A worldwide collection of universities and colleges have joined together to explore technology’s potential to define the prospects of teaching and learning. With its debut, this collaboratory called the CoAction Learning Lab will create an online library of original and curated resources that will support higher education innovators.

“Emerging technology has outstanding potential to advance the vision of equal access, high-quality learning experiences, and continuous innovation in higher education,” said Michael Kubit, Penn State chief information officer. “By continuously exchanging ideas, the CoAction Learning Lab community expects to establish and grow resources that support meaningful ways to leverage emerging technology to advance teaching and learning.”

Penn State launched a call for community partners in April 2018, and a diverse group of 18 universities and colleges across four continents signed on to participate. Currently, the group is establishing a shared set of core values that can drive decision-making around how technology can support teaching, learning, and pedagogy in higher education.

The following institutions have representation in the CoAction Learning Lab:

  • Penn State – leader and founding member
  • Arizona State University
  • Charles Sturt University, u!magine Digital Learning Innovation Laboratory
  • Conestoga College
  • California State University Channel Islands, Teaching & Learning Innovations
  • Curtin University Learning Futures
  • Full Sail University Media Communications & Full Sail Labs
  • Ithaca College
  • State University of New York (SUNY) System Administration
  • Taylor’s University
  • University at Buffalo
  • University of Central Florida
  • University of Connecticut Digital Media & Design
  • University of Missouri
  • University of Ottawa
  • University of Plymouth
  • University of Tennessee Libraries
  • University of West Florida
  • Western Governors University

Each community partner is represented by a team consisting of at least one technology leader, one learning facilitator, and one student. By including each of these voices, diverse perspectives from across higher education will shape the foundation of the online library.

Additionally, the public will have opportunities to provide feedback as the CoAction Learning Lab identifies its values and compiles a list of technologies that enable and support those values.

Ultimately, the library’s resources will be freely accessible online for the worldwide higher education community. The resources will support students, instructors, instructional designers, and technology leaders on issues like creating student-centered learning experiences, advancing effective digital pedagogies, and more. These resources will be available on the CoAction Learning Lab’s website.