Charting the future of education at UAF: The transformative power of the Center for Teaching and Learning
— By Jenn Pedersen, executive director, Center for Teaching and Learning
In the rapidly evolving landscape of higher education, the establishment of a Center for Teaching and Learning represents the next iteration of academic excellence at UAF. Building on the rich history of eCampus as a driver and supporter of innovations, the CTL expands its reach beyond digital landscapes to embrace a wide spectrum of pedagogical strategies and inclusive teaching practices that cater to all learning modalities.
Driving Enrollment
With a sharp focus on driving enrollment, the CTL has been instrumental in the continuous
growth UAF has witnessed in its eCampus programs. During AY24, CTL instructional designers supported faculty in designing 86 new online courses
and we are pleased to see faculty from CTC and rural campuses increasingly engaging
with our instructional designers for courses design support. During spring 2024, there was a steady increase in demand for distance learning options.
Asynchronous online course enrollments comprised 48% and synchronous online enrollments
held 7.4% of the total UAF enrollment. This trend underscores the critical role of
the CTL in not only supporting faculty with the tools and techniques to deliver high-quality
online education but also in attracting a diverse student body keen on flexible learning
experiences. Additionally, our extends the reach of UAF's world-class research and offers free learning opportunities
worldwide. We currently have 95 thousand learners on our AlaskaX platform and have
seen 42 AlaskaX learners convert to UAF degree-seeking students in 24 different programs.
Supporting Faculty
The CTL continuously explores and integrates cutting-edge instructional techniques.
We offer a comprehensive suite of services designed to empower faculty, adjuncts,
and TAs to make their ideas come alive to enrich the student learning experience.
From professional development workshops to leveraging AI and other educational technologies
to instructional design consultations, our goal is to inspire creativity and facilitate
transdisciplinary approaches to teaching and learning. These resources are designed
to equip educators with the tools they need to elevate their teaching practices effectively.
Our commitment to student success is evident through initiatives like , developed in collaboration with students to boost their engagement, motivation,
and readiness to face the challenges of the 21st century. Discover our and our on our .
Looking Ahead
The future of education at UAF is bright with possibilities. As we navigate through
advancements in AI, demographic shifts in the student population, and the demand for
accessible and inclusive teaching, the CTL stands ready to lead. We invite the entire
UAF community to engage with us, explore partnership opportunities, and contribute
to our vibrant tradition of educational excellence that sets UAF apart as a leader,
ready to embrace our upcoming role as an R1 institution. In addition to our scheduled
events, feel free to stop by open hours in the , Monday-Thursday from noon to 4 p.m. Join with us to actively shape the future of
education together.