Grant Programs

T-Cart Grant Program

The T-CART Grant Program (Technology-engaged Creative Activity, Research, and Teaching) is a collaborative initiative from the Office of the Provost and Information Systems that supports faculty projects exploring innovative uses of technology in teaching, research, and creative work.
This joint grant program provides funding for faculty projects to explore new and existing technologies with the potential to enhance teaching, scholarly, and creative work.
T-CART includes two types of grants, both of which provide funding for faculty projects to explore creative ways of enhancing teaching and scholarly work. The Summer Technology Exploration Program (STEP) provides a grant which allows faculty to purchase and experiment with new technology. The WakerSpace Faculty Fellow grant is awarded to faculty to explore and utilize technology in the WakerSpace.

Summer Technology Exploration Program

The Summer Technology Exploration Program (STEP) Grant invites faculty to submit proposals for innovative projects that leverage AI and Generative AI technologies to enhance teaching and research. This funding opportunity encourages faculty to explore the creative potential of these emerging tools and their applications within their respective fields.
- Focus Areas:
  - Utilization of AI and Generative AI tools
  - Virtual/Augmented Reality
  - DSLR cameras, video/audio equipment
    Digital storytelling: podcasting, video creation, animation, website development
A summer stipend of $2,500 for faculty. In addition, up to $1,000 can be requested for other necessary and justifiable technology and supply expenses. Some examples of technology and supply expenses could be, but are not limited to; hardware, software, and materials. The $1000 cannot be used to pay a stipend to anyone assisting with the project. Evaluation of STEP proposals will be carried out by faculty from the Committee on Information Technology (CIT), with input from Information Systems (IS). Evaluation of WakerSpace Faculty Fellow proposals will be by current and previous WakerSpace Faculty Fellows and the Director of the WakerSpace.
To read the stories of our T-CART Grant 2024 recipients, please visit our website.

Hands-On Experiential Learning

The Office of the Provost offers three WakerSpace Faculty Fellowships per academic year. WakerSpace Faculty Fellows are faculty members who are involved in a project that links new or existing WakerSpace technologies to the enhancement of one of their courses. Each WakerSpace Faculty Fellow is supported with a summer stipend and an equipment budget to research, explore, and implement the technology of interest.
Each fall there is a call for applicants as part of the T-CART program. Faculty who are eligible include those from Wake Forest College, the School of Business, the ZSR Library, the School of Law, or the School of Divinity. Faculty who have been awarded a WakerSpace Fellowship in any of the preceding four academic years are ineligible to apply. The applications are peer reviewed, and up to three WakerSpace Fellowships are awarded in the spring.
Each fellow must offer the WakerSpace linked course at least once in the following year. All WakerSpace Fellows must make a presentation at TechXploration. Technical assistance is available to each fellow from both the Faculty Director of the WakerSpace and the Assistant Director of the WakerSpace.

Faculty across disciplines have used T-CART funding to explore a wide range of creative and technology-enhanced teaching and research initiatives. Past projects include:
Oral History & Storytelling:
Audio/visual recordings documenting Black women’s experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic
Digital Research Tools:
Use of Electronic Research Notebooks (ERNs) in Chemistry to document and archive undergraduate research
Game-Based Learning:
Integrating a custom-designed video game into a German language course
Maker-Centered Courses:
A First-Year Seminar focused on hands-on making and a math course exploring the technology behind tools in the WakerSpace
Podcasting in the Classroom:
Installation of an easy-to-use audio recording station to support student podcast assignments
AI & Generative Tools in the Arts:
Exploring AI and generative composition in film, dance, and theatre courses
Data Mining & Visualization:
Using the WFU DEAC Cluster for advanced data analysis projects
Immersive Cultural Learning:
Employing VR headsets, a 3D camera, and Google SketchUp to deepen student engagement with Chinese language and culture
Live Streaming & Lecture Capture:
Implementing tech for hybrid or remote learning environments
Digital Archiving & Portfolios:
Creating digital spaces to share stories of Italian immigrants
Using DSLR photography to help students design career-ready digital portfolios

Brianna Healey, Associate Director of Academic Technology
Academic Technology/Information Systems
healeyb@wfu.edu