The University of Michigan serves as a crucial support system for faculty, driving groundbreaking academic learning experiences. Established in 2014, the Center for Academic Innovation has emerged as a pivotal force, fostering partnerships across disciplines globally. It enhances the university’s educational reach through innovative design, technology, and creative solutions.
The center offers a collaborative space for faculty and staff, leveraging emerging technology to promote student success and equity. It crafts lifelong learning experiences, benefiting students and broader communities.
The CAI’s influence on global learners is substantial. Supporting online programs, it has partnered with academic units to develop over 10 online degree and certificate programs and more than 300 open online courses, reaching 12.5 million learners in 195 countries.
James DeVaney, CAI’s founding executive director, states, “We work with faculty across the university to design new ways for people to learn, explore, and succeed throughout their lives, and to extend the impact of a Michigan education far beyond the boundaries of our campus.”
Advanced studios provide traditional and virtual production capabilities, enabling course design teams to create immersive learning experiences. Faculty collaborate with the center to explore innovative teaching methods.
Global reach, local impact
U-M has expanded its online training and degree offerings. Michigan Online serves as a hub for faculty-created non-credit online courses on topics like AI, programming, and leadership.
Many U-M massive open online courses (MOOCs) allow learners to acquire skills for career advancement. Deb Lee, a clinical assistant professor, partnered with CAI to create a unique online nursing course with XR components, engaging over 4,000 global learners.
The CAI impacts Michigan deeply. The Atlas academic planning tool, developed with CAI, is used by 99% of Ann Arbor undergraduates. U-M students and alumni enjoy free access to Michigan Online courses, enhancing their academic journey.
Michigan Online courses help state learners gain professional skills. Thousands participate in these courses individually or through employers. The Center for Innovation Detroit, supported by Ally Financial, partners with CAI for the “Saturdays in the D” adult learning program.
Christopher Brooks, associate professor of information, helped create U-M’s online master of applied data science degree. This program, developed partly through CAI MOOCs, engages a significant number of Michigan students.
Leading-edge tech
The Center for Academic Innovation in Ann Arbor combines welcoming areas with multimedia creative spaces. Modern recording studios, supported by staff, enable faculty to build comprehensive online courses.
Course design and technology use are thoughtfully planned, Dysart noted. “We work closely with faculty on the course development process because teaching a course online requires more than just putting your lecture on the internet.”
CAI helps faculty bring ambitious ideas to life, offering guidance on technology recommendations, licensing, and regulations.
Creative space for faculty
Driven by passionate faculty, CAI is the ideal creative process hub. Brooks emphasized CAI’s partnership in navigating change and identifying opportunities.
The U-M Academic Innovation Fund, stewarded by CAI, has supported over 400 awards, encouraging faculty to redefine teaching and learning.
CAI aids professionals globally and U-M instructors alike. Brooks shared that meeting MOOC participants at conferences boosts confidence and storytelling.
Dysart highlighted that CAI helps faculty apply new technology in online teaching, flattening the learning curve. “Michigan faculty are a source of constant invention and experimentation,” she said.
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