Pilot Projects

EdTech conducts pilot tests of tools that can be added on to Canvas. The pilots allow small groups of faculty to work with tools and use them in their classes. Pilot tools are chosen based on how they support teaching strategies that meet college strategic goals. For the 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic year, we are exploring tools that help faculty develop community and authentic interaction in online courses. Community and interaction have been shown to improve completion of courses and degrees for students from historically underserved groups.

Pilots last for several quarters, after which we determine whether to continue purchasing the software. Tools are chosen by members of the EdTech team. They are then evaluated for accessibility, usefulness, and financial sustainability. Throughout the pilot, we receive feedback from participants who are using the tools with their classes. Ultimately, that feedback and EdTech's experience supporting the tool guides whether the tool is adopted for continued use at Highline.