What is DesignLab Instructor Support?
DesignLab can help instructors create and incorporate media assignments into courses. We can work with you to develop assignments that target outcomes in digital literacies and integrative learning. We can visit your class(es) to teach your students how to make digital media assignments, and we can also connect instructors with our campus partners to help students with software training and equipment.
You don’t have to be a tech whiz to design and implement successful and effective digital assignments! We look forward to working with you to develop and deliver instructional services that meet your course needs.
Learn more about requesting DesignLab Instruction in your course.
Instructor Support FAQs
Q: Why do we need to meet with you? Can’t you just take down our class information and schedule a workshop without meeting?
A: Our goal in the initial consultation is to discuss your assignment and make sure that DesignLab services/instruction is a good fit for your course. It also allows us to discuss expectations and make sure we’re all on the same page about what DesignLab can offer. It is also easier to schedule a workshop in a meeting rather than back and forth via email.
Q: Do I need to be present for DesignLab instruction in my course?
A: Since DesignLab is an outside service that is not directly related to your course, our policy is that an instructor or substitute instructor from the department must be present for all DesignLab instruction, whether in person or virtual. Having the DesignLab TA alone with your class can create a weird dynamic between them and the students since our staff are not their instructors and do not have control of any grading/attendance. This policy is also in place to protect our staff in case of an emergency.
Q: Can my students receive credit or extra credit for having a DesignLab appointment?
A: Absolutely! Whether or not we provide in-class instruction to your students, they are always welcome to consult with DesignLab for their assignments. If you’d like to give credit or extra credit to students, we ask that you provide your students with our Consultation Worksheet, which they can fill out and submit to you as proof of their appointment. Please also be sure to let us know that you will be offering credit to the students, so our staff can be sure to ask for their worksheet. Note: For large classes, we prefer that instructors offer extra credit rather than require that all students make an appointment.
Q: How many times can you come teach in my class?
A: While we do not have a strict limit to the number of workshops we can offer, we want to make sure our staff’s time and your students’ class time are respected. Some courses will need scaffolded workshops spread out throughout the semester, while others may need only a single class session. We’ll work with you in the initial consultation to discuss options and schedule workshops that fit your class needs as well as what our staff is available to offer.
Q: What kinds of projects can you work with?
A: Any kind of digital media project! The list of possible assignments is too extensive to type out. Need ideas for assignments? Check out our Project-Specific Resources page for some options/ideas.
Q: Does our class come to DesignLab for the workshop, or does DesignLab staff come to us?
A: Either is possible! We have classroom spaces in College Library that we may be able to schedule workshops in if they are available, or we can come to your classroom. We can also run workshops via Zoom if requested. We’ll discuss these options in the instructor support consultation.
Don’t see your question answered here? Send us an email at designlab@wisc.edu.
DesignLab is committed to enhancing the Wisconsin Idea in the 21st century. One of our major contributions is co-coordinating the annual Digital Salon exhibit of University of Wisconsin-Madison student projects, hosted online and in College Library. Please encourage your students class assignments and personal projects to submit to the Digital Salon!