Teresa Hartman was leading the Education Technology Collaboration before the Interprofessional Academy of Educators even formed.
The group, which today is a special interest group of the IAE co-chaired by Hartman, associate professor in the library of medicine, and Melissa Diers, senior instructional designer in ITS, actually formed in 2013 as part of the campuswide push toward E-learning.
Hartman described the nascent group as an informal gathering of educational technology scholars interested in exploring the capabilities of new technologies.
That was a mission the IAE recognized as valuable, and the group became part of the institute when the IAE created its special interest groups. Today, the ETC continues its focus on incorporating the new tools that move toward active learning.
The group is a “safe haven,” said Diers.
“People share their successes, but also their perceived failures with technology,” she said. “It’s a learning experience, not just for faculty, but staff and some students.”
One of the most important facets of the group, Hartman said, is that it provides a connection between the early adopters on campus and the majority of faculty and staff who are curious about or already working with active-learning technological components.
One of the group’s presentations, on different audience response systems, spearheaded a conversation about having an institutional audience response system that actually led to getting a system identified and funded.
As part of the IAE, Hartman said, ETC members now have a chance to make a bigger impact on campus and be recognized for the research they put into identifying workable educational technology.
“This year, we have an ongoing service project in which people are picking out ed tech resources or software and reviewing them, and that database is going to be shared with the entire campus,” she said.
The ETC is open to everyone, Diers said. Being part of the ETC also has opened channels of communication, through other interest groups, to allow for greater positive impact.
“The IAE strengthens us, it gives us more of an official channel, and the benefits come out more quickly for the campus,” Hartman said.
The group also is open to people who are just looking for help.
“We are here for people who are interested in integrating educational technology into their instruction and curriculum appropriately,” Diers said. “They have the opportunity to share the experience of others and to see what others are doing.”
And people who are not having any problems at all?
“We would love to have you share your experience with us,” Hartman said.
Teresa Hartman is so helpful and always willing to lead you through a new process. She adds value and makes us feel safe in asking our "dumb, I should already know this questions." A great team contributor. Thanks for always being available.