Technology Integration Grant Programs

Program 1: Geddes Mini-Grants

Request for Proposals – 2024-2025

The Geddes Language Center is pleased to announce a second Request for Proposals (RFP) for the 2024-2025 Faculty Mini-Grant Program for amounts ranging from $750 to $1,500. Stipends are designed to provide initial funding to faculty members who are eager to explore and report on new ways to integrate technology and language learning, foster an environment in which faculty initiate innovative technology and learning projects, and compensate for the extra time and effort to develop technology-based resources for their courses. All proposals will be reviewed on individual merit. Proposals are due Friday, October 4, 2024 by 5:00 PM. Awards will be announced by mid-October and project work can take up to one year to complete.

Overall goals

Restructure current instructional delivery models;
Develop new models for building and sustaining effective teaching through technology;
Impact student learning and performance.

Proposals may therefore include

Developing innovative technology-based teaching strategies that improve student learning and performance;
Developing technology-driven solutions that enhance placement and teaching;
Redesigning courses in line with flipped instructional models;
Creating professional learning communities.

Eligibility

All full-time language faculty, regardless of rank. NOTE: recipients of funding from the prior year are not eligible to participate two consecutive years.
Graduate students and part-time faculty in collaboration with a full-time faculty member.

Expectations

Keeping Geddes staff apprised of implementation progress;
Consulting with Geddes staff to make effective use of funding;
Sharing experiences with colleagues in the department, on campus as part of the Fall Faculty Showcase (mid-April 2025) and beyond;
Submitting a final progress report (maximum 2 pages) due April 15, 2025.

Review Criteria

Faculty Mini-grant Review Panel will evaluate proposals using the following criteria:

Clearly identified and documented need for project;
Goals and objectives align with goals outlined in RFP;
Proposed activities are innovative and have the potential to advance knowledge;
Achievable time-line for implementation;
Clear plan for measuring project outcomes;
Potential for impacting large numbers of students;
Strategies for in-depth sharing of results;
A budget with clearly justified budget expenditures.

Application Cover Sheet

Submit completed materials to Mark Lewis (mslewis@bu.edu) by the application deadline of Friday, October 4, 2024 by 5:00 PM.

Program 2: AI use in teaching and learning of languages

▪ Goal 1 – allow lecturers in language to explore and test ChatGPT or another tool in a unique way that aims at teaching responsible use of generative AI

▪ Goal 2 – foster collaboration and communication across departments

▪ Goal 3 – monitor student attitudes and experiences using AI as a language learning tool through targeted surveys at key intervals throughout the academic year

NOTE: Up to 12 faculty in languages will be selected. Please direct any questions to mslewis@bu.edu.

Participation will include:
- monthly reimbursement for subscription to ChatGPT 4o (see openai.com for details) or other AI tool
- Community of practice around shared learning of AI tool use in teaching and learning of languages
- Support from a learning analytics specialist at the Shipley Center to assist particpants in conducting and summarizing findings from student surveys on AI use
- NOTE: there is no stipend for participants as part of this initiative