The Office of Academic Technology (OAT) leads the course evaluation process at UT Austin. The goal of the course evaluation system (CES) is to drive teaching excellence and support continuous improvement in teaching and learning experiences. Learn more about the CES on the CES team’s website or email course-evals@utexas.edu.

The Learning Technology Adoption Process (LTAP) is an evaluation process designed to help guide academic technology decision-making on campus in ways that support a thriving Longhorn Learning Experience for all campus stakeholders. The LTAP aids the campus in developing a strategic understanding of a tool or technology’s pedagogical effectiveness, active learning user experiences, and campus sustainability and longevity. To learn more or get involved, email the OAT at oat@utexas.edu.

The Office of Academic Technology leads UT Austin’s Academic Technology Council (ATC). The ATC is a member-based group on campus that represents a combination of academic stakeholders from a broad cross-section of the university alongside key members of the IT community with a relevant understanding of the impact of committee decisions on infrastructure, implementation, and staffing. To provide comprehensive campus perspective, advice, and guidance pertaining to technology-enhanced education with a particular emphasis on the acquisition, deployment, and strategic use of these technologies in service of the instructional mission of UT Austin.

Teaching, Learning, and Collaboration Services Group within Information Technology Services (ITS)

The OAT partners with the university’s Information Technology Services (TIS) group Teaching, Learning, and Collaboration Services to provide training, customer support and service, and academic technology integrations on campus. Contact the TLC group today if you need technical support or help using learning technologies.

Center for Teaching and Learning

The OAT partners with the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) to support the teaching and learning mission of UT Austin. Contact CTL to engage in a variety of programs and teaching advancement opportunities.

Strategic Academic Initiatives 

The OAT partners with Strategic Academic Initiatives on Learning Technology Adoption Process projects, including on developing data, evaluation, and assessment tools.

Liberal Arts Instructional Technology Services

The OAT partners with Liberal Arts Instructional Technology Services to support and advance academic technology on campus.  Contact LAITS if you have questions about classroom support, computer support, or technology integration.

The OAT engages with key campus stakeholders to help inform and guide academic technology strategy, policy, user experience research, and stakeholder engagement related to academic technology, including the following groups:

• C13, C14
• IT Leadership Council
• Faculty Council
• Academic Technology Council
• Educational Technology Council
• UT Teaching and Learning Consortium
• Classroom Technology Committee (TCC)

In collaboration with Instructional Technology Services and with backend development from AWS, the OAT is developing UT Sage, a virtual instructional designer and AI tutor. Designed by UT Austin experts to support the responsible use of generative AI in teaching and learning, instructors can use UT Sage to create interactive chatbots that enhance student engagement and customize learning experiences.

Sage is currently in the early pilot and development phase, with a small set of instructors and students testing prototypes and making improvements. If you are interested in evaluating Sage when the pilot is expanded in the spring, you can sign up for more information. In the meantime, you can visit the UT Sage webpage to learn more.

What should I do if I receive an unwanted vendor email about academic technology products on campus? 

1. Forward the email to the Office of Academic Technology at oat@utexas.edu.
2. Include a note that this is an unwanted email/solicitation.
3. Block the sender so that you do not receive additional emails.

What should I do if I receive an email from a vendor with a tool I am interested in? 

1. Forward the email to the Office of Academic Technology at oat@utexas.edu.
2. Include a note with the forwarded email letting us know about your interest.

What is the process for adopting a learning tool or technology on Campus?

The University requires a campus-wide, college, departmental, or unit-level contract to use any third-party software, technology, or tool on campus. Individual faculty may not sign contracts with third-party vendors. The contract process involves ensuring academic tools are properly vetted for their pedagogical efficacy and adherence to state and federal law related to data security, privacy, and accessibility. You can read more about the University’s learning technology adoption process here. If you want to integrate a tool with your course, you can check if the tool is already approved here or contact canvas@utlists.uexas.edu.