Faculty Directions, Spring 2004 - Coming Soon: Student Directions, a Publication about Pedagogy and Technology, Written by Students

Barbara Weaver
Educational Technology Services

Following the August 2003 issue of Faculty Directions, Prof. Ted Taylor, materials science and engineering, suggested a new publication that would highlight the student perspective of learning and technology. He argued that such a publication would benefit both faculty and students. Faculty would gain insight into students' experiences that might influence how technology is used or is not used in and out of the classroom. Students would learn how other students use technology to help them learn and how students solved technology challenges. Also students who publish an article in this new pubication will have valuable evidence of their communication and technology skills to add to their resume. Taylor 's idea is in the process of becoming realized.

A student advisory board will form spring semester to determine the best ways to solicit student-written articles and the best ways to distribute the publication. The board will also make other editorial decisions to ensure the publication reaches its potential. Currently, the new publication is seen as a companion newsletter to Faculty Directions with the working title Student Directions. Early discussions about distribution include printing as an insert to Faculty Directions and online publishing with links from the MyCLE computing resources portal. The primary goal of Student Directions is to give students an opportunity to help identify best practices in the use of technology in teaching and learning.

The first issue of Student Directions is planned for August 2004. If faculty are interested in having their students write for the publication, I will be glad to come to any class to explain the criteria for publication. Interested faculty may call me at 650-8238 or email me.