Innovation in Education Grants
The first cohort of Innovation in Education Grant recipients with Vistakon's Giovanna Olivares and Kathrine Orsborn Lorentz
2012 Recipients Announced
The American Optometric Foundation (AOF) in collaboration with VISTAKON®, a Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. is pleased to announce the receipients of the first VISTAKON® Innovation in Education Grants. Recipients received up to $10,000 for advancing their teaching skills in the areas of improving how information is delivered to students, new methodologies, increase use of new technology in all teaching settings and promote online learning tools.
Efrain Castellanos, OD, MS
Western University College of Optometry
The Use of Online Resources to Improve Significant Learning
Lisa W. Christian, OD, FAAO and Sarah MacIver, OD, FAAO
University of Waterloo, School of Optometry & Vision Science
Evaluation of Interprofessional Collaboration and Education in Optometry
Len V. Hua, PhD, OD, FAAO
Pacific University College of Optometry
Integration of Hybrid Learning in Pharmacology
Kierstyn Ann Napier-Dovorany, OD, FAAO and Jasmine Yumori, OD, FAAO
Western University College of Optometry
Evaluating the Effectiveness of iPads as Learning Tool in a Small Group Learning Context
Shilpa J. Register, OD, MS, PhD, FAAO
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science
Interprofessional Education and Teamwork across Disciplines
Faheemah Saeed, OD, FAAO
Illinois College of Optometry
Student Engagement in Geometric Optics
Background
The American Optometric Foundation (AOF) in collaboration with VISTAKON®, a Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. announces the VISTAKON® Innovation in Education Grants program. Designed to aid new faculty in advancing their teaching skills in the areas of improving how information is delivered to students, new methodologies, increase use of new technology in all teaching settings and promote online learning tools.
Reviewed by an ad-hoc committee established by the Foundation, applications will be considered for a broad range of faculty development activities in the area of optometric education, including classroom, laboratory, clinical, and external activities. Up to $40,000 will be awarded annually. Recipients will be recognized at the AOF Celebration Luncheon during the American Academy of Optometry's Annual meeting in October.
Applications should explain the need for the funding, the criteria for success, and a detailed budget. A letter of support from the applicant’s president, dean, or department chair is optional. Priority will be given to innovative and creative projects. Requests for equipment or exceptional travel needs will not be considered.
A one-page report must be submitted to the Foundation within one year of the award. Recipients will be encouraged to submit any results or outcomes from the funded project for presentation at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Optometry acknowledging the support of Vistakon and the AOF. Presenters will be eligible for an additional $500 to cover related expenses.
Eligibility
Any faculty member at a North American optometric institution, with less than 10 years experience as a faculty member, may submit one application for between $1,000 and $10,000.
Application Procedures
Applications must be submitted by e-mail (preferably in PDF format) to AOF@aaoptom.org and be formatted as follows:
a. Cover letter consisting of full contact information (including degrees).
b. C.V.
c. Proposal
d. Budget explanation
e. Letter of endorsement by the Dean or President/Director of the school/ college (optional)
Applications will receive a confirmation receipt by e-mail from the Foundation within 1-3 business days of the submission. If you do not receive a confirmation contact the AOF office to ensure the application is received.
Deadline
The 2013 deadline for applications will be announced.
Review Procedures
Applications will be reviewed by an ad-hoc committee established by the AOF. Number of awards issued and amount can vary. Up to $40,000 will be awarded annually.
Recognition of Awardees
The recipients will be recognized at the AOF Celebration Luncheon during the American Academy of Optometry's Annual Meeting. The awardees will be listed in the AOF Annual Report and announcements will be placed in the Academy newsletter and in Eye-Mail Monthly. Press Releases will be sent to all schools and colleges of optometry, optometric organizations, and the optometric press. Submission of a proposal constitutes permission for the Foundation and/or sponsor to use the applicant’s name and image in online and print materials.
For additional information about this award and the American Optometric Foundation, contact Tracy Kitts, Foundation Coordinator, at AOF@aaoptom.org or 321-710-3936.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is faculty time allowable and part of the budget?
No, although time for other individuals may be allowable, if justified, e.g., technical assistance, modest incentive payments to survey participants, facilitators, etc.
Are the awards for unrestricted program costs?
Unrestricted program costs are not allowable.
May adjunct or auxiliary faculty members apply?
Yes, but the application must be accompanied by a letter from the President/Dean/Chair and the grant will be made to the school and college.
How is the 10-year appointment requirement defined? Does that mean at the current institution or total, or is it aimed at more junior faculty?
The program is aimed at junior faculty and, for individuals who have held appointments at more than one institution, this is based on total years rather than their current appointment. Faculty who are more than 10 years beyond completion of their training should make their career path clear in their CV, cover letter or both.