Faculty and instructors at Temple University Ambler have a new dedicated space to work, conduct online research, collaborate and connect, or take a moment for themselves.
The new Center for the Advancement of Teaching (CAT) Educational Technology Lab (ETL) has opened its doors to Temple Faculty in Learning Center Room 301.
“Building community is one of our primary focuses; to build community and connections among all of our faculty regardless of discipline or the campus where they primarily work,” said Sara Vann, Associate Director of Operations for the Center for the Advancement of Teaching at Temple. “One of the primary things we also hope faculty get out of the ATL lab is convenient access to resources.”
The Center for the Advancement of Teaching promotes the value and practice of excellent teaching, teaching that facilitates student learning and growth. CAT’s programs and resources support evidence-based teaching and provide opportunities for faculty and TAs to learn from the experience and expertise of their colleagues. CAT’s mission is to foster evidence-based teaching so students learn, develop and succeed.
“Primarily, CAT is a hub of resources for all faculty at Temple University. We provide workshops, one-on-one consultations, special events, anything geared around developing our faculty,” said Vann. “At Temple Ambler in Learning Center 301, we have six computer stations for them to print or scan documents, use email and connect online. There is also space to host small meetings, lounge, read or have a bite to eat — the lab includes appliances such as a microwave, refrigerator and coffee maker.”
The Ambler Campus Educational Technology Lab is open from Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. According to Vann, the lab is available for all full-time, part-time and adjunct faculty, teaching assistants, and non-credit instructors.
“If you are teaching a course, you are welcome here and you are welcome to use any of our services and resources. The new lab has significantly expanded the amount of space available specifically for faculty on campus in addition to expanding accessibility to these resources,” she said. “The lab is self-service. When they enter the space, faculty will swipe in at the computer station at the front of the room and then they are free to use the space as they like. There is a phone here for them to get in touch directly with CAT staff.”
According to Vann, CAT also offers one-on-one confidential consultations, which may be scheduled through the Center for the Advancement of Teaching’s booking system found on their website. In-person and virtual consultations are available.
“There is a broad range of consultations available. It could be how to build your syllabus, or it could be technology-related — learning how to upload grades in Canvas. It could be dealing with difficult students or classroom management,” she said. “We plan on offering workshops at Temple Ambler in the future. What we would like to do is assess the needs and interests of the faculty and instructors at the Ambler Campus to get a better understanding of the workshops that would benefit them most — we want to build our programming so that it meets the specific needs of faculty at this campus.”
All faculty at Temple Ambler are welcome to attend the virtual and in-person workshops that are offered at Main Campus, Vann added.
“I think one of the greatest benefits of having this space at Temple Ambler is that it meets an important need. Most faculty or instructors don’t have a dedicated workspace or offices,” she said. “This creates a dedicated space for them to work or have small meetings or take time for lunch. You could have book groups here or special collaborative programs; there are a lot of great possibilities that this space has opened up.”
CAT Educational Technology Lab Open House
The Center for the Advancement of Teaching will showcase the new-and-improved faculty workspace and lounge on Wednesday, October 12, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Learning Center Room 301. Light refreshments will be served.
Faculty and instructors are invited to meet CAT staff, network with colleagues, participate in workshops and activities and learn about Ambler Campus opportunities to enhance their teaching and research.
Mini Faculty Development Workshops will highlight the unique educational resources available at Temple Ambler.
The workshops will include:
Ambler Field Station: Temple's Gateway to Field-Based Education
12:15 to 12:45 p.m., Meet in Learning Center Room 302
A walk and talk with Dr. Amy Freestone, Director of Temple Ambler Field Station and Associate Professor of Biology.
Using the Ambler Arboretum in Your Teaching, Research and Practice
12:15 to 1 p.m., Meet in Learning Center Room 303
A guided tour with Kathy Salisbury, Director of the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University.
Assigning Group or Team Projects? Experience Sample Problem-Solving and Team-Building Activities That Can Be Taught in Any Environment
Drop-in, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Learning Center Room 305
A drop-in workshop with Temple Ambler Challenge Course facilitators.
Visit the Temple Ambler Challenge Course Laboratory: Learn About Reserving it for Labs, Field Trips, or Course-Related Experiences
12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Meet in Learning Center Room 306
A walking tour with Dr. Steve Sassaman, Assistant Director of Outdoor Experiential Education, at Temple Ambler.