In 2020, as our university abruptly shifted to a remote learning environment, the Instructional Technology Aide (ITA) program emerged. During this time, students employed as ITAs supported faculty in navigating this new digital landscape by monitoring Zoom functions, developing Canvas sites, and brainstorming ways to integrate technology to engage students in a once-new learning environment. As the university transitioned back to in-person learning, the ITA program again adapted to the needs of faculty.
Fast forward to today, and the ITA program has evolved. No longer defined by emergency remote teaching and learning, ITAs now seamlessly integrate into in-person classes, offering support tailored to faculty needs. Whether it’s for an entire semester or a short-term project, they’re available, ready to lend a helping hand.
Devin Alford and Tayah Rubio have been ITAs since 2022 and 2020, respectively, and now serve as lead ITAs. In their roles, Devin and Tayah handle the administrative tasks of the ITA program, ensuring students and faculty are supported throughout the academic year. Below, Devin shares more about her ITA experience and the benefits of our new “drop-in hours” model:
“My favorite part about being an ITA is the connections I have been able to make with faculty members. I work with professors in and outs of the classroom, and I found many have been willing to offer professional and career advice. Lots of ITAs build relationships with faculty members, and it makes the work we do more exciting and rewarding. Many professors even email us and request the same students they worked with in the past!
During the semester, the ITA program offers drop-in hours in ICC 224, during which ITAs are on hand to answer technology questions and assist faculty with short-term projects, like helping troubleshoot with Canvas and other Georgetown-supported digital teaching tools. Drop-in hours are the perfect opportunity to ask our experienced ITAs any questions related to integrating technology into courses. If they don’t know the answer, they will do their best to find it out right away!
In Devin’s perspective, the drop-in hours are “a great opportunity to get your questions answered fast. We understand some faculty members may have one-off questions—this is why we created the drop-in hours space! All of our ITAs are happy to help, and we can always connect you to different resources if it is outside of our capabilities.”
Tayah Rubio, Lead ITA, shares a tip for faculty members:
“Right now is the perfect time to drop in and get started on your summer or fall Canvas courses! I’ve helped professors transfer content from one course to another, change assignment due dates, or even elevate their homepage to make it more interactive for students. You can never get started too early.”
Interested in getting assistance from an ITA? The current ICC 244 drop-in hours schedule is as follows. There may be changes in the schedule due to final exams approaching so please check our website for the most updated information or send us an email at itas@georgetown.edu .
- Monday: 12:30 – 2 p.m.
- Tuesday: 2 – 3 p.m.
- Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Thursday: 2 – 3 p.m.
- Friday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
We look forward to working with you!