Catalyst research examines the use of technology in diverse teaching and learning contexts in order to discover best practices for the use of existing tools and to identify future needs. Our current research projects focus on understanding the practices and technologies that best support learning communities and promote multimedia literacy. These concepts are integral to the design and development of the next generation of Catalyst collaboration and communication tools.

Conversations with the University of Washington's Research Leaders - Preliminary Report

This collaborative project of UW Technology and the eScience Institute was undertaken to increase awareness of current and future research projects at the University of Washington, to better understand the role of technology in these efforts, and, ultimately, to identify resources and services that UW Technology and the eScience Institute can offer to help UW researchers maintain and build upon their remarkable record of success. During autumn 2008 we will continue to conduct and analyze interviews; we plan to release a complete project report by early January 2009. To learn more about the projects goals and findings, please read the preliminary report.

2008 Surveys on Learning and Scholarly Technologies

In order to better understand why and how researchers, instructors, and students use current technologies several campus units are again collaborating on an institutional survey about learning and scholarly technologies. The survey findings will also help us anticipate future technology needs. The survey team conducted focus groups last fall, and the findings shaped the 2008 faculty, student, and TA surveys. The surveys will go out in spring; the survey team will be able to share complete quantitative results this autumn. Learn more about the collaborators, focus group findings, and the surveys’ goals.

National Coalition for Electronic Portfolio Research

Catalyst researchers are collaborating with representatives from ten other universities to study the use of electronic portfolios in higher education. Research began in January 2005 with the Catalyst Portfolio Contest. Researchers interviewed twelve contestants to discover how students best learn the skills necessary to create successful electronic portfolios. Building on this knowledge, researchers worked with the Expository Writing Program in the English department to pilot the use of electronic portfolios in beginning composition. During the 2005-6 academic year, researchers investigated the changes that occurred during the shift from paper to electronic portfolios. In 2006-7 researchers continued to study the expanding implementation of electronic portfolios in composition courses. Catalyst held a second e-portfolio contest in Winter 2007.

Selected papers and presentations:

• The Power of "e": Using e-Portfolios to Build Online Presentation Skills, Cara Lane, 2007, Innovate 3(3)
  Article
• Poster Session: Adventures in ePortfolioland
  Poster
• Transitioning from Paper to Electronic Portfolios in Beginning Composition
  2006 Campus Report

Evaluation of Podcasting

During the 2005-6 academic year, Classroom Support Services, Catalyst, Computing & Communications, and Health Sciences Academic Services & Facilities worked together to pilot the use of podcasting in several large-lecture classes on the Seattle campus. Catalyst researchers developed an evaluation plan to learn how students used the podcasts and to capture student and instructor perspectives on the impacts of this technology on teaching and learning. Researchers are continuing to evaluate the ongoing implementation of podcasting on campus.

Selected papers and presentations:

• Podcasting: A Panel Discussion
  Spark Session Presentation
• Podcasting: Evaluation of Year One
  October 2006 Campus Report
• Podcasting at the UW: An Evaluation of Current Use
  February 2006 Campus Report

Evaluation of Technology Studios

In summer 2006, Catalyst began studying how the Collaboration Studio is used to support collaboration and student work. Study results will be shared with other institutions that have similar installations, including Stanford, MIT, and Emory, and will inform the creation of additional resources, ongoing support, and future planning. In 2006-7, Catalyst plans to expand this evaluation effort to include the Digital Presentation Studio and the Digital Audio Studio.

Selected papers and presentations:

• New Tools for the Next-Generation Learner
  Presentation Slides