Classroom Instructional Technology Grant Guidelines

The Classroom Instructional Technology Matching Grant program provides $193,000 in Computer Access/Instructional Technology Fees (CA/ITF) dedicated to providing matching funds for departments and colleges wishing to upgrade classroom instructional technology. This funding is in addition to the allocation provided to Instructional Media Services for instructional technology in classrooms controlled by the Registrar.

The guidelines for proposals and their evaluation are as follows:

1. The total pool of funds available for 2009-2010 is $193,000.
2. Proposals may be submitted for any amount, but the maximum central funding per proposal is $20,000.
3. The minimum matching requirement is one dollar from the college/department for two dollars from the central pool. For example, for a $30,000 proposal, $20,000 in central funds requires a college match of $10,000. Multiple grants for the same facilities should not be submitted during the same year.
4. Colleges may submit a maximum of three (3) proposals. The Health Science Center (College of Medicine and the School of Rural Public Health only) may submit up to three (3) proposals as well since these students pay the CA/ITF. However, College of Medicine Temple facilities are not eligible for classroom instructional technology matching grants since Temple students do not pay CA/IT fees.
5. Departments that share classrooms are encouraged to collaborate in the development of a joint proposal.
6. Rooms upgraded with classroom instructional technology matching grants must be available for use at no charge to anyone with authorization to use the room during normal business.
7. The number and size of the awards will be based on the quality of proposals received. The Instructional Technology Advisory Committee may choose to partially fund proposals.

Proposal Content

1. These funds can only be used to purchase and install classroom instructional technology. Instructional technology suitable for this program includes, but is not limited to, the following: data projector, instructor desktop or laptop computer and peripherals, electronic white board, wireless classroom network, AC power and network connections for student desks, portable data projector and laptop, room audio system, wireless microphones, DVD/VCR players, television monitors, and H.323 video codecs. Room renovations are not allowable expenses for the program.

   Student laptop or desktop computers are not suitable for this program, but such requests may be submitted to the CA/ITF Competitive Grant program. Servers that will be used outside the classroom instructional environment are not eligible for the classroom instructional technology matching grants.

2. Proposals should be no more than three pages in length, and should address the following points:
   1. What student technology issues does this proposal address?
   2. Specific details on how the proposal will improve the student educational process.
   3. The number of students affected annually; the courses affected annually.
   4. Proposed equipment configuration. State the minimum requirements for this proposal to be a viable solution.
   5. How costs will be handled beyond the current year. For example, maintenance, support personnel.
   6. Required match and other supporting commitments on the part of the college or department. Department matching must consist of direct cost items. In kind services will not be considered.

Time Frame

1. Proposals are due by Friday, October 30, 2009. Early submissions are encouraged.
2. Notification of the awards is expected by December 1, 2009 with funding being immediately available.

Evaluation Criteria

1. Improved quality of instruction to students
   1. Improved presentation of curriculum
   2. Innovative new use of technology in presenting curriculum
2. Impact on student access to instructional media resources
   1. Number of students impacted annually
   2. Number of courses impacted
3. Feasibility of proposed project, support, and maintenance.
4. Matching - required matching must be included and additional matching is a plus.

Evaluation Team

The Instructional Technology Advisory Committee, made up of faculty, students, and staff, will evaluate proposals. The guidance to the committee in evaluating requests will be to select the best proposal based on the evaluation criteria. For proposals evaluated equivalently, however, the committee will be asked to consider that colleges receive a fair share of these resources.

Final Report

A final report is due for the completed work by the end of the Fiscal Year, August 31, 2010. Any of the award that is shown as unspent on the final report must be returned. An extension of time may be granted in exceptional circumstances. Departments that have not filed a final report are ineligible for future awards under this program.

Proposed Submission

Please send one copy of your proposals through the appropriate dean's office to:
Dr. Pete Marchbanks, Director
Instructional Media Services
3001 TAMU