Nipissing University - Technology & Infrastructure Subcommittee

CALL FOR PROPOSALS – TECHNOLOGY IN TEACHING & LEARNING FUND

Introduction:

Members of the Nipissing University teaching community are invited to submit proposals to the Technology & Infrastructure Subcommittee (TIS) for funds to assist with the implementation or improvement of information technology (IT) for the courses they teach. Proposals that are submitted to TIS will be assessed in accordance with the criteria set out below. Proposals may be submitted for funding in the following categories:

i)Professional Development: resources to support Faculty training (PD) initiatives related to the use of IT in course development and delivery.

ii)Instructional Resources: funding to support faculty in acquiring IT resources (e.g. software & hardware) to enhance/supplement the delivery of course materials.

Please Note: A proposal may target both of these categories depending on the scope of the project. Where there is a potential cross over, this must be clearly identified in the proposal.

Structure of Proposal:

The structure of prospective proposals is flexible and we welcome modifications to suit individual needs and the fund(s) being pursued. As a general guide, the proposals should provide a clearly stated rationale and objectives for the proposed project. TIS recommends that the following sections be included in the proposal. There is a template form that is available through TIS ( ) It is important to note that the proposal should not exceed 5 pages in length.

Recommended outline:

i) Introduction: Describe the course(s) involved (title, purpose, contents, etc.).Provide a description of the proposed IT applications for the course(s).

ii) Rationale: Outline how the proposed IT applications will improve or facilitate student learning and course delivery. Include comments on how the proposed project will enhance the quality of any relevant program(s), and will be of benefit to the University and students. As sustainability is an integral feature of the University’s programs and initiatives, provide information that addresses this feature.

iii) Objectives: State the specific objectives and uses for the equipment, software, and/or professional training that is being requested.

iv) Methodology & Work Plan: Outline a framework that describes how you will achieve the above stated objectives and the process that will be in place toimplement these new resources (e.g., timeline, what, when, where, who, how, etc.). For requests involving student assistance, please describe how and when the work will be completed and the approximate number of hours involved.

v) Funding Request: Include a detailed breakdown of the requested funding (e.g., cost of software, hardware, conference registration fee, professional development training costs, staff resources required, etc.). Quotes from vendors/sources must be included.

vi) Evaluation plan: Describe how you will determine the success of the project in relation to the initial goals there is an expectation that a summary/ evaluation report will be submitted to TIS at the conclusion of a funded project or after the requested equipment has been integrated into your teaching environment. Failure to complete and submit this summary document may disqualify the applicant for future access to the TIS Technology in Teaching & Learning Fund. Projects must be completed between May1 and April 30, of the budget year.

Selection Criteria:

The following criteria will form the basis for judging the merit of the proposed projects. TIS reserves the right to assess proposals on additional criteria that is deemed appropriate for consideration given that TIS encourages proposals with fairly broad terms of reference.

1)Potential significance to and long term sustainability for Nipissing students, courses, programs and the University.

2)For student assisted projects, the significance of the proposed improvement (s) for Nipissing students, courses and programs. There must also be a sustainability component for these projects.

Eligibility:

Proposals submitted from members of the Nipissing University teaching community (e.g., course instructors – Full-time & Part-time) are eligible for consideration. Submissions from personnel not directly involved with course instruction/delivery (e.g., support staff, administration) may be considered on a case by case basis if funding is available.

Submission & Approval Process

Where:

Copies of the proposal must be delivered in either electronic (e-mail) or hard copy format to:

Hard Copy: Office of the Vice-President, Finance & Administration (A205)

Attention – Vicky Paine-Mantha, Chair, Technology & Infrastructure Subcommittee

or

Electronic Copy: Margarida Shail -

and

Ken Waller - Vice-Chair Technology & Infrastructure Subcommittee

When:

by Friday, April 30 , 2010 (4:00 pm).

Proposals submitted after the deadline will be considered on an "as received and funds permitting" basis.

Review /Approval Process:

The proposals will be reviewed by the TIS committee and recommendations made to the Vice-President Academic & Research before May 15, 2010. Pending final approval by the VP Academic - Research, funding will be available May 21st, 2010.

Please note that all funds granted for professional development and instructional resources must normally be spent within the same fiscal year as they are granted, i.e. before April 30, 2011 in this case.

Successful proposals will be posted on the University’s website

Expectations:

As a condition of acceptance of the funds, the successful recipients must present the projects outcomes at cross-disciplinary faculty training sessions, tutorials or conference presentations or in other appropriate venues.

For clarification or further information, please contact Ken Waller (TIS Vice-Chair) at ext. 4262 or via e-mail at .