Accelerating Classroom Transformation (ACT) Grants

The ACT Initiative invites Boston University faculty and graduate teaching fellows to experiment with learning technologies to improve the BU student experience. Intended to fund small, low-cost, technology-enabled projects, ACT Grants serve as a springboard for the exploration, design, and implementation of new or improved pedagogical approaches in courses and educational programs that support learning for BU students. 

Managed by the Shipley Center in partnership with the Center for Teaching & Learning and Educational Technology, ACT Grants are intended to offer a low-barrier, no-red-tape avenue to experimentation with technologies to achieve meaningful learning outcomes.

Possible project areas may include (but are not limited to):

• Adaptive, gameful, and/or experiential learning
• Technology-enhanced classroom community and peer learning
• Improved learning analytics
• Emphasis on expanding access, equity, and digital fluency
• Emerging educational technologies

Details 

The following are the key elements of the program:

• Funding up to $5000 may be used for technology licenses, hourly wages for students to assist with the implementation or assessment of the project, or other associated costs. ACT funds will be distributed to your BU department for management.
• Opportunity to participate in a monthly Teaching with Technology community of practice gathering 
• Opportunity to present and discuss the experience and outcomes of the mini-grant implementation at one or more events

Get started and access the ACT Grant SUBMISSION FORM.

Eligibility

Individual Boston University faculty and graduate teaching fellows may apply for an ACT Grant.

Project Timeline

ACT Grant proposals are accepted monthly and reviewed by the leads of the three DL&I units – Center for Teaching & Learning; Educational Technology, and the Shipley Center. The expected response time for submissions is two weeks. 

Accordingly, the calendar for this academic year is as follows: 

• Proposal due: March 2, response by March 16
• Proposal due: April 4, response by April 18
• Proposal due: May 2, response by May 16
• Proposal due: June 2, response by June 16
• Proposal due: July 5, response by July 19
• Proposal due: August 1, response by August 15

Reporting

Grant recipients will be asked to complete a brief project completion report.

Outcomes

Successful ACT experiments that show a potential to improve teaching and learning broadly across curricula or departments may lead to Shipley Center incubated projects that have a lasting impact on how we do things at BU and position our university at the forefront of educational innovation.

Access the ACT Grants SUBMISSION FORM.

Questions? Connect with the Shipley Center at shipdli@bu.edu or attend an upcoming information session.