USM Center for Innovation and Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CIELT) Approved to Advance Course Redesign, Other Innovative Learning Models
Adelphi,
Md. (Nov. 5, 2012) -- The University System of Maryland (USM) Board of Regents has approved a new USM Center for Innovation and Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CIELT) that will enable the USM to secure and expand its leadership position in course
redesign and other innovative teaching models for the benefit of its students.
The Center will be housed in the USM Office of Academic Affairs and headed by
an executive director, to be hired after a national search. The board voted unanimously to approve the Center during the board's meeting on Nov. 2, 2012.
The Center will serve as the focal point for the System's efforts
to incorporate technology and new learning methods into academic courses. The Center will examine student performance resulting from various teaching methods
and serve as a resource for the development of best practices in higher
education.
By recognizing the transformational impact of new approaches to
teaching and learning and evolving technologies, the USM has become a national
leader in the implementation of a variety of innovative teaching and learning
models. Measurable examples of USM's success in this area include higher
enrollment in redesigned courses, improved results in student learning, and
substantial cost savings achieved through redistribution of faculty time and delivery
of course material at a reduced expense.
"It is my belief that we are in the early stages of a major
revolution in the way a good deal of teaching and learning occurs on campuses,"
said USM Chancellor William E. "Brit" Kirwan.
Since 2005, USM institutions have redesigned 40 courses. As part
of the new center's structure, the USM will be working with Coursera, Carnegie
Mellon University, and Ithaka S+R, an academic consulting group based in New
York, N.Y., to continue testing new models of teaching.
Under the
executive director's leadership, the Center will have a small permanent staff
charged with the following priorities:
- support, coordinate and assess academic innovation activities on
the campuses;
- incentivize faculty, through a Fellows program, to initiate
these innovations;
- apply for and raise external funds for System-wide
transformation activities; and
- disseminate
best practices among USM institutions and the broader higher education community.
Contact: Mike Lurie
Phone: 301.445.2719
Email: mlurie@usmd.edu