Innovation at Tech

The Center for Academic Innovation provides support for new and familiar instructional technologies and techniques that are available on campus or that might be considered for adoption. 

Pedagogy/Andragogy/Heutagogy

Pedagogy (“the method and practice of teaching, especially as an academic subject or theoretical concept”) and andragogy (“the method and practice of teaching adult learners; adult education”) are dynamic terms that are continually updated based on current research and practice. In addition, heutagogy has now become a "thing" as learners become more independent and self-directed. To see the differences, visit the University of Illinois: Springfield's Center for Online Learning, Research and Service's page PEDAGOGY, ANDRAGOGY, & HEUTAGOGY. Other resources include Harvard's "Pedagogical Best Practices: Residential, Blended, and Online"  and Research.com's The Andragogy Approach: Knowles’ Adult Learning Theory Principles.

As any teacher knows, teaching techniques must change as students change. Individualized instruction, behaviorism, constructivism, Bloom’s taxonomy, and Webb’s Depth of Knowledge are just a few of the theories found in educational discussions. CAI provides access to educational development in these theories and others. 

Montana Tech Library

CAI encourages faculty and students to visit and take advantage of the resources and opportunities available through the Montana Tech Library, including a fully-developed library of creative commons material (Digital Commons @ Montana Tech), Libguides that provide resources to students and can be embedded directly into your Moodle section, and even a subject librarian who can personally support your students as they navigate the world of digital information. 

For more information about what the library can do for you, contact the Reference Desk or Adrian Kien or consult Information Literacy training or Databases at Montana Tech Library.

Hours and Contact Information for the Library

Technology

Whether you are in the classroom or online, technology is a big part of the modern teaching and learning experience. From Moodle, Tech's supported Learning Management System (LMS), and Zoom to smart podiums and smartboards, it is almost impossible to teach without encountering technology. Even textbooks are changing as more instructors rely on open-resource materials to stay current and save their students money.

The Center for Academic Innovation can support your use of these and other new tools through research, training, coordinating partnerships, and providing a place to experiment and practice. 

Resources for Academic Innovative 

Check out these resources for more information on innovation in higher ed: