Innovate to Educate Entry
Lewis University
Dr. George David Miller, Professor & Chair, Philosophy Department
What innovative technology initiative or project are you most proud of, and how has it improved teaching and learning in your school/district?
Each semester 400 Lewis University students take philosophy courses. The Philosophy Department has created a modern Panathenaea, a Virtual Commons for students to discover the sport, theater, and art of philosophy. Students receive feedback from the "Dear Socrates" forum; debate; write and edit a real-time philosophy journal; and do interdisciplinary philosophy exercises. We are proud how the Virtual Commons has improved the delivery of philosophy: promoting continuity across the curriculum, the department mission, and community.What were some of the biggest challenges to your initiative, and how did you meet those challenges?
1. Increasing student awareness of the Virtual Commons2. Assisting instructors to use the Virtual Commons to complement their course objectives
3. Finding software that is compatible with diverse mobile devices
What are the three biggest components that need to be in place for tech innovation to succeed are:
 | Improving internet to pervade all areas of the university with equal efficiency |
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Developing rapid response technical support |
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Constantly upgrading the creative content of the site |
