One year into a two-year pilot program, UT’s test of the utility of new online learning technology compared to other online platforms currently in use has resulted in an additional $1 million appropriation from the state of Tennessee for more online innovation projects. The pilot program is a partnership between the UT System and the Tennessee Board of Regents and uses technology developed by national innovators in massive open online courses, or MOOCs, which relies heavily on short video lectures, quizzes and immediate feedback to ensure concept mastery. To date, four courses have been piloted on UT’s campuses across the state, and three more are being developed now. In total, more than 4,800 UT students are expected to participate in the Coursera and edX pilot courses by summer 2015.
Survey Says
The Tennessee Alumnus conducted a survey this spring to find out which campuses alumni visit most and how often. The University of Tennessee System consists of the undergraduate campuses in Knoxville, Martin and Chattanooga; Health Science Center based in Memphis; and the statewide institutes of agriculture and public service. The Space Institute in Tullahoma reports to UT Knoxville. Most of the respondents of the survey were alumni of UT Knoxville, which was the most visited campus, according to the survey. Of the campuses alumni had not visited, 46 percent of respondents said they wanted to learn more about the UT Space Institute, and 25 percent named the Health Science Center and the Institute for Public Service. “Just to know what happens there,” was a common answer when asked what alumni would want to know about the campuses or institutes. A majority of respondents—62 percent—said they visit campuses to attend sporting events. Alumni also said they visit campuses to attend alumni events, meetings and commencement. Most alumni said they visit campuses once a year. Thank you to those who responded.
Countdown to 100: Tennessee Alumnus 1917-2017
From the Archives: On Oct. 20, 1946, the University of Tennessee held a memorial service for alumni who died during World War II. It was attended by about 1,600 relatives and friends of the deceased. The Alumnus reprinted the memorial bulletin for all those who could not attend. The magazine was printed throughout the war and contained lists of alumni in service, promoted, missing in action and deceased, or “the University of Tennessee’s sons and daughters whose services and sacrifices have added a new depth of meaning to an old badge of honor ‘The Volunteers,’” as the winter 1945 issue so eloquently put it. The spring 1946 issue listed some 300 alumni who died in the war. Another page listed the items such as bayonets, gas masks, medals, flags, money and helmets that veteran alumni found during the war and donated to the university archives. Read more in the Alumnus archives.
