Program Overview
The Faculty Innovators Program in the College of Education and Human Services (COEHS) at Western Illinois University is a 24-month professional development program for faculty. Our mission is to create a cadre of technology "champions" throughout the COEHS who will mentor their fellow faculty members and raise the standard for
technology integration in teaching and learning.
Solving a Growing Problem
As higher education faculty have full workloads with classroom teaching assignments, field specific research, and service projects, time for exploring cutting-edge technology for teaching often beomces on of their lowest priorities.
In an institutional setting where the student population comes equipped with laptops, cell phones, iTunes, YouTube, MySpace, Facebook, and Second Life this raises a rcurring need for a professional development program capable of supporting change in the methodologies and technologies selected for use ni the classroom.
Program Goals
- Bridge the gap between teaching and technology.
- Meet increasing student needs and expectations for technology integration in higher education instruction.
- Promote the development of published research projects on the efficacy of technology integration in post-secondary education.