While funding isn’t currently available, the Higher Education Academy subject network for Information
and Computer Sciences has previously received funding for the 05/06 and 06/07 academic sessions
to support the Innovative Teaching Development Fund (supported by Microsoft) which endeavours to:
- Drive innovative teaching into the ICS Curriculum
- Provide an environment for the effective promotion and dissemination of best teaching practice in the technology arena
- Support the incorporation of leading edge Microsoft technology into the curriculum
- Incorporate innovative approaches which promote the discipline of computing to both other disciplines or other education sectors eg Schools.
The previous tranche of the Innovative Teaching Development Fund has resulted in the development of a number of projects. Further details of these projects can be found here:
Background
In an industry that aspires to change the world we live in, we rely increasingly on a robust pipeline of fresh talent, but all too often we find that young students are failing to take up the challenges offered them by a career in technology. Winning the hearts and minds of students is critical to the success of our industry, and we recognise the role that teaching excellence plays in fuelling the enquiring minds of tomorrow.
To this end, we are pleased to announce tranche 2 of the Innovative Teaching Development Fund for 2007 . We are challenging the best ICS educators to drive real change in their curriculum by demonstrating the kinds of innovation that we has already been demonstrated in UK Universities
( http://www.microsoft.com/uk/academia/case-studies ).
We are seeking proposals to revise existing teaching materials or create new teaching resources based around existing or emerging Microsoft technologies which demonstrate outstanding innovation in the way these materials are delivered to ICS students. This year, we would particularly like to encourage applications that stress the Innovation in Teaching aspect of the award, to promote engaged learning.
In addition we would welcome applications that incorporate innovative approaches which promotes the discipline of computing to other sectors eg Schools.
Applications for Funding
Proposals for funding should be made using the downloadable Application Form which is available in either Word or RTF format. Applications must be submitted electronically.
Funds will be allocated on the basis of a competitive bidding process. Each proposal will be assessed against a downloadable set of criteria (RTF or Word format). Unsuccessful projects will receive feedback as to why funding has not been allocated.
Successful projects will be announced at an event to be held in early2007 at Microsoft's London office whereby previous awardees will present and discuss their findings, and the good work can be exchanged.
Eligibility
Proposals will only be accepted from members of UK HE institutions or FE institutions delivering HE programmes in ICS. Collaborative proposals involving more than one institution are encouraged where the project outcomes will be enhanced.
Dissemination
Successful projects will be given wide coverage in the press and at both the Higher Education Academy and Microsoft via websites, events and other media as appropriate. As a condition of an award, successful projects will be required to present a paper or poster at a Higher Education Academy event supported by Microsoft to be held in February 2008 (to be confirmed).
Funding Available
For 2007, £30,000 has been allocated to support curriculum development projects within the ICS community. The maximum funding available for any single project should not exceed £5,000.
Bidding for funds:
Key Dates:
- Deadline for submission of applications: 8 December 2006
- Notification of outcome: 22 December 2006
- Dissemination of previously funded projects/Official launch : February 2007 (to be confirmed)
- Project completion date: 30 September 2007
