Do you want to improve your class(es) but never have the time or resources to do so?

We are excited to announce the next round of the Canvas Innovation Fund program to help MIT instructors transform their subjects on Canvas in ways that increase their instructional effectiveness.

This initiative can be used to implement a wide range of instructional innovations in your class(es) using Canvas and the tools integrated into Canvas, including, but not limited to:

Building active learning elements into your class and/or increasing student engagement,
Efficiently & effectively using research-based teaching practices derived from learning science in your class,
Leveraging data and learning analytics to drive a cycle of continuous instructional improvement,
Integrating video and other resources into well-designed modules and or building quality flipped experiences,
Building and streamlining grading and feedback to better support student learning.

Learn about past CIF projects in this article and these short videos.

What’s needed from you:

A desire to improve the instructional effectiveness of one of your subjects on Canvas (this program is not about just moving files).
Willingness to attend three consultations between May & August: project kickoff, mid-project check-in & final consultation to transition from development work to implementation plan.
Ability to recruit an undergraduate student familiar with the course (from previous projects we know that having a former student or UTA is ideal) to work with you on this project under supervision of experts from MIT Open Learning's Residential Education team.

Complete the short application

What we’ll do for you:

Handle logistics re: completing the hiring process for the MIT undergrad you recruit.
Pay the undergrad student’s salary during the project, which typically supports ~10 hours of work per week at $22-25 per hour. If you think a different structure might be needed for your proposed project, reach out to the Residential Education team at ol-residential@mit.edu to discuss.
Train the student in basic Learning Science, Learning Analytics & Learning Engineering as well as advanced Canvas functions and other tech as needed to meet your objectives for the project.
Supervise the student day to day and week to week throughout the project.
Facilitate student meetings and opportunities with groups to foster a community of practice.
Coordinate the project kickoff, check-in and completion meetings with you and the team.
Work with you to share the results after the project.

Timeline & selection criteria:

Proposals for summer 2025 projects are due April 28, 2025. Selected projects begin at the end of May and are handed off before fall semester start/end of August.
This program seeks to fund a diverse array of projects from a broad range of MIT schools and departments. Projects will be selected based on:
- Their potential to help improve learning for students in your class(es) now and in the future.
- Feasibility and the availability of a suitable MIT undergrad to work on the project.

Since the adoption of Canvas across the Institute starting in 2020, instructors have thoughtfully implemented and experimented with this new learning management system. The Canvas Innovation Fund seeks to empower you to collaborate with learning design experts and MIT students to take new steps in your teaching.

If you have questions, please contact Open Learning's Residential Education team at ol-residential@mit.edu. Please spread the word to fellow instructors at MIT. We look forward to hearing from you!