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Instructional Development Center

Instructional Development Center

ITaP's Instructional Development Center (IDC) promotes excellence in the use of instructional technology resources through training, consulting, and development services and an instructional grant program.

IDC provides a state-of-the-art digital media lab for faculty use along with a wide range of services to promote excellence in the development of online instructional resources.

Instructional consultations

A major service of IDC is instructional design and digital media development consultation. Our staff has a wide range of experience and education and is available for one-on-one consultation with faculty and instructors needing assistance with building instructional resources. We offer consultation in the following areas:

  • Web Design
  • Online Course Management
  • Web Application Development
  • Online Testing and Assessment
  • Graphics and Imaging
  • Animation and 3D Rendering
  • Digital Video and Audio Development and Streaming
  • CD and DVD Authoring
  • Learning Object Design
  • Usability and Accessibility

To set up an appointment with an appropriate IDC staff member, please fill out a Consultation Form. You can also contact IDC staff directly or call IDC at 49-63257.

Digital Content Development grants

The Digital Content Development Grant Program sponsors projects that use multimedia technology to enhance the quality of instruction at Purdue. Through this grants competition, the Instructional Design Center aims to cultivate excellence in teaching through experimentation with innovative ideas, methods, and technologies. Typical grant awards range from $5,000 to $12,000, although some range as high as $25,000.

The goal of the program is to identify, select, and help implement projects that increase instructional effectiveness through the use of digital and online technology. IDC seeks to cultivate instructional excellence through experimentation with new ideas, teaching methods, and technologies. Projects should be innovative and technologically sophisticated, with strong prospects for effective implementation and continued use. Project proposals may address the strengths and limitations of applying technology in collaborative, interdisciplinary environments. In general, projects should strive to enhance the quality of instruction at Purdue University.

For more information, visit Digital Content Development Grants

Programs

IDC promotes the innovative use of instructional technology through a variety of special programs, including:

Faculty Intensive Workshops

These workshops offer multi-day digital media training for faculty. They are usually offered during semester breaks and over the summer. Visit Training site for more information.

Teaching and Technology Brown Bags

In partnership with the Center for Instructional Excellence (CIE), IDC hosts informal seminars in instructional technology lead by award winning Purdue faculty. Visit the Teaching and Technology Brown Bag web site for information on past and upcoming seminars.

IDC Training Workshops

IDC offers a variety of training opportunities in multimedia technologies for faculty and staff. Courses are available in multiple formats, from informational seminars to hands-on multimedia workshops that offer you the opportunity to actively explore multimedia software. E-mail us at tlt-training@purdue.edu or visit training web site.

Courses and hands-on workshops include:

  • WebCT Vista
  • WebCT CE 3.7
  • Web Design (Microsoft FrontPage, Macromedia Dreamweaver, Macromedia Fireworks, Macromedia Flash, Adobe Acrobat)
  • Graphics and Imaging (Macromedia Fireworks, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Publisher)
  • Digital Video (Camtasia, Microsoft MovieMaker)
  • Special Interest (Universal Accessibility, Acer Tablet PC)

Customized Multimedia Software Training

IDC can develop quality workshops packed with information, techniques, and tools that can make your department more effective. In addition, these workshops provide participating staff and faculty with valuable resource materials that will continue training after the event has concluded. Topics from our training catalog can be modified to meet the specific needs of your department or class. These custom-tailored classes can even use examples, procedures, and content from your specific area.

We can bring the training to you. With IDC's Mobile Laboratory, we can take advantage of wireless networking technologies and offer our customized training centrally, at Stewart Center. We can also arrange training in one of ITaP's instructional labs, available in more than 20 academic buildings across campus.

Contact us at tlt-training@purdue.edu for more information.

Faculty Development Lab

IDC's faculty lab, located in Stewart Center G57, provides instructors with a unique set of computers and equipment for developing digital instructional resources. The lab is available for reservation by instructors needing its facilities for creating digital material. The lab is used for capturing and editing digital video, developing CDs and DVDs, and receiving consultation, among other things.

The lab has Windows and Macintosh computers, DV and VHS decks, scanners, and a full range of software for developing multimedia resources. Contact us at 49-63257 if you would like a tour of the lab, consultation and training on its use, or access to the lab reservation system.

Strategic Initiatives Research

The Strategic Initiatives group conducts research on new technologies and provides project management for a variety of TLT initiatives. Current projects include:

  • High Performance Classroom
  • Simulation Design and Development Frameworks
  • Macromedia Breeze/Breeze Live Pilot
  • eInstruction Deployment
  • Large Course Initiative

Other Resources

Teaching and Learning Technologies and IDC have developed a wide range of resources to help faculty use technology as a part of their instructional mission. Here are some.

WebCT

WebCT is a course management tool for distributing instructional content, managing student gradebooks, creating online assessments, and communicating with students. Visit the WebCT site to learn more about it. TLT is also in phase three of deploying WebCT Vista, WebCT's new course management system.  

IDC Form/Survey Designer

If you need to add a simple form or survey to your web site, we have created a tool for doing so. Visit the IDC Form Designer to get started. This is a new tool created at IDC, so if you have questions, please contact us at 49-63257.

Distributed Academic Computing Services (DACS)

DACS provides access to common Purdue licensed software through your web browser. Log in to DACS to see what software is available.

Annual Teaching and Learning with Technology Conference

Our annual TLT conference focuses on the use of technology in instruction. We invite faculty, administrators, and IT professionals who are passionate about the role of technology in education to discuss and demonstrate innovative ways of using and teaching with technology. Visit the Teaching and Learning with Technology web site for information on participating, registering, and conference activities.

Adaptive Learning Programs (ALPS)

ALPS services are designed for students with disabilities. ALPS can provide you with both practical services and resources for helping students to overcome educational obstacles. The facility is located in the Stewart Center 111.

The ALPS Lab provides a wide range of adaptive equipment and software, including:

  • Portable equipment for print enlargement
  • Rate controlled audio cassette players
  • Access to computers, THOR, and other online computing services.
  • Specialized software, to permit faster typing and to assist with other physically difficult tasks
  • Voice input, to allow use of the computer without requiring use of a keyboard and mouse.
  • An adjustable workstation

Students can be assisted in learning how to use both adaptive equipment and software for specific academic uses, including:

  • Enlargement of printed materials
  • Voice synthesis of printed materials
  • Operation of computers in either speech or enlargement modes
  • Assistance in making other computing operations usable

Instructional Services

Individualized training is available by appointment.

Training can cover the following:

  • Equipment operation, including startup procedures
  • Adaptive Software: Outspoken, Closeview, JAWS for Windows, ZoomText, and Naturally Speaking.
  • Adaptive Hardware: Kurzweil 1000, Kurzweil 3000, Kurzweil Reader, Everest Braille Embosser.
  • General Information on word processing, spreadsheets, computer aided design, graphics packages, desktop publishing, world wide web access, and email

To become a part of ALPS, first make an appointment with Adaptive Programs, at (765) 494-1247, for a personal evaluation. Once your evaluation is complete, Adaptive Programs will recommend services to meet your specific needs. You will then have full access to the resources found in the ALPS Lab.

For a tour of the ALPS facility, call (765) 494-4387.

Digital Learning Collaboratory (DLC)

The Purdue Libraries and Information Technology at Purdue have combined resources to create the Digital Learning Collaboratory, a state-of-the-art facility staffed and equipped for multimedia development.

For students

The DLC is located in the Hicks Undergraduate Library, HIKS B853. This facility provides students the opportunity to utilize workstations for accessing electronic resources, scanning documents, capturing images, developing and rendering 3D images, creating web pages, and editing and compressing digital video and audio. Apart from a large multimedia development area, the DLC features a wireless instructional area, collaboration rooms, and equipment checkout. This equipment includes laptops, digital cameras, digital camcorders, tripods, and external firewire hard drives.

For instructors

Providing instruction and collaborating with faculty is a major component of the DLC's mission. The DLC provides an engaging and active learning environment and exposes students to alternative ways of presenting information. We can provide support for instructors through avenues such as direct instruction, team teaching, or simply providing DLC space and resources.

The Digital Learning Collaboratory offers a unique instructional area, which seats about 25 students. The instructional area includes:

  • 25 wireless laptops
  • Instructor's laptop and projector
  • Reconfigurable desks for multiple seating arrangements
  • Mimeo white board capture device
  • Access to collaboration rooms

Scheduling the DLC for instruction sessions requires that your course match the DLC's mission by incorporating both information and technical literacy. A consultation session with the Information Integration Librarian or the DLC Coordinator will help you identify which components of your course meet the requirements. Please use the request form to setup a consultation.