The University of Oklahoma’s Student Learning Center has received the National College Learning Center Association’s Innovative Use of Technology Award for its use of iPads and other technology in the University College Action tutoring program.
“We are thrilled that the One University Digital Initiative and University College have supported us through the purchases and implementations of technology to enhance OU students’ academic growth outside the classroom,” said Mark Walvoord, director of the Student Learning Center.
The Student Learning Center, a department of University College, offers complimentary tutoring sessions through UC Action. The service offers walk-in, small group appointments, online tutoring and faculty-directed sessions to help students take action toward their own academic success.
In 2013, the Student Learning Center used iPads to offer one-to-one tutoring through OU’s iPad app. IPads are also used to maintain a database of students who are attending face-to-face tutoring sessions, for tutor supervisors to submit reports on tutor performance and to access resources at studentsuccess.ou.edu during one-to-one study consultations. In addition, the learning center uses a computer sciences graduate student to build custom software, and the program uses a specific software for scheduling and assessment. These ways of integrating technology into the Student Learning Center ensure quality tutoring and more opportunities for students to get help, Walvoord said.
The National College Learning Center Association supports professionals who develop and maintain learning centers, programs and services to enhance student learning at the post-secondary level.
For more information about the Student Learning Center at OU, call (405) 325-7621 or email studentlearning@ou.edu.
Photo cutline: Mark Walvoord (right), director of the OU Student Learning Center, receives the National College Learning Center Association’s Innovative Use of Technology Award from Michael Frizell, NCLCA board member, at the association’s national conference last week in Albuquerque.
