Instructional ResourcesInnovation in Learning Center

Innovation in Learning Center

ILC logo The mission of the Innovation in Learning Center (ILC) is to improve the quality of instruction at USA by promoting an academic culture where faculty, staff, and students participate collaboratively in advancing teaching and learning practices. The ILC promotes teaching effectiveness through coordinated professional development initiatives and integrated learning technologies for the traditional classroom, blended courses, and fully online learning environments. The ILC supports the University’s instructional technology offerings, including USAonline (Canvas)- USA’s learning management system- and offers a variety of faculty development opportunities.

Visit the ILC for a complete list of events, programs, and services!

Programs at the ILC

Check out this list of exciting programs at the ILC!

New Faculty Scholars (NFS):

This program is a year-long, cohort based set of faculty development events and activities best suited for tenure-track and full time, long term instructional staff. The program will afford first and second-year faculty at South the chance to develop all aspects of their academic life - teaching, scholarship, service and civic engagement. The curriculum consists of a series of seminars framed by asynchronous online discussion. Guest speakers will span various divisions of the University. Enrollment will be through application only and will be limited due to space constraints. Those selected in NFS can use program completion in lieu of six hours of the New Faculty Development requirement.

Apply here for the 2023-2024 New Faculty Scholars Program Questions? please email Dr. Robin Lasey (rlasey@southalabama.edu)

Méple Mentoring:

The MéPLE Mentoring program seeks to create an inclusive, supportive network for faculty of various disciplines, ranks, and experience. This one year program is designed to provide opportunities for USA faculty to participate as mentors or as mentees. Guidance and training will be provided to both groups, with special attention to the role of mutual mentoring appropriate for a university environment. Rather than traditional one-on-one mentoring dyads, MéPLE will be organized with mentor-mentee ‘pods’, where two to three faculty mentors will engage in semi-structured dialogues and activities with a small group of mentees.

Small Group Instructional Feedback (SGIF):

SGIF is a formative mid-course check-in process for gathering information from students on their learning experience. The process is designed to foster communication and dialogue between students and instructors so that learning objectives and outcomes can be met successfully. The ILC can conduct an SGIF with your face-to-face, remote, hybrid, blended and fully online courses.

ILC Mini-Courses and Institutes: Stay tuned to our website for upcoming mini-courses and institutes. In the past, we have offered:

Strategic Course Design Mini-Course | 4-week online course, self-paced, offered at various points in the year
Adobe Acrobat Pro Training Course | 4-week online course, self-paced, offered at various points in the year
Panopto Training Course | 4-week online course, self-paced, offered at various points in the year

Faculty Learning Communities:

A Faculty Learning Community (FLC) is a cross-disciplinary, small group of scholars who are interested in investigating and sharing resources on a particular theme in higher education. As a structured community of practice, each FLC will set shared, topic-specific goals for the academic year. Facilitated by faculty and/or ILC staff, yet also serving as a faculty lounge, this community is a place to talk about the teaching challenges as well as to collaborate on resources with fellow instructors. This program will start after Labor Day.

Additional workshops and trainings will be offered throughout the year. Check the ILC website and watch your email for announcements.