By Deb Mateik

In the mid-1990s, the Computer Science Center, one of the three groups that eventually formed the Office of Information Technology, launched a faculty training program called the Institute for Instructional Technology (IIT). Throughout the formation of OIT and the reorganization of the groups that support teaching and learning within OIT, IIT has remained a constant with only slight changes in topics and offerings.

Over the coming year, we will be introducing new types of training, including online sessions, self-paced multimedia modules, and new course topics related to issues facing faculty members and students today. With this transformation of OIT’s faculty training program comes a new name — the Learning Technologies Institute (LTI). LTI will take more advantage of the tools used by our students and in our classrooms. We will utilize Web 2.0 technologies to enhance and extend the learning opportunities for faculty. We will also develop communities of practice around key tools and strategies to harness faculty experience and build a knowledge base for others who are new to the university or just starting with new tools.

Visit http://otal.umd.edu/workshops-events to learn more about these changes.