Charting the future of education at UAF: The transformative power of the Center for Teaching and Learning

CTL staff (L-R) Zach Cureton-Hazard, Kendall Newman-Sadiik, Faith Fleagle, and Dan LaSota enjoy a Faculty Alliance Thought Leaders Forum Keynote Address Watch Party in the Making is Learning Lab located in Bunnell 131.
CTL staff (L-R) Zach Cureton-Hazard, Kendall Newman-Sadiik, Faith Fleagle, and Dan LaSota enjoy a Faculty Alliance Thought Leaders Forum Keynote Address Watch Party in the Making is Learning Lab located in Bunnell 131.

—  By Jenn Pedersen, executive director, Center for Teaching and Learning

In the rapidly evolving landscape of higher education, the establishment of a Center for Teaching and Learning represents the next iteration of academic excellence at UAF. Building on the rich history of eCampus as a driver and supporter of innovations, the CTL expands its reach beyond digital landscapes to embrace a wide spectrum of pedagogical strategies and inclusive teaching practices that cater to all learning modalities. 

Driving Enrollment 
With a sharp focus on driving enrollment, the CTL has been instrumental in the continuous growth UAF has witnessed in its eCampus programs. During AY24, CTL instructional designers supported faculty in designing 86 new online courses and we are pleased to see faculty from CTC  and rural campuses increasingly engaging with our instructional designers for courses design support. During spring 2024, there was a steady increase in demand for distance learning options. Asynchronous online course enrollments comprised  48% and synchronous online enrollments held 7.4% of the total UAF enrollment. This trend underscores the critical role of the CTL in not only supporting faculty with the tools and techniques to deliver high-quality online education but also in attracting a diverse student body keen on flexible learning experiences. Additionally, our partnership with edX extends the reach of UAF's world-class research and offers free learning opportunities worldwide. We currently have 95 thousand learners on our AlaskaX platform and have seen 42 AlaskaX learners convert to UAF degree-seeking students in 24 different programs. 

Supporting Faculty 
The CTL continuously explores and integrates cutting-edge instructional techniques. We offer a comprehensive suite of services designed to empower faculty, adjuncts, and TAs to make their ideas come alive to enrich the student learning experience. From professional development workshops to leveraging AI and other educational technologies to instructional design consultations, our goal is to inspire creativity and facilitate transdisciplinary approaches to teaching and learning. These resources are designed to equip educators with the tools they need to elevate their teaching practices effectively. Our commitment to student success is evident through initiatives like LEAP, developed in collaboration with students to boost their engagement, motivation, and readiness to face the challenges of the 21st century. Discover our upcoming events and our full program guide for the 24-25 Academic Year on our events page.

Looking Ahead
The future of education at UAF is bright with possibilities. As we navigate through advancements in AI, demographic shifts in the student population, and the demand for accessible and inclusive teaching, the CTL stands ready to lead. We invite the entire UAF community to engage with us, explore partnership opportunities, and contribute to our vibrant tradition of educational excellence that sets UAF apart as a leader, ready to embrace our upcoming role as an R1 institution. In addition to our scheduled events, feel free to stop by open hours in the Making is Learning Lab (MILL), Monday-Thursday from noon to 4 p.m.  Join with us to actively shape the future of education together.