that kicked off in January 2021. Three advisory groups have been established and include campus-wide and Divisional education technology leads. The purpose of this initiative is to bring together colleagues to discuss and ensure programming and development is reflected in four core areas: 1) Faculty Development, 2) Education Technology Colleagues’ Professional Development, and 3) Documentation & Resource Development and 4) Communications.