The Academic Information Technology Committee (ACITC) is pleased to announce the 2006-2007 Professional Development Grants program. The program provides opportunities for FL Tech faculty and staff to enrich their teaching and professional development through participation in technology-related projects and travel. Potential projects include:

• Development of on-line course or technology-based instructional materials
• Participation in educational technology-related conferences
• Educational technology-related on-campus seminars and guest speakers
• Hardware and/or software purchases

Multi-disciplinary proposals that involve faculty members from two or more departments are strongly encouraged.

Travel awards will not exceed $1,000.
Awards for projects will not exceed $2,500.

For larger, more expensive projects, applicants are encouraged to identify matching or supplemental funds from alternative sources. The source and likelihood of the availability of these funds should be clearly stated in the proposal. Although awards cannot be used for faculty salaries, funds may be requested for student support (i.e., college roll) or for personnel to construct special instruments or hardware.

NOTE: Awards are not intended for replacement or upgrade of existing equipment.

Application Requirements

Applicant eligibility: Full-time or part-time Florida Tech faculty & staff
Estimated number of awards: 6 - 8

Project Description

Provide a convincing narrative summary of no more than 500 words describing how the award will be used. The description should include:

1. A list of project goals and objectives
2. An indication of how the project will promote the use of educational technology for teaching or research.
3. Anticipated outcomes, including a description of how the activity will benefit you, your department, and the FL Tech community
4. Sources and commitments of additional/supplemental financial support (if necessary).

Budget and Justification

An itemized budget for the project should be provided. Funds may be requested for meeting registration, travel, lodging, the purchase of hardware and software items, and student stipends. A brief justification for each item listed in the budget should also be provided.

Applicants are required to prepare and submit proposals on-line using the link provided below. Although there is no limit to the number of proposals that may be submitted by a single applicant or group of applicants, awards will be limited to one per faculty member.

Proposals are due by 5:00 p.m. on February 10, 2007. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Recipients of previous awards are eligible, and will be asked to include with their proposals a 250-word summary of previously funded project accomplishments.

Evaluation Process and Criteria

Proposals will be reviewed by a six member panel (three ACITC committee members and three non-committee referees) and will be considered confidential. The following criteria will be applied:

Travel Grant Criteria

1. The travel grant contributes to the professional development of the recipient.

2. The travel grant is for purposes related to educational/instructional technology.

3. The travel grant is expected to yield knowledge and information that will impact and enhance classroom education/instruction.

4. The travel grant enables one or more students to travel for purposes related to educational/instructional technology.

5. The travel budget is reasonable and appropriate for its intended use.

Project Grant Criteria

1. The project involves the use of educational/instructional technology.

2. The project is innovative.

3. The project impacts and enhances classroom education/instruction.

4. Students participate in project development.

5. The project enhances the visibility of the Department and/or FL Tech.

6. The project is clear and well written. (i.e., clear goals and objectives, appropriate budget justification).

7. The project is interdisciplinary.

8. The project budget is reasonable and appropriate for the scope of the project.

Secondary Criterion: For investigators receiving prior ACITC funding

1. The investigator has demonstrated that he/she has used previous ACITC awards appropriately/effectively.

Awards will be announced in early March, 2007. Awardees will be required to submit a written report to ACITC by December 30, 2008. Written reports will be posted on the faculty/staff web page.

Awardees will be encouraged to present the results of their projects as part of the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence’s Spotlight on Teaching Excellence Series.

Questions regarding the grant program and application process should be directed to koyman@fit.edu .