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Innovation in Learning Grants

Innovation in Learning Grants support the evaluation, design, and implementation of new approaches to teaching and learning using technology. These small seed grants are awarded to individuals or teams working on pedagogical and curricular projects that push the boundaries of technology-enhanced learning and have the potential for broad institutional impact. Grant awards are typically capped at $5,000, though exceptions may be made under special circumstances.

Eligibility

All faculty members at Virginia Tech are eligible to apply for Innovation in Learning Grants. Where appropriate, faculty members are encouraged to consider including graduate students as team members.

Expectations

If you receive an award, you can expect the following over the course of your project:

  • We will work together to identify assistance you may need to help you have a successful project.
  • We will transfer awarded funds to your department for use towards your project.
  • We will check in with you periodically on the progress of your project.
  • We will arrange observations to learn about the pedagogical challenge you are addressing, your proposed solution, and any associated technologies. We especially want to observe you and your students in action. We may capture media of your project during these observations.
  • We will create a survey for you to share with your students to help us understand their experiences with the technology. We will share the results with you.
  • For projects focused on design rather than implementation, you will work with a subject matter expert to produce a potential solution or proof of concept.
  • We will ask you to write a brief reflection about your project.
  • We may conduct a video interview with you, any collaborators, and potentially your students about your project.

Guidelines

Innovation in Learning Grants must follow these guidelines:

  • Funds awarded by this grant expire at the end of each fiscal year (June 30), unless your department arranges with the university to carry over funds for use in the next fiscal year.
  • Proposals that include unapproved software cannot be awarded until the software receives approval through the procurement process overseen by ITPALS. If your proposal includes unapproved software, we can provide assistance with evaluating potential software platforms and submitting a request for software review. This process may affect the timing of a grant award.
  • Funds can be used towards hourly wage undergraduate or graduate student employees. In either case, the student(s) would report to you.
  • Funds cannot be used for course release/buyout, salary stipends for faculty, or to pay non-VT affiliates (e.g., collaborators at other institutions).
  • We will strive to offer assistance and services as needed to support your project. However, this assistance is not a commitment to ongoing support. At the end of the project period, unless you have found an alternative way to provide and support the technology, we may need to turn off or disable technologies that we are hosting or providing.

Application Process

Before submitting a proposal, confirm that your department head supports your proposed idea and approves of you dedicating time to work on your proposed project.

To apply for an Innovation in Learning Grant, complete the application form no later than Sept. 11, 2023. Questions about the application process can be directed to tlos@vt.edu. Recipients will be notified in October.

Grant Recipients