Arapahoe Community College is proud to announce that it will work in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on the U.S. Department of Education’s First in the World (FITW) program.
The FITW program, which effectively combines the strengths of both instructors and technology, provides grants to institutions of higher education to heighten the quality of learning experiences while increasing students’ ability to meet employer standards entering the workforce.
FITW aims to develop innovations that improve educational outcomes through an evidence base of effective practices in postsecondary education. Utilizing “fly-by-wire” technology – a term inspired by aeronautics and control theory – the program will ideally create model learning environments, enable instructors to differentially guide high-need students towards competencies, and improve the affordability of a college education for students and their families.
“Our faculty and staff are excited to partner with MIT on this project,” stated Rebecca Woulfe, Dean of Arts, Humanities, Business and Technology at ACC. “This new innovation will help us to support students in their learning and provide faculty with an amazing tool to enhance course design and delivery.”
The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) Strategic Plan for 2015-25 includes a key strategy to implement and scale-up proven student support mechanisms to transform the student experience. ACC became involved when MIT reached out to the CCCS in search of a community college with whom to partner. MIT was awarded $2.9 million for the four-year project, and ACC will receive $300,000 to participate.