U-Idaho Receives $3 Million Grant to Develop Research Teaching Methods Using Classroom Technology

The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation is seeking to equip and train the next generation of Idaho teachers to help improve student achievement by awarding a $7.3 million grant to establish a pair of Doceõ Centers for Innovation and Learning at two Idaho universities, one public and one private.

The University of Idaho and Northwest Nazarene University will establish centers on their respective campuses. The U-Idaho center in the College of Education will receive $3 million of the grant over three years and will focus on developing new teaching methods that incorporate technology in the classroom, known as blended learning. Funding for years two and three of the grant are contingent upon research results.

“The collaboration between the Albertson Foundation and the University of Idaho to enhance existing pedagogy is indicative of our mission as a national research university,” said M. Duane Nellis, president of the University of Idaho. “The research findings we anticipate as a result of this partnership will enable teachers and students to make the best choices in how we, as a state and nation, embrace technology in the classroom well into the 21st century.”

For more information on giving to the College of Education, contact Christina Randal at (208) 885-7537 or crandal@uidaho.edu.

The Doceõ Centers will be launched this spring and will encompass the latest hardware and software available to educators.

Corinne Mantle-Bromley, dean of the University of Idaho’s College of Education, said the centers will help Idaho and other states gain a much deeper understanding of technology’s influence on student learning.

Research and evaluation of research findings will help inform the education community and contribute to the most effective strategies for blending technology into teaching, Mantle-Bromley said.

“What makes this funding so important is the research function that it supports. We will constantly be studying new, emerging technology tools. It will provide classroom teachers and school administrators with powerful information and findings on best practices. We will have the opportunity to partner with teachers as we study technology and its impact on P-12 student learning.”

The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation is a Boise-based, private family foundation committed to limitless learning for all Idahoans. Since 1997, the foundation has invested more than $500 million to improve education in Idaho. For more information about the Foundation, go to www.jkaf.org.

The College of Education is a recognized national leader. Many of our programs are ranked in the Top 100 across the nation. Hiring managers seek out our graduates because of their excellent training. With your support, we will continue to lead Idaho by graduating students with the skills they need to be successful.

Inspiring Futures Campaign Priorities

Catalyzing Student Success by developing graduate student scholarships and assistantships to enhance research and outreach activities, and attract the best and the brightest students from across the country.

Goal: $2 million amount of goal reached $1.7 million

Creating Distinction and Impact through Signature Program Areas.

• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Education - The COE is leading university efforts to prepare future professionals who are equipped to increase the pipeline of K-12 students entering the STEM fields.

• Healthy Active Living – Our Movement Sciences Department is working with partners across the state and the nation to improve the health of Idaho citizens through education, outreach and research projects.

Leading Innovation and Discovery by increasing funding available to attract and retain leading faculty members for use in outreach, research and engagement opportunities.

Goal: $2.2 million amount of goal reached $2 million

Goal: $1.5 million amount of goal reached $779,000

Building a State-of-the-Art Learning Environment by creating an endowment that will provide permanent, ongoing support for technology upgrades.

Goal: $300,000 amount of goal reached $4,000

What is a capital campaign?

A capital campaign is an organized effort to raise private support within a specific time period for identified priorities of strategic importance.

Why do universities conduct campaigns?

Campaigns are a proven method for making rapid, strategic progress in areas of critical importance. Campaigns authenticate the sense of urgency of the critical priorities in need of financial assistance. Campaigns also provide an important platform to focus messaging about the university’s vision and goals, and raise the visibility of that vision. They are useful to galvanize, motivate and inspire the campus community, alumni and other supporters of the University in creating a culture of philanthropy so critical to the success of a 21st century research university.

Why do universities depend on private support from individuals, corporations and foundations and stakeholders?

Support from stakeholders and loyal alumni ensures the continued strength of your university. Each year, private donations become more important to our ongoing success. The University depends on private support for more than one-third of its annual operating budget. No matter the size of your gift, it makes a difference.

Critical Need Spotlight: Technology Integration Lab Endowment – Endowments are permanent and provide ongoing annual support. With the recent Albertson’s gift (see page 41.), the COE has a critical need for an endowment that will provide ongoing support for technology upgrades. With education moving toward more integrated technology in K-12 classrooms, this fund will provide critical support to ensure the COE continues to offer state-of-the-art learning opportunities for future educators and community leaders.

University of Idaho revenue sources for operations, Fiscal Year 2012