Sidebar: A Centered Approach to New Learning

The Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) is at the heart of many transformations in course design and instructional approaches at NYIT.

Under the direction of Assistant Provost Francine Glazer, Ph.D. (pictured right), the center works with faculty members in individual or group settings to help enhance teaching practices. Consultations are available for faculty members who want to improve and measure student learning, pursue research, or review aspects of their professional work.

The center also offers workshops, orientation for new faculty members, writers’ circles, and faculty learning communities, which allow NYIT educators to exchange ideas and work on individual projects within a larger supportive group.

“After every session, you come away so exhilarated, saying, ‘I can’t wait to try this, this is going to work so well,’ ” says Occupational Therapy Associate Professor Gioia Ciani, who joined six NYIT colleagues in a faculty learning community over the past year. “Just the interplay and exchange of ideas, getting feedback and building off each other—that was invaluable.”

Glazer says she wants the center to be known as a “safe space” where faculty members feel comfortable asking questions and learning about teaching approaches that improve student engagement.

“Some faculty are interested in using these instructional techniques but never had an opportunity to sit down and redesign their courses,” says Olena Zhadko, one of the center’s two instructional designers. “They are eager for information and support, and they put time and effort into the process.”

The center’s website includes video and PowerPoint presentations on topics such as student assessment, educational software, and Jing software, which is used to create video feedback of student work. Glazer’s blog, the Weekly Teaching Note, touches on issues ranging from student learning and classroom conflict to engagement and academic integrity.

When it was formed in the late 1990s, the center was known as the Center for Teaching and Learning with Technology. Assistant Provost for Academic Affairs Michael Uttendorfer, Ed.D. (M.S. ’95), then an adjunct professor, served as director from 2000 to 2008. The center was eventually renamed to reflect a broader emphasis: improving teaching quality for all faculty members, not only those interested in incorporating technology into their courses.

Technological assistance, naturally, is still available. NYIT’s Technology-Based Learning System (TBLS) provides assistance with Blackboard’s advanced features, video tutorials, and in-person support at the Old Westbury and Manhattan campuses. Last year, Glazer and TBLS Director Stan Silverman completed a project to create Blackboard shells for every faculty member and every course section at NYIT.

In the 2012-2013 academic year, Glazer hopes to unveil a series of online videos about grading student work and providing feedback. The course will include opportunities for faculty from all of NYIT’s global campuses to post comments and suggestions about the topic.

Ciani acknowledged the significant preparation and learning curve as she completes the transformation of her neuroscience course to a blended format. But she believes the resulting educational windfall will be worth the effort.

“This is exactly what my students need,” she says. “The way we built it gives them much support. There will be more online learning initiatives, which means that students will take more responsibility for their education. If they do the work, they’re going to be successful.”

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