UTSA Opens Faculty Instructional Technology Lab
(May 15, 2012) --- The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) has opened its Faculty Instructional Technology (FIT) Lab, a resource center to assist faculty with the use of new technologies in instruction. One hundred faculty members are already making use of the FIT Lab to teach more effectively.
Located in the Multidisciplinary Studies Building at the UTSA Main Campus, the lab is conveniently located next door to the Online Learning Team, which is available to assist lab users with any questions.
The FIT lab supports UTSA faculty with instructional technology and features a classroom podium setup and projector for faculty to practice live lectures. Additionally, the lab has a quiet room for individuals to record lectures using a sound booth with high-end hardware, audio and video editing software. Multimedia experts, instructional designers and developers are available to provide consulting services to faculty members looking to redesign their courses.
The Online Learning Team is also available to answer questions about Blackboard. UTSA instructors use Blackboard for online course learning, email, assignments, process management and course improvement.
Department of Communication Associate Professor Christopher Hajek has taken advantage of the lab for specific help in loading exams to Blackboard.
"The huge screen in the lab has been so helpful, as it has allowed me to sit comfortably with an instructional development specialist as she explains some of Blackboard's more advanced features," said Hajek. "We're not huddled together in front of a small screen -- it's great."
Vice Provost for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer Ken Pierce was instrumental in setting up the UTSA FIT lab. He noted the importance of having a centralized place for faculty members to receive assistance in online learning design.
"As a part of UTSA's Graduation Rate Improvement Plan, we are tasked with implementing more online content," said Pierce. "The timing of the opening of the FIT Lab could not be better as it will help attain this goal."
Events
Learn to use the simple but powerful features of EndNote®, a citation management tool. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn to setup an EndNote library, save references and PDFs, and automatically create and edit a bibliography.
Virtual EventLearn to use Zotero®, a citation manager that can help you store and organize citations you find during your research. Zotero can generate bibliographies in various styles, insert in-text citations and allow you to share sources with collaborators.
Virtual EventOur GSAW Research Symposium begins with lunch and a Poster Presentation Competition. Faculty, staff, and graduate students are welcome to attend and review the exceptional research from UTSA's best and brightest.
Student Union Ballrooms 1 & 2, Main CampusHear from UTSA doctoral candidate in environmental science, Andre Felton, as he discusses best practices to discuss scholarly research in non-academic settings. Our 2023 Three Minute Thesis (3MT) winners will also share their winning presentations.
Student Union Ballrooms 1 & 2, Main CampusJoin this fun event if you want resume and interview resources, a job or internship, a snow cone from Kona Ice and to socialize.
Sombrilla PlazaIn partnership with San Antonio Metro Health, join us for a special lecture series during Public Health week! An esteemed panel will discuss the job market’s impact on public health departments in Texas municipalities.
Retama Auditorium (SU 2.02.02,) Main CampusThe Task Force for the Shaping the Future of Artificial Intelligence, Cyber, Computing, and Data Science at UTSA initiative will hold a virtual Campus Forum to discuss their findings in Phase I (data gathering). UTSA faculty, staff and students will have an opportunity to ask questions and share ideas before the Task Force moves into Phase II.
Virtual Event