CTEL Technology Enhanced Learning Grants

USM Online's Center for Technology Enhanced Learning helps shape the future of e-learning by supporting the  use of new technologies at the University of Southern Maine. The Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) Grants will get technology into the hands of faculty, staff, and students through purchases of hardware and software; conferences, training, and workshops; and other technology-related activities. Grants are available for faculty (including adjuncts and part-timers) and staff, and for all types of classes (face to face, blended, or online). 

For FY13, $15,000 is available for a wide variety of requests of up to $1500 per person, including but not restricted to:

• Purchase of hardware, such as a headset, web cam, voice recorder, digital pen, etc. (These are illustrative only. Intended application of hardware/software will be a determining factor in funding. These funds are not available for faculty laptops, desktops or iPads.)
• Purchase of software such as Dreamweaver, Dragon Naturally Speaking, QuickTime Pro, etc. (These are illustrative only. Intended application of hardware/software will be a determining factor in funding.)
• Registration and travel to a conference or training seminar focused on technology enhanced learning. 
• Student employees for a short term project developing specific materials for technology enhanced learning (such as an animation or tutorial for a course).
• Expenses to bring an expert to USM for a technology presentation or training seminar.
• Other appropriate technology to enhance teaching and learning at USM.
• Grants may be partially funded by USMOnline. Co-funding from a department or college is always welcome. USMOnline and ITMS may choose to house hardware in ITMS for checkout.

Proposal Components

All requests must be completed online at http://tinyurl.com/TEL2012-13 with the following information. Please be succinct.

• Your name, department, and contact info. If multiple people are involved, include others in the reason section.
• The thing being requested.
• Reason: Explain succinctly how this technology or experience will affect teaching and learning at USM.
• Cost.
• Cost details (max 500 words).
• If software or hardware, include specifications, model number, etc.
• If a conference, include a detailed budget.
• If you are aware of less expensive alternatives, explain why this is the better choice.
• Include applicable links (conference program, specs, etc.)

Proposals submitted by means other than the online form will not be considered.

Review Process and Timeline

Proposals may be submitted at any time until funds run out. Requests will be considered at least monthly. A review team consisting of the Director of CTEL, the Manager of ITMS and one USMOnline course designer will assess the proposals and make funding recommendations to USMOnline.
Proposals may be partially funded. Hardware may be purchased by ITMS for circulation to the entire campus rather than funding purchase for an individual (with priority given to the requestor for long term checkout if applicable). You must work with ITMS and USMOnline for all purchases. Purchases must be made within 30 days of grant funding or the funds may be dispersed for another grant (unless arrangements are made to extend).

Submission Guidelines and Instructions

All proposals received will be the property of USM. Incomplete proposals will not be considered. Proposals submitted by means other than electronic submission will not be considered.

Questions Contact

Khusro Kidwai, Director of Online Teaching and Learning, Center for Technology Enhanced Learning, 207-780-4540, khusrokidwai@usm.maine.edu