CI Tool Usage Case Study Template
The CI Tool Usage Case Study Template is designed to help cyberinfrastructure facilitators, program managers, and research support teams systematically capture how faculty members are using CI tools and platforms in their research and teaching.
About
This template supports structured interviews with faculty and produces clear, reusable case studies that highlight:
- How CI tools enhance research productivity and collaboration
- How CI tools are integrated into classroom instruction and student learning
- Measurable outcomes such as efficiency gains, cost or time savings, and student engagement
- Challenges encountered and lessons learned during adoption
The resulting case studies can be used for internal reporting, campus advocacy, leadership briefings, grant proposals, websites, and blogs, helping institutions demonstrate the value and impact of CI investments.
How This Resource Can Be Used
- CI facilitator–led faculty interviews
- Campus CI impact documentation
- Leadership briefings and advocacy
- Grant reporting and proposal development
- Website, blog, or annual report content
1. Faculty Member Profile
Captures essential background information to contextualize the case study and support reuse in reports or public-facing materials.
Includes:
- Name, title, department, and institution
- Research specialization or focus area
- Optional headshot for web or blog use
- Contact information or project links
2. Project & CI Tool Overview
Documents the technical and institutional context of the CI tool’s use.
Includes:
- CI tools used (e.g., software, platforms, workflows)
- Where and how access was provided (local, regional, national platforms)
- Implementation timeline and duration of use
- Relevant project websites, publications, or program links
3. Impact on Research and Education
Explores how the CI tool supports faculty work across research and teaching.
Research & Collaboration
- Research acceleration, discoveries, or outputs
- Publications, grants, or new collaborations enabled
- Student or peer involvement
Teaching & Learning
- Changes to classroom instruction or curriculum
- Student access to real-world CI tools
- Comparison of pre- and post-CI access for students
4. Efficiency & Accessibility
Focuses on operational and practical benefits.
Includes:
- Workflow improvements
- Accessibility gains for faculty or students
- Time or cost savings (with space for metrics when available)
5. Challenges & Lessons Learned
Surfaces common barriers and actionable insights for others.
Includes:
- Early adoption challenges
- Ongoing or evolving challenges
- Solutions, workarounds, and advice for peers
6. Next Steps & Growth Opportunities
Documents sustainability and expansion potential.
Includes:
- Plans to scale or deepen CI tool usage
- Existing or future collaborations
- Opportunities for replication by other faculty
7. Call to Action
Encourages broader institutional engagement.
Includes:
- Faculty perspectives on campus-wide benefits
- How expanded investment could enhance research, teaching, and innovation
8. CI Facilitator Summary Section
Completed after the interview to translate findings for leadership and stakeholders.
Includes:
- Brief 3–4 sentence summary of overall impact
- Key outcomes & successes with optional metrics
- Challenges & lessons learned (optional, can be tabular)
- Next steps & opportunities for adoption or collaboration
- Call to action for university leadership
9. Quotes & Testimonials
Adds qualitative depth and storytelling.
Includes:
- Faculty quote on impact
- Optional student or collaborator testimonial
- Contact information for follow-up