Instructional Tools Grants

Overview

The Instructional Tools Grant assists faculty who want to create effective learning activities or materials using existing NC State enterprise digital learning tools. The purpose of this Grant is to support faculty in solving a specific, limited pedagogical challenge. The following tools can be used for the Fall 2025 Grant cycle. Find out more about these tools on the DELTA Instructional Tools page.

• Gradescope
• H5P
• Padlet
• Panopto
• Perusall
• PlayPosit
• Top Hat
• Voicethread
• WooClap
• Yellowdig

NC State–Approved AI Tools

Gemini and NotebookLM can be used by instructors and students to transform learning experiences. If you are interested in applying for an instructional tools grant using AI, you may apply in one of these areas:

• AI-Friendly Assignment Revision — consult with DELTA staff to transform one to three assignments into “AI-Friendly” activities. This means that students will intentionally use an AI chatbot as they complete the assignment guidelines, reflection, and/or assessment that accompanies the assignment.
• AI Custom Bots and Gems for Instructional Assistance — in collaboration with DELTA staff, use Gemini to create custom gems, or ChatGPT Teams/Education to create custom bots, that can support course development or administration.
  
  NOTE: These bots/gems are intended for instructor use only, and will not be available to students.

Even if you are unsure of which tool to select, you can still apply for the grant. Consider the learning goal or activity you would like assistance with through integration of a technology tool. Examples include:

• Peer Review
• Adaptive Learning
• Rubrics and Project-Based Assessment
• Interactive Video
• Tracking Student Activity Completion
• Formative Assessment

Who Should Participate?

Faculty of record for a for-credit course who are interested in learning more about technology tools and integrating a new technology tool into an existing course.

Choose this grant if:

• You want to explore how an existing technology tool can be used to develop course learning activities or materials.
• You would like to implement an instructional technology tool to improve a course.
• You seek assistance with a credit-bearing course at NC State University.

Award

$2000 award plus DELTA consultations and professional development

What Courses are Eligible?

Any face-to-face, online or hybrid courses that are credit-bearing and currently being taught or will be taught in an upcoming semester.

Length and Delivery

The grant work spans a single semester. The instructional tool and any associated learning activities can be implemented either in the current or a following semester. 

Services Provided

• Workshops, training materials, online resources.
• 3-4 consultations to discuss instructional needs, collaboratively determine the best technology fit for the instructional challenge, receive guidance on effective instructional use and brainstorm possible learning activities and course integration methods.

Grant Expectations

• Participate in professional development for the selected technology tool which may include live, synchronous workshops or online self-paced workshops.
• Attend 3 to 4 meetings with DELTA consultants. 
• Implement learning activities in the current semester OR create an implementation plan for a future semester.
• Present the plan or results of implementation to a peer cohort of Instructional Tool grantees. Note: presentations will be recorded and shared with other faculty.

Competitive Priorities

• Priority consideration is given to applications that:
  • Present an instructional challenge that has clear alignment with an existing NC State digital learning tool. The tool may be a part of the application or DELTA staff will evaluate to determine if there is an existing tool available that matches the instructional challenge.
  • Aim to engage students in active learning with technology tools.
  • Will allow the instructor to learn and become independently proficient in a new technology tool.
  • Indicate some availability to attend the 3-4 consultations.
  • Seek to improve student success as defined by the NC State Strategic Plan.