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Curricular transformation/innovation in STEM takes several forms. Among the many courses being redesigned at UMBC, the Departments of Biological Sciences and Mathematics and Statistics have redesigned courses based on the pedagogical model known as Team-Based Learning (TBL). TBL is a specifically structured format that promotes student learning and self-efficacy through frequent readiness quizzes (both individual and team-based) and team projects and applications.

The following interview is with MJ Bishop, director of the Center for Academic Innovation with the University System of Maryland. Innovation is top of mind for administrators across the higher education space, but in the public system, the roles of systems and institutions in achieving this change become a little cloudier. In this interview, Bishop shared her thoughts on where their respective roles and responsibilities lie, and discusses the similarities in the innovative vision of both institutions and systems.

Ithaka S+R collaborated with the University System of Maryland to test the use of interactive online learning platforms in seventeen courses across seven universities. Fourteen of these tests used Massively Open Online Courses (MOOCs) on the Coursera platform, almost all embedded in hybrid course formats, and three used courses from the Open Learning Initiative at Carnegie Mellon University (OLI).

Living Learning Communities (LLC) and specialized living options offer first year students the opportunity to live with other first year students who have a similar interest. LLC students have the opportunity to be part of an engaged learning community that goes beyond the traditional classroom experience.

As a leader in higher education focused on the unique needs of adult learners, University of Maryland University College (UMUC) has long been a pioneer in the area of learning analytics.

Scheduled for completion in 2016, the Edward St. John Learning and Teaching Center (ESJ) will accommodate 2,000 students in multiple classrooms ranging in size from 80 to 320 seats. All spaces will be equipped with the latest classroom technologies designed for active learning even in the largest lecture halls.