Academic & Collaborative Technologies (ACT)

Through faculty consultations, training, resource development and service responses, Academic & Collaborative Technologies (ACT) support staff provide strategic and operational leadership on the innovative use of teaching technologies. Whether responding to a help desk request regarding U of T’s Quercus, ACT Support assists faculty, graduate students and staff to enrich the learning experiences of students at U of T.

University Speaks: Robust Community Engagement

During the 2016 Summer and Fall sessions, CTSI and the ACT Support team worked with Information Technology Services (ITS) to facilitate the consultation process for U of T’s new Learning Management Engine, a part of the Academic Toolbox Renewal project. During that time, CTSI helped coordinate and promote supplier demonstrations, open house and online testing sessions, and create and collect user feedback surveys. This consultation process was designed to reach and incorporate as many U of T voices – students, faculty and staff – as possible, in order to build a contemporary and integrative Portal that best suits our community.

  • 339 surveys completed
  • 100 hours of drop-in testings
  • 74.5 hours of direct community access to vendors

Community Engagement Breakdown

Percentage of total participants in the LME consultation process

  • 47.2% student participation
  • 31.8% staff participation
  • 17.4% instructor participation
  • 3% librarian participation

Online Learning

In a continuing partnership with Information Technology Services and Online Learning Strategies, ACT provides support for instructors teaching in online and hybrid environments to develop courses, assignments, and learning platforms. New resources this past year include Video Strategies and Is Taking An Online Course Right For Me?, Accessible Learning Object Design, Motivation and Retention in Large Online Classes, as well as support for the various projects offered through the Open UToronto initiative.

Instructional Technology Innovation Fund (ITIF) Support

The Instructional Technology Innovation Fund (ITIF) provides opportunities for technology-mediated teaching and learning projects that explore and implement promising practices at different stages of their development and implementation, and creates a pathway for projects from their initial inception to full potential.

Through ongoing consultations, Educational Technology Faculty Liaisons in CTSI work with instructors and staff in the ITIF support stream to ensure projects have the necessary resources, connections and expertise throughout the process, from application to completion.