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Faculty Development Collaboratives in
Technology Program Application Guidelines
Deadline: January 18, 2002
The Faculty Development Collaboratives in Technology (FDCT) program is
intended to assist faculty members at independent colleges and universities
make more effective use of digital tools in their teaching. The program
will enable state foundations and independent institutions within that
state, working collaboratively, to provide workshops, materials, and on-campus
technical assistance for faculty members. Five $20,000 grants will be
awarded to state foundations to assist in this work. The FDCT program
is sponsored by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) and the Foundation
for Independent Higher Education (FIHE), with funds made available through
the FIHE/UPS National Venture Fund Program.
Eligibility: State foundations of independent colleges and universities,
on behalf of an institutional collaborative within their state, may apply
for this program. CIC member institutions which are not members of the
state foundation must be allowed to participate.
Grants: Five grants of $20,000 are available. Each grant must
be matched on a one-to-one basis (that is, by $20,000 from other sources).
The Program
A key challenge for small, independent institutions is the difficulty
of realizing large returns in learning or in cost-effectiveness resulting
from their significant investments in new technology. In addition to bearing
the disadvantage of small scale, these institutions often have limited
financial resources and insufficient staffing in both their information
technology and faculty development offices. Rather than expect rapid reversals
in the financing or the staffing of small colleges, the FDCT program aims
to help independent institutions, working together, address this widespread
challenge.
Based on four years of successful experience in several states, CIC and
FIHE have been able to determine key elements of successful institutional
collaborations and to create professional development strategies that
can be of use to other states and institutions. The FDCT program works
at three levels: institution, state, and national.
- Campus-based Teaching and Learning Mentors. Participating institutions
should select at least one individual who can help other faculty colleagues
to use technology. A teaching and learning mentor is a faculty development
professional, widely respected by faculty members for his or her understanding
of pedagogical issues and for expertise in the use of digital tools
to enhance teaching and learning. If the campus does not have a person
with these characteristics on its staff, the president will be asked
to appoint a faculty member designated for this role. The FDCT's resources
will be adapted to meet the needs of the heterogeneous group of mentors
selected by institutions. Because the work of the mentor is likely to
be time consuming-working with campus leaders and faculty members in
scheduling workshops, brown bag lunches, and other activities that will
help faculty colleagues learn how to use technology effectively-a state
foundation's application for participation in FDCT normally should make
provision for a small stipend or released time for mentors who are not
already employed to play this role. Mentors will work with campus leaders
to determine their institutions' needs with respect to faculty development,
plan programs with other mentors from their state, and participate in
the FDCT's professional development workshops. It should be noted that
mentors in other states have found their participation in the program's
activities to be very rewarding both professionally and personally.
- National Resources. Considerable work to date in several states
has resulted in materials that can help mentors assist their faculty
colleagues and can be used by a wide variety of faculty members directly.
In addition, faculty leaders from independent institutions who are experienced
in this work will conduct workshops for mentors and will continue to
develop materials. Institutions participating in FDCT will thus be able
to gain cost-effective access to proven strategies and resources that
were designed to reach the large number of faculty members who are relatively
novice computer users but are open to using technology to address challenges
they face with students. Work with over 1500 faculty members across
the country has demonstrated a remarkable consensus regarding these
challenges.
- State Collaboratives. States have proven to be an effective
focal point for this work. State foundations have ready mechanisms for
cooperation, and geographical proximity creates efficiencies of time
and money for planning and professional development activities. Once
a state foundation's application has been selected for inclusion in
the FDCT program, it is anticipated that the FDCT project director will
work closely with a) a presidential leadership team drawn from the state's
colleges, b) a planning team composed of the Teaching and Learning Mentors
from the participating campuses, and c) a smaller leadership task force
drawn from these two groups.
Collaboratives will use grant funds to support participation in professional
development workshops and to gain access for mentors and other faculty
members. Separate workshops will be offered for mentors, faculty members,
and presidents. In addition, materials that have been compiled by workshop
facilitators in other states will be made available to both mentors and
faculty members.
Typically using existing meetings of the state foundation and working
with the FDCT project director, each collaborative's planning team (composed
of presidents and mentors) will outline broad goals for the colleges and
universities in the state, and develop the precise configuration and schedule
of workshops to be provided.
There is also an annual, national professional development institute
for mentors.
Project activities will begin in the spring 2002 and continue through
the following academic year.
Applications
Process and schedule. State foundations interested in being considered
for these grants should contact the program's director, Edward Barboni,
CIC senior advisor and independent consultant at either 561-379-3253 or
ebarboni@cic.nche.edu, anytime up to the closing date for applications
on January 18, 2002. Applications will be reviewed in January 2002 and
applicants will be notified by January 27, 2002. Proposals will be reviewed
by a selection committee consisting of representatives of individual campuses
currently engaged in the collaborative programs upon which this project
is modeled. Successful applicants will be expected to obtain matching
funds before March 2002, when project activities will begin, continuing
for approximately one year.
Selection Criteria. The criteria will include:
- The extent to which campus presidents are committed to participating
in and leading the program.
- The extent to which the state foundation is committed to working
with campuses in this area for the long term.
- The extent to which this approach will be integrated into ongoing
campus faculty development programs.
- The extent to which the state foundation is committed to raising the
matching funds.
- Agreement by the state foundation to permit colleges and universities
that are CIC members but not members of the state foundation to participate.
Application Content. An application should describe the ways in
which the state foundation would like to work with colleges and universities
to strengthen faculty effectiveness in the use of technology, indicate
which institutions and individuals are likely to be involved, and indicate
clear interest in the FDCT program. In addition, a preliminary statement
about the likely sources for the matching funds should be included. The
application narrative should not exceed five pages.
Submission of Application. Applications should be received by
5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 18, 2002. Applications should be submitted
electronically to ebarboni@cic.nche.edu.
For further information, please contact Edward Barboni at (561) 379-3253
or ebarboni@cic.nche.edu.
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