Graduate students conducting thesis or dissertation research can now use the Learning Analytics Umbrella IRB and Data Access program, which provides an IRB framework and process for requesting access to anonymized student learning behavior data. Register for a virtual workshop on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 3:30 p.m.

Since its launch in fall 2018, ICON Direct has helped UI students save over $21 million on textbook costs. ICON Direct is the university’s initiative for ordering digital content from specific publishers and delivering it to students at a reduced cost. Winter orders are due by Nov. 23. Spring orders are due by Dec. 22. Begin your order selection.

We know getting help with technical questions is important. For most users, the best way to request assistance is to contact the ITS Help Desk. However, if you've previously emailed ICON Tier3 directly, please note that soon messages sent to that address will be automatically added to Halo, the ticketing system used by ITS.

Dave Long has accepted the position of executive director of the Office of Teaching, Learning, and Technology (OTLT) after a competitive national search.

Launched in 2025, Note Depot, a centralized note-taking platform in ICON, has helped meet hundreds of student accommodations. We're continuing to improve the experience for instructors and students as well as increasing the quality and accuracy of AI notes.

As part of the university’s commitment to digital accessibility, the Office of Teaching, Learning, and Technology now offers Equatio to faculty, staff, and students to support accessible math learning wherever they are. Equatio is a digital math tool that offers multiple input methods, making it easier for users to engage with math equations in multiple formats.

The Innovations in Teaching with Technology Awards (ITTA) provide funding for innovative, results-oriented instructional technology projects that raise the level of teaching and learning at Iowa and have the potential to impact student success and retention. The University of Iowa Academic Technologies Advisory Council (ATAC) will accept proposals for ITTA from Wednesday Sept. 9, through Monday, Oct. 12.

Top Hat continues to develop its platform with new features designed to support active learning, simplify course management, improve accessibility, and expand AI-powered teaching features.

Discover practical ways to spark participation and deepen learning at ICON Day 2026. Join OTLT Friday, Nov. 13, for a keynote by Claire Howell Major, ICON All Star awards, lightning talks from UI faculty, and hands-on workshops. Explore active learning strategies, student engagement, AI, Top Hat, and more. Register by Monday, Nov. 2.

Learn about the latest updates happening in ICON and how they might impact your courses this fall, including updates to the Speedgrader user interface, the Canvas dashboard changes, and information about archived ICON courses.