by Chris Hansen, Director, Academic Technology

We have so many resources on campus that sometimes it’s not easy to figure out whom to ask for help. One of these gray areas lies between CELT and ITS.

If your question revolves around academic technology and its use, ITS is generally the place to start. Call ITS about logging into something, requesting a piece of software or having a new printer specified - installed, or even for a larger project like moving to a Nolij document system.

The CELT group is more focused on how that technology is used to improve, enhance, or transform coursework. CELT is a Faculty Support Unit, set up to deal with pedagogical questions concerning the whys and wherefores of the technology – most frequently in the realm of Moodle, our online learning environment.

To use Moodle as an example, Moodle Support Specialists in ITS can help you with adding course components and train you in areas like Quiz creation or Gradebook. They know the ‘gotchas’ of the tools and how to avoid them.

CELT, on the other hand, is better equipped to advise you as to why you would (or would not) want to use a particular tool in the context of your overall learning outcomes. So when you’re considering issues around academic technology, CELT should probably be your first stop. When you have a better idea of what you want to use, and why, then you can talk to ITS about the what and the how. 

For the DIYers amongst you, think of it this way. ITS is the hardware store, with specialists on all the different tools. CELT is the in-store consultant, walking through the project you’re planning and guiding you in the selection and use of the right tools for you.