Faculty Directions, Spring 2005 - Director's Corner

We hope spring semester is going well for you with the various changes and enhancements in technology. Thank you for letting us know you like the photo class roll feature now available in Blackboard. This semester we encouraged all faculty to use Blackboard in preparation for the removal of MyCLE course management tools at the end of May.

Currently more than 2500 course sections taught by 600 instructors are using Blackboard and fewer than 88 sections taught by 25 instructors are using MyCLE. These numbers are a good sign that we are progressing toward a standardized course management system. We encourage everyone to check our listings for training sessions or contact us if you'd like individualized instruction.

Also, we are moving ahead with our revamped student technology training program. The new curriculum addresses student needs to maintain a healthy and secure computer and to effectively use applications that enhance learning. Some of the training topics available for students are virus protection, spam and adware, proper use and safeguard of userid and password, and wireless configurations and setup. Other training focuses on tools that support eportfolio development, ethics, and blended classroom learning.

We have also purchased a university license for TurnItIn, a software package that helps prevent plagiarism. See the article TurnItIn for more information on this software.

ETS is developing student training than can be delivered in several ways: short, task-specific online tutorials; open lab sessions; and face-to-face scheduled training sessions for which students will register in the same way faculty and staff do for ETS training. We are currently setting up a portion of the student training facilities in Barre Hall to house a development lab for students. Students can work on class-related projects using software, hardware, and various media that may not be available to them elsewhere.

We are increasing our support of blended learning to offer the best of online and face-to-face teaching and learning environments. Blended learning allows more flexibility in the use of physical space as well as faculty and student schedules. The various teaching and learning tools can enhance a blended course. As more and more faculty become familiar with Blackboard and incorporate it into their classes, this will continue to grow. Also our distance education program continues to integrate technologies for expansion of fully online courses and programs. Last year's pilot program using the Macromedia Breeze technologies is now available university wide.

Thank you for your support and feedback. Your help allows us to expand technologies and support applications that best represent your needs in teaching and learning. Please continue to keep us informed of your needs and how we can improve our services over the next year.