University Innovation Hubs & Technology-Enhanced Learning in K12 Environments

Area of Science:

• Educational Technology
• Instructional Design
• Digital Transformation in K-12 Education

Background:

• Traditional academic units offer strong theoretical foundations for K-12 educators.
• A gap exists in practical skills development for the digital transformation of learning environments.
• University innovation hubs can address this gap through targeted programming.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case study of a university innovation hub developing professional development and a master's degree program.
• To focus on practical skills for digital transformation in K-12 learning environments.
• To explore the alignment of external programming with national standards and state criteria.

Main Methods:

• Case study of Anderson University's Center for Innovation and Digital Learning (CIDL).
• Development of external professional development offerings and a master's degree program.
• Alignment of the program with K-12 and post-secondary educational technology standards.

Main Results:

• Successful development of a uniquely structured professional master's degree program.
• Insights gained from learners, instructors, and program leaders regarding practitioner faculty.
• Demonstrated organizational advantages and impact of the innovation hub's approach.

Conclusions:

• Partnerships between university innovation hubs and K-12 schools are crucial for practical digital transformation skills.
• Practitioner faculty play a vital role in digital transformation programs and professional community development.
• This model offers significant organizational advantages and impact for educational technology initiatives.