Applying for a Project
Multimedia Teaching Objects Home | Other Multimedia Archives
This page provides information on how to apply for a grant.
What are "Multimedia Teaching Objects"?
A multimedia teaching object is a modular digital resource using new media technologies such as animation, three-dimensional visualization, video and audio, interactive objects, applications for PDAs or other technological options.
The goal of the multimedia teaching object grant is to create items which can be reused in multiple courses in different levels or departments.
Examples
- An interactive demo of the infant reflexes - which can be used for psychology, biology and animal science
- A blood pressure animation - which can be used in nursing, kinesthiology, biology, nutrition and other courses
- A simulated keyboard and scales - which can be used in multiple music courses
- Three-dimensional image of proteins - which can be used in biochemistry, nutrition and agriculture
What kinds of projects can be MTOs?
Projects can include
- Animations
- Creating videos
- Flash modules
- Complex illustrations
- Three-dimensional visualizations
- Mobile applications
- Online games
- Annotated interactive texts
- Online encyclopedias for the classroom
- Pilot modules for larger projects
- Something we haven't thought of yet
What are the timelines for a project cycle?
Applications are reviewed three times a year, in the months of January, May and September. Instructors are notified of the status of their applications in the following month; planning meetings with instructional designers occur in the next month and development begins in the following semester for a time period of two to six months.
See the table below for an overview of the project cycles.
| Stages | Application Deadline | Notification | Initial Planning Meetings | Development Begins | Project Ends |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cycle 1 | January 15 | February 15 | Spring Semester | May 15 | Fall Semester |
| Cycle 2 | May 15 | June 15 | Summer Term | September 15 | Spring Semester |
| Cycle 3 | September 15 | October 15 | Fall Semester | January 15 | Summer Term |
What happens in a Multimedia Teaching Object project?
ETS Technology Expertise
This is not a monetary grant, but an opportunity to work one-on-one with a staff of talented graphic designers, multimedia specialists, programmers and educational technology specialists for four to eight months to create one or more educational multimedia products relating to course materials.
Faculty Obligations
To facilitate the development process and maximize the educational value to the Penn State community, we require instructors who receive a grant to devote one to five (1-5) hours per week to the project during the development phases. Instructors will be asked to:
- Have initial planning meetings with an instructional designer to develop storyboards
- Research copyright for any non-Penn State media (videos, graphics, audio, text) to be used in a project
- Review drafts and beta versions as needed and make corrections
- Allow instructional designers to assess the effectiveness of the module. Assessments are typically done in the form of short student surveys, but other measures may be requested.
Project Copyright and Usage
Once the project is completed, it will be made available in an online repository to be used in any Penn State course, and the copyright will be held by The Pennsylvania State University.
Instructors will have access to the completed files and will be able to make changes as needed, but will not be able to market the project for a profit.
Other Questions
Who can apply?
At least one member of any project team must be listed as an instructor of record for the course.
What if I need materials for an entire course?
Other programs such the Blended Learning Initiative are available for larger course-based projects. In addition, ETS can provide technical staff to projects which have received external funding such as an NSF grant. Contact tltmto@psu.edu if you have specific questions.
What if I need money to purchase software for myself?
Funds may be provided for you to purchase software to maintain or develop future modules. However, ETS is interested in developing curricular items for Penn State students, so this grant is based on completing modules, rather than providing monetary funds to instructors.
Can I receive training to learn how to develop items myself?
Seminars and courses in various technologies are available from ITS Training Services and Web-Based Training. In addition, the Faculty Multimedia Center provides multimedia tutorials and short one-on-one training sessions. Some training may be provided for projects in terms of maintaining and uploading files, but it may not be in-depth training.
How do I apply?
1. We strongly recommend reviewing multimedia learning archives to see if the product you need is already available. Even if it is not available or is not exactly what is needed, provide a link to ETS will help us better understand and complete the project more quickly.
2. Fill out the online application form. You will be asked to describe the project you would like to create, identify target courses and a list of additional courses that could also use a version of your completed project.
Proposals are reviewed three times a year, and decisions are announced within one month of the closing date.