Technology Development and Research
Podcasting
Podcasting—a term coined from "iPod" and "broadcasting"—is an alternative method of syndicating audio and video material in which listeners or viewers use a portable digital device or computer as the receiver. DIIA offers faculty advice on using podcasting to enhance their instruction. To demonstrate best practices in instructional podcasting, the Division created the DIIA Teaching and Learning Podcast.
Webcasting
Webcasting is the broadcasting of an audio/video presentation over the internet, usually in a streaming format. DIIA offers faculty advice on using podcasting to enhance their instruction.
Classroom
Performance System – CPS
DIIA is currently involved in research and support for the Classroom Performance System, which makes use of a device similar to a TV remote to elicit student responses in a classroom setting. The DIIA multimedia lab recently installed a CPS system that is available for experimentation, training, and use in classes taught in the lab.
TIF Grant
UT Austin's report on the results of the 2001–2003 state-funded TIF DI4 grant to install network upgrades and to develop, document, implement, and evaluate a variety of Internet-based media-rich learning materials (classroom lectures, resources, tutorials, training courses, etc.) delivered to its students, other UT System components, and to K-12 students in Texas.
Wiki Development and Use
The DIIA Wiki is a Web-based developers' resource and communications tool for Division staff. Built on the open-source Zope Web-application server, it encourages teamwork, clarity, and communication among developers, managers, clients, and users by allowing easy, open, and dynamic editing of Web documents.
Developing Testing Tools Using QTI
DIIA built a chemistry assessment tool as part of its evaluation of the IMS Question and Test Interoperability Specification (QTI). The QTI specification provides a proposed standard XML language for describing questions and tests, to allow for sharing and re-use of a question bank.
EUREKA!
Enhancing Undergraduate Research Experience, Knowledge, and Access (EUREKA!) —is an initiative of the Provost's Office. DIIA participated in launching the project to provide an online vehicle to match faculty research interests, student applicants, and existing projects. The site provides a comprehensive resource guide for students who are interested in getting involved in research. DIIA continues to work with the Provost's Office in maintaining the site.