Applying Technology in the Workforce and Classroom during the COVID-19 Era

Background: Nowadays, awareness, knowledge, and access to technology are necessary to succeed. There is a plethora of technologies that can be used to enhance learning and experiences in the academic setting.

Introduction: UDC provided the opportunity for staff and faculty to participate in two Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Initiatives, MIE Teacher Academy and MIE Leadership Academy. A serendipitous outcome of these train-the-trainer initiatives was that they not only developed knowledge and skills to utilize technology but also developed soft skills and a community where staff and faculty-built camaraderie and a community to support each other in learning technology.

Method: A MIE Professional Learning Community (MIE PLC) was established. During the sessions administrators who participated in the Microsoft Innovative Educator Academy was able to network with faculty who participated in the Microsoft Innovative Educator Leadership Academy. The PLC was a time for participants to commune about best practices and practical uses of the application learned during the training.

Data: Three one-hour MIE PLC meetings were held. Several faculty and staff from a variety of colleges and departments participated and some volunteered to demonstrate specifically how they utilized the various applications.

Results: The MIE initiative created awareness of available, accessible, and impactful technology to our PLC.

Discussion: This initiative can be duplicated in future academic years and with multiple academic institutions.

Conclusion: These types of professional development initiatives are beneficial to all stakeholders of the university.