As part of our mission to optimize teaching and learning at the University of Iowa, the Office of Teaching, Learning, and Technology facilitates pilots related to instructional technology, data tools, and classroom technology. Instructors’ insights are invaluable in shaping the success of new technologies in the classroom and ensuring it enhances student learning outcomes.
Active Pilots
Azure Virtual Desktop in TILE rooms
Azure Virtual Desktop allows you to access a virtual desktop environment from any device, anywhere. Giving you access to the software you need for your courses without the need for specific laptops or computers. Some of the software available through it includes Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office 365, OneDrive, Python, R Studio, R for Windows, and more.
Cogniti: Your AI Assistant in ICON
Are you looking for a way to provide your students with access to an AI experience that is uniform, grounded on your course materials, and gives you visibility into interactions to monitor and support learning? This fall the Office of Teaching, Learning, and Technology will integrate Cogniti into ICON. If you've been looking for a supported first step into teaching with AI, sign up for our pilot.
ICON Course Template for Instructors
OTLT worked with other campus partners to develop an ICON course site template for instructors. This template guides the layout and presentation of course materials in easy-to-understand ways while providing modern aesthetic page design and advice on helping make course sites as accessible as possible.
Microsoft Teams and Canvas integration
Microsoft Teams is a collaboration tool designed for video meetings, asynchronous discussions, document sharing, and various group activities. The integration with ICON allows instructors to connect an ICON course to a Teams site, so the class can more easily use all the features Teams offers.
Sandbox classroom
OTLT Learning Spaces Technology has partnered with Classroom Management and Operations to create a sandbox classroom at North Hall 103. This space will test new classroom tools and technologies in a real-world setting. Coordinated through the Office of the Registrar, the sandbox is open for instructors and can host one-off events around scheduled classes. Learning Spaces Technology can provide interested instructors a walkthrough demonstration of the space.
Participate in a pilot
We're seeking instructors who are interested in piloting new technology in their classrooms. Please reach out if you are interested or if you have any questions.