Learning Spaces submission, review process updates

The Learning Spaces-Student Computing Fee, a mandatory charge included in tuition, supports technology needs for students across campus. Most of the funds are distributed to individual colleges and campus libraries that have submitted proposals, which have been recommended by a task force of IT professionals and reviewed by the Teaching and Learning Portfolio (TLP) governance committee. TLP’s decisions are forwarded to the Campus Budget Advisory Committee for final review and approval.

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While the spring 2021 Learning Spaces process will follow a similar approach to previous years, University of Utah colleges and units will notice a few adjustments.

Most notably, this year’s interviews and correspondence will take place via Zoom. Additionally, requesters are asked to submit a 3-8 minute video, which should provide a brief overview of the proposal and address anticipated questions.

“We really want just a basic video that gives an overview of their requests,” said Teaching & Learning Technologies Director Jon Thomas, who is leading the task force for this year’s cycle. “Nobody will earn extra points for using a green screen or music overlays.”

Requesters will also notice a few changes to the reconciliation process. For example, previous Learning Spaces recipients will be asked whether they have spent all the money from last year’s round of funding.

“We know that COVID-19 had a detrimental effect on completing some of those projects,” Thomas said. Any leftover funds will be directed to this year’s request, if possible. Similarly, the use of computer labs has been negligible in the past few months, and requesters will be asked whether the lifecycle of that equipment can be extended.

This year, requesters will notice an opportunity to submit innovation-proposal requests alongside their normal operational ones. The committee has identified $200,000 in funds for these kinds of projects.

“This is a great opportunity for colleges, campus organizations, and student groups to identify areas of potential growth during a time when hybrid and online learning is increasing on campus. We are so excited to see what they come up with,” said Cory Stokes, associate dean of Online and Continuing Education.

Additional details will be published on December 7, 2020. If you have any questions, please contact classhelp@utah.edu.

 

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