UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State’s Teaching and Learning with Technology (TLT) is accepting applications for the 2021-22 academic year’s Faculty Engagement Awards. The theme for this year’s projects is interactive 360-degree video.

“We’re eager to work with faculty on investigating the benefits and best practices of creating and integrating interactive 360-degree video into coursework,” said Bart Pursel, director of innovation with TLT. “Also, immersive technology like this exemplifies the ‘Transforming Education’ and ‘Empowering Through Digital Innovation’ pillars of Penn State’s Strategic Plan.”

TLT’s Faculty Engagement Awards are allocated annually around a specific theme that combines sound pedagogy and digital tools. This year’s focus, interactive 360-degree video, intends to leverage technology that can immerse students in experiences they otherwise wouldn’t be able to access.

Penn State faculty with ideas for exploring interactive 360-degree video’s educational potential are encouraged to apply for this year’s Faculty Engagement Awards. The window for applications is open from Wednesday, April 14, to Friday, April 30. Award winners will be contacted in May.

Faculty Engagement Award recipients will collaborate with an instructional designer and technology support staff to identify effective in-class uses of interactive 360-degree video. Additionally, TLT researchers will help to assess the technology’s impact and share relevant findings with the Penn State community.