What do Taylor Swift and the Raven Press have in common? Both have beenspringboards for innovative teaching ideas supported by the Paul J. Rickards, Jr. Teaching Innovation Grant.

Taylor Swift’s economic impact became the basis for a series of data visualization workshops created by Kathryn Bender, assistant professor of economics in the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics. Bender’s Swift-themed workshop series “Data Enchanted: Transforming Numbers into Knowledge” tapped into student interest in Swift to address a need for introductory experience with data analysis. Bender has been featured in The Philadelphia Inquirer, The News Journal, Fox29 and Inside Higher Ed.

The Raven Press was a foundational element of a transformation grant project, “Modern Technology For Designing Wood Type,” by Katie Leech, assistant professor of art and design in the University of Delaware’s College of Arts and Sciences. Leech’s project served as a bridge between UD’s experimental letterpress printing facility and other spaces in UD’s MakerSpace network. Students use vector software in the design process coupled with a CNC milling machine in the production process.

Both Bender and Leech have been featured guests on the ON Podcast hosted by Lauren Kelley of UDIT Academic Technology Services. This podcast features higher ed faculty and course designers using creative approaches to enhance students’ learning experiences and turn engagement “ON.”

This grant is designed to support instructors in developing and implementing novel teaching strategies. Experimentation, collaboration, and the exploration of new approaches to teaching are encouraged.

To learn more, visit the grant website. Applications will be accepted until May 1, 2024.