Bright Ideas Using the eFellows Grant

By: Elizabeth Bucciarelli

What is your great idea to energize your classroom or program? We know you have them bubbling on the back burner, waiting for the time and funding to make them happen. Maybe you and a colleague have even talked about some possible applications. Has obtaining the financial resources to support this bright idea been the stumbling block?

If your great idea involves technology, then a grant from the eFellows Program is just what you require. eFellows grants are a proven approach for piloting novel tech-based projects that enrich student instruction, and improve student learning and course curricula. An individual or a team may apply for this grant. Best of all, this is your lucky week, because the grant application process is now open!

If you need more convincing, take a look below at some inspiring reflections from previous eFellows project recipients: 

EMU Theatre

EMU Theatre received an eFellows grant this year to purchase seven iPad Minis with cases and charging stations. This investment has helped us go 99% paperless in our backstage operations and enabled our students, faculty, and staff to implement modern industry-standard software and processes in theatre scenic, lighting and projection courses and theatre practice. The iPads have brought our courses/program into the modern era of the entertainment industry and better prepared our students for work in our industry. This summer, students were able to use the iPads for a massive inventory project for our props and furniture. Our inventory is now accessible virtually for perusal (image and text) and reservations without someone needing to dig through our stock physically. This fall, students are using the iPads in classes and on production for remote access to our lighting, projection, and sound systems as well as paperless communication and logistics of design drawings, plots, etc. These changes have radically shifted our workflow, allowing our process to more closely align with the professional expectations our students will find in the workplace.

Jeromy Hopgood, School of Communication, Media & Theatre Arts

Computer Science

As a new assistant professor just one semester into my role, the eFellows grant (2024) provided a crucial kickstart to my project-oriented teaching approach. We acquired two virtual reality headsets and a high-performance computer, which immediately ignited research interest among my students. This equipment transformed standard semester projects across three different courses into publishable research: one conference paper, one journal submission, and three works-in-progress emerged in just my first semester having this equipment. For new faculty looking to quickly establish a dynamic, research-oriented classroom environment, this grant is invaluable. It can bridge course projects with real-world research, motivating students to exceed expectations and develop critical skills early in their academic careers.

Ourania (Rania) Spantidi, Department of Computer Science

 University Library

This eFellows grant funded the updating of technology in the Academic Projects Center’s (APC) Presentation Rehearsal Space. The existing technology in this space was extremely outdated, and installing a new 65-inch monitor with enhanced connectivity greatly improved the functionality and usage of the space. Last academic year, students were able to reserve and use this new and improved Technology Enhanced Workspace to work collaboratively on projects. During times when it was not in use by students, librarians providing research consultations were able to utilize this space to work with students in a much more comfortable and accessible environment, as it is far easier to talk through a shared research results screen when it is something both participants can easily view. Sarah Fabian, University Library

Leadership & Counseling

The Department of Leadership and Counseling converted our conference room into a hyflex meeting/classroom space. Given the all-graduate nature of our programs, we often have small group gatherings, internship and practicum sessions, program applicant interviews, doctoral classes, dissertation defenses, and staff and program meetings. While our preference is usually for in-person gatherings, this is not always possible for all participants. This upgrade of our conference room has allowed us to accommodate the needs of all participants and thereby be more inclusive and do so in an effective and accommodating format.

Ron Flowers, Department of Leadership and Counseling

Math & Statistics Department

Over the years, I have been fortunate to receive two eFellows funding grants. The first was in 2019, when the Mathematics Department, in collaboration with the Department of Computer Science, purchased components to build a supercomputer for running machine learning algorithms. This machine has been instrumental, serving several machine learning conferences and running various AI algorithms. I also taught a course utilizing the supercomputer, and it is now regularly used by the Computer Science department for similar purposes. In 2023, I received a second eFellows grant to purchase three 3D printers for the Mathematics and Statistics Department. The department added a few hundred dollars to the funding, and we now have these tools available for creating manipulatives to enhance math education. Last semester, I incorporated this technology into my geometry class, where each student printed a geometric gadget. Similar projects could easily be extended to calculus or even algebra courses.

Ovidiu Calin, Department of Mathematics & Statistics 

From the insights above, it is easy to see that the approaches for applying for an eFellows award are varied. Some people individually apply, some submit team-based applications, while others form interdepartmental collaborations. The commonality is that all of them have taken a ‘what-if’ or ‘why not’ moment from a thought to a concrete action that has enriched classroom instruction, student learning, and created a more robust and lively curricula. 

Will your bright idea evolve from concept to reality? You won’t know until you apply! You can find more information about the eFellows grant here and the application here