About
The Digital Learning Technology Assistants (DLTA) program, formerly known as the ITA program, is designed to help faculty intentionally and thoughtfully integrate digital tools and technology into their teaching. DLTAs will primarily be available to support faculty with short-term technology-related projects, such as building out their Canvas courses and supporting faculty with integrating Georgetown supported tools and technologies into their teaching.
DLTAs will be available to meet with faculty in person at our Digital Learning and Technology Lab in ICC 224 and also over Zoom. If you are interested in working with a DLTA, please complete this request form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
We welcome requests from all faculty but will be prioritizing more extensive classroom support for faculty who are new to Georgetown, integrating technology into their teaching for the first time, or require short-term, in-class assistance, such as coordinating Zoom guest speakers, supporting in-class polling, or recording lectures.
In addition to supporting faculty with technology, DLTAs are available to serve as peer mentors to students who need support with using technology and tools in their learning. Students can drop in during office hours or reach out to dltas@georgetown.edu to schedule an appointment.
Drop-in Hours in ICC 224
- Monday: 9:00-1:30, 3:30-5:00
- Tuesday: 9:00-5:00
- Wednesday: 11:00-5:00
- Thursday: 9:30-5:00
- Friday: 9:00-5:00
Please feel free to send us an email at dltas@georgetown.edu if you have any questions or concerns.
How it works
The faculty role
- Work in partnership with DLTAs on technology-related projects.
- Provide clear communication to DLTAs
- Approve DLTA hours via email
- Provide DLTAs with access to Canvas or shared documents (DLTAs work best in the “designer” role in Canvas)
The DLTA role
- Organize materials in Canvas
- Assist with using AI tools for teaching and learning
- Assist and troubleshoot with technology issues
- Support guest speakers over Zoom
- Set up online quizzes/exams in Canvas
- Set up polls
- Support students with digital assignments
- Add Sharestream media in Canvas
- Collect student feedback
- Provide appropriate referrals to other campus resources, such as CETS, UIS, and the library, which offer support with technology and tools
- Grading is not the responsibility of a DLTA. The responsibilities listed above do not include grading or any activity that asks students to evaluate students.
CNDLS support for faculty
- Consultations with faculty about building technology into their course design, identifying appropriate tools, problem-solving potential challenges, and identifying the roles and responsibilities of DLTAs
CNDLS support for DLTAs
- A dedicated Canvas site built by experienced DLTAs and CNDLS
- Training Sessions with CNDLS and Lead DLTAs
- Lead DLTAs who will provide additional support and training for DLTAs
- DLTAs are also supported by regular CNDLS Office Hour service
Impact
The Office of the Provost, along with the Center for New Designs in Learning and Scholarship, and the Student Employment Office supports DLTAs (formerly Instructional Technology Aides) to assist Main Campus faculty in providing digitally enhanced instruction while continuing the University’s commitment to providing employment to federal work study (FWS) students.
Between Fall 2020 and Fall 2022, over 200 undergraduate students worked as ITAs, supporting over 600 courses across six colleges. Since the ITA Program’s inception, student and faculty feedback have consistently indicated that the ITA Program was a success for all constituents–faculty, ITAs, and students in the classroom. In the most recent feedback survey, more than two thirds of students and faculty indicated that they would be interested in participating in the ITA program again. In response to this continued interest, CNDLS is continuing to offer a a modified pilot version of the program in Fall 2023.
70%
78%
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between a TA and a DLTA?
TAs have content knowledge and assist with teaching. ITAs may or may not have content knowledge. Their role is to help the course run smoothly, with a focus on tech support.
What is unique about the DLTA role?
The ITA program was designed in 2020 to respond to the immediate and changing needs of teaching during the pandemic. The new version allows for more intentionality and planning in advance. Faculty are encouraged to think through how they can integrate TEL into their course design and the classroom in meaningful ways.
Who should submit a request for DLTA support?
Faculty who teach on Main Campus who want to expand their knowledge of technology and are interested in increasing their use of digital technology in the classroom. Students who need support with technology and tools in their learning
Can I apply if I’ve had a DLTA (formerly called ITA) during a previous semester?
Yes, but you are encouraged to expand your use of technology and learn how to successfully use the technology for your future classes.
When do DLTAs begin work?
After the add/drop period, as long as their hiring paperwork is completed and processed.
Do faculty need to track DLTA’s hours?
No, students will work with CNDLS and the SEO to track hours and get faculty approval. However, faculty do need to ensure that they provide enough work for students to work the agreed upon hours.
To whom should faculty report if DLTA didn’t fulfill the expectations of the role?
Please reach out to dltas@georgetown.edu for assistance.
Contact
Please direct all questions or concerns to dltas@georgetown.edu, and we’ll be in touch.