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 2026 Grant cycle. Find out more about these tools on the DELTA Instructional Tools page.

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 we will focus on auditing and revising assignments.

Assignment Audit and Targeted Revision for AI — Consult with DELTA staff to audit 3–5 assignments or activities in one course. The audit connects assignments to course learning objectives and considers how generative AI tools may interact with them. This process focuses on identifying opportunities and risks, and may include:

Analyzing how easily AI tools can complete or approximate the assignment
Identifying which learning objectives are supported or undermined by AI use
Reviewing current instructions, scaffolding, and assessment strategies
Considering whether and how AI use should be incorporated, limited, or explicitly addressed

Based on this audit, instructors will select one assignment to revise. Revisions may include:

Revising assignments to intentionally incorporate AI as a tool for learning, reflection, or collaboration
Modifying assignments to emphasize independent thinking and reduce reliance on AI-generated outputs
Developing reflective components that help students critically evaluate their use of AI

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 the integration of a technology tool.

Who Should Participate?

Instructors 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 enterprise technology tool or Gemini/NotebookLM can be used to develop course learning activities or materials.
You would like to implement an enterprise 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.
2-3 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 2 to 3 meetings with DELTA consultants.
Fall Semester Grants
- Implement learning activities in the current semester or the spring semester immediately following the current semester.
Spring Semester Grants
- Implement learning activities in the current semester
Present the planning and 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 2–3 consultations.
- Seek to improve student success as defined by the NC State Strategic Plan.