Academic Innovation, Strategy and Design Department

About AISD

The Academic Innovation, Strategy, and Design department serves as a dynamic hub for educational excellence and innovation, fostering a collaborative community where instructors can enhance their teaching practice and advance student learning. We partner with educators across disciplines to explore evidence-based pedagogical approaches, integrate emerging technologies, and develop inclusive teaching strategies that engage learners.

Through these initiatives, we strive to advance teaching excellence, foster student success, and cultivate an institutional culture that values and rewards innovative pedagogy.

Feel free to reach out any time to schedule an appointment at aisd@kirkwood.edu

AISD provides comprehensive support through:

From teaching essentials workshops to educational technology training, artificial intelligence applications workshops, and accessibility and Universal Design for Learning sessions, we offer varied opportunities for instructors to grow their teaching toolkit and connect with colleagues. Professional development opportunities are aligned with Kirkwood’s Quality Instruction principles.
Our experienced instructional designers and faculty development specialist provide personalized guidance on course design, active learning strategies, assessment methods, and technological integration.
Access curated teaching materials, guides, and tools to enhance both in-person and online instruction on the AISD Knowledge Nest. AISD’s full menu of professional development opportunities are available on the Knowledge Nest as well.

Knowledge Nest

The AISD Knowledge Nest is an online knowledgebase for faculty professional development resources, articles, and current menu of PD opportunities.

Quality Instruction

Quality instruction is dynamic, learner-centered teaching that fosters open communication, inclusivity, and academic success.

Quality Instruction descriptors

  1. ​Promote opportunities for active learning and engagement across various interactions (student-student, student-content, student-instructor).
  2. Engage in continuous improvement through reflective practices regarding course design and delivery.
  3. Use flexible and adaptable teaching techniques based on student feedback and real-time needs.
  4. Deliver content that is relevant, applicable to real-world scenarios, and linked to learning outcomes.
  5. Present course content and assess students in multiple formats to accommodate diverse learning needs, offering choice when possible.
  6. Build trust and collaboration between students and instructors, emphasizing the instructor's role as a facilitator.
  7. Provide regular and substantive feedback and opportunities for student reflection.
  8. Create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment that fosters relationships and encourages diverse perspectives and participation with mutual respect.
Virtual Advisor

Questions?

Academic Innovation, Strategy and Design Department

2196 Linn Hall
319-398-4958
aisd@kirkwood.edu